John-- do you recall the movie made on the Red Ball Express? I know it starred Jeff Chandler and a very young Sydney Poitier along with Hugh O'Brien. Probably had some catchy name like "Red Ball Express." The one stand out is the actor who played the Patton like character. He was horrible.
DJ
History Club
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If you could write a book
210cav
Member Since: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 09:02 PM UTC
DutchBird
#068
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Posted: Monday, February 12, 2007 - 01:57 AM UTC
A difficult question indeed... so many wishes, and so few options... These would be among my wishes:
1. A biography about Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, IMHO the man who made Augustus. For research, probably travel to Rome, Actium and many other places.
2. Done to death, but a new book about the Second Punic War. Including biographies of the main protagonists (Hannibal, Scipio jr, Fabius etc) encompassing all fronts. Visits probably would include going over the battlefields/campaigns. Which would mean going to Italy, Spain, France, maybe Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey.
3. A parallel series to Munchs monograph on the German 654th schwere Panzerjaeger Abteilung, but then following equivalent units in the Allied armies (Russia, UK, US, Canada, maybe the French and Poles). Visit the battlefields involved, visit families of soldiers and visit respective national (military) archives.
1. A biography about Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, IMHO the man who made Augustus. For research, probably travel to Rome, Actium and many other places.
2. Done to death, but a new book about the Second Punic War. Including biographies of the main protagonists (Hannibal, Scipio jr, Fabius etc) encompassing all fronts. Visits probably would include going over the battlefields/campaigns. Which would mean going to Italy, Spain, France, maybe Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey.
3. A parallel series to Munchs monograph on the German 654th schwere Panzerjaeger Abteilung, but then following equivalent units in the Allied armies (Russia, UK, US, Canada, maybe the French and Poles). Visit the battlefields involved, visit families of soldiers and visit respective national (military) archives.
210cav
Member Since: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Monday, February 12, 2007 - 02:07 AM UTC
Quoted Text
3. A parallel series to Munchs monograph on the German 654th schwere Panzerjaeger Abteilung, but then following equivalent units in the Allied armies (Russia, UK, US, Canada, maybe the French and Poles). Visit the battlefields involved, visit families of soldiers and visit respective national (military) archives.
Harm-- why did you select this unit? What did these folks do?
thanks
DJ
DutchBird
#068
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Posted: Monday, February 12, 2007 - 03:44 PM UTC
Well,
why? Probably a bit of an accident that I ended up with them...
I was browsing over the JJFedorowitz page and came across it. I have been fascinated with unit histories before (I have a few others on my list, and do have one of the 21st Panzer) And I figured it an interesting subject in itself, and I thought it to be a bit different from the usual suspects (the schwere Panzer Abteilungen or divisions etc). They had two options (the 654th and 653rd) and as the Japgdpanther and Normandy appealed to me more then the Elefant and Italy did, the choice was made.
And what did these folks do?
Well, they were activated early (took part in the offensive against France), were then sent to Russia. Were heavily engaged when the German front collapsed during Stalingrad, and narrowly avoided destruction. Were part of the struggle at Kursk (with Elefants), were the first unit to be equipped with Jagdpanthers (many of the famous Mailly-le-Camp pictures are theirs!), were then sent to Normandy (where, despite being used piecemeal and tactically wrong) they killed loads of allied tanks, escaped across the Seine and took part in the vicious fighting in the Elzass and Vosgues mountains.
Equipment used includes: hodge-podge of vehicles (mostly civilian) early in the war (prized possession a captured British workshop truck), prim-movers (half-tracks), Panzer II, Panzer III, Marder II, Elefant, Jagpdanther, Command Panther A, Bergepanther, Sd.Kfz. 7/1, Wirbelwind and Nashorn.
Due to its format (the use of war-diaries of the unit, and some private diaries) and loads of photographs, it gives you quite a nice impression what the war was like... a whole lot of doing nothing and then intense action. It also gives you an idea of the problems the Germans faced (supply, transport).
