THE WORLD WAR TWO GROUP discussion

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

Comments Showing 1,001-1,050 of 1,652 (1652 new)    post a comment »

message 1001: by Jamie (new)

Jamie Campbell | 206 comments Ta very much.


message 1002: by Edgar (new)

Edgar Raines | 45 comments Dear Jamie,

The trouble with the Thompson and Harris books from your point of view is that they deal with the Signal Corps story at the War Department and theater levels. I spoke to Rebecca Robbins Raines this morning, the author of _Getting the Message Through: A Branch History of the U.S. Army Signal Corps_, also available on-line at http://www.history.army.mil/html/book... and compiler of _Signal Corps_ in the Army Lineage Series, also available on-line at http://www.history.army.mil/html/book... This volume consists of the unit lineage of all units active in the Army from the Vietnam War through the early 21st Century. It will include some World War II Signal Units. But this really does not get to your question. That will require examination of World War II era Signal Corps TO&Es. At one time the U.S. Army Center of Military History had at least some World War II TO&Es posted on line. But a few years ago, when they shifted from servers to the cloud much material was lost from the Center's website. I would check there first. If those are not available, you might check the website of the U.S. Army History and Education Center at Carlisle, Pa., and, if that does not work, the History Office of the U.S. Army Signal Center and School (if the Army has not changed the name recently) at Fort Gordon, Georgia. I am sorry I cannot be more helpful. Good luck with your search.

Sincerely,



Ed


message 1003: by Jamie (new)

Jamie Campbell | 206 comments Thanks Ed.

I do love this group!


message 1004: by happy (last edited Feb 01, 2017 07:34PM) (new)

happy (happyone) | 2281 comments Jamie,

I don't know of any books at a division level or lower. I agree with Edgar that Ft. Gordon would be a good place to check. I do know that during WW II each division had a signal company organic to it.

As a former signal officer I would be interested in what you find.


message 1005: by Jamie (new)

Jamie Campbell | 206 comments Thanks again.


message 1006: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments wow great reply Edgar, what a goto group.

Edgar wrote: "Dear Jamie,

The trouble with the Thompson and Harris books from your point of view is that they deal with the Signal Corps story at the War Department and theater levels. I spoke to Rebecca Robbin..."



message 1007: by Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces (new)

Geevee | 3811 comments Edgar wrote: "Dear Jamie,

The trouble with the Thompson and Harris books from your point of view is that they deal with the Signal Corps story at the War Department and theater levels. I spoke to Rebecca Robbin..."


This is the reply that shows when GR needs a like button; great reply Edgar.


message 1008: by Michal (new)

Michal | 189 comments any good books on Martin Bormann?


message 1009: by Nishant (new)

Nishant Pappireddi (rootofunity) I'm looking for a book about the sub war against Japan. I know the classic work on this is Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War Against Japan, but it's 1000 pages and I was wondering if there was a shorter book.


message 1010: by Jamie (new)

Jamie Campbell | 206 comments Geevee wrote: "Edgar wrote: "Dear Jamie,

The trouble with the Thompson and Harris books from your point of view is that they deal with the Signal Corps story at the War Department and theater levels. I spoke to ..."


Which reminds me. . .


message 1011: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19989 comments Nishant wrote: "I'm looking for a book about the sub war against Japan. I know the classic work on this is Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War Against Japan, but it's 1000 pages and I was wonderin..."

I haven't read this book but I think it has received some decent reader reviews:

Sink 'Em All Submarine Warfare in the Pacific by Charles Lockwood Sink 'Em All: Submarine Warfare in the Pacific by Charles Lockwood

I also have a copy of this book but have not read it yet either:

The War Below The Story of Three Submarines That Battled Japan by James Scott The War Below: The Story of Three Submarines That Battled Japan by James Scott


message 1012: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Nishant wrote: "I'm looking for a book about the sub war against Japan. I know the classic work on this is Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War Against Japan, but it's 1000 pages an..."

