THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion
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New Release Books on WW2
This July 2020 release may interest a few group members:
The Rise of the G.I. Army, 1940-1941: The Forgotten Story of How America Forged a Powerful Army Before Pearl Harbor by Paul DicksonDescription:
In September 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland and initiated World War II, a strong strain of isolationism existed in Congress and across the country. The U.S. Army stood at fewer than 200,000 men―unprepared to defend the country, much less carry the fight to Europe and the Far East. And yet, less than a year after Pearl Harbor, the American army led the Allied invasion of North Africa, beginning the campaign that would defeat Germany, and the Navy and Marines were fully engaged with Japan in the Pacific.
The story of America’s astounding industrial mobilization during World War II has been told. But what has never been chronicled before Paul Dickson’s The Rise of the G. I. Army, 1940-1941 is the extraordinary transformation of America’s military from a disparate collection of camps with dilapidated equipment into a well-trained and spirited army ten times its prior size in little more than eighteen months. From Franklin Roosevelt’s selection of George C. Marshall to be Army Chief of Staff to the remarkable peace-time draft of 1940 and the massive and unprecedented mock battles in Tennessee, Louisiana, and the Carolinas by which the skill and spirit of the Army were forged and out of which iconic leaders like Eisenhower, Bradley, and Clark emerged; Dickson narrates America’s urgent mobilization against a backdrop of political and cultural isolationist resistance and racial tension at home, and the increasingly perceived threat of attack from both Germany and Japan.
An important addition to American history, The Rise of the G.I. Army, 1940-1941 is essential to our understanding of America’s involvement in World War II.
Another book on Arnhem but this one from a German perspective, due out in June 2020:
The Devil's Bridge: The German Victory at Arnhem, 1944 by Anthony Tucker-JonesDescription:
In the late summer of 1944, SS-Obergruppenführer Wilhelm 'Willi' Bittrich found himself in the Netherlands surveying his II SS Panzer Corps, which was in a poor state having narrowly escaped the defeat in Normandy. He was completely unaware that his command lay directly in the path of a major Allied thrust: the 17 September 1944 launch of the largest airborne and glider operation in the history of warfare. Codenamed Operation Market Garden, it was intended to outflank the German West Wall and 'bounce' the Rhine at Arnhem, from where the Allies could strike into the Ruhr, Nazi Germany's industrial heartland. Such a move could have ended the war.
However, Market Garden and the battle for Arnhem were a disaster for the Allies. Put together in little over a week and lacking in flexibility, the operation became an all-or-nothing race against time. The plan to link the airborne divisions by pushing an armoured division up a sixty-five-mile corridor was optimistic at best, and the British drop zones were not only too far from Arnhem Bridge, but also directly above two recuperating SS Panzer divisions. This new book explores the operation from the perspective of the Germans as renowned historian Anthony Tucker-Jones examines how they were able to mobilise so swiftly and effectively in spite of depleted troops and limited intelligence.
Definitely see that one making it onto the bookshelf.
A new Australian release and one that I will have to have for my library:
The Battles for Kokoda Plateau: Three Weeks of Hell Defending the Gateway to the Owen Stanleys by David W. CameronDescription:
'The Japanese attacked us, they mortared us, they shelled us...they did everything.' On 21 July 1942, a large Japanese reconnaissance mission landed along the north-eastern coastline of Papua, it would soon turn into an all-out attempt to capture Port Morseby. This is the powerful story of the three weeks of battle by a small Australian militia force, the 39th Battalion, supported by the 1st Papua Infantry Battalion and the Royal Papuan Constabulary, to keep the Japanese at bay. Outnumbered by at least three to one, they fought courageously to hold the Kokoda Plateau - the gateway to the Owen Stanleys. Critically short of ammunition and food and stranded in the fetid swamps and lowland jungles, they did everything they could to keep the Kokoda airstrip out of Japanese hands. Not far away, and desperately trying to reach the Australians, were two groups of Anglican missionaries trapped behind enemy lines. With each passing day the parties grew, joined by lost Australian soldiers and downed American airmen. Theirs is a story of tragedy and betrayal. Using letters, diaries and other first-hand accounts, from friend and foe alike, leading military historian David W Cameron, has for the first time written a detailed, compelling and provocative account of what occurred at the northern foot of the Owen Stanleys in late July and early August 1942. These are stories that deserve to be firmly embedded into the Kokoda legend.
