Mike Peters

It's been an emotional few weeks interviewing AAC veterans of Gulf War 1 (Op Granby). It has brought back a lot of memories... the contrasts with Op Telic 2003 are stark. Two very different wars for me and the AAC...

It is a huge irony that the B17C Fortress flew into its first battle unarmed. The aircraft that arrived over Pearl Harbour during the IJN attack were in transit to the Phillipines. Their guns were stowed in order to save weight on the flight from California.

I have just finished some Band of Brothers research. This is an absorbing read, made even more interesting by the fact that its scope reaches beyond the Easy Company bubble. What a fascinating character Ron Speirs was...recommended read.

It's the last issue of Soldier Magazine for 2025. I am very happy to have been asked to nominate a book of the year. I chose @almurray's Arnhem Black Tuesday. A refreshing and thought-provoking look at the controversial defeat.

Recently, I had the pleasure of contributing to the US WWII Foundation's latest film project, a documentary focused on an individual serving in England with the Mighty Eighth. Filming at Bletchley Park really added to the day. Check out the Foundation and its extensive free film programme.

Iconic

My weekend read and review covers one of the most daring raids of WWII. Although it is not a comprehensive history of Doolittle's strike on Japan, it is a really useful complimentary source that gives biographical insight into the 16 Pilots that flew the mission and their fates.

I will be at the Army Flying Museum telling the story of Ponte Primosole and Operation Fustian - The Battle of the Drop Zones. One of the few times in history that Airborne troops were both parachuted and airlanded onto the same battlefield. Information below:

On my list thanks Steven

I had the pleasure of doing some filming yesterday for a @URIWWII project linked to the 379th BG at Kimbolton. There are so many stories to tell about the men of the triangle 'K'. The remarkable 'Swamp Fire' the B17G that flew 100 missions without an abort! More to come...

It was a genuine privilege to be invited to attend the UK screening of the new @URIWWII film on Enigma at Bletchley Park today. Another informative film made in an accessible format that will open up this story to a wide audience. Look out for its general release next spring.

AAC Granby veterans - We are currently compiling the history of the AAC involvement in Gulf War 1. We welcome contributions to Ops Normal Volume 2. Please contact me at opsnormal1957@gmail.com

BOOK REVIEW - SURVIVING THREE SHERMANS With The 3rd Armoured Division Into The Battle of The Bulge By Walter Boston Stitt, Jr - Edited by Dr Jessica L. George There is nothing unusual about a… | Mik... BOOK REVIEW - SURVIVING THREE SHERMANS With The 3rd Armoured Division Into The Battle of The Bulge By Walter Boston Stitt, Jr - Edited by Dr Jessica L. George There is nothing unusual about a wartim...

My review of Surviving Three Shermans...
www.linkedin.com/posts/mike-p...

I'm just coming to the end of my current read. It really is an absorbing memoir that deftly combines contemporary material, with later life interviews and historian input. Review to follow, but highly recommended.

19 January 2026 - a date for your WW2 history diary. I will be speaking at the Army Flying Museum about Operation Fustian. The British 1st Parachute Brigade will drop 1800+ troops on the Ponte Primosole crossing on the Catania Plain. More details from @armyflying

Well, no more tours for me this side of Christmas. It's time to press on with writing deadlines, @Mighty8thPod podcasts, and some more research. I am looking forward to a productive winter.

Looking good - Today's delivery from @penswordbooks is copies of the recently released paperback version of Glider Pilots in Sicily. Available now online from Pen & Sword Books.
pen-and-sword.co.uk/Glider-Pilots-…

Six minutes of slaughter: The Kassel Mission

New Podcast Episode:

Six minutes of Slaughter: the story of the Kassel mission - the biggest single-day loss to a single bomb group in aviation warfare history

open.spotify.com/episode/1BpE...

Thanks to everyone who attended my Bomb Group talk in Ashen's delightful church last night. It was a full house. What a privilege to talk about the 381st BG on their home ground. It is so good to see the level of interest in the Airfield and its history.

Final preparations for my talk tomorrow evening on the 381st BG and their time at Ridgewell. Details are shown below. I will be speaking for myself and my fellow author, Paul Bingley. See you there...

Glider Pilots in Sicily This well-researched book by an expert of his subject lifts the veil on the first large scale British use of gliders in action. This occurred…

It's happening! Glider Pilots in Sicily has been released as a paperback. Order now If you want to learn more about Britain's first major Airlanding Operations...
Pen and Sword Books: Glider Pilots in Sicily - Paperback share.google/D6JFSEo31ZtV...

Our morning was spent at the wonderful Bottisham Airfield Museum. The perfect place to consider the 'little friends' that protected the Mighty Eighth's Bomb Groups during the Combined Bomber Offensive.

As the autumnal evening closed in day 2 of our Masters of the Air Tour, drew to a close at @usabmc Madingley. The veterans among our group assisted with lowering the flag after 'taps'. The ceremony was a fitting pause for reflection.

What a full and rewarding day at American Air Museum, Duxford. There is so much to talk about in the museum. Our group from @WWIImuseum has so many links to the Mighty Eighth. We had all bases covered with Dr Hattie Hearn as our host and Dr Don Miller as our featured historian.

Fellow #WW2TV presenter, @mikehistorian.bsky.social, now has his book, "Glider Pilots in Sicily", available in paperback. Details below. Catch his appearance with @ww2tv.bsky.social at www.youtube.com/live/KnDxxoe....

Thank you Rick

I'm very excited to launch my Warfare Through the Ages Tour in conjunction with old friends @bhltours and @WeAreTripsmiths
Join me on a tour that visits some of the key battlefields of NW Europe. Agincourt to Dunkirk! Details at the link:
tripsmiths.com/tours/warfare-…

I am very happy to have contributed to a film for this very special history event in France. I was talking about the USAAF 3rd Air Division's role in Operation Cadillac, the large-scale parachute drop supplying the Maquis with much needed arms and equipment on 14 July 1944.

Hi Nora, There is a very active local heritage group. They host visits and share their knowledge generously. Well worth a visit.

Glider Pilots in Sicily This well-researched book by an expert of his subject lifts the veil on the first large scale British use of gliders in action. This occurred…

Great news! Glider Pilots in Sicily is now available in paperback. Follow the link below to order your copy. Find out about the GPR and its pivotal role in Operation Ladbroke and Operation Fustian.

Pen and Sword Books: Glider Pilots in Sicily - Paperback share.google/mHHysWrpgXSE...