I'm Looking for a Book on........ Showing 151-200 of 1,652

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Hi Hashem,
Have a look at these:
by Teddy Suhren

by Otto Giese

by Wolfgang Hirschfeld

[Colin]

On Uboats read Herbert Werner "Iron Coffins", and Peter Erich Cremer's biography for starters. There is a new book on Otto Kretschmer, which I have not read yet. I am busy writing another book at present.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

There are a number of accounts written by U-boat commanders and men like these two books, is that what your looking for Hashem?

(no cover) Shooting the War: Memoirs of a World War II U-Boat Officer by Otto Giese

by Peter Cremer

There may also be a few interesting books mentioned in this thread:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

[Hashem]

Great suggestions! Iron Coffins seems interesting. I shall start with it. Thanks for the suggestions :)

[Alan]

Hi all, first time poster and a bit of a novice when it comes to WW2 but very interested having mainly watched doco's and I've just finished reading Anthony Beevor's 'Second World War'. I am very keen to learn more about the holocaust and the Jewish population post-WW2.

Can anyone recommend any titles that might be of interest?

Thanks : )

[Jerome]

These might interest you, Alan:

by Martin Gilbert

by Lucy S. Dawidowicz

by Saul Friedländer

by Saul Friedländer

by Michael Brenner

by Angelika Konigseder

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Welcome Alan, Jerome has suggested some fine titles. You could also explore:

by Laurence Rees

and two I have on my TBR:
and by Victor Klemperer

These wider histories also place the treatment of the jews in the wider context of German society during those years:

by Michael Burleigh

; and by Richard J. Evans

I hope these help, and there'll be others that our members can suggest too.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi Alan, all great recommendations above, my favourite being Martin Gilbert's massive volume. You could also check out the thread on the Holocaust for other reading suggestions:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi Jasmine,

This is the right thread for your request for books and hopefully some members will come up with some recommendations.

I'm not sure of any books covering female Nazi soldiers but books on concentration camps may be easier. This book below is a great starter:

by Laurence Rees
Description:
Published for the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-a devastating and surprising account of the most infamous death camp the world has ever known. Auschwitz-Birkenau is the site of the largest mass murder in human history. Yet its story is not fully known. In Auschwitz, Laurence Rees reveals new insights from more than 100 original interviews with Auschwitz survivors and Nazi perpetrators who speak on the record for the first time. Their testimonies provide a portrait of the inner workings of the camp in unrivalled detail-from the techniques of mass murder, to the politics and gossip mill that turned between guards and prisoners, to the on-camp brothel in which the lines between those guards and prisoners became surprisingly blurred. Rees examines the strategic decisions that led the Nazi leadership to prescribe Auschwitz as its primary site for the extinction of Europe's Jews-their "Final Solution. " He concludes that many of the horrors that were perpetrated in Auschwitz were driven not just by ideological inevitability but as a "practical" response to a war in the East that had begun to go wrong for Germany. A terrible immoral pragmatism characterizes many of the decisions that determined what happened at Auschwitz. Thus the story of the camp becomes a morality tale, too, in which evil is shown to proceed in a series of deft, almost noiseless incremental steps until it produces the overwhelming horror of the industrial scale slaughter that was inflicted in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.



Some others:

by Yitzhak Arad

by Saul Friedländer

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Hi Jasmine, these might be a help; the last one may cover women in uniform too:

by Daniel Patrick Brown

by Daniel Patrick Brown

by Flint Whitlock

by Jill Stephenson

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Thanks for finding those books for Jasmine, much appreciated.

[Alan]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Alan, all great recommendations above, my favourite being Martin Gilbert's massive volume. You could also check out the thread on the Holocaust for other reading suggestions:

http://www.goodrea..."

Gevee and jerome, thank you so much for your recommendations, I'll be sure to check them out! Cheers, Alan.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Very happy to try and help Alan. And do let us know what you think of them or if you find others you think would interest us too.

[Colin]

Try my friend Bryan Mark Rigg's book "Hitler's Jewish Soldiers"

[Boudewijn]

Hello everybody, I'm looking for books on the various military equipment (tanks, planes, guns and so on) in use by the Allied and Axis nations and how they compared to each other.

For example, which tank was regarded as the best tank of WWII (probably the T-32), why was this so and what are the main decisions and technological advantaged taken during the development of this weapon?

I'm not sure if there are any books out there covering these topics, but all suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

[Colin]

Not sure I would agree with the assessment that the t-34 was the best tank. Having interviewed many tankers from both sides of the war, the numerical supriority and cheap design, rapid production gave the Soviets the edge. The Mk V Panther was better, but the Tiger I had a kill ratio of about 18 to 1 against the t-34 when outnumbered 50-1 on average during the war.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Colin's points are very valid Bou and Rick will no doubt suggest some very good books.

The "prize" of best tank for me is complex and goes wider than the three main aspects in design: firepower, protection and manoeuvrability. There are some worthy contenders if one looks at periods in the war, theatres, weather conditions down to manufacturing time, cost and ease of maintenance.

