European Center of Military History

At the beginning of 1938, Dornier issued manufacturing specification #1323, recognizing the need for a twin-engine bomber or long-range reconnaissance aircraft powered by Daimler-Benz DB 601B engines. Dornier recognized shortcomings of its fast Do 17 well before the war. With Junkers’ new prototype, the Junkers Ju 88, being superior to the Do 17 in every way, Dornier designed a new bomber to meet a requirement from the RLM for a larger and more versatile bomber than the Do 17, capable of both level and dive bombing. One of the most versatile and useful bomber designs the Germans put into production after the war started, the Dornier Do 217 remedied the shortcomings of the Do 17 while greatly advancing the design in all areas.
Superficially a scaled up Do 215, and initially powered by the same engines, the Do 217 was actually considerably larger and totally different in detailed design. The first prototype (the Do 217 V1) flew on 4 October 1938, but crashed seven days later during a single engine flying test. It was found to be underpowered and was unmaneuvrable when compared with contemporary bombers. Instability was a problem at first, but modifications such as fixed slats along the leading edges of the vertical fins helped to improve flight stability.
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Here is another set of World War Two Pictures related to France and to period June-July 1944.
Cherbourg and Colleville / Mer

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I’ve also found these splendid photos. Some are : 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne, December 1944, one (Tank on the Highway) seems to be on the Road to St Vith.

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While I was searching for some very World War Two special photos online I’ve made some interesting discoveries. As example is the following set of World War Two Paratroopers photos in color.

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It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrades. Through a phone call from the Family to Tony Marincola we learned that Dr. Thomas D. O’Brien, B Company, 194th Glider Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, passed away on 13 June 2009. I was able to contact the Family yesterday to obtain the essential information for this message. Following his service in World War II Dr. O’Brien was trained as a Veterinarian, graduating from the University of Missouri Veterinary School in 1951. Following his graduation he opened up the Edina Feed and Livestock Store. Dr. O’Brien had a passion for small animals (cats and dogs) and he never did retire. He joined our Association in 1972 and remained a Member in good standing until our dissolution. The cause of death was complications from Lymphoma and Diabetes at the age of 84. The Obituary and Guest Book information is available at www.hudsonrimerfh.com

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Here is another set of photos from Normandy 1944. These are done in the vicinity as well as in Carentan à the Field Hospital during June – July 1944.

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I’ve got an email from one German Historian (Heidelberg) and asking me for Normandy Pictures for the period June-July 1944. As it is way far easier for me to do some postings with these pictures as zipping them and sending them over the net I am doing this right now with only some pictures I have on CD.

Argentan

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On 8 August 1934, the US Army Air Corps (USAAC) tendered a proposal for a multi-engined bomber to replace the Martin B-10. Requirements were that it would carry a “useful bombload” at an altitude of 10000-F – 3000-M for ten hours with a top speed of at least 200-MPH – 320-KMH. They also desired, but did not require, a range of 2000-MIS – 3200-KMS and a speed of 250-MPH – 400-KMH. The Air Corps were looking for a bomber capable of reinforcing the air forces in Hawaii, Panama, and Alaska. The competition would be decided by a “fly-off” at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. Boeing competed with the Douglas DB-1 and Martin Model 146 for the Air Corps contract. The prototype B-17, designated Model 299, was designed by a team of engineers led by E. Gifford Emery and Edward Curtis Wells and built at Boeing’s own expense. It combined features of the experimental Boeing XB-15 bomber with the Boeing 247 transport airplane.
The B-17 was armed with bombs (up to 4800-LBS – 2200-KGS on two racks in the bomb bay behind the cockpit) and five LBMG Caliber .30 in (7.62-MM) machine guns, and was powered by Pratt & Whitney R-1690 radial engines each producing 750-HP at 7000-F – 2100-M.
The first flight of the Model 299 was on 28 July 1935, with Boeing chief test-pilot Leslie Tower at the controls. Richard Williams, a reporter for the Seattle Times coined the name “Flying Fortress” when the Model 299 was rolled out, bristling with multiple machine gun installations. Boeing was quick to see the value of the name and had it trademarked for use. On Aug 20, the prototype flew from Seattle to Wright Field in nine hours and three minutes at an average speed of 235-MPH – 378-KMH, much faster than the competition.
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Fear was always a bad counselor, and fear is no position from which to view the world. Against a technical means of attack the same technical concept has always found a defense.

