THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion

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BOOK DISCUSSIONS > I'm Looking for a Book on........

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message 251: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Hi Adrian, As the guys say there are copies around.
It is available new via the publisher Pen and Sword plus Amazon, Waterstones etc. Both PB and HB second-hand editions on Abe either UK or US sellers.


message 252: by Rory (new)

Rory (rorygallagher) | 134 comments Off-topic but I thought if anyone would know, this group would. As a 10-12 year old I devoured all the local library's Time-Life books on world war II, and as an adult I bought the series, including extras I handed out to friends. This past year I stumbled on the entire American Civil War series by Time Life and some of Epic of Flight and Old West books at very good prices.
My hope is to start my own 10 year old on these as he has skimmed or read a few already, but I'd like to start with American Revolution. So does anyone know if there is something similar to Time-Life books for American Revolution and maybe ante-bellum period? I realize it would be paintings and artwork rather than photos as Matt Brady born a bit after Revolution ended, but maybe....

Thanks in advance for any assistance.


message 253: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments I'm sorry Rory but I don't know anything fitting the bill :(


message 254: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments Me neither, sorry.


message 255: by Dj (new)

Dj | 2295 comments Well a Google search turned up nada, so it looks like they do not have a series on the American Revolution.

Rory wrote: "Off-topic but I thought if anyone would know, this group would. As a 10-12 year old I devoured all the local library's Time-Life books on world war II, and as an adult I bought the series, includin..."


message 256: by Rory (new)

Rory (rorygallagher) | 134 comments Thanks for checking, guys. I will let you know what I find.


message 257: by Tomi (new)

Tomi | 21 comments My husband watched a TV show about the German navy getting very close to the US Atlantic coast, even before Pearl Harbor. According to him, there were German submarines within sight of the base at Norfork. Is there a book about this? I would much rather read a book than watch a TV documentary! Thanks.


message 258: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Tomi wrote: "My husband watched a TV show about the German navy getting very close to the US Atlantic coast, even before Pearl Harbor. According to him, there were German submarines within sight of the base at..."

Check out:

Operation Drumbeat Germany's U-Boat Attacks Along the American Coast in World War II by Michael Gannon Operation Drumbeat by Michael Gannon.


message 259: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments A very good recommendation Manray9! Also you could check out these two older books:


Torpedo Junction U-Boat War Off America's East Coast, 1942 (Bluejacket Books) by Homer Hickam by Homer Hickam

U Boats Offshore by Edwin Palmer Hoyt by Edwin Palmer Hoyt


message 260: by Tomi (new)

Tomi | 21 comments EBay and I thank you...my bank account, not so much...


message 261: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments Don't you love the feel of getting a new book for your library! You worked hard for that money Tomi, only fair you spoil yourself once in a while :)


message 262: by Dj (last edited Feb 13, 2014 05:16PM) (new)

Dj | 2295 comments The books mentioned are good to great, the Hoyt book probably being the best of the lot. I would suggest that he might also check out:

Oil and War How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII Meant Victory or Defeat by Robert Goralski

So much for putting up a cover and getting the name of the book as well.
It is Oil & War: How the Deadly Struggle for Fuel in WWII meant Victory or Defeat.
by Robert Goralski and Russell W. Freeburg

This book doesn't focus on the U-boats on the American Coast, but what it does have is a chapter that covers that event and just how detrimental it was to the war effort and why.


Tomi wrote: "My husband watched a TV show about the German navy getting very close to the US Atlantic coast, even before Pearl Harbor. According to him, there were German submarines within sight of the base at..."


message 263: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Don't you love the feel of getting a new book for your library! You worked hard for that money Tomi, only fair you spoil yourself once in a while :)"

Or twice in a while or thrice in a while, Rick.


message 264: by Tomi (new)

Tomi | 21 comments If I could only read as fast as I can buy...


message 265: by Miss M (new)

Miss M | 196 comments Tomi wrote: "If I could only read as fast as I can buy..."