Admiral Lockwood commanded the U.S. subs in MacArthur's realm of the Southwest Pacific and then became COMSUBPAC in Pearl Harbor. In that billet he commanded all the U.S. subs in the Pacific Fleet. Lockwood Hall at Pearl Harbor is named for him. With his book, you would be hearing the story straight from the horse's mouth.


message 1013: by carl (last edited Feb 22, 2017 07:48PM) (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments during my last visit to the National Museum to the Pacific War I saw a nice display of sub books. Enthused I made note of them, but haven't acquired any yet:

War in the Boats My WWII Submarine Battles (Memories of War) by William J. Ruhe

The War Below The Story of Three Submarines That Battled Japan by James Scott

A Tale of Two Subs An Untold Story of World War II, Two Sister Ships, and Extraordinary Heroism by Jonathan J. McCullough

The Silent Service in World War II The Fleet Type Submarine by Periscope Film

Submarine! by Edward L. Beach


message 1014: by Marc (last edited Feb 23, 2017 08:26AM) (new)

Marc | 1749 comments Nishant wrote: "I'm looking for a book about the sub war against Japan. I know the classic work on this is Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War Against Japan, but it's 1000 pages and I was wonderin..."

There is actually a shorter version of this book entitled "Combat Patrol"--I read it back in the early 80's as a Bantam War Book.

I've seen several good recommendations on sub books so far. Lockwood's book is really good, albeit a bit biased. Scott's book is good as well. Here are some I'd personally recommend:

Clear the Bridge! The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang by Richard H. O'Kane Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang

Wahoo The Patrols of America's Most Famous World War II Submarine by Richard H. O'Kane Wahoo: The Patrols of America's Most Famous World War II Submarine

The Bravest Man Richard O'Kane and the Amazing Submarine Adventures of the USS Tang by William Tuohy The Bravest Man: Richard O'Kane and the Amazing Submarine Adventures of the USS Tang

Thunder Below! The USS *Barb* Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II by Eugene B. Fluckey Thunder Below!: The USS *Barb* Revolutionizes Submarine Warfare in World War II

Escape from the Deep The Epic Story of a Legendary Submarine and her Courageous Crew by Alex Kershaw Escape from the Deep: The Epic Story of a Legendary Submarine and her Courageous Crew

I've read all of these and had the very distinct pleasure of meeting Richard O'Kane on two occasions. I'd also say that you should give the full version of Clay Blair's book a chance--it's really excellent. His two-volume set on the U-boat war is excellent as well.


message 1015: by Manray9 (last edited Feb 23, 2017 09:09AM) (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Marc wrote: "Nishant wrote: "I'm looking for a book about the sub war against Japan. I know the classic work on this is Silent Victory: The U.S. Submarine War Against Japan, but it's 1000 pages an..."

Dick O'Kane's Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang is among the best. O'Kane, Mush Morton and Gene Fluckey were the finest submariners in the U.S. Navy. While the A-bombs pushed the Japanese over the threshold to surrender, if you read Japanese accounts of the war from 1944 onward, it was the U.S. submarine force that broke their backs.


message 1016: by Nooilforpacifists (new)

Nooilforpacifists (nooil4pacifists) | 97 comments I'm with Manray: Dick O'Kane's book is a must read for those interested in submarine warfare in the Pacific.


message 1017: by Nishant (new)

Nishant Pappireddi (rootofunity) Could I have some recommendations for spy thrillers set in WW2? I've read most of Ken Follett's books in this area, and I am interested in more.


message 1018: by Marc (new)

Marc | 1749 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have some recommendations for spy thrillers set in WW2? I've read most of Ken Follett's books in this area, and I am interested in more."

This one might work for you:

London Calling North Pole


message 1019: by Manray9 (last edited Feb 25, 2017 08:47AM) (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have some recommendations for spy thrillers set in WW2? I've read most of Ken Follett's books in this area, and I am interested in more."

Nishant: Have you tried the works of Alan Furst? They're not bad, but they decline in quality as you go along. He's great at atmosphere, weak with plot, and history buffs can pick apart his versions of events. Also try Philip Kerr. He writes of a character, Bernie Gunther, who -- as a policeman with a conscience -- sees the thirties, WW II, and the post-war world from the German perspective. Kerr's books have been described as Berlin Noir. There is David Downing too, who created the character John Russell, who plays with all sides in Berlin, London, and Moscow during the war.


message 1020: by Nishant (last edited Feb 25, 2017 10:21AM) (new)

Nishant Pappireddi (rootofunity) Thanks, Manray9! I've decided to get Dark Voyage (Night Soldiers, #8) by Alan Furst , which sounds very interesting!


message 1021: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Sowards | 500 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have some recommendations for spy thrillers set in WW2? I've read most of Ken Follett's books in this area, and I am interested in more."