A September release:
by Stephen L. MooreDescription:
The last Pacific campaign of World War II was the most violent on record. Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher's Task Force 58 carriers had conducted air strikes on mainland Japan and supported the Iwo Jima landings, but his aviators were sorely tested once the Okinawa campaign commenced on 1 April 1945.
Rain of Steel follows Navy and Marine carrier aviators in the desperate air battles to control the kamikazes directed by Vice Admiral Matome Ugaki. The latter would unleash ten different Kikusui aerial suicide operations, one including a naval force built around the world's most powerful battleship, the 71,000-ton Yamato. These battles are related largely through the words and experiences of some of the last living U.S. fighter aces of World War II.
More than 1,900 kamikaze sorties--and thousands more traditional attack aircraft--would be launched against the U.S. Navy's warships, radar picket ships, and amphibious vessels during the Okinawa campaign. In this time, Navy, Marine, and Army Air Force pilots would claim some 2,326 aerial victories. The most successful four-man fighter division in U.S. Navy history would be crowned during the fight against Ugaki's kamikazes. The Japanese named the campaign tetsu no ame ("rain of steel"), often referred to in English as "typhoon of steel."
That sounds like it could be a very interesting read. Thanks for posting the details Jerome.
Another one to add to my reading list. Thanks for the heads up.
https://www.amazon.com/Inferno-Bloodi...Joe Pappalardo's Inferno tells the true story of the men who flew the deadliest missions of World War II, and an unlikely hero who received the Medal of Honor in the midst of the bloodiest military campaign in aviation history.
There’s no higher accolade in the U.S. military than the Medal of Honor, and 472 people received it for their action during World War II. But only one was demoted right after: Maynard Harrison Smith.
Smith is one of the most unlikely heroes of the war, where he served in B-17s during the early days of the bombing of France and Germany from England. From his juvenile delinquent past in Michigan, through the war and during the decades after, Smith’s life seemed to be a series of very public missteps. The other airmen took to calling the 5-foot, 4-inch airman “Snuffy” after an unappealing movie character.
This is also the man who, on a tragically mishandled mission over France on May 1, 1943, single-handedly saved the crewman in his stricken B-17. With every other gunner injured or bailed out, Smith stood alone in the fuselage of a shattered, nameless bomber and fought fires, treated wounded crew and fought off fighters. His ordeal is part of a forgotten mission that aircrews came to call the May Day Massacre. The skies over Europe in 1943 were a charnel house for U.S. pilots, who were being led by tacticians surprised by the brutal effectiveness of German defenses. By May 1943 the combat losses among bomb crews were a staggering 40 to 50 percent.
The backdrop of Smith’s story intersects with some of the luminaries of aviation history, including Curtis Lemay, Ira Eaker and “Hap” Arnold, during critical times of their storied careers. Inferno also examines Smith’s life in a new, comprehensive light, through the use of exclusive interviews of those who knew him (including fellow MOH recipients and family) as well as public and archival records. This is both a thrilling and horrifying story of the air war over Europe during WWII and a fascinating look at one of America's forgotten heroes
Sounds like it could be a very interesting read.
Inferno: The True Story of a B-17 Gunner's Heroism and the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History by Joe Pappalardo
Hello, my name is Brian Walter. I am the author of the book, The Longest Campaign. The book is currently out in the United Kingdom and should be released in the United States within the next month. It is also available on Kindle. Here are some details regarding the scope and benefits of the book:
Recounting the finest hour of Britain’s long and illustrious maritime heritage, the book provides a complete, balanced and detailed accounting of the activities, results and relevance of Britain’s maritime struggle in the Atlantic and waters off Northwest Europe during World War II. Although arguably less ostentatious in its execution than the concurrent naval conflicts underway in the Pacific and Mediterranean, this campaign constituted the war’s premier maritime struggle in terms of its size, duration and relevance and was the essential catalyst for the overall Allied victory.
More than just another retelling of the U-boat scourge, The Longest Campaign reveals all aspects of this colossal struggle in which British maritime power helped dissuade invasion, sustained the nation’s logistical needs, degraded German capabilities and fulfilled the army’s support requirements. Numerous other books have been written on the subject, but most have only covered specific periods or aspects of the campaign. By comparison, this book provides appropriate space and attention to all facets of the conflict without undo bias or commentary including numerous events and operations that have generally been overlooked or underreported in other related works.
