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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.
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”...
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"...