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I'm not a massive history buff. I have far too many interests, and this is not one which gets much attention. That said, I have always had an interest- used to do model wargaming in early teens, know a bit about my Grandfather's naval career, saw an awful lot of old films as a youngster, and have read a couple of hefty tomes over the years.
Anyone with a passing interest (like me) should go and enjoy this youtube channel which too few subscribers. Al Murray (yes, him) and a friend, wandering around Normandy, looking at places and discussing with obvious knowledge, what went on. YT at its very best.
[Post edited 22 Dec 2024 22:47]
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 22:23 - Dec 22 with 3744 views
Thank you for this. Appreciated. Attached is a brief piece from the IWM on Stanley Hollis VC.
Al Murray is very knowledgeable on military history and does podcasters with historian James Holland I recommend his books if WW2 is something that interests you.
I suppose I am a bit of a history buff (re-reading Ackroyd’s book on the Tudors at the moment). In particular military history. Within military history, aviation and to a lesser extent sea warfare. Fortunately there is an almost inexhaustible supply of written stuff out there to feed my interest and despite very limited knowledge can bore for England on it!
Your Grandfather's Navy career sounds interesting. I’m guessing WW2. There should be a fair bit of material out there on it. Do you have his medals? Servicemen often didn’t claim them, gave or threw them away.
Thinking of your link and Hollis, I got to have a chat with a couple of VC holders on Remembrance Sunday some years ago. Talk about a total privilege.
Back to history in general, these people and anll our ancestors created the world we see today, whether it’s sitting on a railway train, walking into a Victorian building or just walking down a street. I guess that’s what feeds my interest.
[Post edited 23 Dec 2024 7:18]
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 08:36 - Dec 23 with 3466 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 07:06 - Dec 23 by Churchman
Thank you for this. Appreciated. Attached is a brief piece from the IWM on Stanley Hollis VC.
Al Murray is very knowledgeable on military history and does podcasters with historian James Holland I recommend his books if WW2 is something that interests you.
I suppose I am a bit of a history buff (re-reading Ackroyd’s book on the Tudors at the moment). In particular military history. Within military history, aviation and to a lesser extent sea warfare. Fortunately there is an almost inexhaustible supply of written stuff out there to feed my interest and despite very limited knowledge can bore for England on it!
Your Grandfather's Navy career sounds interesting. I’m guessing WW2. There should be a fair bit of material out there on it. Do you have his medals? Servicemen often didn’t claim them, gave or threw them away.
Thinking of your link and Hollis, I got to have a chat with a couple of VC holders on Remembrance Sunday some years ago. Talk about a total privilege.
Back to history in general, these people and anll our ancestors created the world we see today, whether it’s sitting on a railway train, walking into a Victorian building or just walking down a street. I guess that’s what feeds my interest.
[Post edited 23 Dec 2024 7:18]
Al and James' pods are excellent. I haven't yet caught up with their Walking the Ground YT series but know they're about to make one on the Bulge which has always interested me.
For the OP, James Holland's book on Normandy '44 is great and I can highly recommend Stephen Fisher's Sword Beach for anyone wanting a close up of predominantly British D-Day activities.
My interest stems from going through my late grandfather's war photos as a kid and the dawning realisation that much of the modern world was shaped by this massive event - even down to what we now consider to be the 'normal' rural landscape and agricultural output of England.
It's 106 miles to Portman Road, we've got a full tank of gas, half a round of Port Salut, it's dark... and we're wearing blue tinted sunglasses.
Those interested in WW2 history... on 08:40 - Dec 23 by Plums
Al and James' pods are excellent. I haven't yet caught up with their Walking the Ground YT series but know they're about to make one on the Bulge which has always interested me.
For the OP, James Holland's book on Normandy '44 is great and I can highly recommend Stephen Fisher's Sword Beach for anyone wanting a close up of predominantly British D-Day activities.
My interest stems from going through my late grandfather's war photos as a kid and the dawning realisation that much of the modern world was shaped by this massive event - even down to what we now consider to be the 'normal' rural landscape and agricultural output of England.
Yes, Holland’s Normandy 44 book is excellent. Not read Fisher’s book on Sword Beach. I’ll do that.
The other book I’m reading at the moment (I tend to have two or three on the go) is the Sweetman biography of Sir Sydney Camm, the extraordinary aircraft designer. Most notably the Harrier and the Hawker Hurricane.
[Post edited 23 Dec 2024 16:22]
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 09:00 - Dec 23 with 3382 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 08:54 - Dec 23 by Churchman
Yes, Holland’s Normandy 44 book is excellent. Not read Fisher’s book on Sword Beach. I’ll do that.
The other book I’m reading at the moment (I tend to have two or three on the go) is the Sweetman biography of Sir Sydney Camm, the extraordinary aircraft designer. Most notably the Harrier and the Hawker Hurricane.
