Posted by Francis Kent on January 20, 2011, 1:23 pm
Most of us here are old men who have watched the world become a place that bears little rewemblance to the one we were born into. I know where some of you are -- Roy, John, Al, Steve, etc. -- and I think it'd be interesting to contrast curent conditions to the way it was when we were young. If someone will prime the pump, I'll add a note or two later on. If this meets with silence, I'll take that to mean it's not much of an idea.
Re: Ideas
Posted by Stev Myers on January 25, 2011, 11:21 pm, in reply to "Ideas"
As I was sending "Ice Road to Hell" to the printers the thought occurred: What if Doenitz had had the Type-XXI 'Elektro-Boots in sufficient quantities for convoy interdiction on the Murmansk Run?' WHAT IF the Nazi aicraft carriers GRAF ZEPPELIN and sister PETER STRASSER (and embarked air wings) had been ready for combat operations; WHAT IF fiver German 'Z' CLass battleships had been reaady for blue water war? WHAT IF Norwwegian Heavy Water (deuterium) had been obtained from the Telemark plant where it was being gatherede for atomic experiments n the Reich? Indeed, the worlld today might have been very different. Just as it will bee as result of any number of causalities now or ago. Fran's right, though; some chat about such things can't do any harm.
Vr, Steve
Re: Ideas
Posted by Francis Kent on January 26, 2011, 2:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Ideas"
What if. . . ? A wonderful game, Steve. If Hitler had listened to his generals, he probably wouldn't have gone into Poland. And he might have stayed with his campaign to wipe out the RAF fighter force and enable the Wehrmacht to cross the channel. And he might have seized Moscow in 1941. What if London had lifted some of the onerous taxes on the colonists? What if. I love it. -- Fran
Re: Ideas
Posted by Jim Nelson on February 3, 2011, 2:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Ideas"
I love any "what if?+ chats about WWII. For those of you who do not subscribe to World War II, the latest issue features an article about Hitler's Greatest Blunders, or "How to lose a War." I am listing all.. but not in any order of importance. They are: (1)Declares War on USA (2)Issues Halt Order at Dunkirk (3)Overlooks U-boats Potential (4) Opens Vast 2nd Front (5)Fails to take Moscow (6)Overvalues Stalingrad as a Target (7)Gambles at Kursk (8)Reinforces Afrika Korps Too Late (9)Hesitates At Normandy (10)Issues 'Stand and Die' Order (11)Loses 2nd Gamble at Ardennes(Bulge) I can think of many more, such as diverting Troop & Supply trains in favor of sending Jews to death camps, which he did right up to war's end. regards, Jim Nelson
Re: Ideas
Posted by Roy Brown on January 25, 2011, 8:51 pm, in reply to "Ideas"
Sorry, Fran. I guess I failed to read my emailonthe 20th! I suppose I have related some of my Naval experiences but can't remember which ones. At the risk of repeating one or more I will start with this one. In August 1944 I was fortunate enough to be sent to the US Army Rest Camp in Rome, Italy. There were MANY Allied troops there...and a few US sailors. I didn't see any other nation's sailors. History has always been a favorite subject for me so I decided to take advantage of the trip and NOT go "boozing around" like most of the troops! Instead I went on guided visits to historical places such as the Coliseum, the Catacombs, the Appian Way, etc. I am not a Catholic but I believe the "highlight" of the week must have been the visist to the Vatican City. We saw many of the places and things I had studied about and I was really fascinated by that part of the trip. Also, the beautiful artworks by world famous artists. The the really huge surprise! Wewere tld that groups of 25 servicemen could have an audience with Pope Pius XII !!!!!!! He was on sort of a stage slightly higher than we were and spoke to us in 5 or 6 languages and blessed articles we had purchased, etc. Even though I was not a Catholic I was tremendously impressed and have NEVER forgotten that week and that audience! Pope XII "looked" like my image of what a Pope "should" look like! (I know it sounds crazy but remember...I was 18 years old at the time! I have more stories for later. If I go on TOO much and I'll "stifle" it Back to the bridge! Roy "Flags" Brown
Re: Ideas
Posted by Francis Kent on January 25, 2011, 10:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Ideas"
That's going to be hard to match, Roy. I'm not Catholic either but meeting the Pope has got to be a memorable experience, however and in whatever language one worships one's God.
Re: Ideas
Posted by Francis Kent on January 20, 2011, 10:07 pm, in reply to "Ideas"
Okay, bad idea. But I did get a rise out of Clarence (see below), for which I say, thanks. How about describing a particular cruise, or maybe a shipmate? Anyone who spent more than a few days at sea surely has memories he can share.
Re: Ideas
Posted by Harvel on January 21, 2011, 11:41 am, in reply to "Re: Ideas"
Sounds like a good idea to me as I said before if you will type I will read. I am a navy vet. but was a little too young for WWII had an older brother that was Armed Guard in 44 and 45 when things wern't quite so bad though he was in Pacific all of 45.