Colin’s Comments (group member since Dec 16, 2012)

Colin’s comments from the THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP group.

Ironically the French let loose their Moroccans also, especially in Italy with terrific effect. De Gaulle and the Free French allowed the deeds to take place, and squashed any attempt at punishment. Gen Mark Clark's request for tribunals against the Moroccans and thei white French officers fell on deaf ears, as the alliance was deemed more important than the lives and virtue of Italian civilians.

Jonny wrote: "But so trusted by those under their shield - a typical Third Reich joke:
A soldier is captured as a deserter and convicted. He's given the choice of how he's to be executed and chooses death by fla..."

Ironically enough, Hitler wanted to reduce the night fighter force and multiply the flak defense along the Kammhuber Line. Kammhuber and Falck both brought Galland in on the debate (I got this from all three men personally), and when they convinced Goering to get on board and they finally persuaded der Fuehrer that it was a bad idea. The Kammhuber belt defense was quite effective as it was.

The shell expenditures were used as part of the argument, given that the night fighter force expended about 2,000 rounds of 20mm, 30mm and 7.92mm per kill. Much cheaper ammo, better hit ratio, although Hitler thought he could save money and resources by investing in 88mm and 105mm AA guns.

By 1944 these majority of these flak crews were Hitler Youth.

I interviewed MANY U-boat commanders, and air detection was their greatest fear indeed. Not just because of the possibility of being bombed from the air, but having their position radioed to every enemy ship within 500 miles, closing the net around them, or at the very least closing their return corridor to the known pens in France.

Russell Weigley who wrote that book was my mentor in graduate school, started me on my way.

Aaron Bank was solid, and a good man, I liked him personally.

Ambrose's ceredibility came into serious question over many of his books, and that one in particular. Personally, as I knew him, he was an ass.

I have to look at this, having known and interviewed over a dozen participants in the planning and action.

I knew Aaron Bank, who worked under Donovan. He said that he was a living legend and had the respect of everyone, including Churchill.

The greatest problem for the Germans was that their military tactics, equipment and training for armored forces was neutralized in the mountainous terrain. The Balkans became primary area of operations for German mountain warfare units both Heer and Waffen SS Gebirgsajaeger as a result. During this campaign Hitler had a meeting with Gen. Eduard Dietl, who informed Hitler that "our forces are not properly equipped or prepared for this, just like the Italians in Albania."

Tenko was good.

Doreen wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Colin wrote: "My wife (and coauthor) did her master's thesis on stolen art during the war and repatriation efforts in several nations, and the major obstacles of countries lik..."

The new film starring Sir Ben Kingsley looks pretty good. Of my many visits, interviews and stays with Simon Wiesenthal in Vienna, I was able to actually speak with two of the men on the snatch and grab in Buenos Aires, and got their first hand descriptions of the very first international Mosad mission. There have been many films on this subject, and an older one based upon the book The House on Garibaldi Street was pretty good.

My wife (and coauthor) did her master's thesis on stolen art during the war and repatriation efforts in several nations, and the major obstacles of countries like France and Austria in getting stolen works back into the hands of the families, one of which resulted in consulting on a film starring Helen Mirren.

Jonny wrote: "Made a start on
[book:The Squadron That Died Twice..."
I interviewed some RAF Bomber Command guys, and they hated the Blenheim, feared the Manchester, loved the Lancaster. Bill Reid, VC said it simply; "Imagine driving a car that leaks petrol and throws oil, and then jump into a motor that is a first class riding experience, knowing that it would bring you back if possible."

Always a few bastards who desecrate the history.

Paul wrote: "David wrote: "Just finished The Man Who Flew the Memphis Belle: Memoir of a WWII Bomber Pilot by Robert Morgan. They were the first crew to complete 25 bombing missions over Europe. The B-17, Memph..."

Bob and Linda were great people indeed

Reminds me of 1977 and later when people named their kids after Star Wars characters. Darth Vader, Leia, han Solo, etc. Never saw a Chewbaca though.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I picked this up at my Post Office box this morning:

[book:The Italian Army in North Africa: A..."

Walter was one of my honors graduate students when I was a professor

Let us know what genre of military history interests you the most. Ironically we may be looking for a Spanish translator for a few of my books for that market. I have one book in French, Finnish, Polish, and another in Danish.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "KOMET wrote: "A Ruddy Awful Waste: Eric Lock DSO, DFC & Bar: The Brief Life of a Battle of Britain Ace by Steve Brew

[bookcover:A Ruddy Awful Waste: Eric Lock DSO, ..."

Hans Marseille died at 22 with 158 kills