SSCBRITAIN'S BEST MILITARY HISTORY MAGAZINE HISTOR 5 Fullbackoround othe standoff | Pas Evil Auschwitz doctor who | Welsh hero who led the charge Ea ‘threatening war in Asia ce escaped Nuremberg justice inthe Falaise Pocket, 1944KING & COUNTRY OE ROR oe a) Other 1:30 scale figures representing ae eee ee oe ee cy fighting vehicles and artillery are also currently emery ene pera se ees Z aS @ MAGPIE ees per) ‘a d le ee re “8 COUNTRYS Arab Msrall War figures and Bere Seren eens eer erie! pieces Be MAGPIE OPENING TIMES rel peers hear Ror Pee aa pero yen RS a ae ee orien ee CD en[Ue eed CONTRIBUTORS wi eae © Wwe ‘ORROBERT LYMAN mana Porro Calg, aay fOr an ator Wort CHAE ASKEW stn Wk aes ok athe MOGUL MIRANDA degre Soars hsan 8 tary in and ars ney. nage 32 Nig ae us woah ‘te orgesot ena rss how hehe afte be ego and elcome eae A ‘proximately 1.3 millon Indian soles served during the First Works War almost twice the numberof rts. Ths eentabution is often overlooked, asi the tebe sacrifoe made by the Indian ors during the perilous mont in late 1914, This issue Dr Rober |yman recounts how thousands of Indians laid down ther ves and held the line against the German offensive, saving the depeted British Army from destruction after the retreat from Mons In fact, Dr lyman describes how the Indians continued to hol the ne ang into 3915, by when time ‘alongwith their Anglo-French ales ~ they found themselves bogzed ‘down in the mir of trench warfare tums Tim Withamson Estorin-Chst FOLLOW THE HISTORY OF WAR TEAM Q@/HISTORYOFWARMAG Q@HISTORYOFWARMAGCONTENTS issue nz AT ary) rT wwi EE ay How Raj forces answered the Empire's call SUBSCRIBE ETM TSMC AUSSIM MEN TOM ate SCA TeCe Subscription offersFRONTLINE R owen upstrt clon or to bexame the wats dominant sea power 6 OVAL Aven sorte edn eet came abe stugglwiineod enemy som . Mer Cnfederae sezessin. tro Saves emer, nt fst ryt rnd sis a Inthe ety 2 anu atl atonook Stung mapa fom raugouistry aviyastelsmuetisyotaiCr yyy rite 2 ol How nian forces answered the Empite'scak From korea to Vietnam and beyond, he US and held the lne to save the British Army feta remanedat efor ote nati’s s mej confit 0 . Insite vgn fhe dexaes ora dspute : threatens fot warn South-East Asa I Biow-b ow comune est navel engzoeme instr TOIT Fea hws Welshofieput ste onheline ‘ocias the Faaise Gap and hat te Ass escape Osis hat recount ihe str of heotensie Inia Amer’ generaten efter a rae iowa waedxedriceaetneqtoisthe ust ioe last aes sice 10 2 4 B HOMEFRONT roundup of exbitions andcolectons Xey Wl events month, 6 years ann Thelaes itr istry fis and books Sturming imager froma ew val chronic of reat Wer commemoration George Washington's camp chestWAR. FOCUS ; INSPECTING THE GREMADIESWAR. FOCUS YPRES AT NIGHT ited: 1918‘rontline - The United States’ naval service has risen fromits small, os) Tebellious origins tobecomethe Most powerful fleet inthe world e The Sd United States Congress CONTINENTAL | NAVAL ACT NAVY ‘Te edging Unites 12us NAVY AMERICAN CIVIL WAR GIN aS toon tata STO a A TNR) a THE USE OF IRONCLAD SHIPS, MINES, STN TM| PACIFIC & ATLANTIC THEA Ci MUTA ) STS ats PT COTTE TTT RS IN aaaUs NAVY > DATLEOF MDW PACIFIC & ATLANTIC THEATRESAfter the American Revolution, the US Navy gained prominence while battling the king’s naval forces during the War of 1812 ‘lowing the conclusion ofthe ‘American Revolution in 1783, the US Navy ceased to exist as ‘a fghting force, The navy, which had consisted of relatively few ‘warships, was disbanded for several reasons, Including an inward focus forthe new United States of America, cfcuty achieving consensus fra future navy among the 13 orginal states, and financial affeutes. However, it g00n became apparent that ‘some form of markime force was necessary, particularly to combat rampant