#alliedforces

[tmarshconnors]

What If Hitler Didn’t Attack Leningrad?

World War II is often analyzed through the lens of crucial decisions that altered its course. One of the significant strategic errors made by Adolf Hitler was the decision to lay siege to Leningrad, a move that has sparked numerous debates among historians and military strategists. Had Hitler decided against attacking Leningrad, it’s worth exploring how this could have potentially altered the outcome of the war in favour of Nazi Germany.

Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) held immense strategic value. It was not only a major industrial center but also a crucial port and symbolic city, embodying Soviet resilience and history. The siege of Leningrad, lasting from September 1941 to January 1944, was one of the longest and most destructive sieges in history, leading to catastrophic civilian casualties and suffering.

Redirecting Resources: Potential Advantages for Nazi Germany

Had Hitler not committed to the siege of Leningrad, the resources and manpower allocated there could have been redirected to other critical fronts. Here’s how these redirected resources might have influenced the war:

Moscow Offensive: By sparing Leningrad, Germany could have concentrated more forces on Operation Typhoon, the offensive aimed at capturing Moscow. A stronger push towards Moscow could have potentially led to its capture before the harsh Russian winter set in, crippling the Soviet command and communication hub.

Southern Front: Redirecting forces to the southern front could have expedited the German advance towards the oil-rich Caucasus region. Securing these vital resources would have significantly bolstered the Nazi war machine, addressing the critical fuel shortages that plagued their operations.

Eastern Front Reinforcement: Bolstering other areas of the Eastern Front might have prevented the devastating Soviet counteroffensives, such as the one at Stalingrad. With stronger defenses, the German Army could have maintained its momentum and possibly achieved a more favorable position.

The symbolic importance of Leningrad cannot be understated. Its fall could have delivered a severe blow to Soviet morale and propaganda, potentially weakening Stalin’s grip on the Soviet Union. Conversely, the survival and eventual lifting of the siege became a symbol of Soviet endurance and resistance, galvanizing the population and the Red Army.

While redirecting resources away from Leningrad could have offered tactical advantages, several factors still challenge the notion that this would have ensured a German victory:

Logistical Challenges: The vast expanse of the Soviet Union posed severe logistical nightmares for the Wehrmacht. Even with additional resources, sustaining long supply lines in harsh conditions would have remained a formidable challenge.

Allied Interventions: The United States' entry into the war and the increasing support from the Allies, including the Lend-Lease program supplying the Soviet Union, would have continued to strengthen the Allied position over time.

Soviet Resilience: The Soviet Union’s ability to mobilize its vast resources and manpower, coupled with its industrial relocation east of the Urals, ensured that it could continue to replenish its forces and sustain prolonged conflict.

While avoiding the siege of Leningrad might have provided Nazi Germany with tactical advantages and possibly altered the dynamics on the Eastern Front, it is far from certain that this would have led to an outright German victory in World War II. The complexities of the war, including logistical challenges, Allied interventions, and Soviet resilience, suggest that the ultimate outcome would likely have remained a protracted and uncertain struggle.

In the realm of historical speculation, the decision not to attack Leningrad opens intriguing possibilities. However, the multifaceted nature of global conflict means that a single change, while significant, would not necessarily have been decisive in altering the war’s ultimate outcome.

The interplay of numerous factors and the sheer scale of World War II make it clear that victory for Nazi Germany would have required more than just a different tactical choice regarding Leningrad.

[damez1979]

Call of Duty: WWII - D - Day

[aicollider]

Our answer to a weekly question: What if the Battle of Stalingrad had a different outcome?

If the Battle of Stalingrad had a different outcome, with the German forces successfully capturing the city, it would have had significant consequences for World War II and subsequent events. Here are some possible outcomes: Strategic impact: Capturing Stalingrad would have given Germany control over a major industrial and transportation hub. The German army would have gained access to vital…

[thxnews]

HMS TAMAR Crew Rededicates WWII POW Memorial

  A Long-Awaited Tribute to the Royal Artillery POWs

In a poignant ceremony on Ballalae, Shortland Islands, the crew of HMS TAMAR, a Royal Navy vessel, refurbished and rededicated a memorial honoring 517 British soldiers who were prisoners of war during World War II. Eighty years after these brave soldiers were executed by the Japanese Imperial Forces, the ceremony served as a heartfelt tribute to their sacrifices and an opportunity for reconciliation and remembrance.  

