Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc.
Images from the Bundes Archives Serial 011, 2500/2750
The Air Attack Against the Japanese Home Islands
Basic United States strategy contemplated that the final decision in the Japanese war would be obtained by an invasion of the Japanese home islands. The long-range bombing offensive from the Marianas was initiated in November 1944, with that in mind as the primary objective. As in Europe prior to D-Day, the principal measure of success set for strategic air action was the extent to which it would weaken enemy capability and will to resist our amphibious forces at the time of landings. This led, originally, to somewhat greater emphasis on the selection of targets such as
- aircraft factories
- arsenals
- electronics plants
- oil refineries
- and finished military goods
destruction of which could be expected to weaken the capabilities of the Japanese armed forces to resist at the Kyushu beachheads in November 1945, than on the disruption of the more basic elements of Japan’s social, economic, and political fabric.
Certain of the United States commanders and the representatives of the Survey who were called back from their investigations in Germany in early June 1945 for consultation stated their belief that, by the coordinated impact of blockade and direct air attack, Japan could be forced to surrender without invasion. The controlling opinion, however, was that any estimate of the effects of bombing on the Japanese social fabric and on the political decisions of those in control of Japan was bound to be so uncertain that target selection could safely be made only on the assumption that ground force invasion would be necessary to force capitulation.
Combat Database Photos – US Army Troops on Utah and Omaha – June 1944 (all kind of troops ashore)
Serial Number 001 – 298 Photos
Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc.
Images from the Bundes Archives Serial 010, 2250/2500
Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc.
Images from the Bundes Archives Serial 009, 2000/2250
Asking for help is not a problem. The problem is to ask for help – usually money for archives – and give someone out to peoples that play the game. I was thinking on this for years and I have found a way that everyone could like : with making a donation for the European Center of Military History.
Donation over 49 (USD) get (postal) a CD with 1000 photos (US/Ger)
Donation over 99 (USD) get (postal) a CD with 2000 photos (US/Ger)
Donation over 249 (USD) get (postal) DVD with 2500 German Photos)
Gunter
Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc. (Legion des Volontaires Français WSS) Images from the Bundes Archives Serial 008, 1750/2000
The China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater was the last decisive major arena of World War II. Gen Joseph Stilwell was tasked to perform concurrent diplomatic and military miracles in pursuit of Allied victory. His mission of keeping a reluctant China in the war depended upon opening a ground line of supply and communication, to augment the Hump air route that linked India and China. To do this, the Japanese had to be driven from North Burma. Training and equipping Chinese troops to accomplish this mission required several months.
Images Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc
Images from the Bundes Archives Serial 007, 1501/1750
Members Only
Images Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc.
(Legion des Volontaires Français WSS) Images from the Bundes Archives
Serial 006, 1250/1500
Members Only
Images Databases, German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc. Images from the Bundes Archives, Serial 005, 1001/1250
Early, I have published the work of Maj Watanabe about the Lost Battalion in the Vosges Mountains in France in October 1944. I found out that the AJAs did a hell of a job. There is just a wrong word used in this entire story : saved ! The 1st Bn, 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division Texas wasn’t saved because it was just relieved from it’s positions in the Trapin de Saules.
A report from Michael P. Higgins, son of (then) Lt Martin J. Higgings
Commanding 1st Battalion, 141st Regt, 36th Infantry – 1944
This study is a General Staff analysis and record of the most important operational details of the XIX Corps’ successful attack on and penetration through the Siegfried Line. This successful attack against the Siegfried Line should be treated largely as a tribute to the superb fighting ability of our infantry and armored soldiers, well supported by artillery and engineers, intelligently led in a well-planned action. It has demonstrated that thorough planning, determined leadership and aggressiveness in battle, can overcome what otherwise seems to be insuperable obstacles. Both, the 30th Infantry Division and 2d Armored Division were battle experienced with able leadership throughout their echelons. The 29th Infantry Division, which came in during the latter phases of the operation, was also a battle experienced Division.
Read the rest of this entry »
(Lucian Heichler & Charles B. MacDonald)
In the early years of WW-2 the German Army amply demonstrated its ability to exploit victory to the fullest. After the tide had turned against the Germans, it became apparent that they also possessed the more outstanding ability to quickly recover from a defeat before their opponents could thoroughly exploit their success. Less than a month after suffering inapparently decisive defeat in which it was crushed and battered beyond recognition, Seventh Army established a coherent front line from the Meuse River to the Schnee Eifel Range in September 1944. Committed in this wide arc and supported by a motley conglomeration of last ditch reserves, the army’s remaining elements successfully defended the approaches to the Reich.
Foreword : I just got these archives (AAR 38 Cav Recon Sq) for the period Sep 1944, Oct 1944, Nov 1944, Dec 1944 and Jan 1945. As usual, the most interesting papers are in the worse quality. I will have a hell of a work to get this printed, so please be patient as I do only have 10 fingers and 2 eyes.
Members Only
Images Databases form German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Wehrmacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc. Images from the Bundes Archives, Serial 001, 751-1000/5000
Members Only
Images Databases form German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Whermacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc. Images from the Bundes Archives, Serial 001, 501-750/5000
Members Only
Images Databases form German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Whermacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc. Images from the Bundes Archives, Serial 001, 251-500/5000
Members Only
Images Databases form German World War Two (1936-1945) (Luftwaffe, Waffen SS, Panzer, OT, Whermacht, Fallschirmjäger, Infantry, etc. Images from the Bundes Archives, Serial 001, 000-250/5000
Members Only
This place is the home for all the photos related to the 1st Infantry Division 1940-1945.
