We know quite a lot about each other's specialised interests - how about things we'd like to read up on / research but haven't yet got around to ? I thought it might be fun to admit ignorance ( for a change ! ) so I'll start with two areas I keep promising myself to research ; - 1 ) The Me-262 ( I've even got all the best books - just haven't read them ! ) 2 ) Cassino ( ditto ! ) Every time threads come up about these, I wish I knew more... Anyone else with a knowledge gap they'd like to fill ? [ 17. November 2003, 07:58 AM: Message edited by: Martin Bull ]
So here´s what I´d like to investigate better later on... 1. Anzio 2. German invasion of Norway 3. Battles of Brittany 4.The western allied attack on Germany Jan-April 1945
There is a one thing I am particulary interested in research. What about partisan movement in Yugoslavia in period 1941-1945? I think I never saw a thread about this theatre and it is quite odd because a lot of stuff was happening there OK, I am from Croatia so I am perhaps little to enthusiastic in wishing that others know anything about the fighting there, but still... I read some books on this subject and was amazed with some facts. For example, never less than fifteen German division at any time were present there. Another interesting thing is that by mid 1943 Yugoslav partizans liberated significant amount of territory and by early 1945 partizan movement evolved in regular army numbering over 300 000 soldiers.
Yep, Yugoslavia is quite an interesting chapter, being pretty much the only country to avoid Soviet occupation. The Yugoslav partisans also ranged out over their own borders to strike at German interests. A friend of my dad came to Sweden following WWII, his father had been killed by Yugoslav partisans infiltrating into Austria and striking at whatever targets they could find.
I've tried to find books about this, but you don't find very much about it. So, I'd like to know more about the fighting in the Caucasus.
Hiya, Been researching the military presence in Scotland in the two wars for a long time. Would like to have the time/money to extend it to 1900-2000. One day.......... Regards, Gordon
Srdo, I'm sure you appreciate Yugoslavia was nothing like pro and anti German, the war gave opportunity to a massive armed internal power struggle. In general it’s a barbaric story and IMHO I’m hesitant to refer to many of the forces as ‘Partisan’ out of respect to Partisans in other countries. No.9 [ 17. November 2003, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: No.9 ]
I don't think I know enough about any of the campaigns in World War Two. I really don't know anything yet, I've just begun researching for about a year now and there's just so much to learn. Everyday it's just overwhelming how much there is out there, I want to learn it all but don't think that's ever going to happen, but hey, I'll do my best. I really would like to know about the Russian campaign more. Every WWII historian mentions it so highly, I would really like to research it more.
I would like to know more about the Luftwaffe and it's research programs. I know that the research programs were highly advanced, but not much else.
Especially the Battles in Russia between Stalingrad and Kursk - Manstein saving the southern German front was probably the best military performance of the entire war.
But, no interest in Allied programs? They had quite a few too, and some just as "advanced" and interesting. Most were far more practical too. Well, aside from that, I am always interested in new sources and information on electronic warfare and, electronics in warfare. This is the current revolution in military technology that is changing the face of warfare much as gunpowder did in the Renniassance.
nope I actually know all ! ........ what Luftwaffe research projects are you interested in Squirrel and for TA what type of electronics, radio, ground or air radar. Wish one of my bloody books was finsihed so I could stick in your guys hands.......the best books on the Me 262 Martin ? anyway I am not really sure what I would research now as I have not time, with too many books implanted in the works my research is in full swing. one book(s) being edited now and another will probably be self-published through England. The others are on the wating list.... ~E
Well, Erich, I have excellent information on German radio and radar developments. What I would like on their systems is more on sonar / hydrophones, particularly the Gruppenhöchtgerät (GHG) used on the very late war newer model U-boats like the Type XXI. I would like to be able to compare the technical qualitites of the German systems with the Allied ones in this area. I'm sure that, as with radar, the Germans didn't develop anywhere near as many different systems as the Allies so it should be a fairly short list.
wish I could help you with the radio sets, but yes the Luftwaffe radar and similiar systems was quite vast. let me see if I can find the web-link that has many of the operating systems in text form for sale. This covers more than Luftwaffe. I purchased 3-4 last year covering the FuG 216-217 sets for single seat nf's especially for my research needs. I will say though as many are aware that the Luftwaffe really lacked the know-how of putting together a decent aerodynamic dish/radar system within the nose-cone of their nf's. Truley the English and Americans were well ahead of Germany in this respect. The owner of many of the German manuals just may have something on the GHG. Will look through my stuff for his lists tonight.... ~E
Erich, my 'best books' about the Me-262 consist of all four Creek & Smith Classic Pubs volumes plus Foreman & Harvey's 'Me-262 Combat Diary' plus, to start me off, the little Osprey 'German Jet Aces of WW2' . Let me know if there are any other essential ones...? ( There is of course a space being kept open on my shelves for your one ! )
What i would like to research is what i am doing at the moment: 1) An assement of Operation Jubilee - This is preperation for my Masters thesis. 2) Analysis of 2ndTAF operation in NW Europe. There is also a lot more but not enough time!!
Well, it is not so simple as may it seems although you are right about barbarism and attrocities that took place. The fact is that many people WERE true partisans, starting June 1941 when first partisan action begun.
Srdo, I know absolutely nothing about partisan warfare in the Balkans, but I do know that a very highly-regarded book about this subject from the British point-of-view is ' The Embattled Mountain ' by F.W. Deakin ( OUP 1971 )...