smuggling fo avoid import tantfs which were a primary source of revenue forthe United States, Ae 8 result the Revenue Marine, the predecessor fof the US Coast Guard, was created in 1790. Ten revenue cutters formed the nucleus of the Revenue Marine; however, immediate pressure trom the pirates ofthe Barbary Coast of Arica, including the seizure of American merchant ships, compelled the US Congress to take further action The Naval Act of 1794 authorised the construction of six gates, four of 44 guns ‘and two of 36 guns. ARnough the Act was passed, biter debate fuelled by verse Sectional economic interests made the process somewhat contentious. Inthe wake (of the Congressional authorisation, the US ‘eso te ato ite ‘Sovernment pala tribute tothe Barbary pirates and the need forthe frigates was again called into question. Eventually three were approved ‘or completion: United States, Constitution and Constelation. In te yoars folowing the revolution, enallenges to the sovereignty of American shipping onthe high seas eccurred with regularity. A brief war wth France occutred Inthe late 1790s, and confit with Baroary pirates persisted. However, the greatest Challenge to the fledging US Navy occured in response tothe Bitish practice of impressing fale seamen, Bitish warships regulary ‘Stopped American merchentmen, subjecting < them to search and seizure of sailors whom they alleged were actually British subjects, ‘The situation grew intlerabe, particulary after he frigate HMS Leopara opened fre on ‘and boarded the frigate USS Chesapeake in 41807. On 18 June 18 1812, the United States ‘seclared war on Britain, ‘While significant land campaigns took place during the War of 1812, much ofthe Confit was fought at sea. The US Navy was substantially outnumbered by the British Royal Navy, the dominant sea power in ‘the world atthe time. However, the frigate USS Constitution, under the eommand of ‘Commodore Isaac Hull, shocked the Bish vith the capture ofthe frigate HMS Guerrire (on 19 August. Constitution folowed that \‘ove: Ap sowing astngusod US Nn fers oun eet oft {nto Lake Carp fog betreen 611 Septeror 1628 tory with the sinking ofthe frigate HMS. dava off the coast of Braz in December. ‘The fame of Constitution spread, boosting ‘the morale of the American people, ana the ‘gate gained the nickname Olé lronsides alr Brish cannon shot were observed to ounce off ts sturdy oak hull “American frigates scored other victories ‘against the Royal Navy, including the victory Sf USS Unted States Over HMIS Macedonian in October 1812, and the Constitution's victories over the smalersioop KMS Pictou and the sikth-rate warships Cyane and Levant ‘The 36-gun frigate USS Essex raided for ‘montis, venturing into the South Pacific and ‘threatening British merchant shipping ang the fempire's whaling let, During the Battle of Lake Erie, fought on 10 September 4813, a US Navy fila under Commodore Over Hazara Perry defeated a smaller — British force and ensured Us NAVY “THE USS CONSTITUTION WAS NICKNAMED OLD IRONSIDES AFTER CANON SHOT BOUNCED OFF ITS STURDY OAK HULL” American conto of the region forthe duration fof the War of 1812. Perry is remembered for transfering trom his stricken fagship, the brig USS Lawrence, to the brig USS Niagara tocarryon te fat. However, the US Navy sustained serous Josses during the War of 1812, 35 the British frigate HMS Shannon captured the fgate USS Chesapeake off Boston Harbor on 1 June 41813. Captain James Lawrence of Chesapeake was mortally wounded and uttered the famous battle er: “Don't give up the shit” (Chesapeake was taken as prize and ‘sallod to Halifax, Nova Scotia. USS “Essex was captured by the Royal Navy \._traste HM Phoebe end sloop Cherub in February 1814, while the figate USS Columbia was burned 10 the waterline