New Books from Squadron Signal

Squadron Signal Publications has announced two new books in their "In Action" series.

M48A3 in Vietnam in Action
by David Doyle

Publishers Description: The M48 Patton tank was the most prominent U.S. tank during the Vietnam War years of the 1960-1970s. U.S. Marines, who arrived in Vietnam with M48A3s in March 1965, were the first American forces to bring tanks to Vietnam. Close behind was the U.S. Army, with its Patton's in October 1965. Beginning in July 1971 the US began supplying M48A3 tanks to the South Vietnamese Army in line with the commitment to the Vietnamization of the war. Although the 52-ton Patton was received with some skepticism when introduced, the M48 possessed features that proved well adapted to combat conditions in Southeast Asia. The thick armor of the M48 protected crewmen from Viet Cong mines, and the vehicle’s sheer mass enabled it to force its way through thick jungle vegetation. Illustrated with 109 photos, plus color profiles and detailed line drawings.

 
M50A1 Ontos Detail in Action
by David Doyle

USS Iowa Escapes Scrapping

The battleship USS Iowa which is anchored at Suisun Bay in California will be spared from the scrap heap.

The U.S. Maritime Administration this week agreed to remove most of the decrepit collection of military vessels dating back to World War II.

The gray and rust-red ships, some with their hulls flaked with peeling paint, are anchored in rows in Suisun Bay, a shallow estuary between San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Studies by the administration have suggested the old warships have dumped more than 20 tons of copper, lead, zinc and other metals into the estuary, a critical habitat for a number of endangered species.

The USS Iowa won't become a museum or tourist attraction yet. The Defense Department plans to keep the battleship in storage in case the ship needs to be brought back into active service.
 

F-4U Corsair and F/A-18 Super Hornet

Miramar, California: An F/A-18 Super Hornet flies beside a World War II-era F-4U Corsair Bearcat during the Legacy Flight at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show. The annual show is the final event of Fleet Week San Diego. October 2008. (U.S. Navy photo by Jose Lopez, Jr.)

USS Enterprise Resupply

The guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE6) and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conduct a connected replenishment (CONREP).

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Atlantic Ocean (March 2006) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE6) and nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) conduct a connected replenishment (CONREP) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) are currently underway Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). [U.S. Navy Photograph by Rob Gaston.]

U.S. Navy Legacy Flight

A F-14D Tomcat, F4U Corsair and F/A-18C Hornet fly in formation during the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight at the 2004 "In Pursuit of Liberty," Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. The air show, held Sept. 24-26, showcased civilian and military aircraft from the Nation's armed forces, which provided many flight demonstrations and static displays. (Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., 2004: U.S. Navy Photo by Daniel J. McLain)

F/A-18C Hornet

GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 2010): An F/A-18C Hornet piloted by Cmdr. Benjamin Hewlett, prospective commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) prior to the squadron's change of command ceremony. VFA 131 is embarked aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower for six-month deployment as a part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Chad R. Erdmann) DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION

GULF OF OMAN (Feb. 2010): Cmdr. Thomas Bush, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, executes a high-speed fly-by in an F/A-18C Hornet over the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during a change of command ceremony. Bush was relieved by Cmdr. Benjamin Hewlett. Dwight D. Eisenhower is conducting a scheduled six-month deployment as a part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Chad R. Erdmann) DOWNLOAD HIGH-RESOLUTION

65th Anniversary of Iwo Jima

Veterans and military leaders gathered February 19 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps to remember the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima.



Joseph D'Ambrose, a Marine Corps veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima 65 years ago, recalls his experience at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia.


 

New Figure: Sd.Kfz. 222 Driver

Minisoldiers has announced a new 1/35th scale figure -- a German driver of an Sd.Kfz. 222 armored car.

Russia Honors U.S. WWII Veteran

Washington Post: Russian museum honors US WWII vet

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- An exhibit opened in Russia on Thursday on the life of an American veteran believed to be one the few soldiers to fight for both the U.S. and the Soviet Union in World War II.