A Tragic History Unveiled

The story traces back to November 1942 when 517 soldiers of the Royal Artillery, who had been captured during the fall of Singapore earlier that year, were transported to the Island of Ballalae. The Japanese captors forced them into constructing an airfield, referred to as an 'unsinkable aircraft carrier,' in the unforgiving tropical climate. Months of relentless forced labor, coupled with brutal tropical conditions, took a severe toll on the prisoners. Many succumbed to exhaustion and tropical diseases, while others perished due to Allied bombings. Adding to their misery, their captors forbade them from building trenches to protect themselves during bombings. As the Allied forces liberated the South Pacific islands in 1943, the Japanese Commanders on Ballalae feared imminent capture and, in a horrific act, executed the remaining 57 prisoners.  

Discovering the Tragedy

Following the liberation, the United States forces bypassed Ballalae, leaving the island to deteriorate. It wasn't until 1945 that the first Allied forces landed on Ballalae and discovered the remains of the 57 soldiers in shallow trenches. An investigation, conducted by an atrocities commission, led to the discovery of a mass grave containing 436 bodies identified as British artillerymen. Later, the authorities re-interred these fallen soldiers in separate graves at the Bomana War Cemetery near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Each grave bore a solemn inscription, 'Here lies a Soldier, known only to God.'  

A Pilgrimage and a Fading Tribute

In 2003, three relatives of the POWs undertook a pilgrimage to Ballalae to honor their fallen ancestors. They dedicated a memorial at the airstrip in the form of a cairn, featuring a wooden cross and a plaque donated by the Royal Artillery Association. Regrettably, as the site was not a registered Commonwealth war grave, it did not receive regular maintenance, and by 2007, the memorial had fallen into disrepair.  

A Renewed Dedication

Enter Mr. Phil Jones, an ex-British serviceman working in the Solomon Islands as part of an Australian government mission. Recognizing the importance of preserving the memorial, he generously rebuilt it with an iron cross atop a concrete plinth, preserving the remains of the old cairn.  

A Touching Ceremony of Remembrance

Fast forward to 2023, marking 80 years since the tragic events of 1943, the British High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Thomas Coward, seized the occasion during HMS TAMAR's visit to the islands to maintain the monument. Amidst the scenic coral beach of Ballalae, the High Commissioner and HMS TAMAR's Captain, Commanding Officer Teilo Elliot-Smith, received a warm welcome from the local community in Shortlands. With the crew's concerted effort, rust and grime accumulated over 16 years were removed, restoring the memorial to its former glory. A poignant service of re-dedication followed, paying solemn homage to the soldiers who had lost their lives on the island.   A Timeless Tribute HMS TAMAR's Chaplain, Reverend Mick Uffindell, officiated the re-dedication service, with the ship's crew and local community representatives attending. In the touching ceremony, the British High Commissioner, His Excellency Thomas Coward, and HMS TAMAR's Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Matt Millyard, reverently laid traditional remembrance red poppy wreaths. The Solomon Islanders also contributed to the homage, presenting handmade floral bouquets. The refurbishment and re-dedication of the memorial stand as a poignant testament to the enduring bond between nations and the timeless tribute to the brave souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice. In commemorating these fallen soldiers, the event reaffirms the importance of honoring the past while building bridges for a peaceful future.   Sources: THX News & British High Commission Honiara. Read the full article

[my-life-fm]

„Wir haben Tumore der Atemwege (Lunge), der Brustdrüsen, des zentralen Nervensystems, der Schilddrüse, des Kreislaufs und des Verdauungssystems. Es sind hinsichtlich der Sterblichkeit die Wichtigsten“ […] Viele Tumore traten erst nach 10, 15 Jahren auf. Und zwar nicht nur in erhöhter Zahl, sondern auch aggressiver. Wer beispielsweise zuvor einen Gehirntumor hatte, der im Frontallappen, Hinterhauptslappen oder Schläfenlappen lokalisiert war, hat ihn jetzt von frontal bis temporal und immer mehr davon. Tumore sind im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes zu Gehirnkrankheiten geworden.“

Prof. Danica Grujicic, Neurochirurgin, bis 2022 Direktorin des Instituts für Radiologie und Onkologie Serbiens, mutige Autorin vieler Studien und inzwischen Gesundheitsministerin

Laut dem Europäischen Krebsinformationssystem (ECIS) lag Serbien im Jahr 2020 mit einem Index von 150,6 Fällen pro 100.000 Einwohner an erster Stelle, während der europäische Durchschnitt bei 108,7 Fällen lag.

