New Book and a New(ish) Blog

Another book to fall on my doormat is:

Edward Westermann Flak: German Anti-Aircraft Defenses, 1914-1945 (Lawrence, KS: University Press of Kansas, 2001) – This book looks at the other side of the bombing campaign against Germany, namely the use of Anti-Aircraft artillery in the defence of Germany. It examines the numerous problems that befell this arm in its attempt to defend Germany cities and helps illustrates the problems that was faced in this period.

A blog I have stumbled across is How it Really Was by Christopher Knowles, a part-time PhD student at the Centre for Contemporary British History. It has some interesting posts about the British Occupation of post-war Germany. An interesting subject and after reading Sholto Douglas’ autobiography, Years of Command, and reading the problems he had during his time as Military Governor of the British Zone of Occupation, I am looking forward to reading more.

A while ago I mentioned podcasts that are popping up over the net well the National Archives have started some video podcasts entitled War on Film. Each one explores the truth behind popular war films. To quote from the website:

The National Archives holds a large number of records about the events featured in six of the most popular war films of all time. In our ‘War on Film’ videocast series William Spencer, one of our military records specialists, explores the true stories behind these films and uses original records to depict actual events.

The latest looks at the truth behind the ‘Longest Day’.

Podcasts

Brett Holman’s post about Chris Williams’ lecture on Police Command and Control system reminded me of a great resource on the Defence Academy’s webpage. Regular lectures are held at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham and these are being provided as podcasts. The range of themes go from contemporary defence issues to historical debates. It is constantly being added to as it seems each lectures is being recorded. Go have a look and listen to some interesting discussions.

The RAF Museum has also started adding regular podcasts on a variety of themes on their webpage. Aimed at a wider audience than the Staff College lectures they offer and interesting introduction to air power subjects.