[Post edited 23 Dec 2024 16:22]
I haven't read that - will have to add it to the list! I'm currently reading Katja Hoyer's 'Beyond the Wall' which is fascinating and debunks many of the western perceptions of life beyond the Iron Curtain.
I'm currently in danger of heading down a Cold War rabbit hole - thanks to the Cold War Conversations podcast which a friend put me on to. Finding the events of your childhood to be considered 'history' isn't something I'd prepared myself for!
It's 106 miles to Portman Road, we've got a full tank of gas, half a round of Port Salut, it's dark... and we're wearing blue tinted sunglasses.
Murray and James Holland have an excellent podcast if WW2 is your thing - "We Have Ways of Making You Talk" - although they do stick to a number of certain views which others contradict/oppose. James Holland is also chair of the Military Vehicle Trust; I am in the process of having a WW2 Willys MB (1945 - US 83rd Division) restored which I needed the MVT to certify for import purposes (which they did).
Most people don't realise that Al Murray is an Oxford Graduate of Modern History, and has a good knowledge of WW2, as well as other 20th century. He is also well known for his model making - particularly tanks - and was in Model Junction in Bury St Edmunds a few weeks back - ended up chatting to the guys there for a couple of hours in between buying a lot of models!!
I went to Arnhem in November, followed the route (as close as possible) taken by XXX Corps across the various bridges and then spent a few days in Arnhem and Oosterbeek - my Gt Uncle was a Glider Pilot who was captured and ended up a PoW at Arnhem - flew in Major Freddie Gough's reconnaissance squadron before they were ambushed.
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 10:17 - Dec 23 with 3290 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 10:17 - Dec 23 by bsw72
It's a terrible WW2 film, only improved by the Ipswich cameo appearances.
It’s really a film set in WW2 as opposed to a war film as such. It’s absolute mindless garbage. Rubbish from beginning to end. Non existent plot, laughable acting if you can call it that.
I loved every minute of it. And still do.
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 14:14 - Dec 23 with 3078 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 08:54 - Dec 23 by Churchman
Yes, Holland’s Normandy 44 book is excellent. Not read Fisher’s book on Sword Beach. I’ll do that.
The other book I’m reading at the moment (I tend to have two or three on the go) is the Sweetman biography of Sir Sydney Camm, the extraordinary aircraft designer. Most notably the Harrier and the Hawker Hurricane.
[Post edited 23 Dec 2024 16:22]
I did read Holland's Normandy '44 but I am more at home with Antony Beevor and much preferred his D-Day.
I've met 11 Second World War veterans since April of this year*, from D-Day veterans to Bomber Command crew to a Market Garden Para. The youngest being 98 and the oldest 103.
Given my longstanding interest in the history, I am disappointed that I for some reason left it so late to think about doing this, but also so glad that I started now rather than never.
Those interested in WW2 history... on 14:14 - Dec 23 by You_Bloo_Right
I did read Holland's Normandy '44 but I am more at home with Antony Beevor and much preferred his D-Day.
I have read most of Beevor's and Holland's work, plus a lot of Max Hastings/Stephen Ambrose. There is also some excellent stuff from John Keegan, Ian Kershaw and Richard Overy - plus some notable tomes from Jonathan Dimbleby.
It is interesting how historical perception and commentary has evolved continuously since the end of the war to now. It's really interesting to read Bomber Command from Max Hastings (1979) and compare to some of the tone used in Dambusters / Big Week from James Holland and the more recent Chastise from Max Hastings himself.
Same could be said for the different Arnhem / DDay / Italy books I have on my shelves . . .
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 16:26 - Dec 23 with 2888 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 14:14 - Dec 23 by You_Bloo_Right
I did read Holland's Normandy '44 but I am more at home with Antony Beevor and much preferred his D-Day.
Beevor’s book Berlin The Downfall is a must read. He’s a terrific author and I’ve read most of his stuff. But I found Holland’s on Normandy more interesting and his assessment excellent.
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 17:01 - Dec 23 with 2827 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 16:26 - Dec 23 by Churchman
Beevor’s book Berlin The Downfall is a must read. He’s a terrific author and I’ve read most of his stuff. But I found Holland’s on Normandy more interesting and his assessment excellent.
Berlin and Stalingrad are towering descriptions of some really tragic events but they're a very different style to Holland's personal narratives. I know some find Beevor's and Caddick-Adam's (another excellent author) level of detail hard to plough through but I like to mix it up.
I had the good fortune to have a pint with James Holland a couple of years ago. He was really good company and exactly the same, genuine person you hear on the pod and see at the festival. It's good when people meet your expectations!
