Germany's Dornier Do 17 medium bomber

During the early years of World War II Germany relied on the Dornier Do 17 as a medium bomber. The Dornier Do 17 didn't carry as much as other German bombers so wasn't as effective.

Additional photos of the Dornier Do 17.

France's Dewoitine D.520 fighter

I've added some additional information for probably the best French designed fighter used in World War II, the Dewoitine D.520.

United Kingdom's de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito updated

It still amazes me that the United Kingdom's de Havilland Mosquito was made primarily out of wood in World War II and flew so exceptionally well in so many roles! I've made some additions and added the specifications for the PR.Mk 34 reconnaissance version.

United States' Curtiss SB2C Helldiver update

I've added additional specifications and historical information for the United States' SB2C Helldiver that was used in the latter part of World War II.

United States' Curtiss P-40 Warhawk fighter update

I've corrected some spelling errors and added additional information on the Curtiss P-40 that was used by the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union in World War II.

United States' Consolidated PBY Catalina updated

I've updated the information on the Consolidated PBY Catalina and added specifications for the PBY-2.

United States' Consolidated B-24 Liberator

I've added specifications information for the United States' Consolidated B-24J Liberator. Also some minor additions to the different models and how many were produced during World War II.

Germany's Brummbär Self Propelled Gun update

Thanks to Steve for pointing out an error on my page that covers the German Brummbär self propelled gun that was used during World War II.

Italy's Cant Z.1007 Alcione (kingfisher) medium bomber

I've always been fascinated by the Italian three engined planes that they used during the war. For me, a total non-designer, I have to ask, why not just have 4 engines instead of 3? But then again, what do I know about aeronautics!

I've added a page for one of those 3 engined planes used in World War II by the Italians, the Cant Z.1007 Alcione.

Soviet SU-85 Tank Destroyer updated

I wish to thank Peter Porai-Koshits, a Sudden Strike team member, for giving me some updates for the Soviet SU-85 tank destroyer!
If anyone ever has updates just post them or send them to me!

United Kingdom's Bristol Blenheim Bomber

I've added additional information to my web page for the United Kingdom's Bristol Blenheim light bomber that was used in the early years of World War II.

United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufort torpedo-bomber

I've added a page for the United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufort torpedo-bomber which I've haven't read a lot about.

United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufighter

Added some additional information on different Marks of the United Kingdom's Bristol Beaufighter.

United States' Brewster F2A Buffalo fighter

The United States had selected the Brewster F2A Buffalo as its first monoplane carrier based fighter.

United Kingdom's Boulton Paul Defiant fighter

The Boulton Paul Defiant was quite an odd fighter to be designed right before and that also fought in World War II for the United Kingdom. It had no forward firing armament, but only a 4 gun dorsal turret. Initially it surprised the German pilots, but once they had learned about the Defiant's "bite" they outfought it. It was moved to primarily night fighting duties.

United States' Boeing B-29 Superfortress

I've added some additional information for the best bomber that came out of World War II, the United States' Boeing B-29 Superfortress.

United States' Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress

I've added some additional information on the United States' B-17 Flying Fortress.

France's Bloch M.B. 151 and M.B. 152 fighter

I've added pages for two of the main fighters in the aresenal of the French at the beginning of World War II, the Bloch M.B. 151 and M.B. 152.

Pictures of the M.B. 151:


Pictures of the M.B. 152:

United Kingdom's Blackburn Skua Dive Bomber

I've added a page for the plane that was designed as a dive bomber for the Royal Navy but was often used as a fighter in the early years of World War II, the Blackburn Skua.

United States' Bell P-39 Airacobra update

Added an additional source for the P-39 and corrected some misspellings.

United Kingdom aircraft updates

I've made updates to the specifications and history for the following aircraft used by the United Kingdom during World War II:

• Lancaster
• Anson
  
• Whitley

United Kingdom's Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle Transport

Added more information for the United Kingdom's Albemarle transport aircraft. Also corrected some spellings.

Germany's Arado Ar 234 "Blitz" Bomber

Added some more data for the first jet bomber used in World War II, the German Arado Ar 234 "Blitz."

Japan's Aichi D3A, "Val"

I've added additional information for the early World War II carrier dive bomber of the Japanese, the Aichi D3A from a new source.

Soviet Sukhoi Su-2 close support

I've added a page for the little known close support aircraft of the Soviet Union in World War II, the Sukhoi Su-2.


Unfortunately I don't have any photos for the Su-2. If anyone has any please send them my way!

United Kingdom's Short Sunderland Flying Boat

Known as the Flying Porcupine to its enemies in World War II, the United Kingdom's Short Sunderland was a potent foe.





Additional photos have also been added.

United Kingdom's Short Stirling Bomber

The early workhorse for the United Kingdom's Bomber Command in World War II was the Short Stirling.

Back

I've been away on vacation and am now back. It was wonderful being away from everything for a week.

