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In honor of Manray9 - something naval?

We can do a theme on any personality of WWII and I'm happy to broaden the land, air & sea themes into campaign studies.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "If anyone has suggestions for some theme reads for the group in 2016 let me know. Some themes I am thinking of are:

* A general single volume history of WW2 by any author you like (eg: Max Hasting..."

a general history theme read would set us up for an easy deuce, allright.

Has a Northern Europe theme been done ? It can be defined widely: Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the artic convoys, naval activity in the Baltic and the North Sea and whatever flew over those waters...

For something specific, maybe fortifications. If we do not all jump on the Maginot and the Westwall, that is.

I second Manray9's biography rec. What about a unit history? Any level, battalion, regiment, division, squadron, group, etc.

Mike wrote: "I second Manray9's biography rec. What about a unit history? Any level, battalion, regiment, division, squadron, group, etc."

Mike: I have six or eight unread WW II bios around. A theme read could help whittle down the pile.

All good suggestions folks.

Thinking a little differently would people be interested in a theme of say bridges? Examples might be River Kwai, Arnhem, Remagen, Pegasus or perhaps Bailey and other pre-fabricated bridges used by allied armies to cross rivers from a few feet to hundreds of feet across the world.

Manray9 wrote: "Mike wrote: "I second Manray9's biography rec. What about a unit history? Any level, battalion, regiment, division, squadron, group, etc."

Mike: I have six or eight unread WW II bios around. A the..."

Very true.

All good suggestions, the bridge one is a great idea, thanks Geevee. I will put a list together later and we can decide what to go with then.

Geevee wrote: "All good suggestions folks.

Thinking a little differently would people be interested in a theme of say bridges? Examples might be River Kwai, Arnhem, Remagen, Pegasus or perhaps Bailey and other ..."

Good idea, Geevee. A theme with a little twist.

How about some consideration around "what if" books with alternate battle war outcomes

Happy to consider that as a theme as well Alex, thanks for the suggestion.

Or a pre and post-WW2 theme? Say events between 1935 and 1939 leading to WW2 or that between 1945 and 1949 where we have the aftermath of the war, people picking up the pieces of their lives.

Chin Joo wrote: "Or a pre and post-WW2 theme? Say events between 1935 and 1939 leading to WW2 or that between 1945 and 1949 where we have the aftermath of the war, people picking up the pieces of their lives."

That could be a good one, Chin Joo. It could include the Spanish Civil War, the Italians in Ethiopia, the Japanese in China and then the Chinese Civil War and post-colonial struggles. I'll back that idea!

I'll add the suggestion to the list, I think its a good idea as well :)

I thik we have at least a year's worth now folks but keep the suggestions flowing :)

Look at some of the books I wrote, The Star of Africa is still quite popular, as are The German Aces Speak books. May be of interest.

Colin wrote: "Look at some of the books I wrote, The Star of Africa is still quite popular, as are The German Aces Speak books. May be of interest."

Ironically, when I saw Rick's question in #449, I thought of suggesting reading anything by Colin Heaton. :)

There is going to be two group theme reads in December. Members can join one or the other or both if they are so inclined and have the time. In both themes you can read one or as many books as you like and post details and points of discussion in the appropriate threads:

Pacific Theatre:
/topic/show/...

Battle of the Bulge:
/topic/show/...

Both threads will be opened a few days before the start of the month.

Thanks AR.

Here are some ideas for the 2016 theme reads. I am going to make them fairly general to enable as many group members as possible to join in. I was also thinking to having a theme read every second month so members are not over committed to WW2 reading. Here are some ideas to date:

* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any land battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any personality of WW2.
* Theme read on any unit involved in WW2 (unit history).
* Theme read on any Pre or Post WW2 conflict (that can be linked to WW2).

Any comments or suggestions will be most welcome and the list can be changed around or broadened if need be.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Here are some ideas for the 2016 theme reads. I am going to make them fairly general to enable as many group members as possible to join in. I was also thinking to having a theme read every second ..."

So just my own suggestions.


Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.

The Battle of Java Sea. And its aftermath.

* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.

The Hump Flights. (not a battle, but I think it should qualify as a campaign, neh?)

* Theme read on any land battle or campaign of WW2.

To get off my own Bulge fixation, maybe the Vosges. Not generally as well written about.

* Theme read on any personality of WW2.

Sorry, have to stick with Patton on this one.

* Theme read on any unit involved in WW2 (unit history).

US 442nd Regimental Combat team, the Jewish Brigade Group, the 92nd US Infantry Division

* Theme read on any Pre or Post WW2 conflict (that can be linked to WW2).

The Berlin Airlift, or the Marshall Plan.

So there are my suggestions, hope you find some worthwhile.

Good ideas folks. Looks like 2016 is going to a good year in the group with diverse reads and books.

I think we can squeeze in some good books amongst us :)

I am keeping the themes very general so folks can have a greater range to read books that they have sitting about waiting to be read.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Are there many folks out there interested in participating in a group read of a WW2 book? It could be an old favourite or one of the many new titles currently in print."