Lag die Zahl der jährlichen Krebserkrankungen in Serbien 1990 noch bei 9.899, so stieg sie im Jahr 2000 sprunghaft auf 22.123, 2010 auf 26.152 und 2011 auf rund 33.000 Fälle an. Heute erkranken jährlich 40.000 der rund 7 Millionen Einwohner an Krebs.

Aus 78.000 Tonnen verbranntem Sprengstoff und Raketentreibstoff und den Abgasen von über 150.000 Flugstunden der Bomber und Marschflugkörper wurden zusätzlich zu allen Chemikalien über eine Milliarde (1.000 Mio.) Kubikmeter Luftschadstoffe freigesetzt, so die Expertin. Angesichts der damaligen Klimadebatte ein zusätzliches Verbrechen. Diese Gesamtmenge an Kohlendioxid, Stickoxiden und unverbrannten Kohlenwasserstoffen war der größte Beitrag zur Luftverschmutzung und zum Treibhauseffekt seit dem Golfkrieg! „Es war eine neue Form der chemischen Kriegsführung, quasi ein Gaskrieg“, sagt Prof. Ursula Stephan. Ein Super-GAU sozusagen, eine Katastrophe außer Kontrolle. Vergleichbar mit Tschernobyl oder Fukushima.

„In dem Moment, in dem es zu einer Explosion kommt [ein Urangeschoss eine Panzerung durchschlägt], existiert Strahlung, danach sind es die Nanopartikel, die die Arbeit verrichten. Sie gelangen in Ihre Lunge, Ihren Verdauungstrakt und Ihre Nieren, und dann können Sie jeden Moment damit rechnen, dass ein Alphateilchen aus abgereichertem Uran, das 50-mal krebserregender ist als jedes andere, {…]in Ihrem Körper eine normale Zelle in eine bösartige Zelle verwandelt.“

Prof. Danica Grujicic

Erstmals setzte die NATO 1999 auch panzerbrechende Uranmunition ein. Während des 78-tägigen Krieges wurden 31.000 Urangeschosse mit ca. 10-15 Tonnen abgereichertem Uran an über 91 Orten verschossen. Hauptsächlich im Kosovo und in Südserbien. Bereits am 22. April 1999 machte die ARD-Sendung Monitor darauf aufmerksam.

Mehr als 10 Tage lang zog eine 20 km lange Giftgaswolke über die Vororte Belgrads in die Gemüse- und Kornkammern Serbiens. Die Konzentration von Vinylchlorid erreichte zeitweise das 10.600-fache des internationalen Grenzwertes. Als der Wind drehte, zog die Wolke weiter über Bulgarien, Rumänien und Ungarn. 550 Kilometer weiter südlich registrierten Wissenschaftler der griechischen Universitätsstation Xanthi hochgiftige Dioxine und polyzyklische aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe.

Der militärische Aufwand der Operation ALLIED FORCE war entsprechend: 2.300 Luftangriffe auf 995 Objekte. Mit über 18.000 Kampfflugzeugeinsätzen, 420.000 Raketen, 1.300 Marschflugkörpern und 37.000 heute geächteten, aber in der Ukraine wieder eingesetzten „Streubomben“. Rund 200 Menschen starben allein durch sie, mehrere hundert wurden furchtbar verletzt.

Zerstört oder beschädigt wurden nicht nur 25.000 Wohngebäude, 470 Kilometer Straßen und 595 Kilometer Eisenbahnlinien. 14 Flughäfen, 19 Krankenhäuser, 20 Gesundheitszentren, 18 Kindergärten, 69 Schulen, 176 Kulturdenkmäler, darunter Klöster, und 44 Brücken. In der Nacht zum 23. April 1999 tötete die NATO bei einem gezielten Angriff auf ein Gebäude des staatlichen Rundfunks auch 16 Fernsehmitarbeiter.