It's 106 miles to Portman Road, we've got a full tank of gas, half a round of Port Salut, it's dark... and we're wearing blue tinted sunglasses.
Those interested in WW2 history... on 10:10 - Dec 23 by bsw72
Murray and James Holland have an excellent podcast if WW2 is your thing - "We Have Ways of Making You Talk" - although they do stick to a number of certain views which others contradict/oppose. James Holland is also chair of the Military Vehicle Trust; I am in the process of having a WW2 Willys MB (1945 - US 83rd Division) restored which I needed the MVT to certify for import purposes (which they did).
Most people don't realise that Al Murray is an Oxford Graduate of Modern History, and has a good knowledge of WW2, as well as other 20th century. He is also well known for his model making - particularly tanks - and was in Model Junction in Bury St Edmunds a few weeks back - ended up chatting to the guys there for a couple of hours in between buying a lot of models!!
I went to Arnhem in November, followed the route (as close as possible) taken by XXX Corps across the various bridges and then spent a few days in Arnhem and Oosterbeek - my Gt Uncle was a Glider Pilot who was captured and ended up a PoW at Arnhem - flew in Major Freddie Gough's reconnaissance squadron before they were ambushed.
Al Murray also collects militaria. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and presents with skill and enthusiasm. I didn’t realise he was an Oxford Graduate in history - I’m not surprised now you mention it. At least with Holland and Murray’s views, the back them up. I get the impression with some (Hastings in particular) that they have an axe to grind and write accordingly.
Your Gt uncle was an astonishingly brave man. Being a glider pilot (probably a Horsa!) was not only an incredibly skilled job, it was beyond dangerous. A heavy plywood box, you are in the front and if anything went wrong, you were the first to know about it!
The pilots were expected and trained to fight too, of course and rightly viewed themselves as an elite. He must have been an amazing person. Did he talk about what he did? An awful lot didn’t want to so never did.
I’ve been all round the Arnhem area but in my teens. Somewhere I’d like to revisit and do properly. But next year priority one is Normandy beaches with the Mrs. Her father was a Normandy veteran (an ML off Gold beach).
I also need to do the Somme, not least because I know where my grandfather was at certain points in time (Field Company records) and I’ve never been to it beyond passing through on a train. Other priority - to do a Spitfire flight and to actually fly it.
Time marches on and talk is cheap. I need to get on with these things!
A Willys Jeep? Tremendous! You will have a lot of fun with that. Now there was an important historical vehicle. One of the ‘war winners’. MB = Military model B. Be careful with the machine gun on the back!
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 17:21 - Dec 25 with 2252 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 16:59 - Dec 24 by Churchman
Al Murray also collects militaria. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and presents with skill and enthusiasm. I didn’t realise he was an Oxford Graduate in history - I’m not surprised now you mention it. At least with Holland and Murray’s views, the back them up. I get the impression with some (Hastings in particular) that they have an axe to grind and write accordingly.
Your Gt uncle was an astonishingly brave man. Being a glider pilot (probably a Horsa!) was not only an incredibly skilled job, it was beyond dangerous. A heavy plywood box, you are in the front and if anything went wrong, you were the first to know about it!
The pilots were expected and trained to fight too, of course and rightly viewed themselves as an elite. He must have been an amazing person. Did he talk about what he did? An awful lot didn’t want to so never did.
I’ve been all round the Arnhem area but in my teens. Somewhere I’d like to revisit and do properly. But next year priority one is Normandy beaches with the Mrs. Her father was a Normandy veteran (an ML off Gold beach).
I also need to do the Somme, not least because I know where my grandfather was at certain points in time (Field Company records) and I’ve never been to it beyond passing through on a train. Other priority - to do a Spitfire flight and to actually fly it.
Time marches on and talk is cheap. I need to get on with these things!
A Willys Jeep? Tremendous! You will have a lot of fun with that. Now there was an important historical vehicle. One of the ‘war winners’. MB = Military model B. Be careful with the machine gun on the back!
Dad was with the Fleet Air Arm. He set up the radar in planes. He was trained by Watson Watt at Bawdsey.
I went to the Menin Gate at Ypres. We have 4 family names on there. Driving up the hill towards Passendale was an incredably moving experience. In 60 seconds you can cover a distance that took the British army 3 years. Atmospheric does not even come close. Sombre. Humbling.
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 18:10 - Dec 25 with 2198 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 17:21 - Dec 25 by flykickingbybgunn
Dad was with the Fleet Air Arm. He set up the radar in planes. He was trained by Watson Watt at Bawdsey.
I went to the Menin Gate at Ypres. We have 4 family names on there. Driving up the hill towards Passendale was an incredably moving experience. In 60 seconds you can cover a distance that took the British army 3 years. Atmospheric does not even come close. Sombre. Humbling.