The Russian Museum exhibit, titled "Joseph R. Beyrle - A Hero of Two Nations," presents 260 artifacts from Beyrle's life and military career, including a collection of his medals, uniform and photographs....

The highly decorated Staff Sgt. Beyrle parachuted into Normandy on D-Day with the U.S. 101st Airborne Division and was captured by the Germans. He escaped and joined a Soviet tank battalion before he was wounded near Berlin and sent home through Moscow. He died in 2004.

The Muskegon, Michigan, native said he raised his hands and shouted the only two words of Russian he knew when he met Soviet troops after his escape from a German POW camp in January 1945. "Amerikansky tovarishch," he called, American comrade.

Beyrle joined Soviet troops and was wounded as his unit approached Berlin. He was treated in a field hospital before being sent back to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

 

Command - New Series from Osprey

Osprey Publishing has announced a new series of books covering the great military commanders of history. The first two volumes cover Napoleon Bonaparte and Erich von Manstein.

Napoleon Bonaparte
[Osprey Command No. 1]
Author: Gregory Fremont-Barnes
Illustrator: Peter Dennis
Publication Date: May 2010
ISBN: 9781846034589

Publisher's Description: Napoleon Bonaparte is renowned as one of the great military commanders in history, and the central figure in so many of the events of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Throughout the first decade of the 19th century he won battle after battle by wielding the Grande Armée decisively against the other powers of Europe – Prussia, Austria and Russia. Yet his fortunes changed in 1812 when the invasion of Russia wrecked his forces, and Napoleon suffered his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815.

Contents: Introduction || Early years || Military life || Hour of destiny || Inside the mind || When war is done || A life in words

 

Erich von Manstein
[Osprey Command No. 2]
Author: Robert Forczyk
Illustrator: Adam Hook
Publication Date: May 2010
ISBN: 9781846034657

Publisher's Description: Erich von Manstein was one of the most successful German commanders of World War II. His military mind proved outstanding in many a conflict but perhaps his greatest triumph was his ingenious operational plan that led to the rapid defeat of France in May 1940. Manstein also showed great skill under adversity by commanding a furious rebuff to the Soviet armies in 1943, whilst Germany were retreating. However, his skill could not reverse Germany’s declining fortunes and Manstein’s frequent disagreement’s with Hitler over military strategy led to his dismissal. Robert Forczyk tells the story of one of Germany’s most valuable military talents, from his early years to his post- war conviction and his later career.

Contents: Introduction || The early years, 1887–1913 || The military life, 1914–43 || The hour of destiny || Opposing commanders || When war is done || Inside the mind || A life in words
 

Panzer IV in Russia

A battered Panzer IV, with tactical number 122, moves forward with infantry on the Russian Front in January 1944. The turret schürzen are intact, but several side schürzen are already missing.

Deutsches Bundesarchiv (German Federal Archive) via Wikimedia, Bild 101I-090-3912-05A, Foto Etzhold

The Fighting First - 1946

The Fighting First
Department of the Army - U.S. War Department Official Film - 1946

This 12-minute army film shows the combat operations of the 1st Infantry Division -- the Big Red One -- in eight campaigns and three invasions.

El Claus - Miniatures Ramirez Novelty Figure

Miniatures Ramirez has announced "EL CLAUS" a new 50-mm white metal novelty figure designed by Enrique V. Vegas. The figure shown below in the box art was modeled by Antonio Ramirez and painted by Jaume Ortiz.

Grenadier Alder Fisher - Dragon 1/6th Scale Figure

New WWII 1/6th scale action figure from Dragon. The grenadier carries a Kar 98k rifle, two Panzerfausts, and five rounds of ammunition for the Rakettenpanzerbüchse (Panzerschreck).

1/35th German Don Cossack Cavalry

Dragon Models has announced a new figures kit in their 1/35 scale plastic '39-'45 Series. The kit includes two figures and two horses depicting Don Cossacks serving with German forces in the Balkans in 1944. Detail appears to be excellent and the poses are interesting.

SR-71 Blackbird

Short U.S. Air Force film showing the SR-71 Blackbird hitting Mach 3 at 81,000 feet altitude.

