Why Did Germany Keep Fighting World War Two in 1944 – 1945?

Dutch historian explains: Why Germany fought till the end in 1945, why didn’t Germany surrender earlier in WW2; why wasn’t there a rebellion against the German leadership and why did WW2 end in 1945? This historian also discusses the July Plot (Operation Valkyrie) by the German resistance led by Claus von Stauffenberg; the harsh measures of a total war policy, like the German strongholds strategy and Germany’s last army, the Volkssturm. (A History Hustle Presentation)

How Did Germans React to the Outbreak of World War II? (1939)

Dutch historian explains: Why was there no euphoria when WWII started? What was the German perspective on the outbreak of the Second World War that started with the German invasion of Poland. The Polish Campaign (1939) resulted in a declaration of war from the British and the French to the Germans. How did the ordinary German react to this? Why was there no enthusiasm when WW2 started? Learn more about the German perspective of World War II. History Hustle presents: How Did Germans React to the Outbreak of World War II? (1939).

161 Special Duties Squadron RAF: Supporting Resistance in France During WW2

Contributors, Group Captain Hugh Verity (OC A Flight)

Squadron Leader Frank ‘Bunny’ Rymills

Air Chief Marshall Bob Hodges (OC B Flight and later CO No.161 Squadron)

Barbara Bertram (SOE safehouse hostess near RAF Tangmere)

Flight Lieutenant Richard ‘Dickie’ Lee DSO, DFC (RAF)

Hurricane Pilot during Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain.

‘Dickie Lee’ (source unknown)

Whilst serving with 85 Squadron RAF during Dunkirk, on 21 November he destroyed a Heinkel III over Boulogne and after being shot down he evaded capture and return to his squadron. On 10 May 1940 Lee destroyed a HS 126 and shared in the destruction of a Junker 86 and during the same action was credited for damaging a Junker 88. The following day, after shooting down two enemy aircraft he was shot down over the sea by flak and was rescued after being in the sea for over an hour.

‘Dickie’ Lee after being awarded the DFC and DFO

On 18 August 1940 during the Battle of Britain, Squadron Leader Townsend and Flying Officer Arthur Newman were flying ten-miles north-east of Foulness and were short on fuel when they saw ‘Dickie’ chasing a Messerschmitt bf 109 out to sea. Townsend shouted over his radio several times “Dickie come back!” but he continued to chase the Messerschmitt across the channel. Later that day Richard ‘Dickie’ Lee was reported missing presumed dead and neither his body or the wreckage of his Hurricane has been discovered.

At the time of his death ‘Dickie’ Lee was 23-years-old and is believed to have destroyed nine enemy aircraft.