Weapons of WW2

[Nick]

excellent! thank you

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

This March 2013 release (UK) sounds like it has the potential to be a very interesting account:


by Artem Drabkin
Description:
What was it like to confront the German panzer armies as an anti-tank gunner on the Eastern Front during the Second World War? How could you hope overcome of one of the best-equipped, well-trained and tenacious armoured forces of the time? And how did the Red Army's tactics and skills develop over the course of the war in order to counter the threat posed by the elite troops of the Wehrmacht? The vivid personal narratives of Red Army anti-tank men selected for this book give a fascinating insight into these questions - and into the first-hand experience of anti-tank warfare seventy years ago. Their testimony reveals how lethal, rapid, small-scale actions - gun against tank - were fought, and it shows how such isolated actions determined the outcome of the massive offensives and counter-offensives that characterized the struggle on the Eastern Front. Panzer Killers is a valuable addition to the series of graphic eyewitness accounts of every aspect of the Red Army's war on the Eastern Front.

also posted on the Eastern Front thread.

[Christie]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "This March 2013 release (UK) sounds like it has the potential to be a very interesting account:


by Artem Drabkin
Descri..."

I enjoy reading about the Panzer Corps as they were definitely a force to be reckoned with. This should be interesting to read about the Eastern front. Another one added to the wishlist.

[Donster]

My favourite weapon of WWII would have to be the Fat Man. Its only shortcoming is that it wasn't ready in time to drop one on Berlin.

[Colin]

I interviewed many tiger crewmen, and a few commanders, even of the Waffen SS. Otto carius, Paul Eggar, Albert Kerscher, Ernst Barkmann (Panthers), Wolfgang Koltermann, and others. Intersting guys. Get the book Tigers in the Mud.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Excellent recommendation Colin, its been on my 'to read list' for a while, I do need to read it soon eh!


by Otto Carius

[Colin]

I am working on my next book, the second in The German Aces SPeak series (Luftwaffe)featuring Erich Hartmann, Johannes Steinhiff, Gunther Rall, and Dietrich Hrabak. I will then continue that line of books with other pilots, then a series with Waffen SS men, tank commanders, U-boat commanders, Pacifica aces, etc.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Sounds like an excellent series of books to come then Colin. Make sure you keep us posted on progress as I am sure quite a few members here will be interested.

[Colin]

The new book is The Star of Africa, bu the next book/biography comes out in May, see Amazon for that one.

[Christie]

Interesting article and review for that was in "The Daily Beast" this morning. Sounds like a good book.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles...

[Jerome]

I found something else on those "bat bombs". Sounds a little bizarre:

by Jack Couffer

Synopsis

It was a crazy way to win World War II in the Pacific-- All the United States had to do was to attach small incendiary bombs to millions of bats and release them over Japan's major cities. As the bats went to roost, a million fires would flare up in remote crannies of the wood and paper buildings common throughout Japan. When their cities were reduced to ashes, the Japanese would surely capitulate... The plan made sense to a handful of eccentric promoters and researchers, who convinced top military brass and even President Roosevelt to back the scheme. It might have worked, except that another secret weapon--something to do with atoms--was chosen to end the war. Told here by the youngest member of the team, this is the story of the bat bomb project, or Project X-Ray, as it was officially known. In scenes worthy of a Capra or Hawks comedy, Jack Couffer recounts the unorthodox experiments carried out in the secrecy of Bandera, Texas, Carlsbad, New Mexico, and El Centro, California, in 1942-1943 by "Doc" Adams' private army. This oddball cast of characters included an eccentric inventor, a distinguished Harvard scientist, a biologist with a chip on his shoulder, a movie star, a Texas guano collector, a crusty Marine Corps colonel, a Maine lobster fisherman, an ex-mobster, and a tiger. Not to be defeated by minor logistical hurdles, the bat bomb researchers risked life and limb to explore uncharted bat caves and "recruit" thousands of bats to serve their country. Through months of personality conflicts, military snafus, and technical failures the team pressed on, certain that bats could end the war with Japan. And they might have--in their first airborne test, the bat bombers burned anentire brand-new military airfield to the ground. For everyone who relishes true tales of action and adventure, Bat Bomb is a must-read. Bat enthusiasts will also discover the beginnings of the scientific study of bats.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Thnaks for the details on that book Jerome, it does sound a bit different!