I've long been a fan of Jack Higgins and Alistair MacLean for that genre.


message 1022: by Karl (new)

Karl Øen | 19 comments Nishan: I am currently listening to Night Soldiers (Night Soldiers # 1). At 18+ hours it is quite a task, especially as the cast is rather large. I might be wrong, but due to the fact that there are some recurring characters in this series, you would be well advised to start with the first installment.


message 1023: by Boudewijn (new)

Boudewijn (boudalok) | 403 comments Just finished The Aviators: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, and the Epic Age of Flight (review here) and this got me interested in Charles Lindbergh. Any good suggestions for a decent biography?


message 1024: by Gregg (new)

Gregg | 195 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have some recommendations for spy thrillers set in WW2? I've read most of Ken Follett's books in this area, and I am interested in more."

Check out several of W.E.B. Griffin's series of books. W.E.B. Griffin His series "The Corps" ( book #1 Semper Fi) starts in WWII and, I believe, continues into Korea.


message 1025: by Dimitri (new)

Dimitri | 1413 comments Sumit wrote: "I am looking for a book on how Germany recovered itself after world war two. Means from what I have read about the war and its effects on German population, they must have been in seriously tight s..."

This may help:

The Good Occupation American Soldiers and the Hazards of Peace by Susan L. Carruthers The Good Occupation: American Soldiers and the Hazards of Peaceby Susan L. Carruthers


message 1026: by Nishant (new)

Nishant Pappireddi (rootofunity) Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?


message 1027: by A.L. (new)

A.L. Sowards | 500 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

I liked Masters of the Air America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany by Donald L. Miller Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany. It's focused on the US 8th AAF stationed in England.

I have this on my to-read list: The Men Who Killed the Luftwaffe The U.S. Army Air Forces Against Germany in World War II by Jay A. Stout The Men Who Killed the Luftwaffe: The U.S. Army Air Forces Against Germany in World War II.

If you prefer a memoir rather than a big-picture book, I recommend Combat Crew by John Comer Combat Crew or A Distant Prayer by Joseph C. Banks A Distant Prayer.

I'm sure many other group members will have great recommendations for you too!


message 1028: by Dimitri (new)

Dimitri | 1413 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

A memoir that's as solid as a textbook : Bomber Offensive by Arthur Harris. Reissued as recently as 2016.


message 1029: by Marc (new)

Marc | 1749 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

A.L.'s recommendations are really good, and here's a few I'd add to the list:

Tail-End Charlies The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944--45 by John Nichol Tail-End Charlies: The Last Battles of the Bomber War, 1944--45

Hell's Angels The True Story of the 303rd Bomb Group in World War II by Jay A. Stout Hell's Angels: The True Story of the 303rd Bomb Group in World War II

The Mighty Eighth (A History of the Units, Men and Machines of the Us 8th Air Force) by Roger A. Freeman The Mighty Eighth

Into the Fire Ploesti, The Most Fateful Mission of World War II by Duane P. Schultz Into the Fire: Ploesti, The Most Fateful Mission of World War II

Bomber Command by Max Hastings Bomber Command

Forgotten Fifteenth The Daring Airmen Who Crippled Hitler's War Machine by Barrett Tillman Forgotten Fifteenth: The Daring Airmen Who Crippled Hitler's War Machine

The Mighty Eighth The Air War in Europe as Told by the Men Who Fought It by Gerald Astor The Mighty Eighth: The Air War in Europe as Told by the Men Who Fought It

Mission to Berlin The American Airmen Who Struck the Heart of Hitler's Reich by Robert F. Dorr Mission to Berlin: The American Airmen Who Struck the Heart of Hitler's Reich

Fortress Ploesti The Campaign to Destroy Hitler's Oil Supply by Jay A. Stout Fortress Ploesti: The Campaign to Destroy Hitler's Oil Supply

Mission 376 Battle Over the Reich, May 28, 1944 by Ivo De Jong Mission 376: Battle Over the Reich, May 28, 1944

Firestorm Hamburg The Facts Surrounding the Destruction of a German City 1943 by Martin Middlebrook Firestorm Hamburg: The Facts Surrounding the Destruction of a German City 1943

I've read every one of these books and can definitely recommend them all. Roger Freeman is one of the very best authorities on the 8th Air Force, so any book by him will be good. Although I haven't read any of them, Martin Bowman has written several books dealing with both the American and British bombing campaigns.

