Let us not forget our history...

This is part of a set of 10 shows concentrating on USS Enterprise. Probably the best of the Battle 360 series. The show was probably developed from Edward P. Stafford's "The Big E". At least they used it for a great deal of their source material. If you are an Enterprise fan, this is the book for you. I've worn out 3 paperback copies, and finally located it in hard cover. His other books are good too.
 
I was just going to post about Midway but you beat me to it. Good show Rami.

Wayland,

The Big E very good book. I read it originally when I was in High School and got it from the library. I have a paper back copy for years.

After Pen32Win did his AF=Midway he thought about doing an Enterprise Campaign through the War but I think real life got in the way. Talon had also started one but never got a chance to finish it. Such a shame it was never done "USS Enterprise " was in most of the major battles in the PTO and was only 1 of 3 of the original USA Carriers to survive the War.
 
miamieagle said:
Thank you!:jump:

This is the second most important Battle of WW2 after the Battle of Britain.:wavey:
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I hadn't thought about it, but you're exactly right, and maybe the Russian Winter Offensive of '41-'42. All of these stopped the 'rot' and started turning the tide(s).

I find Midway fascinating, as it is that mix of huge luck (and what-if's), pivotal tactical mistakes and determination, that the dice rolled in favour of you guys (hurrah!). These battles were so small compared to the big picture, but were so important.

Cheers

Shessi
 
Reply...

Shessi,

Yes, I agree with you on the Soviet Offensive...the entire period of 1942-1943 on the Eastern Front was a constant drain on the Wehrmacht, and the situation really turned in favor of the Soviet Union after Kursk.
 
Shessi said:
I hadn't thought about it, but you're exactly right, and maybe the Russian Winter Offensive of '41-'42. All of these stopped the 'rot' and started turning the tide(s).

I find Midway fascinating, as it is that mix of huge luck (and what-if's), pivotal tactical mistakes and determination, that the dice rolled in favour of you guys (hurrah!). These battles were so small compared to the big picture, but were so important.

Cheers

Shessi
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Good connection Shessi. Also, recall that up until the Japanese defeat at Midway. Stalin had steadfastly refused to remove any of his reserves from the east for fear of a Japanese attack. After Midway he figured the Japanese would have their hands full in the Pacific and gave the OK to move those troops west- thus the Battle of Stalingrad Fall 1942 - Feb 43. Truly the beginning of the end. Speaking of "...mix of huge luck (and what-if's), pivotal tactical mistakes and determination..." it has often been been said WRT the bravery and determination of Torpedo 8 at Midway- going in for the attack unsupported and drawing the Japanese fighter cover down and away from the oncoming American dive bombers- that never have so many owed so much to so few.

MR
 
TheBookie said:
...and was only 1 of 3 of the original USA Carriers to survive the War.
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There were two surviving carriers of seven originals: Enterprise and Ranger. The others were Saratoga, Lexington, Langley, Yorktown and Hornet.

Ranger never saw PTO duty but was very active in the ATO, MTO and Norwegian waters. She was so effective that at one point the Germans put out radio broadcasts and press releases claiming to have sunk her by U-boat, even decorating a U-boat captain for sinking her, along with other ships.
 
Regarding Midway and dice rolling, i think we can safely hand the biggest medal to the captain of the USS Nautilus. His actions that day essentially saved McCluskey's dive bombers from a mass ditching before ever engaging the Imperial fleet. Had he not been aggressive in stalking AND attacking elements of the Imperial surface fleet, that Japanese destroyer would never have been left behind to keep the Nautilus occupied, only to lead McCluskey's maulers to the kill zone later as it ran at flank speed to catch up to the carrier formation.
 
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bearcat241 said:
There were two surviving carriers of seven originals: Enterprise and Ranger. The others were Saratoga, Lexington, Langley, Yorktown and Hornet.

Ranger never saw PTO duty but was very active in the ATO, MTO and Norwegian waters. She was so effective that at one point the Germans put out radio broadcasts and press releases claiming to have sunk her by U-boat, even decorating a U-boat captain for sinking her, along with other ships.[/QUO

Sorry Bearcat241 there were 3 surviving carriers of the 8 originals.Enterprise,Ranger and Saratoga. Saratoga was sunk in atomic tests at Bikini. You also forgot the Wasp which was sunk in the Solomons and was also important in the MTO before being transferred to the PTO. She delivered planes to Malta twice I believe.
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Yeah, indeed the Sara and that unfortunate Bikini Atoll business. And yes, i totally forgot about the Wasp. :biggrin-new:
 
Reply...

Good morning,

Today is another day we must not forget...and without victory in the Battle of Britain and the Battle of the Atlantic, this would not have been possible!

 
Rami,

I mentioned that to my wife this morning and realised it was 72 years ago!

Some of the youngest combatants would be around 90 now, so in 15 years time most if not all will be gone (the oldest WWI 'tommy' was Harry Patch who died at 111), which is a shame, but we all move on at some time.....

Cheers

Shessi
 
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