at the Washington Navy Yard that ‘summer. The frigate USS President was taken as a prze ina one-sided confrontation with Tour Royal Navy warships During the War of 1812, numerous traditions and nereie foundational accounts of the US Navy were recorded. However Its foroes were too meagre to countor the might of the British Royal Navy, which deployed Ssuffleent assets to blockade major American ports. These blockades restricted merchant Shipping, prevented warships ofthe US Navy from resching the open sea, nd feciltated British land campaigns against the former Colones, including the 1814 burning of the Waite House in Washington. In the decades that followed the War 0f 1812, the US Navy received addtional ‘funaing but many ship-bulding projects wore lft incomplete as the Age of Sal ew ‘to a close. In the meantime, the US Navy ‘again batled the Barbary states of North {Arica and supported land campaigns during the Mexican War of 1846.48,lrontline With the outbreak of the American Civil War, the confrontation between the US Navy and Confederate States Navy saw the transition from sail to steam and ironclad warshipsIth the outbreak of the ‘American Chil War In Apri {UB61, the US Navy, ie the ‘my andthe government of the nation tse, was tom between allegiances to the North and South By the end of 1861, nea 400 officers ana sailors of the US Nawy had eft ts service to join the upstart Confederate States Navy. Inthe opening days of te confit, US sailors buined and abandoned some vessels ‘tat were tkoly to fll into the hands ofthe Confederates. However, such tactical action id not materially affect the strategic decision of the US military, ciety advocated by General Winfleld Scott, to empoy te Anaconda Pan ‘The strategy moved conducting assortve campaigns on land agaist the Confederate armies, wile the US Navy executed a tight biockade of Confederate ports from the Alantic to the Gui of Mexico, restricting ‘rade with European powers. The US Navy further prosecuted an aggressive effort to ‘contain privateers and blockade runners that attempted to sneak past the warships guarding harbour entrances to bring goods tothe onfederocy. US Navy warships also pursue Confederate raiders that menaced merchant shipping around th globe. ‘The Civil War was a proving ground for tne aayent ofthe ron and steam warship, and ‘the US Navy ofthe period was in mary ways 1 hybrid af both modern an saling ships. During the historic Battle ef Hampton Roads In March 1862, te rnctads USS Montor and CSS Vigna formery the US Navy ship Merrimack) fought o a draw in the word's fst battle of on shis. Nevertheless, the Vigna did manage to sink frigates USS Congress and USS Cumberland of the eet that blockaded the entrance tothe harbour of Norfolk. In support of land offensive to gain control ofthe Mississippi iver, US irenelags and ‘gunboats of the Wester Gunboat til, Under the command of Fag Officer Andrew Hull Foote, shelled Confodorat earthworks and Tortfations at Island No. 10 in the Kentucky Bond ofthe great Mississippi River inthe spring of 1862, while Admial Davia Faragut led a fotilaof US Navy warships that detested the Confederates at New Oreans. Ferragut’s ships ran the gauntet of Confederate fie from forts near the mouth of ‘the Mississippi, and his bold action helped Union land forces secure the largest city in ‘the Confederacy. Farragut's adoptive rather, -Romcal Davie Dison Porter, commanded {8 gunboat feta at New Orleans and served inether vital command roles inthe wartime Us Naw, In dune £862, US Navy forces further defeated a small Confederate fst inthe naval Battle of Memphis. That bate is noteworthy fas the last engagement in which ellans with ro prior military taining or experience were ‘lowed to command vossels ofthe US Navy. [At the Bate