Subcategories
Operation Torch (8–16 November 1942) was the Anglo–American invasion of French North Africa during the Second World War. It was aimed at reducing pressure on Allied forces in Egypt, and enabling an invasion of Southern Europe. It also provided the ‘second front’ which the Soviet Union had been requesting since it was invaded by the Germans in 1941. The region was dominated by the Vichy French, officially in collaboration with Germany, but with mixed loyalties, and reports indicated that they might support the Allied initiative. The American General Dwight D. Eisenhower, commanding the operation, planned a three-pronged attack, aimed at Casablanca (Western), Oran (Center) and Algiers (Eastern), in advance of a rapid move on Tunis.
Operation Chastise was an attack on German dams carried out on 16–17 May 1943 by Royal Air Force No. 617 Squadron, later called the Dam Busters, using a purpose-built "bouncing bomb" developed by Barnes Wallis.
Robert Henry Maxwell (Bobby) Gibbes, DSO, DFC & Bar, OAM (6 May 1916 – 11 April 2007) was a leading Australian fighter ace of World War II, and the longest-serving wartime commanding officer of No. 3 Squadron RAAF. He was officially credited with 10¼ aerial victories, although his score is often reported as 12, including two shared. Robert Henry Maxwell (Bobby) Gibbes,...
"Gerd" Barkhorn (1919-1983) is the second highest-scoring fighter ace in history, claiming 300 aerial victories. He flew in almost all major Luftwaffe air operations during World War Two, from the Battle of France to the final defeat of Germany in 1945. "Gerd" Barkhorn (1919-1983) is the...
"Gerd" Barkhorn (1919-1983) is the second highest-scoring fighter ace in history, claiming 300 aerial victories. He flew in almost all major Luftwaffe air operations during World War Two, from the Battle of France to the final defeat of Germany in 1945. "Gerd" Barkhorn (1919-1983) is the...
“Hot Stuff” was a B-24D Liberator of the 330th Bomb Squadron, 93rd Bomb Group and the first 8th Air Force bomber to fly 25 combat missions. It flew its 25th mission on 7 February 1943, three months before the famous B-17 “Memphis Belle” did the same. “Hot Stuff” was a B-24D Liberator of...
When he was shot down and killed in combat, Helmut Wick (5 August 1915 - 28 November 1940) was Germany's leading ace with 56 aerial victories. When he was shot down and killed in...