The German army and the way they functioned has always fascinated me, especially in the later stages of the war (how did they keep things together for so long against such odds). And I came across this unit in a war-game (HPSSim's Panzer Campaign Normandy)
When I got the opportunity to get the book I was not disappointed. And it made me think that these smaller units in their own right deserve recognition, also those on the Allied side... hence my dream.
why? Probably a bit of an accident that I ended up with them...
I was browsing over the JJFedorowitz page and came across it. I have been fascinated with unit histories before (I have a few others on my list, and do have one of the 21st Panzer) And I figured it an interesting subject in itself, and I thought it to be a bit different from the usual suspects (the schwere Panzer Abteilungen or divisions etc). They had two options (the 654th and 653rd) and as the Japgdpanther and Normandy appealed to me more then the Elefant and Italy did, the choice was made.
And what did these folks do?
Well, they were activated early (took part in the offensive against France), were then sent to Russia. Were heavily engaged when the German front collapsed during Stalingrad, and narrowly avoided destruction. Were part of the struggle at Kursk (with Elefants), were the first unit to be equipped with Jagdpanthers (many of the famous Mailly-le-Camp pictures are theirs!), were then sent to Normandy (where, despite being used piecemeal and tactically wrong) they killed loads of allied tanks, escaped across the Seine and took part in the vicious fighting in the Elzass and Vosgues mountains.
Equipment used includes: hodge-podge of vehicles (mostly civilian) early in the war (prized possession a captured British workshop truck), prim-movers (half-tracks), Panzer II, Panzer III, Marder II, Elefant, Jagpdanther, Command Panther A, Bergepanther, Sd.Kfz. 7/1, Wirbelwind and Nashorn.
Due to its format (the use of war-diaries of the unit, and some private diaries) and loads of photographs, it gives you quite a nice impression what the war was like... a whole lot of doing nothing and then intense action. It also gives you an idea of the problems the Germans faced (supply, transport).
The German army and the way they functioned has always fascinated me, especially in the later stages of the war (how did they keep things together for so long against such odds). And I came across this unit in a war-game (HPSSim's Panzer Campaign Normandy)
When I got the opportunity to get the book I was not disappointed. And it made me think that these smaller units in their own right deserve recognition, also those on the Allied side... hence my dream.
jRatz
Member Since: March 06, 2004
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Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 07:19 AM UTC
Quoted Text
John-- do you recall the movie made on the Red Ball Express? I know it starred Jeff Chandler and a very young Sydney Poitier along with Hugh O'Brien. Probably had some catchy name like "Red Ball Express." The one stand out is the actor who played the Patton like character. He was horrible.
DJ
DJ,
Here's the IMDB link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045072/.
I've seen it once - I put it in the same class as "Fireball Forward" and a few others of that ilk - I tried to forget it and haven't scheduled it on Netflix ...
John
generalzod
Member Since: December 01, 2001
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Posted: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 08:09 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextTruck drivers in the ETO. I imagine you would want to concentrate on the Red Ball Express guys. Has been any work focused on their contribution. There is a film out dating to the '50's that I recall seeing.
Red Ball Express is covered in "The Road to Victory" by Colley.
IIRC, the topic is also addressed in: "Foxholes & Color Lines" by Mershon, et al, and "The Right to Fight" by Astor, as of course in the US Army "Green Books" of WW2.
Break.
When I retired, one thing I wanted to do was write a book. Then I found I had absolutely no useful or original idea, so I'll just be happy being an old hack ... at least a tree or two will live ...
John
John
Thanks for the titles I'll look around for them
210cav
Member Since: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 05:57 PM UTC
Chad-- I would hope that once a comprehensive list is strated that other will be enticed to read and discuss various subjects. I have thought to prevail upon Jim and see if he will allow us to put up book reviews of this type material. If we can do so already, I would appreciate someone letting us know.
thanks
DJ
thanks
DJ
generalzod
Member Since: December 01, 2001
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Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 06:59 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Chad-- I would hope that once a comprehensive list is strated that other will be enticed to read and discuss various subjects. I have thought to prevail upon Jim and see if he will allow us to put up book reviews of this type material. If we can do so already, I would appreciate someone letting us know.
thanks
DJ
I like the sound of that DJ Right now I am reading some sci-fi stuff I will try to put some reviews of some historical books up when I can in the near future
jRatz
Member Since: March 06, 2004
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Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 07:47 AM UTC
Chad (anyone),
My favorite resource for books is ABE - www.abebooks.com ... mostly older stuff but some new also ... You may find more on the RBE ...