of Mable Bay in August 1864, ‘Admiral Farragut, a naive ofthe Confederate state of Tennessee, further burnished his reputation asa her ofthe US Navy during the run past Fort Morgan and other rebel defences atthe entrance to Mobile Bay. Aboard his Us NAVY “AT CHARLESTON THE CONFEDERATE SUBMARINE HL HUNLEY SANK THE US NAVY SLOOP-OF-WAR HOUSATONIC WITH AN EXPLOSIVE CHARGE ATTACHED T0 A BOOM” ‘lagshin USS Hartford, Faragut watched the eveloping encounter as the onelad CSS Tennessee cused out ofthe bay to ve battle. Inthe opening moments, the toed US ‘Navy toned, Teeumsen, stfu a Nesting ‘mine, heeled ver and senk. Early mines Were ‘own as torpedoes in those days, and when Frragt learned of the incident he bellowed: “Damn the torpedoes! Ful pees head! Tonnossee was subsequently captured during the decisive US Navy vetry (Confederate naval innovation led tthe evelopment ofthe submarine, and the most famous ofthese craft was the HL Huey ‘sank several times during sea tials but was recovered and utimataly ventured into the harbour of Charleston, South Carolina, to sink the US Navy sloop-ofwar Housatonic onthe night of 17 February 1864 with an explosive charge attached to a boom. although the Submarine attack was inovative, Huniey was also sunk during the engagomont withthe oss of al onboara [Anctner famous naval encounter ofthe Chi War occurred between the sloop-of war USS Kearsarge, under the command of Captain don Winslow, and tne Confederate sloop-oF ‘war 08S Alabama, commanded by Captain Raphael Semmes. Alabama had prosecuted a successful campaign as a commerce raider Until comered in the harbour of Cherbourg, France, In June 1864. Kearsarge sank Alabama during a battle outside the harbour that was witnessed by mary evans who had gathered onthe shore. ‘One ofthe most adventurous combat crises ofthe Chil War belonged tothe Sailing sip CSS Shenandoah, a crossover Conctruction example which was also powered by aunlliary steam bolers. Shenandoah saled Unchecked for more than a year, capturing and Sinking 38 Union merchant and whaling ships InNovember 1865, months after the war hag fended, Shenandoah surrendered inthe River Mersey, near Liverpool. The vessels also ‘relted with tring the ast shot ofthe confit after halng a whaler off the Aleutian Islands inthe Paci, During the bitter fouryear Chil War, the US Navy dominated its Confederate iva: however, when hostiies ceased the sie Of the force declined considerably. Is humor of warships was reduced by 1860, ‘and funding dwindled as Congress devoted resources to other proes. 19mT CL Between the world wars the US Navy revised its strategic and tactical priorities while confronting the prospect of totalitarian aggression. The advent of naval air power would prove to be a particularly controversial issue Yet there was significant resistance inthe US ‘aw, partcuary from the battleship faction” ‘that clung tthe belie that alt naval wars of the future would be won or lost depending on the outcome ofa major Juland-siyle sugtest between battleships and nea surface assets. Nevertheless, US Army General Bly IMitenei! was determined to demonstrate the possibities that aviation held fr tute Confess, aswell as the winerabities of naval warships to bombing and torpedo attack by ‘enemy planes, Mitchell conducted exercises to prove his theories of naval aviation, esutig in his court marta in 1925, In subsequent years ‘and during WM, his ideas were vindicated. ‘Meanwtile,folioning aul in budget ‘locations and government supper forthe {constuction of more US Navy ships, the ‘expansion ofthe Imperial Japanese Navy in the Far East prompted a reexamination ‘and larger commitment of resources tothe maintenance ofthe US Navy. This apparent genesis ofa naval arms race’ precipitates the ‘Washington Naval