Latest on the Sgt. Rock Movie

No WWII, Sgt. Rock will now Fight in the Future

Panzerwrecks 1: German Armour 1944-45

Panzerwrecks 1: German Armour 1944-45
by Lee Archer and William Auerbach
Format: Paperback, 96 pages, 127 photos, English
Publisher: Panzerwrecks, 2004
ISBN: 9780975418307

Publisher's Description: The Panzerwrecks series of books are about destroyed, surrendered and abandoned German armour of 1944-45. Each landscape volume contains over 100 large format rare and unpublished black and white photographs most of which are printed at 260x170mm or larger onto high quality art paper.

Featured vehicles include: Modified Panthers of I./Pz.Rgt.26; Jagdtiger 323 of 3./s.Pz.Jg.Abt.653; and Panzer IV/70(A).

Other vehicle photographs include: Tiger II, Jagdtiger, Elefant, Panther, Panther II, Bergepanther, Jagdpanther, Pz.Kpfw. IV, Panzer IV/70, Flakpanzer Ostwind, Flakpanzer Möbelwagen, Sturmpanzer IV, Hummel, Nashorn, Pz.Kpfw. III, Sturmgeschütz III, Marder III, Flakpanzer 38, Grille, Munitionspanzer II, StuG 105/25 auf M43, Pz.Kpfw. 17/18 R 730(f), 4.7cm Pak(t) auf Pz.Kpfw. 35R(f), Munitionsschlepper 35R, Lg.s.FH. 13(Sfl.) auf LrS, Pz.Kpfw. M4 748(a) Firefly, Pz.Kpfw. M3 (a) Stuart, Pz.Sp.Wg. M8 (a), Steyr RSO/01, Sd.Kfz. 223, Sd.Kfz. 250, Sd.Kfz. 251, Sd.Kfz. 11/1, Sd.Kfz. 7, Breda 61, Sd.Kfz. 8, and Panzer Draisine
 

Spotlight on Historical Imagery: Warsaw in 1935, 1945 and Today

Google LatLong: Spotlight on historical imagery: Warsaw in 1935, 1945 and today

WWII Images in Google Earth

Google LatLong: WWII historical imagery in Google Earth

Google Earth has added aerial photographs from World War II for 35 major European cities showing bomb damage.

P-51 Mustang, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-15D Eagle

An F-15D Eagle, P-51 Mustangs, and an A-10 Thunderbolt II team up during an air show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (U.S. Air Force photo by Julie Ray, www.AF.mil)
 

Aerial Refueling of HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopter

Lockheed HC-130P from Air Force Special Operations Command of the 920th Rescue Wing refuels a HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter in the sky over southern Louisiana during Hurricane Rita rescue operations.

Source: Wikipedia
 

Flight of the "Question Mark"

The U.S. Air Force website has updated their feature on the Question Mark, a three-engine Fokker C-2 which played a major role in the development of air refueling: Flight of the 'Question Mark'.

The flight, born from the ingenuity of Airmen through their experiences in World War I, lasted from Jan. 1-7, 1929; a total of 150 hours and 40 minutes. The crew flew a 110-mile racetrack from Santa Monica, Calif., to San Diego, Calif.... During the flight, they made 43 contacts with the tanker aircraft. Each contact lasted about seven and a half minutes, with the two aircraft about 15 to 20 feet apart. Day-time contacts took place at an altitude between 2,000 and 3,000 feet, and the 10 night-time contacts took place between 5,000 and 7,000 feet.

These historic flights were not the U.S. Army Air Corps' first attempts at aerial refuelling:

Air refueling... had humble beginnings. The first attempts were in 1921 with the employment of five-gallon gas cans when a U.S. Navy lieutenant, in the back of a Huff-Daland HD-4, used a grappling hook to snag a gas can from a float in the Potomac River. In another attempt, a wing walker with a gas can strapped to his back, climbed from an airborne Lincoln Standard to a Curtiss JN-4 to pour gas into the aircraft's tank.
While these two publicity stunts deserve mention, the first air-to-air refueling using a gravity-flow hose occurred in 1923. Earlier that year, the Army Air Service had equipped two de Haviland DH-4Bs with in-flight hoses. After installation, testing and preparation, the Army Air Service was ready to put it to use. On June 27, one of the DH-4s flew a six-hour-and-38-minute flight that included two air refuelings.

