Just over 30 years ago, I discovered volume 11 of After the Battle Magazine. It included a full page spread on German spy, Josef Jakobs, my grandfather. That article was really the key that unlocked my journey to discover the story of Josef. I contacted Winston Ramsey, the editor of the magazine, who kindly gave me a tour of several of the London sites associated with Josef’s story (Latchmere House, Duke of York’s Headquarters, St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Tower of London). On that tour, I also met Nigel West who was an MP at the time, and eventually had a hand in declassifying the MI5 documents relating to Josef’s case. So many memories!
Over the years, Winston Ramsey has continued to publish many books and magazines relating to the wars. It is really quite an impressive library of material. But, all good things must come to an end. Winston is getting on in years and decided that the time had come to pass the baton of After the Battle to someone else.
A few weeks ago, Pen and Sword, a book publishing firm, announced that it had acquired the rights to After the Battle Books & Magazines. Over the transfer, Winston said: “Since I started After the Battle in 1973, we have researched hundreds of stories in dozens of countries, and covered thousands of miles to take the comparison photographs. It has certainly been a labour of love for me and as I hand over the baton to Charles [Hewitt, Managing Director of Pen and Sword Books Ltd], I wish Pen and Sword Books Ltd every success in their future endeavours.”
I truly hope that Pen and Sword can live up to the track record set by Winston. They certainly have some big shoes to fill!
When can we expect the publication of bound editions of the ATB Magazine for the year 2021 ?. The last edition was Vol 47 for the year 2020 and my records show that I ordered it in November of that year. “Why the delay?. Regards Gareth Jones
Hi Gareth,
I’m not connected with ATB or Pen & Sword. You’d have to contact them directly. Thanks!