The Military History Group discussion

Hi Everyone, my name is Creighton, and I am the creator of this group. I am looking forward to having discussions with everyone on here about Military History.

Hi! I'm Darya. I'm interested mostly in WW2

Hi I am Matt. I am a secondary school History teacher in the UK. I read a lot around my interests which is mostly History.

Hello, my name is Jon. Looking forward to meeting you!

I'm Alex, thanks for the invite. I'm a layperson interested in pretty much all areas and regions of history, but particularly the high middle ages, as well as anything to do with helicopters. Haven't yet figured out how to combine the two.

Good morning! My name is Phillip. I enjoy reading a wide array of subjects, including Civil War and World War II era. Looking forward to each of your contributions to the group.

Hi, I'm John, and I'm interested in military history from the 1700's onward, and somewhat in the Greek and Roman wars. I served in the US Army, and took quite a few "professional development" military history courses.

Hey everyone--and thank you, Creighton, for inviting me to the group. My father fought in WWII (a Pole who escaped to England and fought with the RAF), and read mostly WWII literature, but enjoy all military history. Looking forward to hearing what others are enjoying.

Just finished Enemy at the Gates--powerful read.

Greetings, thanks for the invite Creighton! Look forward to discussions and opportunities to learn. I'm a former Marine who served during the late Cold War period through the first Gulf War. I'm still involved professionally in military related programs. As a side interest study and participate in historically based conflict simulations to aid my understanding of military science. My favorite periods of study are the American Civil War, the inter war period between the Great War and WWII, WWII, and modern warfare.

Hello! I appreciate the invitation. I read about the American Civil War and to a lesser extent about other conflicts. I am interested in putting military history in a broad perspective of American studies and am glad to be in this group. Robin

I read a lot of Military History (mostly American Civil War and WW2) and biographies, with some military fiction and Christian books thrown in. Interesting fact: I grew up in a small town that was Ulysses Grant’s childhood home town.

Thanks so much for the invitation, Creighton. I see that many of my GR friends are also new members.

I am an avid reader of all military history but mostly European/British conflicts and WWI-WWII. It was interesting to note that Brian grew up in General Ulysses Grant's hometown.......I grew up in General Stonewall Jackson's hometown.

Looking forward to good discussions...............................Jill

Pocket bio: Retired humanities teacher, residing in Tlaxcala, Mexico, with two dogs and six indoor cats. Passionate about literature, history, philosophy, classical music and opera, jazz, cinema, and similar subjects. Nostalgic guy. Politically centrist. BA in American Studies from Yale; MAs in English and Education from Boston University. Born in northern New Jersey. Have lived and worked in San Francisco, Chicago, northern Nevada, northeast Wisconsin, South Korea. More detail at Goodreads profile.

I’m Josh. I’m very interested in military history, mostly the Second World War. I’ve always had some interest in combat, but the obsession started when I discovered my great grandfather served in the US navy during the war and my wife’s grandfather served in the US army in the Philippines during the Luzon campaign. I’m by no means an expert, but I love to read the literature and learn as much as I can (though I’m a terribly slow reader).

My name is Betsy, and I love Military History. My sister says I never met a war I didn't like, except for two. That's not quite true but I love the Napoleonic period, the ACW, the Crimean War, and the two world wars in particular.

Hi folks, Rick here from Australia. I love military history from the ancients to modern times; air, land & sea. Good to see a number of regular contributors to military history discussions here.

Greetings all. I guess I'll add some spice to the mix. I'm a 20something banker from India. Got sucked into all things war and military history after reading Shirer's 'Rise and Fall of The Third Reich '.
Glad to see a few familiar faces in the group. As always, looking forward to your reviews and recommendations!

Hey everyone, I'm Matt. I read a lot of history including military history.

Hi! I'm Laura, librarian. I usually stick around the American Revolution when I read history, but have been expanding out and following rabbit holes the last few years to basically any era and topic, especially the obscure and microhistories.