 

The Vikings - Osprey Elite No. 3

The Vikings (Osprey Elite No. 3)
Author(s): Ian Heath
Illustrator(s): Angus McBride
Format: Paperback; 64 pages
Publisher: Osprey Publ.; 1985
ISBN: 9780850455656

Publisher Description: Author Ian Heath transports us to the time of the Vikings examining their epic journeys and the ships they made them in, their methods of warfare—the organisation of their armies and tactics employed, their appearance and equipment and the general history of these fascinating warrior-explorers. His authoritative text is backed by many fine illustrations and photographs including stunning color plates by Angus McBride.

Contents: Who Were the Vikings -- Viking Ships -- Vikings Abroad -- Vikings in England -- Vikings in Ireland: The Battle of Clontarf -- Vikings in the East -- Varangian Guard -- Vikings in England: 11th Century -- Viking Warfare -- Tactics -- Jomsvikings -- Berserks and Wolfcoats -- The Raven Standard

 

Four Generations of Fighters

OVER VIRGINIA -- An A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-86 Sabre, P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fly in a heritage flight formation during the air show at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The formation displays four generations of Air Force fighters. (U.S. Air Force Photo.)

Source: Wikipedia and AF.mil.

MiniArt 1/35th British Bantam Staff Car

MiniArt Models has announced a new 1/35th scale plastic kit of the British Bantam Scout Car. The kit includes three figures.

Youngest Known British Service Casualty in World War II

The British government has confirmed the identity of the youngest British service casualty of WWII. Fourteen-year-old Reginald Earnshaw lied about his age and joined the Merchant Navy in 1941. He was killed in 1941 by a German attack on his ship the SS North Devon.

From the Washington Post:

Now, on what would have been his 82nd birthday, Reginald Earnshaw's sad place in history has finally been acknowledged.

On Friday, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission officially recognized him as the youngest known British service casualty in World War II.

The lad lived just 14 years and 152 days. He died when German planes attacked the SS Devon, the ship he was on, off the east coast of England on July 6, 1941. He had only served for several months.

Officials had been slow to recognize his status because they did not have official proof of his date of birth, making it impossible to prove he was actually younger than Raymond Steed, who died at 14 years and 207 days.

Earnshaw was serving as a Merchant Navy cabin boy when he died. He had told authorities he was 15, the minimum allowable age, after leaving school to help with the war effort....

He had laid in an unmarked grave in Edinburgh for decades, and little was known about his case until a surviving shipmate, machine gunner Alf Tubb, spent several years trying to find out what had happened to the young man he served with.

 

M10 Tank Destroyer "Commercial"

A U.S. WWII propaganda film about the M10 tank destroyer, produced in the style of a car commercial. "Sudden death to the Tiger..."



"Every man in a TD is a happy man!"

Tank Sounds II

Close-up video of various tanks and AFVs of all eras from Bovington Tank Museum's Tankfest 2008:



And a second Tankfest video of the Matilda, Crusader, Cromwell, Comet, Crusader, Chieftain, Firefly, Challenger and more...

New Figures from Evolution Miniatures

Evolution Miniatures has introduced two new 1/35 scale figures. Both are resin kits.

::::: Soviet Guerrilla WW2 :::::

::::: German Gebirgsjager 1944 :::::

 

SAC Command Post

The Pulsing Heart of Strategic Air Command

There is only world peace where there is power to preserve order among nations...