Saw this a while back, but it isn't out yet (March release), so too soon to tell--but I think it looks interesting.

The Burning Shore How Hitler's U-Boats Brought World War II to America by Ed Offley
The Burning Shore: How Hitler's U-Boats Brought World War II to America


message 266: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments It's on my wish list as well Tomi, good pick :)


message 267: by Miss M (last edited Feb 13, 2014 06:45PM) (new)

Miss M | 196 comments Oops...just realized I originally saw the Burning Shore rec in another thread here--didn't mean to leave out attribution! Been on the back of my mind because I'm hoping it will make a good birthday present for my brother, but I want a little more feedback before ordering.

ETA: also just saw, there's a GR Giveaway in progress


message 268: by Jeff (new)

Jeff Learned | 1 comments Are there any good books that focus on the U.S. Coast Guard during WW2?


message 269: by Gerald (new)

Gerald Churchill | 435 comments Jeff wrote: "Are there any good books that focus on the U.S. Coast Guard during WW2?"

Yes. Try Michael Walling's "Bloodstained Sea" to learn about the Coast Guard's role in the Battle of the Atlantic.


message 270: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments There are also these titles:


LUCKY THIRTEEN US Coast Guard LSTs in the Pacific by Ken Wiley by Ken Wiley

Ocean Station Operations of the U.S. Coast Guard, 1940-1977 by Michael R. Adams by Michael R. Adams


message 271: by Jerome (new)

Jerome Otte | 808 comments There's also this:

The United States Coast Guard in World War II A History of Domestic and Overseas Actions by Thomas Ostrom by Thomas Ostrom


message 272: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (last edited Feb 26, 2014 02:58PM) (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Hi Jeff, this one may be of interest too: The U.S. Coast Guard in World War II by Malcolm F. Willoughby

Description from Amazon:
Originally published in 1957, this intimate view of the Coast Guard's dramatic World War II record has long been considered a classic. Out of print for years, it is once again being made available to the American public as part of the bicentennial celebration. It is a story replete with incidents of devotion far beyond the call of duty, thrilling rescues, adventurous high sea missions, and heroic combat action that shows Coast Guardsmen in every phase of the maritime war. The author, a World War I veteran and a member of the Coast Guard Reserve in World War II, follows the progress of the war at sea from the Coast Guard's first involvement in 1941, telling how the service successfully met its vast responsibilities in all theatres of war. Malcolm Willoughby vividly recounts the Coast Guardsmen's participation in every major amphibious assault, from the Normandy invasion, where they landed thousands of men and rescued 1500 stranded in the surf, to Guadalcanal, where they rescued three companies of Marines trapped on the beach, and dramatically describes countless other operations at home and abroad in all types of ships and aircraft. In addition, he provides a list of all Coast Guard officers and men who received decorations and awards, from the Medal of Honor to the Commandant's Letters of Commendation. The book's large format allow readers to fully appreciate its numerous photographs, many of which are new to this edition. Malcolm Willoughby now deceased, was an investment counsellor in Arlington, Massachusetts, where he joined the Coast Guard Reserve in 1942 as a lieutenant and served as skipper of a patrol boat in Boston Harbour. In 1945 he was appointed historical officer for the First Naval District and later wrote Coast Guard institutional histories at a national level.


message 273: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments Excellent find Geevee, it does sound like an excellent book and pretty detailed as well.


message 274: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments And another for the old TBR too :)


message 275: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments A very good possible that's for sure :)


message 276: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments a friend of mine was in the US Coast Guard ('70s). he
always refers to themselves as the 'Shallow water boys'.


message 277: by Manray9 (last edited Feb 26, 2014 07:11PM) (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments carl wrote: "a friend of mine was in the US Coast Guard ('70s). he
always refers to themselves as the 'Shallow water boys'."


