On the other side of the English Channel back in WW 2 – 1943 to be exact – there was another imaginative and vibrant character – known as “The Desert Fox” to many, but also by his more recognized name, Field Marshal Rommel. I’ve always thought it was intriguing that Rommel was highly regarded by many of the higher echelon of the British and American military leadership.

To enrich YOUR mind, and WW2 interest, a 2019 book by American born Peter Margaritis, “Countdown to D-Day, The German High Command in Occupied France, 1944,” is also equally spellbinding.

Not only is it a stimulating, even an enthralling, time about the daily, and personally punishing work productivity of the Field Marshal, it also offers up an intimate perspective on another top German Field Marshal – Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt. When you read about his luxurious yes, LUXURIOUS! lifestyle in Paris during the latter part of WW2 in his extravagant French mansion, it makes you wonder how he was able to get away with such an opulent daily life for so long.

As a WW2 aficionado I’ve been to Normandy 4 times, and as I read this riveting As-You-Are-There-Book and appreciated, and even more understood, how Rommel lived and worked each day from December 1943 to his last moments before the invasion on June 6th 1944, I knew that THIS book has the most meticulous account of Rommel’s Normandy days than anything before or since.

If you’ve been to France, and know this part of the Norman countryside, especially the landscape, around the areas in Normandy that took up so much of Rommel’s daily life, what you read here becomes even more thrilling, as you can relate it to what you’ve seen and done there.

This book’s written as if you’re the proverbial fly on the wall, and vividly describes how Rommel reached out to his soldiers, and what an avidly and colorful character Rommel was. Nothing shows his integrity more than his face to face meeting with two British commandos who, on Friday, May 19^th, 1944, had been captured on the beach shortly before D-Day.

One was Lt. Roy Woodridge, the other Lt. George Lane (pages 449-455).  The former refused to say anything to his captors’ but Lane was more open to conversation, so much so that one of Rommel’s top advisors, General Speidel, brings him, at Rommel’s request, to La Roche Guyon, Rommel’s plush, French mansion and HQ, to speak with the Field Marshall. He was so impressed – by Lane particularly – that Rommel arranges to have them “protected” from both execution and the Gestapo. Both Brits survived the war.

The book also brings out how grueling Rommel’s work schedule was, and he expected all who worked for him to have the same devotion and loyalty.  It details, and I found this riveting, how concerned he became on learning about the plans to assassinate Hitler, and describes how strongly Rommel felt this was NOT the way to achieve what the plotters’ wanted. He felt a trial was more suitable.

I’ve read countless books about D-Day and the vast majority all come from the Allies’ point of view. Although written by an American, this book provides a mesmerizing portrait of a brilliant, controversial German general in WW2. As such, I highly recommend it for your reading enjoyment, as the book will also give you insights on why it was – and still is – a tragedy that Rommel’s life ended the way it did. Contact John:

jd******@gm***.com

The post A fascinating, Indeed Thrilling Book of WW2’s “Desert Fox” Rommel, in Normandy, 1944 appeared first on Traveling Archive.

So, how are YOU doing as you read this article, probably “imprisoned” in your home because of the Covid 19 medical disaster? Turns out that more and more people are reading books, for gosh sakes, to pass away the seemingly no-end-in-sight Covid 19 saga. Reading a good book is so much more rewarding than watching an aspect of social media, or video game adventure.

I’m a confirmed Bibliophile — who reads about 57 or more books every year. Always have, always will. Let me give you two intriguing books to consider. One this month and, in May, a truly remarkable tome about Field Marshall Rommel, and why you should consider buying both the Churchill and Rommel books.

First up, a book about Winston Churchill and WW2 called THE SPLENDID and the VILE by Erik Larson. Coming in at nearly 600 pages it’s a MUST READ. You might wonder, as I did, how anyone, anywhere, could still come up with newsy, interesting, and compelling facts in the early 1940s, about this sixtyish, robust, cigar chomping thoroughly British icon that saved Britain in WW2. Literally hundreds of books have been penned, typed, and computerized about him, so why buy any new one?

Simply because THE SPLENDID and the VILE by Erik Larson illustrates, in an exceptional and distinctive way, the exhilarating saga of British courage against all odds; and Churchill’s magnetic personality that endeared him to the crowds wherever he went — so much so (and I recall this personally as a boy growing up in London) people saying “Good old Winnie will fix it.” As such, this book was almost impossible to put down. It is written as if you are there with him, right by his side (with your still not invented) tape recorder, as you become mesmerized by his ideas that poured out in a sort of “Why didn’t  I think of that?” feeling. Winston Churchill, as he comes across in this stimulating and captivating book, is truly the epitome of the word UNIQUE.

