Defenses of Bermuda 1612–1995 (Fortress) - Softcover

McGovern, Terrance; Harris, Edward C.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1472825969 ISBN 13: 9781472825964

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2018

Synopsis

Bermuda has played an importantmilitary role between America and Europe for almost 400 years due to itslocation in the Western North Atlantic some 635 miles off the Carolinas halfwaybetween Halifax and Jamaica. Bermuda was a key naval base for the Royal Navyafter the American Revolution in 1783, and ultimately as allies with the UnitedStates. Defending its coastline (64 miles) and ports has been vital, resultingin the construction of over ninety forts and batteries, even though its totalland mass is only 20.6 square miles. This concentration of fortifications (4.4forts per square mile), British possession, and its small size led to Bermudagaining the informal title of the "Gibraltar of the West".  Today, thelegacy of these defense works remains either as disused structures or parksscattered throughout Bermuda. The book provides an overview of their design,features, and operational history of Bermuda's fortifications from thesettlement of the islands in 1612 to the closure of the last defense base in1995, as well as what has happened to these fortifications since that time, andwhich are the best ones to visit today through meticulous research and stunningcommissioned color artwork.

About this title

About the Author:

Terrance McGovern has authored six books and numerous articles on fortifications, three of those books being for Osprey's Fortress Series (American Defenses of Corregidor and Manila Bay 1898-1945; Defenses of Pearl Harbor and Oahu 1907-50; American Coastal Defences 1885-1950). He has also published eleven books on coast defense and fortifications through Redoubt Press or CDSG Press. He has also been the editor of the UK based Fortress Study Group annual journal, FORT. He is also a director of the International Fortress Council and Council on America's Military Past. He lives in Virginia.
Dr. Edward C. Harris, MBE, JP, FSA is a well-known Bermudian archaeologist. Harris serves as the long-time executive director of the National Museum of Bermuda (incorporating the Bermuda Maritime Museum - bmm.bm), and writes a history column, entitled "Heritage Matters", for the local newspaper. He is a frequent contributor to the annual Bermuda Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, and has served as its editor. He has also authored Pillars of the Bridge (1991) and Bermuda Forts 1612-1957 (1997). His prominence in Bermuda, where he lives, and his role at the National Museum will greatly assist in a wide distribution of this proposed Osprey book in Bermuda.

Review:

"...meticulously researched and includes numerous period photos, current photos, maps, and illustrations of what Bermuda's early fortifications would have looked like. I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the islands of Bermuda and it's history. - IPMS / USA"

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1472825969
• ISBN 13: 9781472825964
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Hook Adam