Having had an involvement with tanks in my earlier career I've had the opportunity to see and study and so offer my simple views based on this experience.

The T-34 has merit for numbers and simplicity but both Panther and Tiger clearly vie too. The Tiger was not an easy beast to maintai,n although the Germans were experts in recovery from the battlefield developing many specialist vehicles and techniques to do this that form the foundation of modern battlefield recovery.

The later German tanks had one additional threat that is often over-looked by people. On top of their excellent firepower and protection they created real fear for the opposition, be it armoured or infantry units. Many allied units reported seeing Tigers when they weren't actually facing them (Panthers/Mk IVs) but the fear was considerable and made the Tiger I and later the King Tiger the demons of the battlefield. Interesting to note the most famed tank commander is a German in a Tiger (Michael Wittman) and that the most celebrated action is that of the allies to knock his tank out. Other Germans have a claim on most successful tank commander though too.

The British Comet late in the war was a fine tank (sadly the Centurion was just too late).

The US M4 Sherman was dreadful on protection and firepower (except the up-gunned fireflies) but it was cheap and easy to manufacture like the T-34 so they were used in great numbers. The Churchill was adaptable in a number of variants and highly manoeuvrable seeing service on many fronts (including Russia) but not necessarily a fine tank in its own right.

I believe the German MkIV was a good tank and is often over-looked as a key weapon especially during the Blitzkrieg and pre-Panther and Tiger years, although it did struggle against heavier tanks before modifications (see below on the Matilda) and it served in almost, if not every theatre the Germans operated in. If you add in variants that used its platform such as Sturmgeschütz and Jagdpanzer then it must have a solid claim.

Early in the desert war the British Matilda did well until the Afrika Korps arrived with 88s and they upgunned the MkIV.

However, arguably the best AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) tank killer isn't a tank at all it is the Sturmgeschütz assault gun/tank destroyer variants; especially the Mark III.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Excellent summary on German tanks compared the the Allies Geevee and you made an excellent point that is sometimes forgotten that the Mk IV remained the backbone of Germany's Tank force till the end of the war. You also hit the nail on the head with the Sturmgeschütz. One good book to look at Bou provides a critical look at the German Tiger Tank:

by Christopher W. Wilbeck

You could also check out Osprey's "Duel" series of books:

http://www.ospreypublishing.com/duel/

Or try this title (which I haven't read):

Battleground: The Greatest Tank Duels in History by Steven Zaloga

This book has picked up some pretty good reviews and should give you a good insight into the T-34:

by Artem Drabkin

[Boudewijn]

Thanks Colin, Geevee and of course Aussie Rick for your (once again) excellent suggestions!

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Another book you could look at that may offer some interesting insights into some great war winning weapons (in the author's opinion anyhow) is this book:

by Taylor Downing
Description:
The publication of Battle Stations is timed to coincide with the first UK screening of the first four parts of the major new History Channel series of the same name. Each chapter (and each programme) covers one particular legendary weapon system; the Spitfire, the Sherman Tank, DC-3 Dakota and the amphibious DUKW. The story is told from the earliest design stage, through production to its battle-winning use in a particular theatre and phase of the Second World War. The series is as much about the men - and women - responsible for creating and using each weapon as the equipments themselves. The closely researched but highly readable text is lavishly supported by fabulous photographs.

Table of Contents:

* Introduction
* Spitfire - The Birth of a Legend
* Spitfire - Squadron Scramble
* The DC-3 Story
* Drop Zone
* Sherman Assault
* DUKW Landing
* Post Script
* Index
* Colour Section

[Singleton]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Excellent summary on German tanks compared the the Allies Geevee and you made an excellent point that is sometimes forgotten that the Mk IV remained the backbone of Germany's Tank force till the en..."

Very interesting selection Rick. I was going to suggest Sledgehammer as well regarding the Tiger tanks in action, their strength and espcially weaknesses are ladi out in a clear way.

Geevee's point on the Stug III being more succesful then 'other' German tanks is rather interesting.

[carl]

Hard to beat the panache of German armor hey GV?

The Wehrmacht marketing dept really got it right with the Tiger and Panther names, not so sure about the Nashorn and Elefant, but guess that's the SPG division.

The US Sherman, Grant, Stuart,ok not bad, names of Generals.

UK: Mathilda? Churchill? I picture a short round fellow, smoking a cigar charging ahead with pointed umbrella, maybe a scotch in the other hand.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

carl wrote: "Hard to beat the panache of German armor hey GV?

The Wehrmacht marketing dept really got it right with the Tiger and Panther names, not so sure about the Nashorn and Elefant, but guess that's th..."

Too true on the Germans Carl they were well named and well designed. The US still do name them in that way as you know with the Sheridan, M60 Patton and the current Abrams, which is a fine tank indeed.

At some stage in WWII the British started to name their tanks with names starting with C. Since the Comet in 1945 we've had Centurion, Conqueror, Chieftain and Challenger I and II. It might not have been the best tank but the Churchill arguably is the best name :)

[Jerome]

I'm looking for a book on Andrei Vlasov and the "Russian Liberation Army", a German unit composed of ex-Russian POWs. Anyone?

