The Mighty 8th Memorials in England
The Mighty 8thMemorials in England

Recommended WWII books and films

Films

 

'Memphis Belle' is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the US 8th Air Force. It is realistic, without much Hollywood artifice, giving an insight into the bravery and dedication of the men involved and the appalling odds they faced. If you haven't watched it, then I unreservedly recommend it to you.

 

Other fims featuring realistic USAAF WWII action include 'The Tuskegee Airmen' and 'Fortress'.

 

Also recommended is 'Tora! Tora! Tora!', showing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Top of the ratings however is the classic miniseries 'Band of Brothers'. A binge viewing of 'Band of Brothers' is highly recommended as an ideal way to spend a day during the current Covid-19 lockdown. Ten episodes each of about 45 minutes - what more could you ask for?

 

Books

 

'Stalingrad' by Antony Beevor is a riverting read. The Russian victory at Stalingrad, along with the British victory at El Alamein, proved to be the turning point in the war. Beevor's scope ranges from the strategic over-view of the deployemnt of armies to the experience of the frontline soldiers. This book has it all.

 

Also included is 'Citizen Soldiers' by Stephen E Ambrose. This follows the war against Nazism, from D-Day to the defeat of Germany, from the perspective of the Americans who fought it.

 

'Barbarossa' by Alan Clark is also recommended. Barbarosa was the codename of the German invasion of Russia in 1941. Clark's book is, quite rightly, described as 'The classic account of the greatest clash of arms the world has ever seen'. Don't expect to finish it in a weekend!

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© Rob Edwards