One of his closest confidants was the colorful, deeply loyal individual John Colville. He was Churchill’s private secretary during the most critical, scary and in a time of “near-to-an-actual-invasion-by-the-Germans” Britain ever came. Colville wanted, desperately, to sign up and join the RAF, but Winston kept refusing.  Another man who constantly resigned — or attempted to — but was equally constantly refused by Churchill, as this book so cleverly details, was the Canadian businessman Max Aitken, more commonly known as Lord Beaverbrook, who was placed in total charge of mandating that more Hurricane and Spitfire fighters for the RAF would be, indeed MUST be, built faster than anyone thought possible.

Churchill consistently refused Beaverbrook’s increasingly impassioned requests to depart the government and, in the end, he did resign — but he missed, dreadfully — his previous regular back and forth with Churchill. The book also shows — more so than any book I’ve read on this subject — how Churchill taught the British public to be totally fearless.

The book is additionally spellbinding, as author Larson was able to secure access to German/Nazi information about WW2 secret Nazi facts — never before available — from German libraries, secret archives, and government resources regarding WW2 from the German/Nazi point of view. There is also an underlying theme to the entire book that I found mesmerizing: It was Churchill’s overriding mission, his main objective, his passion, to somehow find a way to get America — and its vast resources — actively into the war — for Churchill knew that Britain could not do it by itself. Here is a book you need read.

Contact John:

jd******@gm***.com

The post Churchill: Up Close and VERY Personal — As YOU Have Never Read Before appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Consider the following as an in introduction: a B17G Flying Fortress; a B-29 Superfortress; a marvelous B-52 Stratofortress that flew into Duxford in 1983; an F-15 Eagle from the USAF; an RAF Mosquito; and an airplane that ushered in the true jet age for airline passengers, a British Comet; a superb German “terror of the skies” for allied air crews flying over occupied Europe – an FW 190, and a German ME-109; a Lockheed SR 71 Blackbird; a B-24 Liberator; and a classic C-47 Skytrain (a hugely popular variant being the famous DC-3); a nifty Hawker Hunter;  a De Haviland Sea Venom; a Harrier jump jet that saw active service in the Falklands war; a superb Avro Lancaster; a classic Short Sunderland flying boat. Wow, what a collection – and yes, of course several Spitfires; an American Lockheed Lightning; and the unique British Westland Lysander; and a BAC Concorde among many others.

Not all the aircraft are on the Flight Line. Many are either in one of the hangars, or come from private sources such as The Shuttleworth Collection, the Old Flying Machine Collection and the Duxford Aviation Society.

Of special interest to American visitors is the “American Museum,” the planning for which began in the mid-1980s. A world famous architect, Sir Norman Foster, was commissioned to design it, and it IS spectacular – indeed there were over 50,000 individual US subscribers to help with the funding, and it opened with much fanfare in September 1995. It is 61 feet high and 330 feet deep, dimensions being dictated by the need to accommodate the classic, and huge, B-52, along with the SR Blackbird and others in the same “unique category.”

If you’re into aviation virtually every aspect of Duxford will thrill you, but one of the things that I found especially fascinating, was the large number of workshops (many are the real WW2 hangars!) where skilled mechanics are restoring aircraft. History buffs will know that back in the dark days of the early 1940s, Duxford played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain when it was an RAF fighter base. It was also where the famous RAF Ace Douglas Bader was based – not only for his flying skills, but it was where he became known for the fact that even though he had no legs, the RAF still wanted him to fly as a fighter pilot, and so fitted him with artificial ones.

Later in the war the USAAF took over operations at Duxford culminating – in December 1944 – with Duxford being a USAAF P-51 Mustang fighter base. Sadly, by 1969, Duxford was no longer required as an active air force base, and closure seemed on the horizon. But then the IWM stepped in, and requested that some of some of its (stored) aircraft be placed there on as permanent basis. Over the years its aircraft collection grew and grew and by August 2005 Duxford welcomed its ten millionth IWM visitor!!!

There are numerous air shows throughout the year, and to learn more about every aspect of the place, Google it and type in “Duxford Aviation Museum” and you’ll see a long list of websites. Get your tickets online as well, as it saves time and money. There are rates for seniors (60 plus), kids, groups and students. If you’re in London, the fastest way to get there is a 45 minute ride in an express train from Kings Cross Station to Cambridge, and then either a bus or taxi to Duxford.