The USN always called them the "Shallow Water Navy," but you'll find those of us who have served with the USCG hold it in the highest regard. They are savvy sailors and accomplished mariners in all seas and weathers. I served a short temp assignment aboard USCGC NORTHWIND (WAGB-282), an ice breaker deployed to the Caribbean (yes, I know. I said the same thing at the time), and my ship, USS DEYO (DD-989) embarked a USCG detachment for Operation Wagon Wheel in 1984 -- the first inter-agency maritime drug interdiction operation. The USCG has too many missions and not enough money, ships or people, but the politicians keep piling it on. They do their duty well. "Semper Paratus."


message 278: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (last edited Feb 27, 2014 11:10AM) (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Manray9 wrote: "I served a short temp assignment aboard USCGC NORTHWIND (WAGB-282), an ice breaker deployed to the Caribbean (yes, I know. I said the same thing at the time),..."

Aah military logic...always a joy for those who served, and another course like catering that was never passed by anyone ;)


message 279: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Geevee wrote: "Manray9 wrote: "I served a short temp assignment aboard USCGC NORTHWIND (WAGB-282), an ice breaker deployed to the Caribbean (yes, I know. I said the same thing at the time),..."

Aah military logi..."


In fact NORTHWIND was the only coast guard vessel at the time large enough and with an adequate C3 suite to command the operation. The humor of a large scale multiforce maritime operation being led by an ice breaker in the Caribbean was not lost on us.


message 280: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Any recommendations on German E-boat operations in the Channel or North Sea? Maybe a personal account by an E-boat sailor or officer? I suppose the subject could be stretched for our Atlantic theme read?


message 281: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments Hey I was just going to ask about E-boats. Interesting
coincidence.

this one is from the british side. i've seen it used in reference
to E-boats as perhaps there were battles with them.
havent got/read it yet.

The Battle of the Narrow Seas The History of the Light Coastal Forces in the Channel and North Sea, 1939-1945 by Peter Markham Scott


message 282: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments Looks like a pretty interesting book Carl.


message 283: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments i tried to obtain it for awhile but it was expensive,
now i see paperbacks are available, & cheap!


message 284: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments carl wrote: "Hey I was just going to ask about E-boats. Interesting
coincidence.

this one is from the british side. i've seen it used in reference
to E-boats as perhaps there were battles with them.
hav..."


I have a copy of --

Flag 4 The Battle of Coastal Forces in the Mediterranean 1939-1945 by Dudley Pope Flag 4 by Dudley Pope

about British coastal forces in the Med.


message 285: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Manray9 wrote: "Any recommendations on German E-boat operations in the Channel or North Sea? Maybe a personal account by an E-boat sailor or officer? I suppose the subject could be stretched for our Atlantic the..."

This looks interesting if you could find a copy: E-Boat Alert Defending the Normandy Invasion Fleet by James F. Tent E-Boat Alert: Defending the Normandy Invasion Fleet by James F. Hent
It may also offer some hints on further reading.


message 286: by Michael (new)

Michael Hendrickson | 22 comments you can find it on amazon Hardback used for about 10.00


message 287: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Thanks Michael.


message 288: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments Good one GV. my E-boat interest has been re-piqued as i'm reading 'Hitler's Fortress Cherbourg' which was an E-boat base. The author also goes over the Operation Tiger attack.


message 289: by Jim (new)

Jim Burkett | 4 comments I recently published a book in December based upon the the personal journal of a gentleman who served 3 1/2 years in the different Japanese POW camps, beginning with the 'Bataan Death March'. The journal was given to me by his family and I was asked to stay as faithful to the journal and partial manuscript as possible. Below is a description of the book and a link. I hope you will consider this book for reading. Thank you. Jim Burkett

http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Bataan-...

Book dscription:
On April 10, 1942, Captain Benjamin F. Stakes was taken prisoner on Bataan. For the next three and a half years, he would serve as a POW detained within five different camps and treated, along with thousands of others, to the most horrific and inhumane conditions imaginable. Before his liberation in September of 1945, over forty thousand prisoners of war would perish at the hands of the Japanese.