My name is Jimmy Pappas. I served in Vietnam teaching English as a second language to South Vietnamese soldiers who then went on to work with American helicopter pilots. I served from September 1969 to October 1970. I also taught Vietnamese civilians English as well.

I do have to mention that I do caregiving now 24/7 for my wife who had a stroke. So I am no longer able to keep up with over 100 books like I used to do beforehand. Free time to read is a bit of a struggle.

Hi, Jimmy, I'm glad you could join us. I had a stroke in 2007, but fortunately have made a fairly good recovery. Still, I know how difficult it can be for you and your wife. Hopefully, you will find some time to participate since it sounds like you've had some adventures.

Greetings, all. I am Donna, a retired social studies and language arts teacher. I taught about the American Civil War, but not in nearly as much depth as I would have liked. Young minds; limited time. I also taught a unit on pirates, in particular the role of Jean Lafitte in the War of 1812. Have also done a fair amount of study of the Russian Revolution.
Since retirement I have continued to read about the Civil War, but have finally had time to venture in other directions. First I did some reading about WWII, but now I am burned out on that one. I read more about the French Revolution and then read a pretty good biography of Napoleon. Currently, I am reading a historical fiction series about Genghis Khan. In other words, I'd like to know at least a little bit about almost everything.

I guess I should do a better introduction now

I am Creighton, hello, I am 22 years old and I am currently going to college to get my degree in history and hopefully pursue my dream to write history books and/or be a historian. I have been into History since I was 5 years old, and I eat, sleep, and breathe History.

My main focuses have been the Second World War -the Eastern Front in particular- and the American Civil War. Lately, I have been trying to study about different eras in history like the Napoleonic wars (which I now love to read about), Ancient Rome & Greece, Medieval history, and this year I have been trying to read books about historical topics I haven't read yet.

I made this group because I wanted to create a group for people who like military history to have good discussions about the topic and also most importantly for fun.

Thanks very much for inviting me into this group Creighton. I've certainly an aficionado of military history and have written about some of it, both ancient and modern.

Hi Everyone, I am Gary, and I am pleased to be a new member – thanks for the invitation, Creighton.

I am particularly interested in WWII but I like other periods of history, too. Currently I am reading something that is not military history, but I have bought quite a few mil Hist books over the last year so I am sure I will get back to it soon.

I have reviewed quite a few books, and I welcome and I welcome any feedback you wish to share. I look forward to our chats!

Hi Gary, I've just finished writing a novel about WWII coincidentally and an aspect of it which has not previously been the subject of a work of historical fiction. It was fascinating to research but will not be published for quite some time I suspect. I'll look forward to our chats too!

Rob wrote: "Hi Gary, I've just finished writing a novel about WWII coincidentally and an aspect of it which has not previously been the subject of a work of historical fiction. It was fascinating to research b..."

Thanks, Rob. Please tell more! What is the subject, and do you have a publishing date yet?

Creighton, thanks for setting up this group. From the introductions of members that I have read, it should be a great forum for intelligent discussion.

Hello all, my name is Casper Hileman. I am a Historian in a museum in S.E. Virginia. I have a degree in history with a concentration in military history. I am currently reading a good deal of Revolutionary War History for the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, but I have also read widely on a wide range of topics.

Hello everyone - I'm Michael (not to be confused with the other Michael). Thank you Creighton for the invitation and setting up the group. While I particularly enjoy reading about the American Civil War, the Spanish Civil War, World War I and the American Revolution, I'm very interested in military history in general and always looking for recommendations for good books about any war or time period.

Hello, everyone. My name is Alan, and I am happy to join this group. Thank you for the invitation, Creighton. It's nice to see several of my Goodreads friends here, and I am glad to make the acquaintance of the rest of you. I really enjoy histories of the American War for Independence and the Civil War. Over the past year or so I have gotten into WWII, especially the Pacific theater. I have also read some great books about the Korean War and WWI. I'm looking forward to expanding my reading horizons through the shared posts in this group.