Reel 1

Reel 2
Reel 3

"SAC Command Post"
U.S. Air Force Special Film Project 1236
Produced by Air Force Audio Visual Service (Military Airlift Command), 1365th Photo Squadron
Source: National Archives, Motion Pictures Unit, Record Group 342

For more information, see The National Security Archive

 

B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat

B-52 Stratofortress Units in Combat 1955-73 (Osprey Combat Aircraft No. 43)
Author(s): Jon Lake
Illustrator(s): Mark Styling
ISBN: 9781841766072
Format: Paperback, 96 pages
Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2004

Publisher's Description -- Designed to form the backbone of Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrent, the B-52 force was brought to higher states of readiness whenever crisis threatened the USA, most notably when Kennedy and Khruschev went eyeball-to-eyeball over Cuba. Soon afterwards, B-52s formed the backbone of the USAF’s bombing campaign in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. This book follows the story of the B-52 from its genesis to its first combat missions in June 1965 and through to the brief Linebacker II offensive in late 1972. Even after the withdrawal of US forces in 1973, B-52s remained in-theatre, flying training missions mainly from Guam.

Contents -- Genesis of the B-52 • Atom Bomber – Cold War to Cuba • South Bay to Sun Bath • Big Belly B-52D Joins Arc Light • Arc Light Continues • Freedom Train and Linebacker • Linebacker II • An Uneasy Peace


 

WWII Bunker Converted to Computer Data Center

A three-story World War II underground bunker in Plymouth is being converted to one of the world's most secure computer data centers. The bunker was originally built in 1939 to serve as a military command center, and it was designed to survive a direct hit from a 1,000 lb bomb. In 1943, the bunker was extended with a network of tunnels and further upgraded in the 1980s to withstand a potential nuclear attack.

Video at BBC.

The 16" Gun and Turret

Old U.S. Navy training film describing the Iowa-class 16"/50 gun and turret - covers equipment, crew, loading and firing of the guns.



Four Iowa class battleships were completed by the U.S. Navy during WWII:

• USS Iowa (BB-61) -- commissioned February 1943
• USS New Jersey (BB-62) -- commissioned May 1943
• USS Missouri (BB-63) -- commissioned June 1944
• USS Wisconsin (BB-64) -- commissioned April 1944

 

Roman Battle Tactics

Roman Battle Tactics 109BC-AD313 (Elite No. 155)
Author(s): Ross Cowan
Illustrator(s): Adam Hook
Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2007
Format: Paperback, 64 pages
ISBN: 9781846031847
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

Publisher's Description: How, exactly, did Rome become master of the ancient world? This book examines and illustrates the tactics employed by the legions of late Republican and early Imperial Rome from the evidence of ancient writers. The greatest military machine in the Western world for at least four centuries, the Roman Army was the foundation of the Western military tradition, and its doctrines were central to the later revival of trained, drilled professional armies. Here the evidence is discussed in clear detail, and brought to life with battle plans and full colour interpretations of tactical scenarios.

Amazon Product Description: The book clearly explains and illustrates the mechanics of how Roman commanders--at every level--drew up and committed their different types of troops for open-field battles. It includes the alternative formations used to handle different tactical problems and different types of terrain; the possibilities of ordering and controlling different deployments once battle was joined; and how all this was based on the particular strengths of the Roman soldier. Covering the period of classic legionary warfare from the late Republic to the late Western Empire, Ross Cowan uses case studies of particular battles to provide a manual on how and why the Romans almost always won, against enemies with basic equality in weapon types--giving practical reasons why the Roman Army was the Western World's outstanding military machine for 400 years.

 

Panther Medium Tank 1942-45 (New Vanguard #67)

Panther Medium Tank 1942-45 (New Vanguard No. 67)
Author(s): Stephen A Hart
Illustrator(s): Jim Laurier
Publication: Osprey Publishing, 2003
ISBN: 9781841765433

Publisher's Description: The Panzerkampfwagen V Panther is one of the best-known German tanks in existence and is considered one of the greatest tanks of World War II. When in June of 1941, Germany invaded Russia, Panzertruppe encountered Russian KV series and T-34/76 tanks, far superior in firepower and armour protection to any panzers in service at the time. It was therefore decided to design a new more powerful medium tank, which could be quickly put into production. This book details the resulting Panther which was available for service in January 1943. Later models ensured that it became one of the most feared tanks of World War II.


Contents: Development History -- Panther Model D -- Panther II -- Panther Model A -- Panther Model G -- Panther Model F -- The Panther Assessed

 

Russian Stealth Fighter Makes First Flight

From Associated Press: Russia has unveiled the prototype of its new fifth-generation fighter. The Sukhoi T-50 made its maiden flight Friday.