[Mike, Assisting Moderator US Forces]

Christie wrote: "Interesting article and review for that was in "The Daily Beast" this morning. Sounds like a good b..."

Added TBR.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Didn't take long :)

[Mike, Assisting Moderator US Forces]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Didn't take long :)"

Never does. I am just ruled by impulse.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

I think your a bad influence :)

I've just ordered a copy of this book:


by James E. Mrarek

[Christie]

WWII Bazooka round found in Pocahontas, AR yard

http://www.kait8.com/story/21079012/w...

[Christie]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "I think your a bad influence :)

I've just ordered a copy of this book:


by James E..."

Speaking of bad influences, I just added your recent purchase to my wishlist AR!

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

It spreads like a virus :)

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Christie wrote: "WWII Bazooka round found in Pocahontas, AR yard

http://www.kait8.com/story/21079012/w..."

Why does Pocahontas need a bazooka ;)

[Christie]

LOL! That's pretty scary Geevee- I thought the same thing when I read the headline :) In fact, that's why I added the AR when I posted the headline.

[carl]

Geevee wrote: " Why does Pocahontas need a bazooka ;)"


this occurred just after the 7th Cavalry upgraded to
Shermans rumor...

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Nice one Carl...

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Funny :)

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

I figured I'd mention this new book (2011) here in this thread in case it interested any members who are keen to read about Germany's V2 rockets:

by Murray R. Barber
Description:
In the final, desperate months of World War Two, at a time when the German war machine was considered by the Allies to be an almost spent force, Adolf Hitler unleashed a new weapon against England and western Europe that fell from the silence of the Earth's upper atmosphere and the edge of space. It was a weapon that struck fear into the hearts and minds of wartime civilians; it came without warning and defense was impossible. This was an unseen threat that fell at supersonic speeds, leveling suburban streets to dust in seconds, terrorizing the residents of London and Antwerp - this was the V2 Rocket.

The V2 - 'Vergeltungswaffen Zwei' (Vengeance Weapon 2), designed by the rocket scientist and engineer, Wernher von Braun, and his colleagues at the secret Nazi research center at Peenemunde, was the most sophisticated weapon developed in Europe during the war. Following the end of hostilities, von Braun and many in his team transferred their allegiance to the United States and subsequently went on to design the mighty Saturn V that took the Americans to the moon. The experiences of von Braun's rocket team are well documented, but somewhat surprisingly, some aspects of the V2 story remain largely uncovered. This is especially true from the German perspective and more specifically, the view of the men who formed the firing teams for this formidable weapon that embraced supersonic technology. From September 1944 to early 1945, V2 launch teams fired more than 3,000 rockets, each with a high-explosive one-ton warhead, at targets in England, France, Belgium, Holland and even within Germany itself. Many rockets were fired from mobile launch sites in The Hague and from concealed wooded areas hidden from Allied aircraft, using fleets of modern, purpose-built transporters and trailers with sophisticated ancillary and support vehicles.

For the first time, this book tells the story of the V2 through the eyes and experiences of the men who not only fired the missiles at targets such as London, Norwich, Antwerp and Paris, but also of some of the military scientists and technicians involved in its development. The authors have spent many years tracking down and interviewing the few surviving veterans of these little-known and secretive units and have unearthed new and rare information from firsthand accounts. These are the unique recollections of the 'Rocket Soldiers' who have spoken candidly to the authors about their wartime duties.

The accounts show that, mostly, they were not stereotypical and idealogically indoctrinated 'Aryan warriors', but very ordinary soldiers and technicians living through extraordinary times, handling the most sophisticated weapon ever developed in pre-nuclear Europe. The book also describes the development of German rocketry following the end of the First World War and the technology embodied within the V2. The veterans tell of their first encounters with the awesome new rocket and how, having survived the devastating RAF raid on Peenemunde, training was dispersed to test sites in Poland. They recall the move to forward firing positions, gun battles with the Resistance and the start of the rocket offensive. In truth, the more battle-experienced veterans knew that the V2 was a waste of valuable human and mate'riel resources - a last-ditch hope to save a desperated regime. Conversely, the book illustrates how inexperienced troops drafted directly to the V2 units from basic training, vainly hoped and believed that the fortunes of war would turn in Germany's favor. The veterans tell of their desperate experiences when the inevitable defeat came, as they were rushed to the east to defend Berlin where so many Rocket Soldiers lost their lives. Yet while some V2 troops ended the war with tears of regret for a robbed youth, others shed tears of frustration, knowing that they would never live through such extraordinary times again.

