The Harmless Historian

Fighting On Film: Go For Broke! (1951)

In this episode of Fighting On Film we examine 1951’s ‘Go For Broke!’, written & directed by Robert Pirosh and starring Van Johnson - who had worked together on 'Battleground’ (FoF Episode 6). The film tells the unique story of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, a US Army unit made up of Japanese-Americans who became the most decorated unit of its size of World War Two! 

The episode is also available on all other podcast platforms, you can find them here.

The PIAT - Out Now! 

I’m very excited to say that my second book has been published! It looks at the much maligned and much misunderstood PIAT - or Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank.

The book is available from retailers from the 20th August in the UK/Europe and the 22nd September in the US. but if you’d like a copy, regardless of location, you can add your email to this form and I’ll let you know when I have some for direct sale! 

I received my advanced copies of the book just yesterday, I filmed a short video to show you the book and talk a bit about the process of writing it:

The PIAT was the British infantry’s primary anti-tank weapon of the second half of the Second World War. Unlike the better known US Bazooka the PIAT wasn’t a rocket launcher - it was a spigot mortar. Throwing a 2.5lb bomb, containing a shaped charge capable of penetrating up to 4 inches of armour. Thrown from the spigot by a propellant charge in the base of the bomb, it used a powerful spring to soak up the weapon’s heavy recoil. 

With a limited range the PIAT’s users had to be incredibly brave. This becomes immediately obvious when we see just how many Victoria Crosses, Military Medals and Distinguished Conduct Medals were awarded to men who used the PIAT in action. 

The book includes numerous accounts of how the PIAT was used and how explores just how effective it was. I have spent the past 18 months researching and writing the book and it is great to finally see a copy in person and know it’s now available. The book includes brand new information dug up from in-depth archival research, never before seen photographs of the PIAT in development and in-service history and it also includes some gorgeous illustrations by Adam Hook and an informative cutaway graphic by Alan Gilliland.

If you order a book directly from me I’ll also include this custom illustrated postcard with a design featuring a PIAT and the famous line from A Bridge Too Far.

So, if you’d like a copy of my new book looking at the PIAT’s design, development and operational history you can add your email to this form and I’ll let you know when I have copies available! 

Thanks for your support and if you pick up a copy of the book I really hope you enjoy it! 

LETTING THE DAYS GO BY

Prior to the start of the First World War, Paris had over 10,000 taxis. However, by 1914 only 3,000 taxis were still in service in the city. Many of these taxis were Renault Type-AGs, owned by the G7 taxi company.

During the crucial battle of the Marne in 1914, the French Army’s 62nd Division arrived at a railway station outside Paris a significant distance away from the main battle. The French Army estimated it needed approximately 1,200 taxis to transport the 6,000 man division to the battle, resulting in the National Gendarmerie searching for taxis throughout Paris, and the village of Gagny. Most chauffeurs were willing to provide their services to the French Army due to the promise of reimbursement for distance travelled; which resulted in races between taxi cab drivers to reach the collection points, as well as a traffic jam at the collection points itself. Each individual taxi typically transported five soldiers at a time, driving an average distance of 50 kilometres (31 mi) to reach the drop off point. In total, taxis helped transport approximately 4,000 men, or five battalions to the battle.

Walk Around: Donnington Castle

Hope you’re all staying safe and well. Sorry we didn’t get a video out on Sunday but here is this week’s - better late than never!    

With many of us being stuck in COVID-19 imposed lockdowns I thought now would be a good time for a video-walk around Donnington Castle. Think of it as a virtual stroll.

The 14th century castle found itself embroiled in a long siege during the English Civil War with extensive earthworks built to defend the old castle. Today, it’s still an imposing sight.

Check out the accompanying article here