The result of 30 years of historical study utilizing research from a variety of primary and secondary sources, the book presents a highly detailed account of the maritime war full of facts and data presented in a very readable format. It incorporates extensive specificity regarding the forces involved, results attained and casualties sustained during the various engagements and operations covered. In doing so, it wades through the noise of conflicting data and disinformation to present a concise, accurate and informative narrative.
The book provides unique analysis regarding the role and effectiveness of the British maritime effort including a first ever assessment of British warship losses compared to corresponding victories over the competing Axis navies. In reviewing the conflict’s events and results, the book clearly demonstrates the relevance and effectiveness of the British war effort – both in a general sense and specific to the maritime struggle.
As a former military officer and lifelong student and consumer of military history, I hope this book provides value to all of its readers.
Just found out about two upcoming books which look interesting:
Solo Into the Rising Sun: The Dangerous Missions of a U.S. Navy Bomber Squadron in World War II
Jayhawk: Love, Loss, Liberation, and Terror Over the PacificJay Stout's work has been consistently excellent so I will definitely be ordering that one!
Marc wrote: "Just found out about two upcoming books which look interesting: [book:Solo Into..."Sounds like two pretty interesting books there Marc, thanks for bringing both titles to the groups attention.
Anyone already read The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz?Apparently it's high on the New York Times bestseller list.
Bou wrote: "Anyone already read The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz?Apparently it's high on the New York Times bestseller list."
I haven't but have heard good things about it.
Ah well, bought it. Couldn't resist myself.
Bou wrote: "Ah well, bought it. Couldn't resist myself."Well done :)
Here is a November 2020 release that may excite a few group members:
Days of Steel Rain: The Epic Story of a WWII Vengeance Ship in the Year of the Kamikaze by Brent E. JonesDescription:
An intimate true account of Americans at war, Days of Steel Rain is an epic drama about an unlikely group of men forced to work together in the face of an increasingly desperate enemy during the final year of World War II. Sprawling across the Pacific, this untold story follows the crew of the newly-built "vengeance ship" USS Astoria, named after her sunken predecessor lost earlier in the war. At its center lies U.S. Navy Captain George Dyer, who vowed to return to action after suffering a horrific wound. He accepted the ship's command in 1944, knowing it would be his last chance to avenge his injuries and salvage his career. Yet with the nation's resources and personnel stretched thin by the war, he found that just getting the ship into action would prove to be a battle.
Tensions among the crew flared from the start. Astoria's sailors and Marines were a collection of replacements, retreads, and older men. Some were broken by previous traumatic combat, most had no desire to be in the war, yet all found themselves fighting an enemy more afraid of surrender than death.
The reluctant ship was called to respond to challenges that its men never could have anticipated. From a typhoon where the ocean was enemy to daring rescue missions in the Philippines, a gallant turn at Iwo Jima, and the ultimate crucible against the Kamikaze at Okinawa, they endured the worst of the final year of the war at sea.
Days of Steel Rain brings to life more than a decade of research and firsthand interviews, depicting with unprecedented insight the singular drama of a captain grappling with a prospective mutiny amidst some of the most brutal fighting of World War II. Throughout, Brent Jones fills the narrative with secret diaries, memoirs, letters, interpersonal conflicts, and the innermost thoughts of the Astoria men. Days of Steel Rain weaves an intimate, unforgettable portrait of leadership, heroism, endurance, and redemption.
The Normandy Landings – codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day – happened 76 years ago on 6 June 1944. A major contribution of British maritime power during World War II was the execution of amphibious landings and a highlight was Operation Neptune. Of the roughly 7,000 vessels employed, Seventy-nine percent of the combatant warships and more than sixty percent of the landing vessels came from British or Commonwealth sources.
Explore more in Brian Walter’s new book ‘The Longest Campaign: Britain’s Maritime Struggle in the Atlantic and Northwest Europe, 1939-1945’.
'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Here is a November 2020 release that may excite a few group members:[book:Days of Steel..."Great stuff AR! especially as I had a great opportunity to contribute to this book. The author Brent Jones and I ran across each other while researching the USS Astoria CL-90. My grandfather was on it and his Uncle, so we became friends and traded lots of info and as you can see he was a lot more ambitious.
When it is published I am going to implore, I mean encourage fellow GR WW2 group readers to consider getting it. You are ahead of the info on me though, it was to be published this month, June, but now you report Nov. I can't wait.