Let me know when you want recommendations for the Pacific...


message 1030: by Dj (new)

Dj | 2295 comments The United States Strategic Bombing Surveys

If you can find it, this gives a really good overview of what was and wasn't accomplished by the bombing.


message 1031: by Jonny (last edited Mar 13, 2017 11:06AM) (new)

Jonny | 2115 comments Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

Pretty much any of Martin Middlebrooks books are good snapshots;

The Berlin Raids The Bomber Battle, Winter 1943-1944 by Martin Middlebrook The Berlin Raids: The Bomber Battle, Winter 1943-1944
The Peenemunde Raid The Night of 17-18 August 1943 (Cassell Military Classics) by Martin Middlebrook The Peenemunde Raid: The Night of 17-18 August 1943
The Schweinfurt Regensburg Mission The American Raids on 17 August 1943 by Martin Middlebrook The Schweinfurt Regensburg Mission: The American Raids on 17 August 1943
And so on. John Nichol's The Red Line by John Nicol The Red Line is pretty good too, and I'll second Marc's call on Tail End Charlies and Bomber Command.


message 1032: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19989 comments Well it looks like you have a whole heap of good books to check out Nishant. Thanks everyone for such excellent recommendations!


message 1033: by Colin (new)

Colin Heaton (colin1962) | 2011 comments Jonny wrote: "Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

Pretty much any of Martin Middlebrooks books are good snapshots;

[bookcove..."

I interviewed German pilots who were involved in all the air battles these books represent, and the late Robert Dorr was a good historian, we helped each other a lot.

Jonny wrote: "Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

Pretty much any of Martin Middlebrooks books are good snapshots;

[bookcove..."


Jonny wrote: "Nishant wrote: "Could I have a recommendation for books on the Allied bombing campaign against Germany and its allies?"

Pretty much any of Martin Middlebrooks books are good snapshots;

[bookcove..."



message 1034: by DoctorM (new)

DoctorM (aethervoice) | 15 comments I'm looking for an alt-history novel that came out in the early or mid-1980s--- about a group of partisans in northern Australia dealing with a Japanese invasion in 1942. Does anyone recall this novel? Thanks.


message 1035: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19989 comments I'm afraid I can't help you, doesn't ring any bells with me but I'll do a little research and see if I can come up with any information.


message 1036: by DoctorM (new)

DoctorM (aethervoice) | 15 comments Merci, Rick!


'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I'm afraid I can't help you, doesn't ring any bells with me but I'll do a little research and see if I can come up with any information."


message 1037: by Dj (new)

Dj | 2295 comments DoctorM wrote: "I'm looking for an alt-history novel that came out in the early or mid-1980s--- about a group of partisans in northern Australia dealing with a Japanese invasion in 1942. Does anyone recall this no..."


Maybe:
The Bush Soldiers
The Bush Soldiers by John Hooker

Maybe, did a search and that was what I came up with.


message 1038: by zed (new)

zed  (4triplezed) | 951 comments Great find Dj. Would not mind reading that.

There is also this as well.

N N by John Alan Scott


message 1039: by DoctorM (new)

DoctorM (aethervoice) | 15 comments I think this is the one! Thanks!


Dj wrote: "DoctorM wrote: "I'm looking for an alt-history novel that came out in the early or mid-1980s--- about a group of partisans in northern Australia dealing with a Japanese invasion in 1942. Does anyon..."


message 1040: by Jerome (last edited Apr 01, 2017 01:32AM) (new)

Jerome Otte | 808 comments Anyone know any resources on the Japanese or Italian air forces?


message 1041: by Tom (new)

Tom | 81 comments Jerome wrote: "Anyone know any resources on the Japanese or Italian air forces?"

This might be of interest
Why Air Forces Fail The Anatomy of Defeat by Robin Higham Why Air Forces Fail: The Anatomy of Defeat

Nothing else comes to mind.


message 1042: by carl (new)

carl  theaker | 1560 comments personal level rather than strategic.