Hello and many thanks to Creighton for the invitation to this group - I am fascinated by war within its historical context but not so strong on the specifics of battles and troop movements or specific engagements so whether I am right for 'Military' history group or not is open to question but I am always interested in learning new things.

I would be interested to know exactly what the 'no politics' means - I don't mean to be either obtuse or silly but, for me, war and politics are inextricably linked and very often politics is involved in the details of strategy and planning of battles and campaigns. If you are going to remove politics from any discussion of WWI or II or Vietnam and other post WW II conflicts then I am probably not in the right group?

Liam wrote: "Hello and many thanks to Creighton for the invitation to this group - I am fascinated by war within its historical context but not so strong on the specifics of battles and troop movements or speci..."

By Politics, I was meaning more current politics, but really I meant I don't want people on here to start getting into political arguements about the current topics in the news, but if we're talking about Vietnam and military history, then feel free to, but please no mudslinging. I'd like to avoid arguing as much as possible.

Hi all! My name is Theo, and have been interested in history of war most of my life. My initial concentration was in the American Civil War, a subject I became more interested in after discovering my great great grandfather had fought in the Army of the Cumberland, which changed my focus to the war in Kentucky and Tennessee.
I also have a long time interest in the First World War, as my grandfather fought in it.
Over the last several years The French and Indian War has become my major focus.
Recently I have become fascinated with an ugly little American war that is usually not even mentioned — the Philippine-American War. This conflict is often simply folded into the Spanish-American War, but it definitely became a separate conflict, and one of the ugliest in our history. Need to do much more reading on this one.
Other interests I’ve been pursuing in recent years are The Thirty Years War and The Hussite Wars. Still much to learn about these conflicts.

Theo wrote: "Hi all! My name is Theo, and have been interested in history of war most of my life. My initial concentration was in the American Civil War, a subject I became more interested in after discovering ..."
Welcome to the group - if you are interested in the Thirty Years War then the classic text is C.V. Wedgewood's 'The Thirty Years War' but it was written over 80 years ago and I would recommend Peter H. Wilson's 'The Thirty Years War: Europe's Tragedy' which I am about to start reading and recommend with confidence because his book on the Holy Roman Empire was superb.

Another excellent recent book which deals with the thirty years war in a broader context is Diarmaid McCullough's 'Reformation: Europe's House Divided 1490-1700'.

I also agree with you about the war in the Philippines and would say it is a pity so few people are unaware of the blistering attacks Mark Twain made on that war.

I taught American history as a graduate student about 30 years ago, including a class on the American experience in 20th-century wars (books like Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" have stayed with me). My interest is more on the cultural/political/social context of war than military matters per se, but I also have enjoyed various documentaries, podcasts etc covering strategy & tactics of famous battles.

These days I'm reading (and following podcasts) more on ancient, medieval, and early modern European history than American, but open to any good book on any period or region. Looking forward to discussions and any group reads in this community.

Dan wrote: "I taught American history as a graduate student about 30 years ago, including a class on the American experience in 20th-century wars (books like Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" have stayed..."

I don't know if it is the done thing but, until told not too, I am saying hi to everyone who introduces themselves, so Hi and I look forward to any posts you may make.

Theo wrote: "Hi all! My name is Theo, and have been interested in history of war most of my life. My initial concentration was in the American Civil War, a subject I became more interested in after discovering ..."

I had not heard of the Philippine-American War. Do you have a favorite book on the subject, whether nonfiction or historical fiction?

Hello all, I'm Steve from Indiana. I'm a veteran with 22 years in now split between the Army Guard as an infantryman and Air Force Reserve as an aircraft crew chief. Like most of you I'm sure history in general and military history in particular was an early interest of mine. American Civil War, both World Wars and Vietnam are my main interests although I've been trying to read more on the American Revolution in the last few years.

Creighton wrote: "Liam wrote: "Hello and many thanks to Creighton for the invitation to this group - I am fascinated by war within its historical context but not so strong on the specifics of battles and troop movem..."
Sorry I missed this response, but thank you, your explanation is what I hoped it would be and makes perfect sense, maybe I was ia bit obtuse in needing it spelt out!

