For those of you interested in WWII equipment, its field use, shortcomings,
and GI modifications, (as well as a perspective on that conflict not usually
gained from reading histories); I would like to suggest a visit to a nearby
used book store for copies of "Here is Your War" and "Brave Men" by war
correspondent Ernie Pyle. I've picked up both here in Durango at our only
used book store for about $4 each. If they are available here they should
be available anywhere. His description of a DUKW ride around Anzio harbour,
under fire, (and the results of their notoriously weak braking system) alone
make them worth the read. Plenty of other tidbits on jeeps (especially),
trucks, tanks, guns, and aircraft.
In the same vein, Maj Robert Crisp's account of tank war "Brazen Chariots"
has been mentioned on this list a while back. I'm not sure if it was noted
that a paperback of this book was published in 1978 by Bantam with a fine
reproduction of a painting by Gunter Scherrer of Crisp's honey rapidly
advancing rearwards from a german anti-tank gun with an old Fiat truck (I
recognize the grill!) burning nearby. There's also a fine novel about the
same period "Easter Day 1941" (published 1987) by G.F. Borden available.
I have looked for years for a good complete description of the battles for
North Africa (including the Italian vs British campaigns in Eritrea,
Ethiopia and Somalia) which preceeded the more famous actions along the
north shore. I have recently found it in "The Battle for North Africa
1940 - 43" by W.G.F. Jackson (published 1975). It also happens to be the
most comprehensive, balanced, and clearest of the descriptions I've read.
And the only general description which consistently notes which units were
equipped with which tanks, and how the capabilities of the equipment
affected the capability and action of the various units.
And finally if you are wondering what the field bumper markings of say a
28th Div MB/GPW looked like in August 1944 you will find a color (yes color)
picture of same parading down the Champs Elysees in "Victory in Europe D-Day
to VE Day in Full Color" published in 1985. There's also a color photograph
of the pulse duct engine of a V1. Kodachrome was invented in 1935, the same
year the first B-17 lifted off the ground.
Which paint stripper to use is important but there is more to this hobby
then torque specs.
Regards to all Lou
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