REGIMENTAL histories can often be a bit of a plod to anyone not a student of military history or former member of the regiment concerned. But here's one which is a good read.

The Reconnaissance Corps was one of the least known of the units granted elite status during the Second World War. Yet they spearheaded any attack, searching out enemy strongpoints and gathering intelligence for the Allies.

The story of one such unit, the 52nd (Lowland) Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment RAC is told in The Fighting Fifty-Second Recce, by Carl Shilleto (Eskdale Press, £14.99).

Shilleto, of York, author of several war books, has a strong connection with the regiment as his grandfather served with it, being awarded the Commander-in-Chief's Certificate For Gallantry.

Also serving was one under-age Trooper Charles Whiting, also of York, who was to make his name in military history. He writes the introduction to the book.

To get back to the action - and there's plenty of it - the 700 men of the 'old mob' fought across Europe for nearly ten months under both British and American commanders, usually in small units, 'swanning around' under the sole command of an NCO, a situation which amazed other units.

You've read the big picture - now get down to the heroics of the ordinary squaddie in action.

- Shilleto, a battlefield guide, is also the author of Utah Beach St Mre Eglise (Pen & Sword Books, £9.95), which covers the US airborne and seaborne landings on the Cotentin Peninsular in France on D-Day. It also describes the setting up of the invasion and, for war historians and families of those involved in the battles, there's a comprehensive and well-illustrated tour guide, with lists of cemeteries and memorials.

Updated: 10:20 Wednesday, January 09, 2002