Generaloberst Hans von Seeckt

The Development of the German Luftwaffe
1919-1939
Professor Richard Suchenwirth
Edited by Mr. Harry R. Fletcher
US Air Force Historical Division

The Development of the German Luftwaffe, 1919 to 1939, written by Professor Richard Suchenwirth and revised and edited by Harry R. Fletcher, is one of a series of historical studies written for the United States Air Force Historical Division by men who had been key officers in or outstanding authorities on the German Luftwaffe during World War II. The overall purpose of the series is two fold :
- 1) To provide the United States Air Force with a comprehensive and insofar as possible, authoritative history of a major air force which suffered defeat in World War II, an history prepared by many of the principal and responsible leaders of that air force
- 2) to provide a firsthand account of that air force’s unique combat in a major war, especially its fight against the forces of the Soviet Union. This series of studies therefore covers in large part virtually all phases of the Luftwaffe’s operations and organization, from its camouflaged origin in the Reichswehr during the period of secret rearmament following World War I through its participation in the Spanish Civil War and its massive operations and final defeat in World War II with particular attention to the air war on the Eastern Front.

The German Luftwaffe Historical Project (referred to hereinafter by its shorter and current title, The GAF Monograph Project) has generated this and other especially prepared volumes which comprise, in one form or another, a total of more than 40 separate studies. The project, which was conceived and developed by the US Air Force Historical Division, was, upon recommendation of Headquarters Air University late in 1952, approved and funded by Headquarters USAF in early 1953. General supervision was assigned to the USAF Historical Division by Headquarters USAF, which continued principal funding of the project through 30 June 1958. With in the Historical Division, Dr. Albert F. Simpson and Mr. Joseph W. Angell, Jr., respectively Chief and, Assistant Chief of the Division, exercised overall supervision of the project. The first steps towards its initiation were taken in the fall of 1952 following a staff visit by Mr. Angell to the Historical Division, Headquarters United States Army, Europe, at Karlsruhe, Germany, where the Army was conducting a “somewhat similar historical project covering matters and operations almost wholly of interest to that service. Whereas the Army’s project had produced or was producing a multiplicity of studies of varying length and significance (more than 2000 have been prepared to date by the Army project), it was early decided that the Air Force should request a radically smaller number (around 40) which should be very carefully planned initially and rather closely integrated. Thirteen narrative histories of GAF combat operations, by theater areas, and 27 mono graphic studies dealing with areas of particular interest to the United States Air Force were recommended to, and approved by, Headquarters USAF in the initial project proposal at late, 1952. (A list of histories and studies appears at the end of this volume.)
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HEADQUARTERS, 99TH INFANTRY DIVISION
Office of the Division Surgeon
A.P.O. 449, c/o Postmaster
New York, New York

SUBJECT : Medical History, 99th Infantry Division.
TO : The Surgeon General, US Army, Washington, DC
(Through Technical Channels).
The Medical History of the 99th Infantry Division for the calendar year 1944 is submitted in compliance with instructions in paragraph 6, AR 40-1005, Circular Letter No. 168, 1942, No. 81, 1943, Office of the Surgeon General, and Circular Letter No. 143, 1944, Office of the Chief Surgeon, ETO, United States Army.

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When decided to translate and then publish into French the two books from the Office of the Chief of Military History World War Two Book Serial, I was wiling to use the original (and also the best) texts more as a skeleton to deploy the informations to their maximum with war photos.
Unfortunately (beside the fact that the 6000 books were sold) I did several mistakes while publishing the two books : Omaha Beach 6-13 June 1944 and Utah Beach to Cherbourg.
First I added about 900 wartime photos into the two books. It was to much for the European readers. The second, I turned this work into 1st class books using the best quality paper available, large size format, hardcover with olive drab cloth, and over 850 pages for the two books (21×30)(CM). The third was simply to publish the books into French because I think and still do that French speaking readers are not worth all this hard work. This is – by the way – why I am publishing this site in English and believe me, I am really happy with this.

I am willing to do this online now because there is no need to spare on paper, photos or place. So enjoy this work as well I am enjoying it while doing it.