This is a true story of survival. From his forced participation in what would later become known as the ‘Bataan Death March’ to the reuniting with family in 1946, the author secretly documented the most deplorable conditions of the camps, from the many diseases afflicting the men, to starvation, executions, and decapitation by the Japanese soldiers, along with the torture of American, Filipino, British and Australian prisoners that many were ultimately not able to endure. Knowing these recordings were done at great risk not only to himself but for his fellow officers and enlisted men as well, their personal documents were hidden in a jar by three American officers, with its location known only by memorizing the coordinates. Of the three, only Captain Benjamin F. Stakes would survive and return to retrieve the contents. He would later forward the personal notes of one of the officers to his widow.

During his capture and transfer to the different POW camps, two of the ships transporting the men would be bombed and sunk by American planes. Describing a scene from one of the attacks where American medical officers tried helping the Japanese wounded, Mr. Stakes wrote: “As they went hurriedly about the task of rendering first aid, they were accompanied by a Jap officer who proceeded to shoot in the head any of his countrymen whose wounds appeared to be mortal, rather than let them suffer.”


message 290: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (last edited Mar 03, 2014 11:34AM) (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments Hi Jim, your book sounds very interesting, you could post the details on the author's page if you like:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Or in the POW thread:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...


message 291: by Jim (new)

Jim Burkett | 4 comments Thank you Ausie Rick, I appreciate your response and the links. I will check them out now.


message 292: by Sumit (new)

Sumit | 19 comments Hi All,

I m looking for a book on engima code breaking.somthing which tells about details of the Bletchley Park scene, or details about how the codes worked and how they were broken.

Thanks in advance


message 293: by Jill (new)

Jill Hutchinson (bucs1960) | 155 comments Sumit wrote: "Hi All,

I m looking for a book on engima code breaking.somthing which tells about details of the Bletchley Park scene, or details about how the codes worked and how they were broken.

Thanks in ad..."


Try this one Sumit....I think it is what you are looking for.

Enigma: The Battle for the Code

Enigma The Battle for the Code by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore(no photo)


message 294: by Dj (new)

Dj | 2295 comments Seizing the enigma The race to break the German U-boat codes, 1939-1943 by David Kahn \\\
I found this to be a very interesting and well written book.


Sumit wrote: "Hi All,

I m looking for a book on engima code breaking.somthing which tells about details of the Bletchley Park scene, or details about how the codes worked and how they were broken.

Thanks in ad..."



message 295: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19985 comments Good recommendations all.


message 296: by Sumit (new)

Sumit | 19 comments Thanks a lot everyone... :)


message 297: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Sowards | 500 comments Sumit wrote: "Hi All,

I m looking for a book on engima code breaking.somthing which tells about details of the Bletchley Park scene, or details about how the codes worked and how they were broken.

Thanks in ad..."


I read The Ultra Secret The Ultra Secret by F.W. Winterbotham in high school and thought it was amazing (but that was a few years ago--well, more than a few). I've also heard good things about Battle of Wits The Complete Story of Codebreaking in World War II by Stephen Budiansky Battle of Wits: The Complete Story of Codebreaking in World War II, but haven't read it yet.


message 298: by Nick (new)

Nick | 97 comments I've also heard good things about Battle of Wits: The Complete Story of Codebreaking in World War II, but haven't read it yet.

Brace yourself. Budiansky goes into the nuts and bolts of codebreaking, in great detail. You don;t read this book. You decipher it.

Oh, and a good understanding of higher-level math helps.


message 299: by Sumit (new)

Sumit | 19 comments Nick wrote: "I've also heard good things about Battle of Wits: The Complete Story of Codebreaking in World War II, but haven't read it yet.

Brace yourself. Budiansky goes into the nuts and bolts of codebreaki..."


Well nick u just tipped the balance in favor of this one, I just hope my maths from engg undergrad is enough... :P


message 300: by Tom (new)

Tom | 81 comments Sumit,

There is also the book ..

The Codebreakers The Comprehensive History of Secret Communication from Ancient Times to the Internet by David Kahn by David Kahn

its large and covers more than just ww-ii. i'm not sure how deeply it covers Bletchley Park


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