If you see an publicity material or reviews on the book Carl, please post the details so other group members can have a look :)
Slated for a February 1, 2021 release (paperback)."SOE Heroines: The Special Operations Executive's French Section & Free French Women Agents" by Bernard O'Connor
Summary
Nearly 40 female agents were sent out by the French section of Britain’s Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II. The youngest was 19 and the oldest 53. Most were trained in paramilitary warfare, fieldcraft, the use of weapons and explosives, sabotage, silent killing, parachuting, codes and cyphers, wireless transmission and receiving, and general spycraft.
These women — as well as others from clandestine Allied organizations — were flown out and parachuted or landed into France on vital and highly dangerous missions: their task, to work with resistance movements both before and after D-Day. Bernard O’Connor uses recently declassified government documents, personnel files, mission reports and memoirs to assess the successes and failures of the 38 women including Odette Sansom, Denise Colin, Noor Inayat Khan, and Cécile Pichard. Of the 12 who were captured, only two survived; the others were executed, some after being tortured by the sadistic officers of the Sicherheitsdienst (SD) and Gestapo. This is their story.
Just came acrosshttps://www.foxnews.com/opinion/fathe...
And
https://www.grandforksherald.com/ente...
About June 2, 2020 release of
40 Thieves on Saipan: The Elite Marine Scout-Snipers in One of WWII's Bloodiest Battles by Joseph Tachovsky
I am pleased to announce that my book, The Longest Campaign, Britain's Maritime Struggle in the Atlantic and Northwest Europe, 1939-1945, is now available in the United States. The book recounts the premier maritime contest of the Second World War and the finest hour in Britain's long and illustrious maritime history.
Saving Munich 1945: The story of Rupprecht GerngrossSaving Munich 1945 is the extraordinary story, thrillingly told by Lesley Yarranton, about the man who led what may have been the only successful coup against the Nazis, a tale suppressed at the time by the British Foreign Office, who said it was not 'helpful' to circulate stories about good Germans. This is the story of a London-educated German military translator, who risked everything to save his city from Hitler's planned conflagration. Yes, my name is also on the cover urging people to read it - but then, i hope they will!
Brian wrote: "I am pleased to announce that my book, The Longest Campaign, Britain's Mariti..."
Congratulations, Brian. I will add to my wish list. How are book sales going?
Rory wrote: "Brian wrote: "I am pleased to announce that my book, The Longest Campaign, Br..."
Hello Rory, the book is selling. It has been out for almost 3 months in the UK and 2 months in the US. Thus far, I have limited exposure to the full sales numbers, but it is racking up regular sales on Amazon. Thank you for the interest.
At 1:00 PM Central Time (US) 8:00 PM European time today (Wednesday) I will be participating on a panel discussion with two other historians and authors regarding the battle of the Atlantic. The discussion will be livestreamed on WW2TV and then be available for viewing on YouTube. If you are available, feel free to check out the discussion.
Secret Spitfires: Britain’s Hidden Civilian Army by Howman and Cetintas & Gavin Clarke
SUMMARY
"September 1940: In the midst of the Second World War, the Luftwaffe unleashed a series of devastating raids on Southampton, all but destroying its Spitfire factories. But production didn't stop. Instead, manufacturing of this iconic fighter moved underground, to secret locations staffed by women, children and non-combatant men. With little engineering experience between them, they built a fleet of one of the greatest war planes that has ever existed. This is their story."
Published: June 15, 2020.
Sounds like another interesting book, thanks for posting the details Komet.
A May 2021 release:
by Thomas McKelvey Cleaver Description:
If the Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, stopped further Japanese expansion in the Pacific, it was the Battle of Guadalcanal and the following Solomons Campaign that broke the back of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Between August 7, 1942 and February 24, 1944 when the Imperial Japanese Navy withdrew its surviving surface and air units from Rabaul, the main Japanese base in the South Pacific, the US Navy fought the most difficult campaign in its history, suffering such high personnel losses during the campaign that for years it refused to publicly release total casualty figures.
Unlike the Central Pacific Campaign, which was fought by 'the new Navy,' the Solomons campaign saw the US Navy at its lowest point, using those ships that had survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and other units of the pre-war navy hastily transferred to the Pacific. After the Battle of Santa Cruz in late October, USS Enterprise was the only pre-war carrier left in the South Pacific and the Navy would not have been able to resist the Imperial Japanese Navy had they sought a third major fleet action in the region. For most of the campaign, the issue of which side would ultimately prevail was in doubt until toward the end when the surge of American industrial production began to make itself felt.