The post Duxford: The Most Fascinating WW2 Aviation Museum in Europe appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Back From My Mission

Did you miss me? My apologies for not sending my TGIF joke to you these past 2 weeks. I was in a far flung area in Southern Philippines caring for my Dad. As you probably know, I requested prayers for his faith in Jesus. To my delight, my wife led him to receive Christ in his heart a few minutes before we started our trip to the airport. In fact, it was my Dad who started the conversation. My wife merely went along with his flow of ideas. So, even before my great Father-Son adventure, God had already answered my request. Words cannot express my gratitude.

Dad almost died on the plane. The air was too thin for him and he ran out of his meds. He was already hallucinating. The only reason he fought so hard to survive was because he didn’t want to die in the “friendly skies.” When we got back he didn’t want to go to the hospital but I’m glad that we did because he had pneumonia. The lines were so long because there was a diarrhea and dengue fever epidemic. He’s settled now and he is back to normal. I miss him.

Some people wonder what this strange Christian ritual about “accepting Jesus” is all about. First of all, nobody earns “brownie points” for leading someone to Christ. There is no quota that needs to be filled. Genuine Christians share their faith because their own lives have been changed for the better and they want others to experience the same truth of the kindness, the love, the grace (a gift they do not deserve)  that they enjoy. If you were a slave and were set free, wouldn’t you want to set others free as well?

Some may question whether conversions are real. Only God can answer that. No one can truly say if anyone truly accepted Christ. The Bible says “by their fruit, you shall know them.” — ie. by their changed lives, you will know if the transformation is real. Ours is not to question but to share the good news. Our words may fall on deaf ears but that does not matter. We still share — just as the good news was shared to us.

My Dad, in his 90s, is a baby in Christ. How I wish I could be with him and help him to walk in his new faith. He has so many questions. But I have to trust that God will fill in the gaps where I cannot. In all this I am thankful that even if something were to happen to him now, I know he prayed to receive Christ. The world has this concept that one has to work for salvation … that one has to do good works, go to church, give to the poor, sacrifice, pay for indulgences … but that isn’t true. These are man-made rules. Perfection and “brownie points” are not necessary to enter heaven — for it is by grace alone (paid for by Christ by his suffering, death and resurrection) that we are saved.

But of course, this is just me.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.”  — Ephesians 2:8

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Funny Boxing Stare Downs
Sent by Naomi of Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this.

The post War Strategy appeared first on Traveling Archive.

My wife Brigitte, and our two daughters Michelle and Heidi, were part of the crowd at the base of the Kehlsteinhaus (more commonly known as the Eagle’s Nest in English-speaking countries) which was a Third Reich-era building erected atop the summit of the Kehlstein, a rocky outcrop that rises above the Obersalzberg near the town of Berchtesgaden, Germany.

As a longtime military aficionado, and having suffered under the Nazi bombing of my home in London in WW2, I’d frequently wondered about the Eagle’s Nest and how one actually got there. My knowledge was minimal and consisted of such facts as I knew it was used exclusively by members of the Nazi Party for government and social meetings.

Consequently I was delighted when a guide we encountered was, thank goodness, a talkative type, and I listened in rapt attention when he told us that Hitler had an everlasting fear of heights (wow, THAT was news to me!) and because the “Nest” was situated 6,017 feet from ground level, he’d only visited 14 times. Getting up there was, well, equally spellbinding – at least to me: I seriously doubted our two children were as thrilled as I was by how we got up there.

Just before we began our journey to the “Nest” itself, we stopped at a Kitschy sort of Gift Shop at the base of the mountain and purchased one of the outrageous hats on display. Curiously, there were no postcards of the place nor even the surroundings, but as we visited in the late 1980s I feel sure that now in 2019, gift shops are everywhere, with all hawking every kind of souvenir under the sun.

Getting to the top is by bus, and it travels along the one lane 4 mile road that circles around the mountain to the summit. At exactly the same time that our bus departed, another at the top left for the journey down and, typical for the Germans’, they both meet in the middle at the same time – where the “Down Bus” moved into a small turnout so our bus could continue upwards. Once you get THERE, you’ll see the entrance to a tunnel which leads to an elevator. As you enter the brick walled passageway it is eerily quiet and almost dark, and it reminded me of a scary Halloween ride I’d once taken. The walls (at least when we visited) appeared to be damp and glistened with droplets of water. It was right at that moment when it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks: Hitler had personally walked the very same passageway where I was now walking. It was chilling and yes, creepy, to acknowledge – instantly – WHERE one was, and WHO had trod this hallway all those decades ago.

This weirdness and indeed even fearfulness, was heightened as we entered the interior of an ornate gold hued, polished brass elevator where all 4 sides were Venetian mirrors encased in green leather. The apprehension one felt only increased when the elevator operator, in a very melodramatic voice said “This is THE elevator that Hitler used each time he came here.” He paused, then, almost whispering said, “Nothing has been changed.” It’s only a brief ride as it ascends the 407 feet to the top. We were informed that the Eagle’s Nest project took 13 months to build in the late 1930s during which 12 workers had died. The site is now a restaurant, beer garden and, of course, tourist site. Needless to say, the awesome scenic views of the surrounding mountainous scenery, are stunning.