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Hi Jerome, he and the organisation get a couple of mentions in books by Beevor, Jones and Baithwaite but the only book I could find wholly related is this: Against Stalin and Hitler;: Memoir of the Russian Liberation Movement, 1941-1945 by Wilfried Strik-Strikfeldt

Have attached the link I found about the book's author too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilfried...

[Jerome]

Hmmm, that'll have to do. Thanks, Geevee.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Challenge I guess is finding a copy now. Be interested to hear what you think too Jerome.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Good work Geevee :)

[Colin]

German Anti-Partisan Warfare in Europe. I was hit with bad reviews for being a "revisionist", challenging accepted history. I talk a lot about Vlassov, the ROA, etc.

[Kelby]

I'm currently working on our family history and was wanting to do some reading related to some of the battles they were involved in. My grandfather was at Okinawa on Day 2 of the invasion and occupied Korea after the war. I was looking at reading recommendations for these events. I have some Great-Uncles that were involved in the European Theater in the invasion of Normandy...but that's the easy books to find.

[Tom]

@Kelby - The first book that comes to my mind is 'With the Old Breed' a great memoir that includes Okinawa.



Eugene B. Sledge

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Hi Kelby,

In addition to Tom's excellent recommendations this volume of the US Army's official history is readable: http://www.history.army.mil/html/book... (I have attached this rather than the GR link as you can read it on-line from this URL).

As is the USN's History of US Naval Operations in WWII 14: Victory in the Pacific 45 by Samuel Eliot Morison

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi Kelby,

Along with the great recommendations above I would also like to mention these great accounts:

or by George Feifer

by Gerald Astor

by James H. Hallas

by Bill Sloan

[Jim]

Here is a link to the USMC official history on Okinawa
https://www.mcu.usmc.mil/historydivis...

[happy]

in addition to the other rec's, Robert Leckie's



is not bad overview of the battle.

For a fictional account Jeff Shaara's


is excellent

[Wade]

Kelby,, what a great group we belong to eh,? Every one of the recommenations is positivley tops. What a helpful, well read organization we have become---well done group.

[Kelby]

I agree Wade. I got them on my list.

[Lon]

I just finished Guns at First Light. Outstanding.

Looking for similar great book about the air war in Europe.

Love a few titles?

[Gerald]

Lon wrote: "I just finished Guns at First Light. Outstanding.

Looking for similar great book about the air war in Europe.

Love a few titles?"

Try Donald Miller's "Masters of the Air" and "Tail End Charlies: Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944-45" by John Nichol and Tony Rennell.

[Wade]

Hey, Lon..how about 'The Berlin Raids" by Martin Middlebrook,,,,"Bomber Pilot,a memoir of World War II by Philip Ardery......

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Hi Lon,

All excellent suggestions above, you may also like to consider the following books:

From a RAF perspective;

by Max Hastings

by Patrick Bishop

by Kevin Wilson

Or any of the books on specific missions by Martin Middlebrook.

USAAF;

by Gerald Astor

by Brian D. O'Neill

[Gerald]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Lon,

All excellent suggestions above, you may also like to consider the following books:

From a RAF perspective;

by Max Hastings

[bookcover:Bomber Boys: Fig..."

I read Kevin Wilson's "Bomber Boys." It was the first volume of a trilogy. "Bomber Boys" was great, but the following volumes did not rise to its level. Martin Middlebrook's works on specific missions are great. I especially liked "The Schweinfurt-Regensburg Mission."

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

All great suggestions and I'd add by Harry Yates and by Leo McKinstry

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Great book Luck and a Lancaster!

[Colin]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Lon,

All excellent suggestions above, you may also like to consider the following books:

From a RAF perspective;

by Max Hastings

[bookcover:Bomber Boys: Fig..."

You may like my book Nightfighters (Naval Institute Press) with interviews I did with German and British pilots, such as Wolfgang Falck and Bill Reid, VC

[Chin Joo]

Hi everyone,

I was listening to a WW2 podcast and got interested in the history of Japan the few years before WW2. Does anyone know of a good book that discusses the history and politics of that time in Japan which eventually led them into the war? Thank you very much.

[Gerald]

Chin Joo wrote: "Hi everyone,

I was listening to a WW2 podcast and got interested in the history of Japan the few years before WW2. Does anyone know of a good book that discusses the history and politics of that t..."

Ian Toll's "Pacific Crucible" has a fairly long segment on Japan in the 1920s and 1930s. It is well-written, and I found it a joy to read.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Hi Chin-Joo,
Not read any of these them but they may be of interest to you:

by Rana Mitter

by S.C.M. Paine

by Louise Young


The Japanese Wartime Empire, 1931-1945 by Peter Duus


by Ramon H. Myers


The Japanese Informal Empire In China, 1895 1937 by Peter Duus


by Ian Buruma

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Good recommendations Geevee, also Chin-Joo you could look at these two books:


by John Toland

by Meirion Harries

[Tom]

Hi Chin,

Toland's The Rising Sun has been on my TBR list for a while I think it may cover some of what your looking for.