Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2014 | Page 46

FEATURE

Two books
with Island
flavour
T

wo books with strong
Island connections
have recently been
published. ‘Covert Radar and
Signals Interception' is the
enthralling biography of Isle of
Wight-born Wing Commander
Eric Ackermann's secret career
during the Second World War
and beyond.
Meanwhile 'Drone Warfare',
by Island author Dave Sloggett,
is the first book ever to cover
the highly controversial topic of
Drone warfare and one that will
be of great interest to anyone

concerned with current
defence issues.
Eric Ackermann was born
in Gurnard in 1919 and
became a leading figure
in the world of signals and
electronic intelligence. He
made numerous flights
over occupied territory,
searching for, monitoring
and destroying Germany's
radar systems.
The secretive nature of
his wartime work led to
many of his achievements
passing by unnoti ced.
In this new and engaging
biography, Peter Jackson and
David Haysom have made it
their mission to uncover each
aspect of his fascinating career,
both during the Second World
War and beyond. Part scientist,

by computers or remotely
by a pilot on the ground.
'Drone Warfare' examines the
development and use of aerial
drones, a topical and highly
controversial subject that has
not been written on to date.

'A topical and highly
controversial subject that has
not been written on to date.'
part action hero-secret agent,
he assisted special forces units
in a variety of operational
contexts. This biography
provides a comprehensive
overview of the highs, lows
and landmarks of his career.
The other publication
highlights the topic of
Drones, an unmanned aerial
vehicle with no human pilot
on board. Its flight is either
controlled autonomously
46

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Blending history with current
and recent operations, author
Dr Dave Sloggett from Ryde
reveals the development
of unmanned aircraft and
analyses their use in Iraq and
Afghanistan. An authority in
the field with over 40 years’
aviation experience, Sloggett's
groundbreaking work is
essential reading for all with an
interest in modern warfare and
aviation.