For a history of Sukhoi aircraft, see Okb Sukhoi: A History of the Design Bureau and Its Aircraft.

 

New Figures from ICON

ICON Figures are releasing two new pirate figures in 54mm and 70mm. Both are sculpted by Alex Lopez.

Long John Silver 54mm White Metal Figure Kit Sculptor: Alex Lopez Painter: Cesar

Anne Boney 70mm White Metal Figure Kit Sculptor: Alex Lopez Painter: Rodrigo Hernandez Amezcua

 

Recognition of the Japanese Zero Fighter

This U.S. War Department training film from World War II taught pilots how to recognize and defeat the Japanese Zero. Future U.S. president Ronald Reagan portrays Lieutenant Jimmy Saunders in this film.

Dedicated to the flyers who are helping to make the total number of Zeros.... ZERO

Part I:


Part II:

1945A

Ryan Nagata created the following film -- April 1945. With the Germans on the edge of total defeat in Europe, the Wehrmacht unleashes their ultimate secret weapon to try to turn the tide. This short movie was done with a low budget and 1/6 scale tanks and vehicles. No CGI. See the website, ryannagata.com for more details and behind-the-scenes look at the models.

WWII Hospital Ship Found

The wreck of AHS Centaur, a WWII Australian hospital ship, has been located off Australia's north-east coast. The Centaur was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine off the coast of Queensland, Australia on May 14, 1943. Of 332 people aboard, 268 died.

A search team led by David Mearns has located the wreck at a depth of 2,000 m. The wreck sits on its keel with a 25-degree list to port. The bow is nearly separated the hull from the damage of the torpedo hit.

The wreck is protected under the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. However, the Federal Government have agreed to issue a special permit for a commemorative plaque to be placed on the Centaur.

Links:
Images: Mirror.co.uk
Video: CBS News
Wikipedia: AHS Centaur

 

Great Tanks of World War II

Noteworthy tanks and AFVs of World War II:

T-34 Medium Tank		M4 Sherman at War		Churchill Tank
Tiger I		M3 & M5 Stuart		Germany's Panther Tank
M26/M46 Pershing Tank		KV-1		Char B1

Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems

Scud Ballistic Missile and Launch Systems 1955-2005 (New Vanguard #120)
Author(s): Steven Zaloga
Illustrator(s): Jim Laurier & Lee Ray
ISBN: 9781841769479
Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2006

Publisher Description: The Scud missile was developed as the centerpiece of Soviet plans to fight nuclear war in the heart of Europe. However, it was never used in its intended role and has instead become a symbol of the changing nature of warfare in the aftermath of the Cold War. Saddam Hussein's Iraqi armed forces were almost helpless in the face of the Coalition forces in the 1991 Gulf War; the only weapon that Iraq could use to injure the Coalition forces was its arsenal of Scud missiles. This book explores the development and variants of the missile and its launch systems, its proliferation outside of the West, and its role in conflicts around the world.

Soviet Missile Launcher in Saint Petersburg Artillery Museum (Source: Wikimedia)

 

1/6th Scale Jeep

Collecting 1/6th scale (12 inch) military action figures has become a popular hobby. The number of figures available has increased drastically across all historical periods. Manufacturers have also started producing a wide range of equipment, uniforms, weapons, and even vehicles. DML, Dragon, Hasbro, 21st Century, and SOTW (Soldiers of the World) all make a 1/6th scale jeep. (Since jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler, the kits are usually just called "trucks".)

Cromwell Cruiser Tank 1942-50

Cromwell Cruiser Tank 1942-50 (New Vanguard #104)
Author(s): David Fletcher & Richard Harley
Illustrator: Peter Sarson
ISBN: 9781841768144
Published by: Osprey Publishing, 2006

Publisher's Description: For most of World War II, British tank development remained faithful to the design philosophy inaugurated during World War I. Experiences in North Africa highlighted flaws in this basic design, however, and the General Staff identified the need for a new heavy cruiser that could combine speed and manoeuvrability with increased armour and armament. The Cromwell Cruiser tank was designed as a result and soon proved itself one of the fastest and most successful tanks deployed by the Allies during World War II. This book details the design and development of the Cromwell and its many variants, from its introduction at D-Day, through its many successes in the final year of World War II and beyond.

