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A decisive but forgotten campaign: East Africa 1940–41

It is quite common to attribute specific value to military events with the benefit of hindsight, without taking into account the actual situation at the time it took place and the views of the commanders involved. A clear example of this attitude is Hitler’s ‘halt order’ in May 1940 in front of Dunkirk, which is typically considered a mistake because it allowed the British forces to evacuate from the continent.

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Extract from D-Day Fleet 1944, American Sector

The D-Day landings and their aftermath were among the most complex and important naval operations in history. With the target beaches divided into two areas of responsibility – one US-commanded, one British – this armada launched a month-long operation to first support the landings, then to protect, supply, and support the troops ashore, as they fought to expand their toehold in occupied Europe.

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The Combined Fleet During the Guadalcanal and Solomons Campaign August 1942 – November 1943

Japanese Combined Fleet 1942–1943 covers the period between August 1942 and November 1943, and begins with the first American offensive of World War II. This landing on Guadalcanal prompted a six-month grinding battle of attrition between August 1942 and February 1943 before the Japanese were forced to retreat from the island. During this contest, the IJN suffered heavy losses in aircraft, aircrew, and ships. In the ensuing campaign for the Central and Northern Solomons, the IJN was forced into a force preservation mode.

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Me 262 Training

Often overlooked by aviation historians and writers – myself included! – is the aspect of training. This is possibly because it is not considered a particularly glamorous aspect of the ‘combat’ narrative. It was, however, essential.

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Tanks in the Philippines 1944–45: The biggest armored clashes of the Pacific War

Most tank buffs ignore the Pacific Campaign since there is the popular perception that tanks were not widely used in these battles. That was certainly the case in many of the early campaigns on the islands in the Southwest Pacific. These small volcanic islands were often covered by tropical growth and impassible to tanks.

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