Wow, that such important family history. My dad bid national service on Radar and was trained at Bawdsey. He did much of his service on one of the Chain Home stations in Cornwall.
I have done the area around Ypres, Ypres itself, Tyne Cot, Passchendaele Ridge (what ridge?), anll of it. Atmosphere? Oh yes. By the boatload. Hard to get one’s head around it.
I took my mum around the area thinking her dad had served there, but after doing research he’d been further south and was injured out of the war before getting sucked it the 3rd Ypres horror. Tbf he had done 21 months 8n France including the Somme and Arras battles. His brother served a fitter for the RFC and RAF so was ok. His cousin died and so did another at Loos 1915.
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 21:24 - Dec 25 with 2100 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 16:59 - Dec 24 by Churchman
Al Murray also collects militaria. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and presents with skill and enthusiasm. I didn’t realise he was an Oxford Graduate in history - I’m not surprised now you mention it. At least with Holland and Murray’s views, the back them up. I get the impression with some (Hastings in particular) that they have an axe to grind and write accordingly.
Your Gt uncle was an astonishingly brave man. Being a glider pilot (probably a Horsa!) was not only an incredibly skilled job, it was beyond dangerous. A heavy plywood box, you are in the front and if anything went wrong, you were the first to know about it!
The pilots were expected and trained to fight too, of course and rightly viewed themselves as an elite. He must have been an amazing person. Did he talk about what he did? An awful lot didn’t want to so never did.
I’ve been all round the Arnhem area but in my teens. Somewhere I’d like to revisit and do properly. But next year priority one is Normandy beaches with the Mrs. Her father was a Normandy veteran (an ML off Gold beach).
I also need to do the Somme, not least because I know where my grandfather was at certain points in time (Field Company records) and I’ve never been to it beyond passing through on a train. Other priority - to do a Spitfire flight and to actually fly it.
Time marches on and talk is cheap. I need to get on with these things!
A Willys Jeep? Tremendous! You will have a lot of fun with that. Now there was an important historical vehicle. One of the ‘war winners’. MB = Military model B. Be careful with the machine gun on the back!
Not only was a glider pilot a dangeous role, but also carried the high responsibilty of the human cargo behind him. And of course once he has landed he is right in the middle of a war zone without really being trained to deal with it in the sense that the soldiers he was ferrying would have been.
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Those interested in WW2 history... on 21:40 - Dec 25 with 2087 views
Those interested in WW2 history... on 21:24 - Dec 25 by mellowblue
Not only was a glider pilot a dangeous role, but also carried the high responsibilty of the human cargo behind him. And of course once he has landed he is right in the middle of a war zone without really being trained to deal with it in the sense that the soldiers he was ferrying would have been.
They actually had a pretty good level of combat training, not least in use of the weapons the lads in the back were carrying. Attached is a good summary of just how good they were.
Those interested in WW2 history... on 21:40 - Dec 25 by Churchman
They actually had a pretty good level of combat training, not least in use of the weapons the lads in the back were carrying. Attached is a good summary of just how good they were.
Those interested in WW2 history... (n/t) on 22:45 - Dec 25 by mellowblue
thanks for the info, they would have needed that training given the circumstances. Extra trained man in the field would have been useful.
They would have needed everyone available. The nature of airborne assault whether by glider or parachute meant not everyone landed in the right place at the right time. Nor did they often get relieved on time.
Airborne assault had the advantage of surprise but the disadvantage of lack of heavy weapons, ammunition and men. They were relatively lightly armed. Everyone had to and did know their jobs. These people considered themselves an elite and so they were.
A Horsa glider could take 30 fully armed men. Men could be left out for a jeep or a six pounder gun. They were made by furniture factories, such was the ingenuity of British at that time, completely of wood. They were towed by in the main Stirlings and Halifaxes.
Edit: loss rates in the attached. Your survival odds were not great.
Those interested in WW2 history... (n/t) on 00:01 - Dec 26 by Churchman
They would have needed everyone available. The nature of airborne assault whether by glider or parachute meant not everyone landed in the right place at the right time. Nor did they often get relieved on time.
Airborne assault had the advantage of surprise but the disadvantage of lack of heavy weapons, ammunition and men. They were relatively lightly armed. Everyone had to and did know their jobs. These people considered themselves an elite and so they were.
A Horsa glider could take 30 fully armed men. Men could be left out for a jeep or a six pounder gun. They were made by furniture factories, such was the ingenuity of British at that time, completely of wood. They were towed by in the main Stirlings and Halifaxes.
Edit: loss rates in the attached. Your survival odds were not great.
Yes the time constraints on them were huge. Take the target and hold until relieved by the main forces. 2-3 day should be absolute max with limites ammunition and provisions.How the guys at Arnhem held out for so long heaps masssive credit on them.
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