Gunter

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Lemme tell you about this lovely little belgian city calle : La Roche.
Nestling in a leafy setting on the banks of the Ourthe River, La Roche, the Jewel of the Ardenne, has a fascinating past, a wealth of history, legends, and even a ghost. We know the La Roche area was already inhabited in Neolithic times, 20 centuries before our own era.
The ancient Belgæ built an oppidum (hill fort) on this rocky outcrop, where the castle now stands. In 57 BC, Ardenne like Gaul had to submit to the yoke of Rome. A fortlet was built to replace the oppidum. Excavations in La Roche have found coins dating from the time of Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96) and Constantine II (AD 337-340).
Taking advantage of the decline of Rome, the Franks, a Germanic people, invaded our country in the 5th century. Under the Frankish occupation in the 8th century, Pepin of Herstal turned the Roman fort into a hunting lodge. The first castle was built in the 9th century and was at its peak between the 12th and 17th centuries. In the following century, faced with attacks from the French, the castle was turned into a fortress. After 1721, a slow decline set in. A proposal to restore it was made in 1744, but never came to anything. Abandoned and neglected, the castle fell into ruin. Excavation started here in 1995, projected to finish by the end of 1999. There is a project afoot with plans already drawn up for a partial reconstruction.

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After the Wells Fargo we’ve here the Kangurus Fargo, a message from Nick, our best Australian Yankee.

It’s TOP POTS 1st Annual GARRYOWEN 72 Hour Sale !!!
June 25th, 2009 – This is the 133rd year anniversary of “Custer’s Last Stand”, which has nothing to do with WWII, but it has everything to do with serving your country and being men !
In honour of the memory of the brave soldiers that fell that day, I am having an unprecedented, special 72 hour sale. Remember, the keyword is “GARRYOWEN” !
If interested, click on the image below and get more information !

Again, thank you very much for your time and I hope you will drop me a line if I can be of any assistance !

Nick Howard
Owner – Top Pots
www.toppots.net
1-888-435-6383 (toll free)

This Airplane, which was during and after World War Two the most terrible looking flying bananas constructed in the United States, was one of the best Fighter Planes. You can ask anyone who had the chance to take this monster up into the air and you will never meet the usual slang answers like : just a piece of crap or even a this thing was baddest that a pain into the ass.
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There is a nice set of photos from Anzio, Nettuno, Cisterna as well as Italy on the whole county. Enjoy this set photos because they are pretty good.
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Five Points Crossroads Victims
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The US 11th Armored Division (11-AD) was activated on August 15 1942 at Camp Polk, Louisiana and moved on June 24 1943 for the Third Army #3 Louisiana Maneuvers. Transferred then to Camp Barkeley, Texas on September 5 1943 the 11-AD participated, October 29 1943, in the Desert Training Center #4 California Maneuvers and arrived at Camp Cooke, California on February 11 1944, staged at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey September 16 1944 until departed New York, Port of Embarkation on September 29 1944 and arrived in England on October 11 1944.
The 11-AD landed in France on December 17 1944, crossed into Belgium on December 29 1944 and entered Germany on March 5 1945. The 11th Armored Division was inactivated on August 1945.

11-AD Commanders
- Maj Gen Edward H. Brooks : August 1942 – March 1944
- Maj Gen Charles S. Kilburn : March 1944 – March 1945
- Maj Gen Holmes E. Dager : March 1945 – Deactivation

11-AD Casualties
- Killed in Action : 432
- Wounded in Action : 2.394
- Died of Wounds : 90
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It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. We learned of this sad news in a very odd way. Joe Quade in a visit to Pennsylvania picked up a local newspaper and found an Obituary and phoned me with the name. I went on the Web Site (Legacy) and found the Obituary by name. Much to my concern in checking with the Family the Legacy Obituary of the same name was not correct. With much assistance from Ed Siergiej I was able to make contact with a Family Member of our deceased Member and avoid a most embarrassing situation. Ms Kim Manley informed me that her Father, Mr Melvin C. Manley, Btry B, 680th GFA, passed away on 5 June 2009.

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I have got this Armband in 2006 and since I never found someone who was able to tell me what this item is for. So, again I am asking the site’s visitors if they know what this is, what is it for and who used them.
Another point, this Armd Band was sent to me as a gift for my Virtual Museum. Should you have some item like this and particularly a Yellow Start that would be a great add in the EUCMH Virtual Musem.

