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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.
With 33 aerial victories, Pierre Clostermann DFC & Bar is France's ace of aces in World War II. He described his wartime experiences in his best-selling memoirs Le Grand Cirque (The Big Show). After the war, Clostermann devoted himself to his work as engineer, politics and fishing. With 33 aerial victories, Pierre...
With 33 aerial victories, Pierre Clostermann DFC & Bar is France's ace of aces in World War II. He described his wartime experiences in his best-selling memoirs Le Grand Cirque (The Big Show). After the war, Clostermann devoted himself to his work as engineer, politics and fishing. With 33 aerial victories, Pierre...
James Norman Cupp (28 March 1921 – 2 June 2004) was a double flying ace with at least 12 aerial victories in the Solomon Islands during three months of World War II. He was a recipient of the Navy Cross, and was a four time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Also a Korean War veteran, he retired as a Colonel to Manassas, Virginia in 1968. James Norman Cupp (28 March 1921 – 2...
With a total of 21 enemy aircraft destroyed, Ken Walsh ranks as the fourth Marine ace, and was also the first to become an ace on the F4U Corsair. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1943, and was also awarded six Distinguished Flying Cross. With a total of 21 enemy aircraft...
Operation Obviate was a raid led against the German battleship Tirpitz stationed near Tromsø in Norway on 29 October 1944. The ship only suffered light damage but was eventually destroyed in a follow-up raid two weeks later. Operation Obviate was a raid led...
With a total of 21 enemy aircraft destroyed, Ken Walsh ranks as the fourth Marine ace, and was also the first to become an ace on the F4U Corsair. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1943, and was also awarded six Distinguished Flying Cross. With a total of 21 enemy aircraft...
VP-44 played a major role in the battle of Midway, notably by detecting the Japanese invasion fleet while it was still 700 miles from the American atoll. Ensign Jack Reid and his crew were the first to detect the Japanese ships on 3 June 1942. VP-44 played a major role in the...
With 18 aerial victories, “Ginger” Lacey was the second most succesful British pilot during the Battle of Britain. Having also scored 5 victories during the Battle of France, he was shot down or forced to land 9 times by the end of the Battle of Britain. His final tally was 28 enemy aircraft destroyed, five probables and 9 damaged. With 18 aerial victories, “Ginger”...