Created from AAA units in order to fill a desperate need for riflemen, though it would only operate for a few months of bitter fighting, Task Force 45 must be considered to be one of the most peculiar allied fighting units of the second world war.
Tag: wwii
The Alsos Project and the Rescue of Max Planck
Max Planck is considered to be “the father of quantum physics.” Gerard Kuiper is considered to be “the father of modern planetary science.” The two met for the only known time during a daring rescue in May, 1945.
The Edelweiss Pirates and WWII
Long before the start of World War II, there was a significant amount of resistance to the Nazi regime in Germany among the nation’s youth, including the colorfully named Edelweiss Pirates. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
Ireland in the Second World War
When the United Kingdom declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, Ireland, despite being still technically a dominion of the United Kingdom, elected to stay out of the war, choosing instead to remain neutral, the only member of the British Commonwealth to do so. Neutrality offered both advantages and challenges, and the choice is still controversial today. The History Guy recalls the unique position of Ireland during the Second World War.
RAF Coastal Command vs U-Boats
The contest between aircraft and U-Boats during the Second World War was one of competing technological innovations, culminating with a decisive struggle in the summer of 1943. The History Guy tells the forgotten story of the development of anti-submarine warfare and the contest between the aircraft of RAF Coastal Command and U-Boats of the Kriegsmarine in the Bay of Biscay.
Nortraship: The Norwegian Fleet and WWII
Germany invaded Norway in April 1940, and defeated the Nordic nation in a 62-day campaign. But Norwegians continued to serve the Allied cause throughout the war. One of the least remembered, most important, and most unique roles was not about strength of arms, but about gross tonnage. The History Guy remembers the critical role played by “the largest shipping company in the world.”
Mephisto and the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux
The Second battle of Villers-Bretonneux represented a critical turning point in the Great War. While most fans of military history recall the first battle between tanks, the fate of the A7V “Mephisto” tells the story of tank warfare in the First World War. The History Guy recalls the story of the only surviving A7V.
The Naval Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa was the largest and deadliest battle of the Pacific campaign. But the terrible battle on the island was only part of the fight, as the ships of the Navy faced an onslaught of Kamikaze attacks. The History Guy recalls the many desperate actions to save the ships of the Okinawa armada.
Rangers and the 116th Infantry Regiment: D-DAY+2
Events behind Omaha beach on D-Day +2 helped to secure the allied invasion of “Fortress Europe.” Rangers were rescued, a resort town taken, and a Medal of Honor earned. The History Guy tells the story of the day after the day after D-Day.
The Battle of Merville Gun Battery
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, men of the British Ninth Parachute Battalion must disable a heavy gun battery that is within range of Sword Beach. The History Guy recounts one of the million acts of bravery on D-Day that deserves to be remembered.