Conference of 1922, which produced a sigiicant agreement between the {governments ofthe Unites States, Grea Brain ‘ana Japan. The parties agreed to ratio ot 55:3 among capital ships and limited tonnage fate Moments ltr the Bat of Samar ents ‘THE WORLD WONDERS Wording meas 0 pad an Inga Hm Adil hese Nie integrated ase vebshe by Haley off ‘Cape Eagao when he tabs "-ete i ders” and Waa rate with may “=/WHERE IS RPT WHERE ISTASK FORCE 34 RR THE WORLD WONDERS” ‘LINGERING LEYTE LAMENT nthe mide ofa gest US iy cnn emerges a fo Haley's ‘amines regan he srs of events {bat ed to the ore an orp of Tay 3 ving to Bate ff Sma. Usdesoyers and escorts iy Inthe Leyte area and inte as much damage 23s possible onthe US Naty. in true Japanese Sle, Sho-Go was a complex endeavour Involving a pincer movement to attack the [American shiping off Leyte while also luring the fast bateships and feet aircraft carers under Admiral Wiliam F Bul! Halgey far to the north where the bulk of he US Tha Fleet would be too far away to intervene inthe Japanese strike. “Te success of Operation She-Go depended cn the abilty ofthe Northern, or Decoy Force, Under Adsl Jsaburo Czawe, to entice Halsey rnorthware fr the San Bemardina Stat ‘toward Cape Engano (the English wansiation of Engaro is, appropriately, lure or hoax) in pursut of Ozawa’ aeraf carers. These had been rendered fay useless as aensive ‘weapons due to a dearth of aeralt and vained plots, after the imperal Nay had sustained replaceable losses Inthe Battle ofthe Phiipone Sea n June 1944, As Halsey moved avay fom the Leyte invasion beaches in pursuit {of Ozawa, tne Japanese correct beleved that oni ligt secening force would remain “The Japanese counted on Halsey taking the bait offered by Ozava's sacrificial Northem taskforce. Hatsey's aggressive nature and his burning desire to bring about a decisive surface engagement with his fast lowa-lass battleships, as well as the longawaited ‘apportunty to destroy the remsining Japanese aera carers, would be too much to Fesict. With the threat of Hasey’sfrepowor diminishea, other Japanese naval forces would spring a devastating rap on the vulnerable ‘American supply ships and toop transports aff Leyte, guarded ony by the small escort. carmets, destroyers and destroyer escorts of ‘Admiral Thomas Kinkai's Seventh Fest LEYTE GULF Above: Fetes onboard (Ehnepa steerer fame no deo 02ND ‘To exploit the deception, tee Japanese task forees would converge onthe invasion ‘area: Admiral Takoo Kurta woul lead a foray withthe Center Force through the Sibuyan Sea fand San Bernarcna Strait wile Admirals Sho Nishimura an Kiyohige Shima would command tlements of the Southern Fore, advancing through the Mindarao Sea and Surigao Stal the mavements succeeded, then the Japanese warships coming together off Lyle would find themselves the hawk among chickens and inet tere damage, ‘The American landings on Leyte occured 20 detoher 1944, putting more than 130,000 Soldiers ofthe US Sixth Army ashore against light resistance asthe defenders chose to ‘marshal ther resourees for a prolonged atte toward the interior of te slang “The Japanese naval high command responded by atvatng Sho-Go. Prelude in the Sibuyan & Sulu Seas ‘Mter departing Brunei Kuita's powerful Center Force was observed transiting the Palawan Passage by the US submarines Darter and Dace. The two subs began shadowing the Japanese and radioed information on coutse, ‘peed and strength throughout 23 October. The next morning. the submarines attacked, sinking the Japanese cruisers Atago and "Maya anc damaging a thie, Takeo. Darter ran ‘aground a short time later, and her crew was rescued by Dace. 