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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.
Heinz Bär (25 May 1913 - 28 April 1957) was one of the Luftwaffe's greatest aces and was credited with 220 or 221 aerial victories. He flew over a 1,000 combat missions, from 1939 to 1945. Heinz Bär (25 May 1913 - 28 April...
With 9 aerial victories, "Terry" Webster was one of the leading aces of the Royal Air Force's famous No 41 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He was killed in combat on 5 September 1940. With 9 aerial victories, "Terry"...
C-46A-CU serial number 41-5159 was the first production "Commando" and was delivered to the USAAF on July 12, 1942. A total of 3,181 C-46 were produced and played an essential part in the war effort. C-46A-CU serial number 41-5159 was...
"Drag Em Oot" is a veteran of many World War II campaigns, including Operation Overlord, during which it was used to drop paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division. "Drag Em Oot" is a veteran of many...
S/L "Jimmy" Sheddan DFC was the last commander of No 486 Squadron, and was credited with 7.5 victoires against V-1 "buzz bombs" and 5.33 aircraft shot down. S/L "Jimmy" Sheddan DFC was the last...
F/L Ronald Bennet was credited with four confirmed victories against V-1s during the German attack of the United-Kingdom with "buzz bombs". F/L Ronald Bennet was credited with...
Ioannis Agorastos "John" Plagis DSO, DFC & Bar (1919–1974) was a Southern Rhodesian ace, noted especially for his part in the defence of Malta during 1942. Plagis was the top-scoring Southern Rhodesian ace of the war, and the highest-scoring ace of Greek origin, with 16 confirmed aerial victories including 11 over Malta. Ioannis Agorastos "John" Plagis DSO,...
Major Howard Park was one of the 406th Fighter Group's best attack pilots. The group's Thunderbolts were well-known for their lavish colours. Park was the first pilot to achieve combat kills using the new HVAR rockets during the Normandy landings, and also used them to destroy a German warship in Brest harbour. Major Howard Park was one of the...