Publisher's Contents: Introduction -- Design and Development -- Organisation -- Operational History -- In Combat -- Variants -- Post-War Service

 

Tank Sounds

M4A1 Sherman with Continental R-975-C4 Engine


M26 Pershing with Ford GAA V8


Italian M14


Panther with Maybach Engine


Tiger with Maybach Engine


T-34

German MG 42 Machine Gun - Training Film

WWII U.S. training film describing the German MG 42 machine gun.



Transcript:

MACHINE GUN
MG 42 CAL. 7.92 MM

The latest German machine gun, and the one which is gradually replacing the MG 34, is the dual-purpose caliber 7.92 mm MG 42. New production methods which employ pressings, riveting, and spot welding give it a less finished appearance than the MG 34 without effecting its efficiency. With the exception of the removal of the barrel, the procedure for firing and stripping this gun is very much the same as for the MG 34. The same type of feed mechanisms are used. And loading is accomplished in the same way.

The rear sight adjustment in this case is of the tangent leaf type sliding on a ramp which is graduated from 200 to 2000 meters. The gun fires full automatic only, there is no provision for single-shot fire.

Disassembly is the same as the MG 34. The lower part of the sling is removed. The bipod is separated from the barrel jacket. To change the barrel, a barrel change lever hinged on the right side of the barrel jacket is provided. The lever swings out bringing the barrel with it. Slide the barrel to the rear and remove it. Then the butt comes off, followed by the driving spring. The cocking handle is pulled to the rear, and the bolt comes out. The completes the disassembly.

"The Pacific" Trailer (HBO)

Coming in March 2010, HBO presents a new ten-episode epic mini-series from the creators of "Band Of Brothers".

British Tankers - First Hand Accounts

By Tank: D to VE Days
by Ken Tout
Publisher's Description: Like most of his comrades, Ken Tout was just 20 years old in Normandy 1944. Not until the 1980s did he feel able to gather their memoirs in three books, Tank!, Tanks, Advance! and To Hell with Tanks. Now these adventures are condensed into this one continuous narrative. Follow the very ordinary young lads of the Northamptonshire Yeomanry through the massive enemy defences on Bourguebus Ridge, to the snows of the Ardennes, the night crossing of the River Rhine, and final roll-call in Zwolle's Grote Kerkl, where they celebrated with liberated Dutch citizens. The author graphically describes the total experience—the heat, noise, and smells—inside the Sherman tank. By Tank: D Day to VE Days vividly recalls, in one complete volume, the whole experience of battle with utter authenticity—the fear, confusion, boredom, excitement and grief.


Brazen Chariots: An Account of Tank Warfare in the Western Desert
by Robert Crisp
Publisher's Description: Major Robert Crisp recounts Operation Crusader, the great tank battle waged against Rommel's Afrika Korps on the borders of Egypt. Robert Crisp was a South African Test cricketer, a major in the Third Royal Tank Regiment, and a journalist.


Tanks and Trenches: First Hand Accounts of Tank Warfare in the First World War
Edited by David Fletcher
Publisher's Description: The vivid accounts in this book are taken from the early days of tank warfare and give an idea of the crucial role that tanks played in breaking the murderous stalemate on the Western Front. This influence was acknowledged by friend and foe alike and, while not decisive, it certainly hastened the end of that dreadful conflict, saving thousands of Allied lives and ushering in a new era of mechanised warfare. David Fletcher, the editor, draws his material exclusively from the archives of the world famous Tank Museum at Bovington Camp, Dorset. His linking narrative guides us through the war, battle-by-battle, from September 1916 to the Armistice, using first hand accounts of the tank actions.

 

Tanks Illustrated

Tanks Illustrated was a series of books from Arms and Armour Press covering the major tanks and armored fighting vehicles of all eras. Each volume consisted of a short text introduction followed by a large number of photographs with detailed captions highlighting technical features, markings, and camouflage.