'A the day wore on, Kuta camo under attack in the Sibuyan Sea by ave bombers ‘and torpedo planes from Halsey’ Third Feet Airraft carers, andthe Cantar Force nad no Prtective ir cover of ts own Planes fom the American carters Lexington, Essex, Ine, Entorpis, Frankin and Cabot few 259 sorts, 4a.GREAT BATTLES. ‘and the Japanese super battleships Yamato nd Musashi, behemoths mounting Wuge ABinen main batteries, wore large targets ‘Musashi was assailed by swarms of American planes and took hits ftom 17 bombs and 19 {orpedoes before sinking. Yamato tk tee ‘American planes departed. (nthe same day, however, Japanese pianos based in the Pilppines attacked the American ‘let off he island of Luzon. A single Yokosuka DAY ‘ludy dive bomber manages ta evade combat ar patrol fates and artaerat re ‘tom the US escort ships and dropped ene ‘55010 bomb on the light carer USS Princeton. The bomb penetrated both the ight and hangar ‘ecks before exploding and causing extensive ‘amage while igniting fe! stores that sparked ‘tional res. Late in the aftemaon, Princeton ‘was wracked by an internal explosion and the lat cruiser USS Blmingham, rendering assistance atthe time, was heaviy damaged ‘The effort to save Princeton proved futile and the carrie was seutied by two torpedoes ted from the light eruiser USS Reno. The Northem Force succeeds Despite significant losses, Kurta retired brio to regroup and assoss the damage. Undeterred, he subsequenty changed course {and pressed on toward San Bernardino Strait ‘and the Leyte inasion beaches. Meanwhile the Norther Force, under Ozawa, seamed toward (Cape Engaho and a wormed Halsey could not initaly determine ts location. Hi concern ‘over carlerbased airpower was unfounded, fs the Norther Force mustered ony about 4100 planes, Reports of Kurt's temporary Tetirement indeated thatthe Center Force ‘was out ofthe bat, but that cancion ‘was premature, When Halsey was alerted to Its locaton on 24 October, he set off n hot pursuit, ordering overy avaiable US carrier ‘3nd fast battleship toon the hunt. Halsey dashed off 2 quick message to inka “Central Force heavily damaged according to strike reports. Am proceeding hortn with three groups to attack carrer forces at dawn” ‘Based on earlier communications, Kinkaid assumed that Task Fore 24, including the fast battleships under Admiral Wills Use, hack ben formed and would remain onthe norte Shoulder ofthe vasion Beaches to provide over against any continuing Japanese surface ttveat, is Interpretation was incorrect, Task Foree 34 had not been dispatched, and Lee's battleships were steaming north with the rest of Haleey’s feet Battle of Surigao Strait The Japanese Southern Force was spotted Inthe Sulu Sea early on 25 October and Kinkaid, assuming Halsey had left the fast battleships on station, ordered the olé battleships and cruisers ofthe Seventh Fleet ‘hore bombardment force under Admiral Jesse Oldendert to intercept the approaching enemy task forces in Surgao Stat. Oldendort ‘organises an ambush, arrayng his PL:boats land destroyers on each fank to harass the Japanese as they salied northward through the ‘alt and placing his cruisers and battleships Inne arose the waterway to execute the Classic manoeuvre of essing the enemy's 7. Such a strong fring positon allowed Oldendor's warships, Incuding ousers and destroyers of the Royal Australian Navy, fre ful broadsides trom main batteries while the Japanese would be only able to reply with their forwara guns. The formidable US fring line included the battleships Tennessee, Maryland, California, Pennsyvania and West Virginia, all damaged during the Japanese attack at Beer Harbor on 7 December 194%, repaired and subsequently returned to action. They were joined by tho battleship Mssissippl, and in the darkness Lat Losi opts on cute lars ‘SiS eo Fn eon ash “ICAN SEE PAGODA MASTS, AND I SEE THE BIGGEST MEATBALL FLAG ON THE BIGGEST BATTLESHIP | EVER SAW!” %