December 14 1944
AAR/1.SS.Pzr.Div/501/Kampfgruppe Peiper
I. Regtl Conf 14/12-1600 Dec at CP Blankenheim
- Poetschke (Maj) / 1.SS.Pz.Bn
- Von Westerhagen (Lt Col) /2.SS.Pz.Bn
- Diefentahl (Capt) / 3.Bn.2.SS.Pz.Regt (atchmt)
II. Divisional Attack order released. Order of Battle sets. Combat Column Lead : Maj Poetschke, 1.SS.Pz.Bn (1), 3.SS.Pz.Gren.Bn (2), 9.SS.Pz.Pio.Co (3), AAA.Co (regtl)(closing)
Hello Gunter
I have an Allied Military Government Road Block Certificate dated June 18 1945. I found this in some of my grandfathers old things and would like to know more about it. It has the name Hildegard Heidl traveling with 3 persons typed in. This person is listed on the Flossenburg concentration camp as a professional criminal. At the top the certificate says “Pick up and destroy this pass at the roadblock”. It was signed by J.M. ? Cant read the last name.
Thought someone from your organization might know something about it.
Thanks,
Sheila Osgood
Here are the photographic archives from the European Center of Military History. This category is related to Tanks and Armored Combat Vehicles as used during World War Two by the US Forces. You can also add your own photos if you want by using the upload engine at the top of this gallery. If you don’t know how to do this, then just drop me an email.
This area is an open to all visitors, all the photos are EUCMH marked, which is not the case in the Members only area and the size on the Photos is limited to 800 Pixels (which is also not the case in the Members area.
Maj Francis M. Cain III
Corps of Engineers
The 1111th Engineer Group in the Bulge
Role of Engineers as Infantry in Airland Battle
This study examines the role of US Army Engineers fighting as infantry in AirLand Battle by analyzing the actions of the 1111th Engineer Combat Group during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The 51st and 291st Engineer Combat Battalions of the 1111th Engineer Combat Group are representative of the twenty-two engineer units committed as infantry during the Battle of the Bulge to stop the German onslaught. By manning hasty defensive positions at Malmedy, Stavelot, and Trois-Ponts, the 291st Engineers and C Co, 51st Engineers delayed the German advance long enough for 30th Infantry Division and 82d Airborne Division to reach the area and wrestle the initiative from the Sixth SS Panzer Army.
Report on the Employment of Four Tank Destroyer Battalions in the ETO
Research Report Prepared by Committee 24 – Officers Advanced Course – Armored School
(P-1) 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled)(done)
(P-2) 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled) (done)
(P-3) 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled) (done)
(P-4) 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Towed) at Mortain (France)(done)
Maj William F. Jackson, Maj John E. Wales III, Maj Marshall B. Garth, Maj John A. Rankin, Maj Alfred L. Dibelia, Maj Robert Hall, Capt George F. Sawyer, Capt Robert L. Perley, Capt James L. Higgins
Report on the Employment of Four Tank Destroyer Battalions in the ETO
Research Report Prepared by Committee 24 – Officers Advanced Course – Armored School
(P-1) 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled)(done)
(P-2) 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled) (done)
(P-3) 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled) (done)
(P-4) 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Towed) at Mortain (France)
Maj William F. Jackson, Maj John E. Wales III, Maj Marshall B. Garth, Maj John A. Rankin, Maj Alfred L. Dibelia, Maj Robert Hall, Capt George F. Sawyer, Capt Robert L. Perley, Capt James L. Higgins
Report on the Employment of Four Tank Destroyer Battalions in the ETO
Research Report Prepared by Committee 24 – Officers Advanced Course – Armored School
(P-1) 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled)(done)
(P-2) 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled) (done)
(P-3) 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled)
(P-4) 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Towed) at Mortain (France)
Maj William F. Jackson, Maj John E. Wales III, Maj Marshall B. Garth, Maj John A. Rankin, Maj Alfred L. Dibelia, Maj Robert Hall, Capt George F. Sawyer, Capt Robert L. Perley, Capt James L. Higgins
Report on the Employment of Four Tank Destroyer Battalions in the ETO
Research Report Prepared by Committee 24 – Officers Advanced Course – Armored School
(P-1) 628th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Propelled)
(P-2) 644th Tank Destroyer Battalion
(P-3) 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion
(P-4) 823rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (Self Towed) at Mortain (France)
Maj William F. Jackson, Maj John E. Wales III, Maj Marshall B. Garth, Maj John A. Rankin, Maj Alfred L. Dibelia, Maj Robert Hall, Capt George F. Sawyer, Capt Robert L. Perley, Capt James L. Higgins
Operations of 38th Regiment Combat team, 2nd Infantry Division
Battle of the Bulge – On the German Frontier – Belgium
December 10 1944 – December 20 1944
I chose this subject because I think it is the most outstanding action that my regiment participated in during World War Two. I think it will illustrate again some of the capabilities of infantry units; that the principles we have been studying do apply at all levels; that sometimes what appears to be violations of accepted doctrine will work with a little luck and determined execution.
Maj George D. Callaway
October 20th 1944. The men of MacArthur has returned. Small 9 minutes film, but pretty interesting.