Under the Southern Cross examines the Solomons campaign from land, sea and air, offering a new account of the military offensive that laid the groundwork for Allied success throughout the rest of the Pacific War.
One to keep an eye out for, thanks for posting the details Jerome.
An April 2021 release:
by Sean McMeekinDescription:
We remember World War II as a struggle between good and evil, with Hitler propelling events and the Allied powers saving the day. But Hitler's armies did not fight in multiple theaters, his empire did not span the Eurasian continent, and he did not inherit the spoils of war. That role belonged to Joseph Stalin. Hitler's genocidal ambition may have unleashed Armageddon, but as celebrated historian Sean McMeekin shows, the conflicts that emerged were the result of Stalin's maneuverings, orchestrated to unleash a war between capitalist powers in Europe and between Japan and the Anglo-American forces in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the United States and Britain's self-defeating strategy of supporting Stalin and his armies at all costs allowed the Soviets to conquer most of Eurasia, from Berlin to Beijing, for Communism.
A groundbreaking reassessment, Stalin's War is essential reading for anyone looking to understand the roots of the current world order.
Jerome wrote: "An April 2021 release: by Sean McMeekinDescription:
We remember World War II as a struggle between good and evil, ..."
That should be a pretty interesting book.
Brian wrote: "I am pleased to announce that my book, The Longest Campaign, Britain's Mariti..."
Okay Brian I picked it up and I will be moving it up on my reading list. So if it isn't any good I will expect you to come over to Portland OR and buy me a burger. LOL.
Hello Dj, I hope that you enjoy the book. I am sure that you will find it informative. After reading it, if you can honestly say you didn't like it, let me know, and I will send you the money for a burger. Or if you want to visit my home state of Minnesota, we can meet for lunch and have a discussion regarding your thoughts on the book. Take care. Brian.
Brian wrote: " Hello Dj, I hope that you enjoy the book. I am sure that you will find it in..."
Minnesota? Hmmm, might just do that. That way I can make it a worthwhile trip to visit my Mom and my Sister. LOL
No worries I haven't gotten out of the introduction yet and I am sure I will be liking it.
As a former owner of an M1 Garand Rifle I figured this book may also interest a few members, due out in June 2021:
The Rifle: Combat Stories from America's Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand by Andrew Biggio
Brian wrote: "Hello, my name is Brian Walter. I am the author of the book, The Longest Camp..."
First off I want to say this is not a criticism of the book in any way shape or form. I just know that some authors don't like to hear about errors in their books, especially editorial ones. I tried to find a way to send this by email but had no luck. And to be honest this is the first one I noticed. I am reading the ebook format and on-page twenty it reads.
Marschall led the battlec-ruisers ….
and to be clear and very honest I am really enjoying the book so far. Don't let me slow reading habits fool you none.
This is out next month by Stahel and Luther, I've got high expectations!
Soldiers of Barbarossa: Combat, Genocide, and Everyday Experiences on the Eastern Front, June-December 1941Here is a preview:https://barbarossa1941.com/soldiersof...
Dj wrote: "Brian wrote: "Hello, my name is Brian Walter. I am the author of the book, Th..."
You are correct. Thank you for pointing out the error. As many times as we went through this, errors still crept through. I am glad you are enjoying the book overall.
Brian wrote: "Dj wrote: "Brian wrote: "Hello, my name is Brian Walter. I am the author of t..."
It is a good read and it flows well. You did a good job
Tim wrote: "This is out next month by Stahel and Luther, I've got high expectations
Like Minds ... The New York Times featured "The Good War" for their weekly Book Review section on August 30, 2020. Missed it? I captured the list to add a passel of new books to my WWII to-be-read list.See the list here:
https://ronasimmons.com/https-gonefor...
Steve wrote: "Can't wait for this one. Loved the first two.Fire and Steel: The End of World War Two in the West"
Same here Steve :)
THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP
Books mentioned in this topic
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1942: Hitler's Gamble for Victory (other topics)
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Greyhounds of the Pacific: U.S. Destroyers in the War Against Japan (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
James M. Scott (other topics)James M. Scott (other topics)
Richard Hargreaves (other topics)
Richard Hargreaves (other topics)
Andrew Faltum (other topics)
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Jerome wrote: "A November release:
Description:
This book begins by examin..."