Kingpawn wrote: "Greetings all. I guess I'll add some spice to the mix. I'm a 20something banker from India. Got sucked into all things war and military history after reading Shirer's 'Rise and Fall of The Third Re..."

Shirer is brilliant but his overall approach is trapped in the 'Sonderweg' (Special way or path) view of German history from the time of Luther which saw Germany proceeding on a special path different from other countries which lead inevitably to Hitler. This never had much purchase in academic circles has been decisively refuted, and while not taking anything away from the uniqueness of the Holocaust, I think most of us would realise now that far from the Germans being unique in their capacity for doing terrible things, all countries, cultures, civilisations, etc. have proved themselves capable of horrors and while we may differ in degree in our deeds we should remember that invidual and collectibely 'there but for the grace of god (or luck) go I'.

Good day to all. Have a long-held interest in military history, and well to be frank, history as a whole. Particularly interested in the American Revolution, and 19th century warfare (Napoleonic Wars and the U.S. Civil War), but enjoy a well-researched and well-told book from any era to include the modern.

Steven wrote: "Good day to all. Have a long-held interest in military history, and well to be frank, history as a whole. Particularly interested in the American Revolution, and 19th century warfare (Napoleonic Wa..."

Welcome aboard, Steven. :-)

Hello, I’m Colin Baldwin from Tasmania.
I’ve dropped into this group following research I did on a 1918 German letter that found its way back to Tasmania as a war souvenir. It relates to a soldier’s death on 3 June 1918 during a push to take Les Mares Farm, near Bussiares, a phase of the Battle of Belleau Wood (1–26 June 1918), well known in American Marine circles.
I’ve just returned from a 4-day ‘International meeting in Bussiares’, attended by German, French, American, Belgium descendants and friends of soldiers involved in the conflict, all connected in different ways to the letter. We visited all the known sites, memorials and cemeteries, plus the small French villages subject to offensives and counteroffensives – among others, Bouresches, Belleau, Bussiares, Chateau-Thierry, Licy Clignon and Marigny-en-Orxios.
The meeting was organised by the Frenchman who owns the land on which many of these battles/skirmishes took place. It was a moving and very informative visit. We also had open air lectures from Gilles Lagin, a WWI historian and Honorary American Marine, who tied all the connections together.
Before this research, I had a somewhat transitory interest in military history, admittedly Australian war history, but see this group as an opportunity to share my recent experiences and gain more knowledge and appreciation of the past.
Thanks for the invitation, Creighton.
CB

Excellent introduction, I'd be very interested to hear more about the letter.

Liam wrote: "Excellent introduction, I'd be very interested to hear more about the letter."

Be careful what you wish for, Liam. It's a long story.... INSERT SMILEY FACE.
Cheers from CB

Rob wrote: "Hi Gary, I've just finished writing a novel about WWII coincidentally and an aspect of it which has not previously been the subject of a work of historical fiction. It was fascinating to research b..."

Well done Rob. Sounds interesting. Keep us posted on publication timelines.
I read your Masinissa: Ally of Carthage (Masinissa #1) and enjoyed it.
Cheers from CB

Colin wrote: "Liam wrote: "Excellent introduction, I'd be very interested to hear more about the letter."

Be careful what you wish for, Liam. It's a long story.... INSERT SMILEY FACE.
Cheers from CB"

When I posted I didn't know you had written a book based on your experiences, well I do now, so it is now very close to the top of my to be bought list (I haven't found in a local library yet - I always feel embarrassed saying that to an author that I'm looking for a way to read their work for free!)

Hello group members--I'm happy to join this group. My name is Vanessa and I have a growing interest in military history. I'm looking forward to exploring the topics to see what you've all previously discussed. I'm sure I'll find some good titles to add to my groaning and growing tbr shelf. Thanks much!

Welcome Vanessa