The Army "Green Books" come from the GPO but are expensive and have limited info. The Transportation Corps Overseas volume (part of the Technical Services series) has only about 5 pages. If you can find 'em in a library to read, you're better off.
John
My favorite resource for books is ABE - www.abebooks.com ... mostly older stuff but some new also ... You may find more on the RBE ...
The Army "Green Books" come from the GPO but are expensive and have limited info. The Transportation Corps Overseas volume (part of the Technical Services series) has only about 5 pages. If you can find 'em in a library to read, you're better off.
John
210cav
Member Since: February 05, 2002
entire network: 6,149 Posts
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Posted: Thursday, February 15, 2007 - 06:00 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Chad (anyone),
My favorite resource for books is ABE - www.abebooks.com ... mostly older stuff but some new also ... You may find more on the RBE ...
The Army "Green Books" come from the GPO but are expensive and have limited info. The Transportation Corps Overseas volume (part of the Technical Services series) has only about 5 pages. If you can find 'em in a library to read, you're better off.
John
John-- you bring up the Army Green Books on WW II. They are certainly a start point for some unique subject areas such as logistics and manpower utilization. I picked up quite a few over the years in used book stores. I will have to try that site you noted and see what I can find.
thanks
DJ
jRatz
Member Since: March 06, 2004
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Posted: Friday, February 16, 2007 - 06:47 AM UTC
DJ:
I have 31 -- basically the strategic volumes, all of Europe, and all the Tech Series (Logistics). I was going to "collect 'em all" then decided enough was enough ... I have read all but a few of the log books ... one of these days, maybe ...
John
I have 31 -- basically the strategic volumes, all of Europe, and all the Tech Series (Logistics). I was going to "collect 'em all" then decided enough was enough ... I have read all but a few of the log books ... one of these days, maybe ...
John
210cav
Member Since: February 05, 2002
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Posted: Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 07:13 AM UTC
John-- I am a D-Day nut. I have the Cross Channel Attack, but I am wondering if one of the logistical related Green Books contains data on planned and actual flow of supplies into the ETO. Do you know if a particular volume contains such data?
thanks
DJ
thanks
DJ
jRatz
Member Since: March 06, 2004
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Posted: Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 07:57 AM UTC
Quoted Text
John-- I am a D-Day nut. I have the Cross Channel Attack, but I am wondering if one of the logistical related Green Books contains data on planned and actual flow of supplies into the ETO. Do you know if a particular volume contains such data?
thanks
DJ
I, too, am "into" D-Day, although I've kind of let it wane in the past years. At one time, I had the A-H game on a table & was using it to follow troop movements ...
Anyway, none of the green books are great sources for lots of data & tables -- "Logistical Support of the Armies, Volume One" probably comes closest for what you seek. After that the other Tech Series books give you a chapter here & there but you have to read & take copious notes to develop much ...
I like the Green books - a;pthough written long ago with much info still classified they provide an amazing look at what it took (takes) to mobilize a country for war, not to mention efficiently ... As a loggie, I of course find that more interesting than the fighting ...
John
hellbent11
Member Since: August 17, 2005
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Posted: Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 02:20 PM UTC
I would write about the island hopping of the Marine Corps in WWII. Naturally a trip to all those nice warm islands would be in order.
I would also like to write about the Marine Corps in the Korean war. Some visits to Korea particularly the Chosin Resivoir would be in order.
I would also like to write about the Marine Corps in the Korean war. Some visits to Korea particularly the Chosin Resivoir would be in order.
210cav
Member Since: February 05, 2002
entire network: 6,149 Posts
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Posted: Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 07:06 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I would write about the island hopping of the Marine Corps in WWII. Naturally a trip to all those nice warm islands would be in order.
I would also like to write about the Marine Corps in the Korean war. Some visits to Korea particularly the Chosin Resivoir would be in order.
Well I can certainly appreciate why one would want to take a trip to the islands of the Pacific, but North Korea!
DJ
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