In April, 1945 a fleet of British RAF bombers went there to obliterate everything as it was rumored that Hitler was hiding there. He wasn’t. However, due to the problem of distinguishing the ACTUAL target, the only thing demolished was the Berghof area. Given the infamy of the place there’s always been some controversy as to which of the Allies FIRST reached it. Among those claiming to have been first, were various units of the US Army; a French Armored division; and even some Spanish soldiers. My lengthy research indicates it was the US 101^st Airborne who were the first to get into the Kehlsteinhaus, and the town of Berchtesgaden. Either way, visiting THIS historic site was one of my all-time most fascinating experiences. I hope you too will find time to visit. CONTACT John:

jd******@gm***.com

The post It’s One of the “Must Visit” Places in Europe. Here’s Why appeared first on Traveling Archive.

As I saw each photo and watched (and still utterly fascinated) the media programs and so called “Specials” about those historic days, it reminded me, yet again, of MY many trips to Normandy. As a long time travel journalist, I felt honored to have been invited 4 times to that part of France by the French government tourist office.

Anytime the subject of Normandy comes up, I’m often asked why THIS destination continues to intrigue me. Going all the way back to my childhood in London, Normandy has always mesmerized me because much of my upbringing was spent in the county of Dorset, with frequent visits to the seaside town of Weymouth. WW2 Aficionados will know that name instantly, as this was one of the British ports where an enormous armada of landing craft, warships, troop carriers, supply ships, and all the seagoing means of transportation available to the allies for the invasion, were berthed. I fondly recall the American military – or as many Brits called them — “the Yanks” — were seemingly everywhere you looked in England, and I especially remember US sailors and their marvelous white hats – still part of their uniform today – that were, like them, unique.

The other factor – and very vivid memory – is that of so many British kids being thrilled when they saw an American service person. Why? Well, lots of British children would run up to them and say “Got any gum, chum,” and, more often than not, they’d be rewarded by a friendly smile and a piece of highly treasured American chewing gum!

My memories are equally vivid about Normandy, particularly my visit in June 2004, when the tourist office in Normandy invited me and my KNX1070 travel show, to the 60^th Anniversary of D-Day. Four totally diverse memories of that visit stand out. First, visiting (for the 4^th time) the American cemetery and memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer that honors the 9, 388 American troops, and the 307 unknowns, who died in Normandy.

As I gazed at the multitude of crosses that filled 172.5 acres, I thought of all the lives that were never allowed to grow old, and of the life losing sacrifice they’d made. Many visitors to this sacred part of America – yes, America — are not aware of that fact: This cemetery IS American land and United States property, given to us by the grateful French at the close of WW2. Another little known fact, is that there’s a specific reason the cemetery IS where it is. Just below is a beach, but it’s a special beach that most know as Omaha Beach, a place where many of those interred here, died to protect our way of life.

The second place is Pointe Du Hoc – dramatically portrayed in the brilliant WW2 movie “The Longest Day.” Unbelievably it still looks like the moonscape it was back in June 1944 when British and American bombers relentlessly bombed it trying to destroy the five massive guns there, because these guns were able to shell the nearby invasion beaches.

The third place – and this might surprise some – was the German cemetery of La Cambe. Ironically, it’s located near Omaha Beach. It too is vast, somber, and eerily awesome.  As the largest German war cemetery in Normandy, there are over 21,222 German military personnel buried there, along with 207 unknowns.

The most poignant memory took place during the concluding moments of the commemorative events attended by world leaders and other dignitaries on June 6^th, 2004 above Arrowmanches Beach. At least a dozen or more military marching bands paraded through the stadium like arena, all decked out in colorful uniforms and all playing rousing tunes that expressed pomp and circumstance. As the last band but one exited, the crowd of 2,000 roared their approval as the American band entered, featuring 20 smartly outfitted US Navy sailors in their dress white uniforms playing, with massive enthusiasm, “When the Saints Go Marching In!” I was so overcome with pride I jumped up and shouted “Way to go America!”

For a historic and awe-inspiring destination, visiting Normandy is a marvelous memory you’ll never forget. You’ll be fascinated by what you see, and you’ll discover more gift shops and souvenir places than you ever knew existed. Best of all, it’ll make you proud to be an American, as you gaze in silent wonder at where American men and women, most VERY young, gave their all for Democracy.  Contact John:

jd******@gm***.com

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