I should be back to posting today or tomorrow!

Italy's Savoia-Marchetti S.M.79 Sparviero (sparrow) medium bomber

The main Italian bomber of World War II was the S.M.79 Sparviero. Even though propaganda primarily portrayed it as a very weak bomber, it was well armored and was respected by Allied pilots.

Churchill: In Search of My Grandfather

I watched the first two episodes of the new OPB series on Churchill today.

As an amateur historian I've read a lot about people who have made impacts on others in life, and some that have made monumental impacts on the world. I'd say Churchill was a man who impacted the world. Amazing how a 20-something went and traveled to foreign countries and knew he was destined for greatness. Here I'm lucky to travel to my neighboring state!

I've often thought of what my impact on the world might be, if any. I try to do the little good things, helping people with a few quarters when they are short in the grocery checkout line, giving someone a bus ticket (I keep a supply in my wallet), letting people cross the road or get into traffic when others don't. Do I do this 100% of the time? No, I don't. Sometimes my head is somewhere else and don't. I've told people when I give them that change in my pocket for groceries or the bus ticket to pass it on someday. Will that be my legacy? Don't know.

People still talk of Churchill, the things he did, the things that maybe he should have done, and especially the words he spoke! Oh what a way with words he had.

He was the right man in the right place. Being Prime Minister of Great Britain during one of it's most difficult times in history, World War II. I've constantly seen newsreels of him flashing his famous V with his fingers. Then joining an alliance with Franklin Roosevelt that turned back fascist oppression in Europe and in the Pacific. Were they perfect men? No, I don't thing there is anyone that is. But they were the strong keys that got the world through a world war that saw the deaths of so many people, soldiers and civilians.

Well, I can definitely recommend the latest show on Churchill that has his granddaughter traveling the world where her grandfather had so many years ago. She's even lucky enough to meet some of the people that met her grandfather. A man in Cuba that took care of him during his stay, a woman who was in the church that Churchill and Roosevelt went to during our darkest moments in late 1941.

I can't wait until the next episode!

United States' Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter

Another one of my favorite fighter planes from World War II is the United States' Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter. It's large shape and toughness has always appealed to me.




I've also added a page for additional photos.

Italy's Reggiane Re. 2000 Falco, Re.2001 Falco II, and Re.2005 Sagitarrio fighters

I've added pages for some very nice Italian fighters that were produced and used during World War II.

• Re.2000 Falco
  
• Re.2001 Falco II
  
• Re.2005 Sagitarrio

Unfortunately I only have one picture of the Re.2005, so send me or add to the blog some pictures!

Poland's PZL P.11, fighter

When the Germans invaded Poland in World War II the Poles faces impossible odds against the German fighting forces, and yet, the Poles in many instances put up a determined defense. One of the outdated Polish fighters was the PZL P.11. Its determined pilots did shoot down 126 Luftwaffe planes for a loss of 114 of their own.

France's Potez 25 general purpose

I know very little about the Potez 25 that France built before World War II other than what I've found. I also have no photos of the aircraft. If anyone can add to the blog or e-mail me with more info it'd be appreciated.

Soviet Polikarpov U-2 / Po-2 bomber, trainer

Well before World War II, Polikarpov designed the U-2 trainer. It was produced from 1928 to 1944, then again from 1948 to 1953. In 1944 its name was changed to honor its creator, it became the Po-2.




I only have the two pictures, if anyone has any more added them to the blog or e-mail them to me!

Soviet Polikarpov I-16 fighter

In the 1930s the Soviets were had advanced fighter designs for the time. One of those that fought in the Spanish Civil war, against the Japanese in Manchuria, and against the Germans in World War II was the Polikarpov I-16. It was the successor the the Polikarpov I-15 that added earlier today.

Soviet Polikarpov I-15 fighter, "Chaika" (Seagull)

I've added a page for a Soviet fighter that fought from Spain to Khalkin Gol, from the Spanish Civil War, Sino-Japanese War, and World War II. It was the Polikarpov I-15. I've also added a page for the Polikarpov I-153, though I have near to no information on it except for a photo.


Photo for the I-15:



Photo for the I-53:



If you have additional information or photos of either of these planes send them my way or post them here!

Soviet Petlyakov Pe-2 bomber

The Soviet Union produced around 11,400 Petlyakov Pe-2 bombers during World War II. I have very little prior knowledge on this plane except for what I'm finding in the books I'm using to add this page. Of course it always amazes me how many planes (and tanks) that the Soviet Union was able to produce during the war.

United States' Northrop P-61 Black Widow fighter

The best night fighter, designed and produced during World War II was the Northrop P-61 Black Widow. It was a deadly creature of the night, much feared by the enemy. I've always thought the all black color gave it that even deadlier mystic of its nickname, the Black Widow. Fortunately for the Axis powers they didn't arrive until 1944.



Additional photos are available.