Hitler's Rocket Soldiers forms an important new contribution to our understanding of the German war machine and its technology. Using never-before tapped resources, this book will be a revelation and valuable resource to all military historians and those with an interest in rocket development.

[Michael, Assisting Moderator Axis Forces]

Added to the TBR

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Yeah, I'm thinking about a copy as well - I'm my own worse enemy sometimes!

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Another series of titles from Osprey that appears to be quite interesting:


by Chris McNab

by Chris McNab

by Leroy Thompson

by Neil Grant

by Alejandro Quesada

by Leroy Thompson

by Leroy Thompson

by Gordon L. Rottman

by Martin Pegler

by Leroy Thompson

Plus a whole lot more for those interested.

[Colin]

get the book "V-2) by Gen. Walter Dornberger, who was the project commander at Peenemunde

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Thanks Colin for the recommendation. Looks a challenge to buy a nice copy on the market with a good dust wrapper too (not the copy below but there is one with a V2 taking off in a woodland scene with V2 in red lettering).

by Walter Dornberger

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Two Osprey titles covering some of Germany's most feared tanks of WW2:



by Thomas Anderson
Description:
One of the most feared weapons of World War II, the Tiger tank was a beast of a machine which dominated the battlefields of Europe with its astonishing size, speed and firepower. Today it continues to fascinate more than 70 years after it was first designed and a comprehensive, illustrated history such as this is long overdue. Revealing its design and development history, Thomas Anderson draws upon original German archival material to tell the story of the birth of the Tiger. He then analyzes its success on the battlefield and the many modifications and variants that also came into play. Illustrated throughout with rare photographs and drawings, many of which have never been published in English before, this is a unique history of easily the most famous tank ever produced.

by Mike Green
Description:
The German Panther tank was almost certainly the most elegant design of WWII. It embodied a balance of firepower, armor protection, and mobility unmatched by any other tank of the period. Yet, it was not the war-winner it might have been. Author Mike Green examines the disparity between the potential of the Panther design and the actuality of the fielded Panther tank in his new book. Though many viewed the Panther as an engineering masterpiece and a technological breakthrough, the Panther failed to meet expectations on the battlefield, thereby crushing Hitler's dreams of world domination. Green explores the evolution--and devolution--of the Panther, providing keen insight and new reasons for its ultimate failure.

Review:
"Vintage images abound in a fine history of the Panther's evolution and influence ... a top recommendation for any collection strong in World War II equipment..." - The Midwest Book Review

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

I am sure this book will interest a few members here in the group:


by Jean Restayn
Description:
In April 1941, two months prior to operation 'Barbarossa', Adolf Hitler ordered the development of a heavy tank, armed with the famed 88mm gun. This tank became a legend in its own time. Feared by its adversaries and liked by its crews, the Tiger etched its mark in history and the legend carries on, 60 years after the end of the war. This compilation of the two volumes dealing with Tiger units on the Eastern Front, the Western Front, and Africa, features almost a thousand period pictures, mostly unpublished, and more than 80 full-colour plates by the author: tank profiles, details of markings and insignia, camouflage, and a short history of each Tiger unit. This edition has been revised and augmented, with more accurate captions as to dates and locale, together with new illustrations and a chapter on additional units.

Also listed in the New Release thread.

[Colin]

I interviewed Ferry Porsche, who's father Prf. Dr. Ferdinand Porsche Sr. designed the Tiger I and II. I was able to look at his original blueprints. I also interviewed over a dozen Tiger crew and 6 commanders. They had a love hate relationship with it. Amazing how Porsche went from desining the best tanks to the best sports cars.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

And both in their own arenas iconic Colin. Were the designs all his or did he have some regular designers who supported him?

[Colin]

yes, Porsche senior had several designers, even Albert Speer was brought on borad when he was armaments minister in 1942 to evaluate the Tiger I design, and later at Grafenwoher during field testing and he made a few design suggestions, such as the extra wide field track as opposed to a standard narrow track, which they used for rail transport, etc. One other design change before production was the inclusion of the 88mm kwk cannon rather than the high velocity 75mm that was standard on the Mk IV and Mk V Panther. It proved to be the teeth of the Tiger as we all know.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Thanks for that information Colin, much appreciated. For those seeking more info on the Tiger I try this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_I

[Colin]

No problem. Speer saw the value of the heavy suspension and interlocking road wheels to help distribute the massive 56 tons that the tank weighed empty. However, several exerienced tank commanders who had been through the first Russian winter had reservations when brought on board. They knew that the interlocking road wheels would be prone to freezing and locking up in caked in frozen snow and ice. They suggested copying the Christi suspension used by the Soviets. This was not done.