The Last Zero Fighter Firsthand Accounts from WWII Japanese Naval Pilots by Dan King

Jerome wrote: "Anyone know any resources on the Japanese or Italian air forces?"


message 1043: by Gregg (last edited Apr 01, 2017 12:02PM) (new)

Gregg | 195 comments Samurai! by Saburo Sakai an interesting account of the leading, surviving, Japanese Naval ace of WWII.
These titles may lead you to others on the topic (Edited to add that most or all of them are on my 'Want' list at Amazon.com):
Imperial Japanese Navy Aces 1937–45 by Henry Sakaida by Henry Sakaida
Imperial Japanese Naval Aviator 1937-45 (Warrior) by Osamu Tagaya by Osamu Tagaya
Japanese Army Air Force Aces 1937–45 by Henry Sakaida by Henry Sakaida
Ki-43 'Oscar' Aces of World War 2 (Aircraft of the Aces, #85) by Hiroshi Ichimura by Hiroshi Ichimura
Ki-44 ‘Tojo’ Aces of World War 2 by Nicholas Millman by Nicholas Millman
Ki-61 and Ki-100 Aces (Aircraft of the Aces) by Nicholas Millman by Nicholas Millman
J2M Raiden and N1K1/2 Shiden/Shiden-Kai Aces (Aircraft of the Aces) by Yasuho Izawa by Yasuho Izawa
Italian Aces of World War 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces) by Giorgio Apostolo by Giorgio Apostolo


message 1044: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (last edited Apr 01, 2017 01:34PM) (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19989 comments Jerome wrote: "Anyone know any resources on the Japanese or Italian air forces?"

Check these out Jerome:

Courage Alone The Italian Air Force 1940-1943 by Chris Dunning Courage Alone: The Italian Air Force 1940-1943 by Chris Dunning

Regia Aeronautica The Italian Air Force 1923-1945 - An Operational History by Chris Dunning Regia Aeronautica: The Italian Air Force 1923-1945 - An Operational History by Chris Dunning


message 1045: by Jerome (new)

Jerome Otte | 808 comments Sweet, thanks, everybody!


message 1046: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19989 comments One of our members is looking for a book:

"I recently came across the Edelweiss Pirates novels after reading the White Rose non-fiction novel. Does anyone know of more books like this about rebellion German teens?"

(Edelweiss Pirates #1) ‘Operation Einstein' by Mark A. Cooper and (Edelweiss Pirates #2) The Edelweiss Express by Mark A. Cooper by Mark A. Cooper


message 1047: by Manray9 (new)

Manray9 | 4785 comments Lauren wrote: "Hello all! I was wondering if anyone could recommend any books revolving around Dunkirk. I'd like to expand my knowledge of the subject before seeing Christoper Nolan's film in July.

Thanks, Lauren."


Lauren: I have a copy, unread, of Hugh Sebag-Montefiore's --

Dunkirk Fight To The Last Man by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore Dunkirk: Fight To The Last Man

It's been well reviewed.


message 1048: by 'Aussie Rick', Moderator (new)

'Aussie Rick' (aussierick) | 19989 comments Hi Lauren,

This book has just been released which may be the perfect book for you:

Dunkirk The History Behind the Major Motion Picture by Joshua Levine Dunkirk: The History Behind the Major Motion Picture by Joshua Levine

However here are a few more title that may interest you:

Dunkirk Fight to the Last Man by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore Dunkirk: Fight to the Last Man by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore

Dunkirk Retreat to Victory by Julian Thompson Dunkirk: Retreat to Victory by Julian Thompson

Forgotten Voices of Dunkirk by Joshua Levine Forgotten Voices of Dunkirk by Joshua Levine


message 1049: by Jonny (new)

Jonny | 2115 comments It's more of a further reading thing, but you might also like to try

Dunkirk - The Men They Left Behind  by Sean Longden Dunkirk - The Men They Left Behind

It's a reminder that not everyone got off the beach.


message 1050: by Colin (new)

Colin Heaton (colin1962) | 2011 comments 'Aussie Rick' wrote: "One of our members is looking for a book:

"I recently came across the Edelweiss Pirates novels after reading the White Rose non-fiction novel. Does anyone know of more books like this about rebell..."


Sophie Scholl and her brother, as well as their friends were executed by guillotine, although their network was much wider. In my friend Adam Makos' book A Higher Call, as well as my book, The German Aces Speak II, we both illustrate just how far the investigation went long after the executions. Franz Stigler was visited by the Gestapo in Sicily, as his brother (deceased at that time) was a member, and they thought Franz, a former student priest may have also been involved.


back to top