No. 1: Allied Forces Central Europe by Pierre Touzin
No. 2: Battle of the Bulge by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 3: Israeli Tanks and Combat Vehicles by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 4: Soviet Tanks Today by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 5: British Battle Tanks: 1945 to the Present by Simon Dunstan
No. 6: Tank War Vietnam by Simon Dunstan
No. 7: German Tanks: 1945 to the Present by Peter Gudgin
No. 8: U.S. Battle Tanks Today by Steven J. Zaloga and Michael Green
No. 9: Last of the Panzers: German Tanks 1944-1945 by William Auerbach
No. 10: D-Day Tank Battles: Beachhead to Breakout by George Balin
No. 11: Patton's Tanks by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 12: British Army Fighting Vehicles: 1945 to the Present by Simon Dunstan
No. 13: U.S. Infantry Combat Vehicles Today by Steven J. Zaloga and Michael Green
No. 14: Tank War Korea by Simon Dunstan
No. 15: U.S. Halftracks of World War Two by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 16: Operation Barbarossa by Steven J. Zaloga and James Grandsen
No. 17: Afrika Korps by George Balin
No. 18: Self-Propelled Howitzers by Simon Dunstan
No. 19: U.S. Tank Destroyers of World War Two by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 20: Allied Tanks Italy: World War Two by Bryan Perrett
No. 21: Allied Tanks North Africa: World War Two by Bryan Perrett
No. 22: Scorpion: The CVR(T) Range by Simon Dunstan
No. 23: British Combat Vehicles Today by Simon Dunstan
No. 24: Modern Israeli Tanks and Combat Vehicles by Samuel M. Katz
No. 25: The Churchill Tank by Chris Ellis
No. 26: U.S. Mechanized Firepower Today by Steven J. Zaloga
No. 27: Hitler's Panzers, The Years of Aggression by Bryan Perrett
No. 28: Panzer Army North Africa by Peter Gudgin
No. 29: U.S. Marine Tanks in World War Two by Steven J. Zaloga

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56th Fighter Group

56th Fighter Group (Osprey Aviation Elite No. 2)
by: Roger Freeman
Illustrator: Chris Davey
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Publishing Date: 2000
ISBN: 9781841760476

Description by Publisher:
One of the first Thunderbolt groups to see action in the European Theatre of Operations with the U.S. Army Air Forces, the 56th Fighter Group was also the only fighter unit within the 8th Air Force to remain equipped with the mighty P-47 until war’s end. Led by the inspirational 'Hub' Zemke, this group was responsible for devising many of the bomber escort tactics employed by VIII Fighter Command between 1943 and 1945. By VE-Day the 56th FG had shot down 100 more enemy aircraft than any other group in the 8th Air Force, its pilots being credited with 677 kills during 447 missions. The exploits of this elite fighter unit are detailed in this volume together with photographs and their aircraft profiles and insignia.

• Formation and History of the 56th Fighter Group
  
• Famous Aces of the 56th Fighter Group
  
  • Lt. Col. Francis S. "Gabby" Gabreski - 28
    
  • Major Robert S. Johnson - 27
    
  • Col. David C. Schilling - 22.5
    
  • Capt. Fred J. Christensen Jr. - 21.5
    
  • Major Walker M. "Bud" Mahurin - 19.75
    
  • Major Gerald W. "Jerry" Johnson - 16.5
    
  • Col. Hubert A. "Hub" Zemke - 15.25
    
  • Capt. Joseph H. Powers Jr. - 14.5
    
  • Capt. Felix D. "Willie" Williamson - 13
    
  • Major Leroy A. Schreiber - 12
    
  • Major James C. Stewart - 11.5
    
• More Books on the 56th Fighter Group
  • Wolfpack Warriors: The Story of World War II's Most Successful Fighter Outfit
    
  • P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Eighth Air Force
    
  • Thunderbolt! An Extraordinary Story of a World War II Ace
    
  • 56th Fighter Group (Aircraft Specials)