This reservation proved accurate. Tank crews were issed with "breaker bars", large iron crowbars about 4-5 feet long to break up material within the roadwheels. Otto Carius told me about a very interesting scenario just like that.

Albert Kerscher had the problem with his Tiger II in the winter fighting in Hungary, when during a battle, his crew had to jump out and clear the road wheels, as the tank took two dozen hits. They jumped back in and continued fighting. They killed 7 Soviet tanks, and Albert received the Oak Leaves for the mission.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Interesting Colin and when I served in Berlin I spoke to a couple of local Germans who were working in our barracks and they were discussing the differences and performance of British modern technology (1980s Chieftains) in cold winter weather and the Tiger. The point on the inter-locking road wheels was made by them. I do not envy a crew having to dismount in action to clear frozen mud to enable them to move.

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Some more excellent information Colin, thanks again for sharing. It also reminded me that I need to read this book soon:

by Otto Carius

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

This new book may interest some members here in the group:



by Hans Seidler
description:
German Machine Guns of the Second World War is a highly illustrated record of the German war machine between 1939 - 1945. Many of the photographs, all from the authors collection, come originally from the albums of individuals who took part in the war.

Arranged by theatre chronologically, the book analyses the development of the machine gun and describes how the Germans carefully utilized weapons such as the MG34 and the much vaunted MG42 into both offensive and defensive roles. Supported by a host of other machine guns like the MP28, MP38/40 and the lethal Sturmgerher 44, it depicts how these formidable machine guns fought against an ever-increasing enemy threat.

Using over 250 rare and unpublished photographs together with detailed captions and accompanying text, this book provides a unique insight into German weaponry from early Blitzkrieg campaigns to the final demise of the Nazi empire.

[Manray9]

I love flying boats: PBY Catalinas, Martin Mariners, Short Sunderlands, Grumman Goose, Blohm & Voss Wiking, and Kawanishi Mavis and Emily.

Not long ago, I read:

Flying Boats: My Father's War in the Mediterranean by Alex Frame

Coastal Command 1939-45: Photographs From the Imperial War Museum by Ian Carter

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Nice books Manray9, thanks for posting the details. I must say that I don't mind Catalina's and Short Sunderlands. We have an operational Catalina over here in Australia that flies at all the air shows, sounds beautiful and looks pretty impressive!

[Manray9]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Nice books Manray9, thanks for posting the details. I must say that I don't mind Catalina's and Short Sunderlands. We have an operational Catalina over here in Australia that flies at all the air s..."

Alex Frame is a New Zealander who grew up living among the islands of the SW Pacific.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

One of my wishes in life is to witness a Sunderland flying (along with a Hawker Typhoon and Westland Whirlwind).

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Are any of those types still flying anywhere Geevee?

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Not that I know of Rick - there is a group trying to get a Whirlwind off the ground (so to speak): http://www.whirlwindfighterproject.org/

['Aussie Rick', Moderator]

Fingers crossed they do Geevee, it would be a marvellous thing to see eh!

[Manray9]

Geevee wrote: "One of my wishes in life is to witness a Sunderland flying (along with a Hawker Typhoon and Westland Whirlwind)."

There is a private aviation museum in Florida -- about halfway between Orlando and Tampa, They have a number of WW II aircraft, including a Short Sunderland -- which, unfortunately, doesn't fly. Visitors may poke through the Sunderland at will, but I would like to fly in one.

[Geevee, Assisting Moderator British & Commonwealth Forces]

Manrya9 they have a Sunderland at Duxford too and it is a beautiful beast.

I am hopeful we'll see the Whirlwind one day too Rick...as for a Typhoon I can live in hope.

[Manray9]

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Nice books Manray9, thanks for posting the details. I must say that I don't mind Catalina's and Short Sunderlands. We have an operational Catalina over here in Australia that flies at all the air s..."

If you or any other member is interested, I have a dozen or so good books on flying boats.