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    Alan Mallinson

    Alan Mallinson

    Allan Mallinson commanded the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own) from 1988 to 1991. His book ‘The Shape of Battle’ is published by Penguin Random House.
    Josephine Baker in military uniform

    Josephine Baker and the remarkable women of espionage who helped win the Second World War

    On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we salute five women who worked tirelessly in the shadows to bring about an Allied victory.

    • Lady Caroline Paget, for whom Whistler bore an unquenchable torch of unrequited love. Credit: Alamy

      The tragic tale of Rex Whistler, the brilliant young artist whose time at the Front Line lasted less than 24 hours

      Rex Whistler, determined that the Second World War shouldn’t be left to young boys, worked hard to become an officer and lead troops into battle, but the naivety of early courage cost him his life on his very first day of battle, as Allan Mallinson reveals.

      By Alan Mallinson Published 16 August 24

    • Clive Uptton's 1944 poster for the Ministry of Information. Credit: Alamy

      How the country houses of Britain proved perfect for the Allied Forces to get ready for D-Day

      Country houses great and small were indispensable to D-Day preparations, with electricity and sanitation, well-stocked wine cellars, countesses to run the canteens and antique furniture to feed the stoves, says Allan Mallinson.

      By Alan Mallinson Published 6 June 24

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