I would participate in a group read and discussion for sure.

Hi Michael,

These are the themes we are thinking of for some group reads in 2016:

* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any land battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any personality of WW2.
* Theme read on any unit involved in WW2 (unit history).
* Theme read on any Pre or Post WW2 conflict (that can be linked to WW2).

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Michael,

These are the themes we are thinking of for some group reads in 2016:

* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme rea..."

Back in May '13 you had a prior Bulge theme read & somebody suggested the battle for the Sheldt and other less known campaigns in the EOT 44-45... did that idea ever go anywhere ?

I don't think so Dimitri but its hard getting enough people interested in a specific battle or subject hence a more general theme of any land battle, etc. That way members can bring to the group a range of books that some of us may not be aware of and can help feed our habit :)

I am so far behind on my reading, writing and other things in general it probably would never matter to me, anyway. I found an interesting-looking early book on the Bulge for the December theme read and now I can't find it! It likely is still on my computer, though, and a search will turn it up. I hope.

Robert wrote: "I am so far behind on my reading, writing and other things in general it probably would never matter to me, anyway. I found an interesting-looking early book on the Bulge for the December theme rea..."

Fingers crossed you find it Robert, would be good to see you jump into the Bulge theme read.

Robert wrote: "I am so far behind on my reading, writing and other things in general it probably would never matter to me, anyway. I found an interesting-looking early book on the Bulge for the December theme rea..."

Gremlins ate it, have to start leaving Milk on the porch at night. Seriously.
LOL.

Dimitri wrote: "'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Michael,

These are the themes we are thinking of for some group reads in 2016:

* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campai..."

I am most interested in the bombing of Pearl Harbor because my husband Bob was there. I wrote a book called From Shaniko to Pearl Harbor. It tells of the battle and what llike was like in Hawaii before that day. The book is available on Amazon
Thank you Trinette Weber

Bob wrote: "I am most interested in the bombing of Pearl Harbor because my husband Bob was there. I wrote a book called From Shaniko to Pearl Harbor. It tells of the battle and what llike was like in Hawaii be..."

Enjoyed this podcast on Pearl Harbor yesterday:

Happy Pearl,Harbor day today. I have a friend who went there as he is only 1 of a few who are still with us. Glad he could make it as he is getting rather old to travel so far. Not only was he blown off of his ship,that day, he was at the signing of the treaty to end the war, so he saw it all!

Bob wrote: "Happy Pearl,Harbor day today. I have a friend who went there as he is only 1 of a few who are still with us. Glad he could make it as he is getting rather old to travel so far. Not only was he blow..."

Happy Pearl Harbor Day??? C'mon.

Manray9, I believe Bob (i.e. Trinette) was only wishing us happiness this year; as the daughter-in-law of a Navy man that was there that day, she meant no offense, I'm sure. The original Pearl Harbor Day in 1941 was not happy, of course, but I think we can be happy and still remember with respect.

Trinette, that's outstanding that your friend was able to return this year. I hope he can go again next year for the 75th anniversary! (And I'm glad he got to be at Tokyo Bay, as well.)

Paul wrote: "Manray9, I believe Bob (i.e. Trinette) was only wishing us happiness this year; as the daughter-in-law of a Navy man that was there that day, she meant no offense, I'm sure. The original Pearl Harb..."

My response was tongue in cheek.

I interviewed a couple of IJN pilots who attacked Pearl Harbor. Interesting stories, and I knew John Finn, MOH there.

My friend is so anxious to be there next year, but we are all getting older, so who knows? It will be a special day. Thanks for your comments

Wow Colin, you need your stories to be recorded for posterity.You did so much!

Manray9 wrote: "Paul wrote: "Manray9, I believe Bob (i.e. Trinette) was only wishing us happiness this year; as the daughter-in-law of a Navy man that was there that day, she meant no offense, I'm sure. The origin..."

I knew what you meant, Manray9. I was just trying to smooth it over in case Bob (Trinette) took it the wrong way. :)

I hope everyone has a great holiday season if this is my last comment for 2015!

If I live long enough I may be able to write all the books based upon those interviews. Working on a new one now also.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Hi Michael,

These are the themes we are thinking of for some group reads in 2016:

* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme rea..."

AR: Have the theme reads from Message 575 been scheduled?

Nothing definite at this stage MR9, just ideas at this stage. Would you like to suggest something else as I am open to suggestions still?

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "Nothing definite at this stage MR9, just ideas at this stage. Would you like to suggest something else as I am open to suggestions still?"

How about a WW II novel? A theme read of war fiction? I have Vasily Grossman's Life and Fate.

OK, how about this:


* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any land battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any personality of WW2.
* Theme read on any unit involved in WW2 (unit history).
* Theme read on any WW2 novel.

'Aussie Rick' wrote: "OK, how about this:


* Theme read on any sea battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any air battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any land battle or campaign of WW2.
* Theme read on any p..."

Okay with me.

Perfect :)

Good for me too gents,

sounds awesome!