Thanks for you help

At 1100-H, November 9, 1944, the Boeing B-17-G Serial # 42-97904 nicknamed “Lady Jeannette”, crashed into the woods in the immediate vicinity of Hattonville, France. Observed by thousands of Americans and French, the B-17 came from the east with fire streaming from one side and smoke from the other. She was low and running out of altitude as she approached Hattonville. Immediately to the west of Hattonville is a steep ridge with the village of Hattonchatel located on its top. The top of the trees on the ridge were 500 feet above the ground at Hattonville and the “Lady Jeannette” was too low to fly over the ridge, she had to turn or crash into the slope. As she approached the village, Americans of the 563rd Signals Aircraft Warning Battalion HQ stationed in the village and French citizens watched three men bail. Then, they began to realize the bomber might crash into the village and they began to run away from the center of the village. Spewing flame and smoke the B-17 continued toward the village. As all the people on the ground for miles around watched, the B-17 began a right turn just before reaching the village and she managed to complete the turn and now she was headed back toward Germany. Having cleared the church’s spire by 200 feet. Now the “Lady Jeannette” was now very close to the ground and the only place left to slide in for a safe landing was the large field she had just flown over. However, the men who had just bailed out were slowly parachuting into the field and if they tried to turn and land there they would put their crewmen at risk. The two pilots could see they did not have the altitude to clear the large forest they were now flying over. Now, in a final attempt to save the wounded radio operator’s life that was still on-board, they decided their only choice was one more right turn. Hoping to clear the forest and reach the field beyond their parachuting crewmen. Their Bombardier, Lt Harms, who was landing at the eastern edge of the field, Lt Harland, their Navigator, and TSgt Gustafson, their wounded Flight Engineer, all hanging under their parachutes, watched as the “Lady Jeannette” began the turn and then slowly lowered into the woods. For over 600 feet the “Lady Jeannette” left a debris trail. Scattered along that debris trail was the torn-apart remains of their Tail Gunner, Sgt Krimminger. He had become trapped when he opened his parachute too soon and it went over the tail plane and he fell under it. When the final movement was over, the tail had broken off, about 500 feet along the debris trail, the two wings had came off at the wing roots and the forward had traveled another 127 feet before coming to rest. Between the broken tail and the forward fuselage, the dead body of the Radio Operator, TSgt Dunlap, came to rest. In the forward fuselage, sitting slumped over in their cockpit seats were the bodies of Lt Gott and Lt Metzger. Both had been killed by trees limbs breaking into their cockpit windows.
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The Red Ball Express was a gigantic convoy system created by Allied forces to supply their forward-area combat units moving through Europe following the breakout from the D-Day beaches in Normandy. The term “Red Ball” was a railroad phrase referring to express shipping. The system lasted only three months, from August 25 to November 16, 1944, when the port facilities at Antwerp, Belgium were opened. The term Red Ball is often used incorrectly to refer to all WWII European supply convoys by historians and the veterans themselves.

The French railway system had been destroyed by Allied air power prior to the June 6 1944 D-Day invasion in order to deny their use to the German forces, thereby leaving trucks as the only way to move supplies forward. After the breakout and the race to the Seine River, there were twenty-eight Allied divisions in the field. For offensive operations, each division would consume about 700-750 tons of supplies per day, a total of about 20.000 tons. At its peak, the Red Ball Express operated 5.958 vehicles and carried about 12.500 tons of supplies per day. Col Loren Albert Ayers, known to his men as “Little Patton,” was in charge of gathering two drivers for every truck, obtaining special equipment and training port battalion personnel as drivers for long hauls.
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XLII – 15-19 March 1944
A. Operations Report
Particularly at night, during this period, routine reconnaissance and raiding activities took place.
Early on 15 March the Allies captured the strong point at K9, 1.5 km southeast of Tre Spaccassassi with overwhelming forces. Despite a counterattack, during which we suffered heavy losses, the group of houses could not be retaken.
Withdrawal of the 26th Panzer Division was completed on 15 March. The 362nd Infantry Division took over this sector. The 26th Panzer Division will be assembled as Army Reserve in the area directly west of Velletri.
The relief of the 114th Jager Division by the 1028th Panzer Grenadier Regiment began on 13 March. On 19 March the present sector of the 114th Jager Division will be taken over by the 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division (I Parachute Corps).
On 18 March, our assault troops succeeded in penetrating enemy positions in the wooded area at the Moletta gorge. Infantry weapons were captured. The enemy had considerable losses and his position was destroyed.
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It is with a heavy heart that we belatedly learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Through the Static Line Paper we learn that Mr Leo J Bier, Co D, 507th PIR, passed away on 20 January 2009. Unfortunately, my attempts to reach a Family member were not successful.
My attempts through AOL White pages, Legacy and our Association Records were very confusing and not fruitful. I found a postal address in Rockford, IL, Dardenne Prarie, MO and O Fallon, MO. Due to the time delay the Obituary has been archived. Our Association Records maintained by Ed Siergiej provided the following :
Following his service in World War II Mr. Bier was employed as a Sales Manager for a Machinery Manufacturer. He joined our Association in 1987 and remained a “member in good standing” until 2007. He was 87 years of age at the time of his death.
The best address that I have for a family member is as follows :
Mrs. Jane Bier
7141 Curtis Dr
O Fallon, MO 63368
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bier Family.
Sincerely, Del Townsend

