>>Tony,
>>What are your particular interests in WW2?
>>Ever been to the battlefields?
I really do find it all fascinating. From the pre-war politics, particularly the dismal failure of the Weimar Republic, to battles, to weaponry comparisons, to "what if" scenarios. Never been to any battlefields, however.
I've heard many an argument over which is better FW 190 Dora or F4U-4 Corsair. Or Mustang vs 109, etc etc. Usually there's no clear cut winner in these comparisons because fighting the war was a TEAM SPORT. Just as controversial to compare panzers vs T-34 or panzers vs Shermans. But you know, it's still interesting to jump in these discussions.
I'd say right now I'm most interested in 1930s Germany. In addition to internet articles, I have a copy of William Shirer's "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich". I really like Shirer's writing style. He's very easy to read and doesn't waste time with the useless details while providing many relevant details.
Well, no telling what I'll be interested in in the near future, but I'll make a point to stir up some trouble with our British buddies !
But besides making little jokes, I'm a huge admirer of the British in WW2. From Battle of Britain to El Alamein. Brit soldiers driving and fighting in jeeps, taking on dug-in German positions in N. Africa ? Are you kidding ? Love it. And of course the Spitfire and Hurricane defense of the country is one of the most heroic stories ever to be told. I could hear it till the day I die and it'll never get old.
And LOVE our F4U Corsair. I was 7 years old when I watched "The Blacksheep Squadron" with much youthful enthusiasm. When I was 9 it was taken off the air. Family went on a trip to Universal Studios in California. I raised my goofy kid hand and asked the tour guide "When is Blacksheep Squadron coming back on ?" I don't think he said "Shut it up, kid" outloud. But he probably thought it. lol.
Well, thanks again for the welcome. Talk to you soon.
Tony