Glider troops prepare for a training exercise in 1942. Glider operations were particularly risky given the light weight and wooden construction of the aircraft and the need for substantial clear ground on which to land and disgorge troops.

July 2011

Volume 10, No. 5

Cover: A German raiding party on the attack in France in 1940. Photo: akg-images

July 2011

WWII History

Debacle at Dakar

By David H. Lippman

The director flicked his finger, and General Charles de Gaulle began reading his address into the British Broadcasting Corporation’s microphone, speaking from London to his defeated countrymen across the English Channel, calling upon them to continue resistance in the face of overwhelming German supremacy. Read more

July 2011

WWII History

First Strike Against Japanese Industry

By Phil Scearce

Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber crews of the U.S. 11th Bombardment Group spent the first three months of 1943 organizing on Hawaiian airfields and flying practice and patrol missions around the islands. Read more

July 2011

WWII History, Dispatches

A Passion for World War II History

Dear Editor:

I first bought your magazine for $4.99 at a Borders bookstore and have since subscribed to it. I have enjoyed reading your product for the past three years. Read more

July 2011

WWII History, Ordnance

USS Murphy: Long Service in Wartime

By William B. Allmon

Eighty miles off the coast of New Jersey and 280 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean lies the forward section of a World War II destroyer, where it came to rest more than 60 years ago. Read more

July 2011

WWII History, Insight

Leclerc and Liberation

By Michael D. Hull

After the humiliating fall of France in June 1940, two impassioned patriots—a general and an infantry captain—refused to accept defeat and determined, against all odds, to exact retribution from the German invaders. Read more

Early in World War II, Edward tours the front line in France with Lord Gort, commander of the British Expeditionary Force. With the fall of France in June 1940, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were sought by the Nazis.

July 2011

WWII History, Top Secret

King Turned Pawn

By Eric Niderost

It was around noon, June 19, 1940, when a small caravan of cars set out from Antibes in southern France en route to the Spanish border. Read more

July 2011

WWII History, Books

Finland: Germany’s Blind Alley

By Al Hemingway

Originally a part of Sweden, Finland was absorbed by Russia in the early 19th century. It was not until the late 1800s, when Russia began to impose new taxes on the Finns, draft their citizens into its military, and station troops within its borders, that Finland yearned for its freedom. Read more

July 2011

WWII History, Simulation Gaming

Coming To Your Console This Summer

By Joseph Luster

There are strategy games, and there are strategy games. You know what I mean when I get all italicized like that; I’m talking about the difference between simply sending units out across a grid-based map to do battle, and actually getting the player involved in the diplomacy of war. Read more