„Alle Formen dramatischer Erkrankungen haben zugenommen. Die Sterilität bei Männern, Autoimmunkrankheiten, Fehlgeburten, die Aggressivität von Tumoren, Krebs auch bei Kindern. Es war ein nuklearer und chemischer Krieg, den die NATO 1999 führte.“

Prof. Danica Grujicic

Obwohl keine Zustimmung des UN-Sicherheitsrates vorlag, erteilte der damalige NATO-Generalsekretär Javier Solana dem Chef der alliierten Streitkräfte, US-General Wesley Clark, den Angriffsbefehl. 19 Staaten schlossen sich an.

Frei nach: "Es war ein nuklearer und chemischer Krieg, den die NATO 1999 gegen Serbien führte – heute hat das Land die höchste Krebsrate“ in NachDenkSeiten von Hartmut Sommerschuh am 04.06.2024. Den vollständigen Artikel im Wortlaut lesen oder hören: https://www.nachdenkseiten.de/?p=116144

[propicsmedia]

US B-52H Touches Down In Romania

US B-52H Touches Down In Romania - First B-52 Ever on Romanian Soil.   Video Produced by NATO Multimedia & ProPics Canada Media Ltd.  Video on this Chanel Sponsored by Kary Movers Ltd #B52 #B52H #NATO #NatoNews #military #militarynews #historic #training #USB52H #MilitaryEvents #NATOTraining #20thExpeditionaryBombSquadron #USAF #LieutenantColonelJaredPatterson #LtColPatterson #B52HStratofortress #Aircraft #militaryaircraft #MihailKogălniceanuAirBase #Romania #Europe #News #WorldNews #FYP #FYPage #BarksdaleAirForceBase #Louisiana #NATOAllies #AlliedForces #blacksea

[sgokie2024]

Pathfinders of the 82nd Airborne Division

The first serials carrying the Pathfinders took off from England at 10.40 pm on June 5, 1944. The approach axis of the planes was on a southwest-northeast axis and the squadrons made a vast bypass of the Channel Islands in order to take the right trajectory. Once above the Cotentin Peninsula, the pilots of the C-47s face an important cloud mass and a thick fog on the ground that mask the Norman landscape and make orientation work difficult. To this must be added the firings of the Flak, the German anti-aircraft artillery.

Photo of a group of Pathfinders from the 505PIR 82nd Airborne Division.

#82NDABNDIVASSOC #82ndAirborneDivisionAssociation #DDAY #82ndairborne #82ndairborneparatrooper

#82ndairborneparatroopers #82ndairborneveteran #82ndairbornedivisionveteran #alliedforces #veteran

#paratrooper #paratroopers #airborne #usarmy #army #parachute

[brasilsa]

cidoli13

Morreu no dia 21 de Fevereiro, Simone Segouin, aos 97 anos, lutou contra o fascismo na resistência francesa #simonesegouinpresente Via @marcelobuzetto #Repost navhir navhir Simone Segouin, mostly known by her codename, Nicole Minet, was only 15 when the Germans invaded. Her first act of rebellion was to steal a bicycle from a German military administration, slicing the tires of all of the other bikes and motorcycles so they couldn't pursue her. She found a pocket of the Resistance and joined the fight, using the stolen bike to deliver messages between Resistance groups. She was an extremely fast learner and quickly became an expert at tactics and explosives. She led teams of Resistance fighters to capture German troops, set traps, and sabotage German equipment. As the war dragged on, her deeds escalated to derailing German trains, blocking roads, and blowing up bridges, helping to create a German-free path to help the Allied forces retake France from the inside. She was never caught. Segouin was present at the liberation of Chartres on August 18th, 1944, De Gaulle’s speech to mark the event on 23rd and then the liberation of Paris two days later. She was promoted to lieutenant and awarded several medals, including the Croix de Guerre. After the war, she studied medicine and became a pediatric nurse. She is still going strong, and turned 95 in October 2020. #simonesegouin #nicoleminet #resistance #frenchresistance #liberationofchartres #degaulle #liberationofparis #croixdeguerre #alliedforces #allies #icon #rolemodel #rebel #revolt #resist #revolution #rebellion

[totallyoriginal1]

Concept Work for a little challenge, a reimagining of one of my factions that I’ve created, Simply thinking of the units of the Allied Forces Space Corps.

Inspired Deeply by the Allied GI from Red Alert 2

[tmarshconnors]

RAF Bomber Command: Recognising Their Vital Role in World War Two.