Here are some pictures that you should see. Not because they are funny but just because your taxes are used to cover these little troubles.
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I got this email 15 minutes ago and I am wondering what me – poor little Belgian – should do in such a great association. (Read on)
Since you have expressed interest in the Marine Corps, we would like to invite you to join our organization, if you are not already an MCA member.

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Peter Chemy, a Polish national liberated from a concentration camp by Americans in May 1945, spent the first few months of his freedom adrift in Germany. On a snowy winter night of that year, he found refuge and a meal in the home of a German family : husband, wife, and daughter. After they had gone to sleep, Chemy found a hatchet and murdered them in their beds.
He was tried by an American tribunal, sent to Landsberg, and executed by firing squad in January 1947.
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It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we belatedly learn of the passing of another Distinguished Veteran and a Valued Comrade. Through the Static Line Paper we learned that Michael P. Umhofer, Col USAR (Ret), Co D, 194th GIR, passed away on 21 October 2008.
Unfortunately, I was not able to make contact with a Family Member. The Obituary indicates that he retired from Active Duty in 1971 and took Command of the US Army Reserve’s 401st Civil Affairs Unit in Webster, NY until he retired in 1985. His Civilian life was spent in teaching History and Social Studies in the Rochester City School District. He joined our Association in 1987 and became a life Member in 1990. He was 82 years of age at the time of his passing.

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It is with a heavy heart and my deepest sympathy that we learn of the passing of another of our Distinguished Veterans and a Valued Comrade. Through a message from Mr. John Senick we learn that Mr. John F. Saggio, Co A, 193rd Glider Infantry Regiment, passed away on 24 May 2009. Through the assistance of Mr. Senick I was able to make contact with the Saggio Family to obtain the essential information for this message.
Following his service in World War II Mr. Saggio was employed by the US Postal Service. He retired from the Postal Service after 25 years of service. In his retirement years Mr. Saggio enjoyed “Weight Lifting” and was an avid Notre Dame and New York Yankee Fan in addition to his Grandchildren. He joined our Association in 1963 and continued as a paid up member while attending several Reunions. The cause of death was Kidney Failure at the age of 84.
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I’ve got this some months ago from a family member in Germany. In fact this one is the book from my mother in law. This is of course not the top of the top in the militaria area but it’s a nice little item and I am posting images large enough to allow you to read what it’s inside this.

From its inception, the United States made use of spies. The nation’s first spy master, Gen George Washington, recognized the need for accurate intelligence during the Revolutionary War. In a letter written July 26 1777, Washington wrote :
- The necessity of procuring good intelligence is apparent and need not be further urged – All that remains for me to add is, that you keep the whole matter as secret as possible.
From his experience as a British officer in the French and Indian war, he often relied on intelligence provided by Native Americans to keep his troops mobile and out of reach of the enemy.
Intelligence operations in the American colonies, though, predate the war. In 1765, after the British passed the hated Stamp Act, a confederation of dissident groups called the Sons of Liberty formed to harass the British. By 1772 the Sons of Liberty had evolved into the Committees of Correspondence, whose purpose was to share information in resisting colonial rule. In Boston, members of the committee, including Samuel Adams and John Hancock, patrolled the streets at night, observing the movement of British troops and warning rebels in the countryside of impending British raids that might turn up caches of arms and gunpowder. The Boston group learned that on one of these raids the British intended to arrest Adams and Hancock, but it was unclear whether troops leaving Boston would travel across land or up the seacoast.
In an early instance of intelligence trade craft, Paul Revere arranged a signal that would give the rebels in the countryside advance warning of the direction of the raid – lanterns hung in the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church. His stratagem, “one if by land, two if by sea,” was immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his poem Paul Revere’s Ride. This raid went down in the history books as the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening salvos in the Revolution.
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