After watching the documentary "World War II: From the Frontlines E3 Turning Point" on Netflix I was inspire to write this blog. The history of warfare is often marked by controversial decisions and actions, and one aspect that frequently stirs debate is the strategic bombing campaign during World War II. One such entity that played a crucial role in this campaign was the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command, which operated from 1936 to 1968. Despite the controversy surrounding their tactics, it's essential to acknowledge the vital contribution they made to the Allied victory.

Strategic Bombing as a Necessary Evil:

RAF Bomber Command, in collaboration with the United States Army Air Forces, played a central role in the strategic bombing of Germany. This campaign aimed to cripple the industrial and economic capabilities of the Nazi regime, ultimately hastening the end of the war. While the morality of strategic bombing is often questioned, it cannot be denied that such operations were deemed necessary during the desperate times of World War II.

Arthur Harris: A Controversial Leader:

At the helm of RAF Bomber Command was Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, a figure whose decisions have been met with both admiration and criticism. Harris believed in the effectiveness of area bombing as a means of destroying Germany's will to fight. His leadership, marked by the infamous bombing of Dresden in February 1945, remains a point of contention. However, it is crucial to recognise the challenges and pressures faced by military leaders during the wartime context.

The Necessity of Dresden and its Controversy:

The bombing of Dresden, a cultural and historical city, has been a subject of heated debate. While the destruction was significant, it is important to contextualize it within the broader strategy of defeating Nazi Germany. Dresden was not a random target but a legitimate military and industrial center, serving as a transportation hub and housing military facilities. The controversial decision to bomb Dresden needs to be understood in the context of the prevailing circumstances and the desperate measures deemed necessary to bring the war to a close.

RAF Bomber Command's Contribution to Victory:

Despite the controversies, RAF Bomber Command played a crucial role in weakening Germany's war machine. The strategic bombing campaign significantly disrupted German industry, transportation, and morale, contributing to the ultimate defeat of the Axis powers. The sacrifices made by the bomber crews cannot be overlooked, as they faced extreme danger and often paid the ultimate price in pursuit of victory.

While history may question the morality of certain decisions made by RAF Bomber Command, it is essential to recognize their indispensable contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. The context of wartime decisions and the challenges faced by leaders like

Arthur Harris must be considered to appreciate the complex nature of strategic warfare. RAF Bomber Command, controversial as it may be, played a vital role in securing the freedom and peace we enjoy today.

[damez1979]

Call of Duty: WWII - Operation Cobra

[aicollider]

You are in the middle of the World War I, Battle of Passchendaele (1917 CE)

You find yourself in the thick of the Battle of Passchendaele, which is taking place in 1917 CE during World War I. The battle is being fought between the Allied Forces, consisting mainly of British****, Canadian, and Australian troops, and the German Army. The armies are enormous, with tens of thousands of soldiers on each side, making it one of the largest battles of the war. The landscape…

[historicity-was-already-taken]

The last letter Hans Harpuder, a Jewish refugee in Shanghai, received from his mother, Gertrude, before the Japanese cut off all communication channels with the outside world; dated December 18, 1941. Image courtesy of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Most of the refugees had not heard from their families since the Japanese takeover of Shanghai in 1941. “After Germany invaded Poland…letters from my family would come less and less frequently. The last communication I received was a Red Cross letter from my sister, dated November 8, 1942,” wrote Ernest Heppner. With the war over and communication channels re-opened, the refugees were finally able to to start working to locate family and loved ones they’d left behind in Europe. All content derived from my original research as presented in my 2014 MA Thesis --> https://bit.ly/2CLCrnV. . . . #history #jewishhistory #worldwarii #secondworldwar #holocaust #holocausthistory #refugees #refugeehistory #immigrationhistory #china #chinesehistory #eastasianhistory #shanghai #alliedforces #imperialism #japan #japanesehistory #jewishdiaspora #militaryhistory #pacificasiantheater #sinojapanesewar #jewishrefugeecommunityofshanghai #historicitywasalreadytaken #historyblogger #historylovers #historigram https://www.instagram.com/historicity_wasalreadytaken/p/BwDK57FF4kD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e01dkkahn6cw

[whereisbardo]

It ain't easy being cheesy. #aftilldeath #me #dtla #losangeles #california #alliedforces #whereisbardo 📸: @v_isforvanessa (at Downtown Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4tIXPHtRN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=too1sjwnf7ka