Don't understand why I am facinated with WWII

I am a resale junkie. I just turned 55, and have never been in the military.

My facination with WWII began about 10 years ago, when I stopped by a Salvation Army resale store in Gary, Indiana (which has since been torn down). Lying in the book pile bin, I saw a strange looking maroon colored "book." As I unsnapped the flap holding it closed, I began looking at it, and noticed that it was no ordinary book. It was a gunner's operational manual for a B-29 bomber, which was produced by General Electric. In disbelief, I headed for the checkout and gladly paid the $4.00 on the sticker.

It is a small, six-ring binder, full of operational instructions and illustrations. On the back is the number "464" handwritten with a yellow paint pen. Looking through the manual, I noticed some "names, ranks, and serial numbers" which were some of the crew members. I also noticed some pencil sketches on one of the B-29 illustrations, and personal notes from the owner about a book he had been reading.

After doing some research on the Internet, I found an answer from a site that specialized in B-29 history. The manual came from Belle Ringer, tail number 42-63464. Among other information was a CONFIDENTIAL memo dated November 1944 from General Curtis LeMay of the XX Bomber Command. It is a technical sheet that I doubt that even the general knew how to decifer.

Since then, I have been able to contact and correspond with one of the crew members.

I also have a facination with and have corresponded with residents on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands, which was the only British dependent occupied by the Germans during the war. I collect documentaries (books, magazines, and videos) about the war and printed during the war. I also have a small collection of war related items.

Everywhere I go, when I see someone who might be around 80 years old, I talk to him and ask him if he was in the war. I have met some wonderful friends because of this hobby.

That's enough now for an introduction. I would like to hear from anyone.

 

Welcome Glen!

That's a great find! For 4 bucks!! Awesome! There are still a lot of great buys out there! Looking forward to hearing of your talks with those vets!

 

Welcome! Very interesting story! You will fit in here very well!

 

I am in the process of checking my backup files before I rescan anything from the manual. Stay tuned...

 

welcome to the forum
a grand place here..you will enjoy your stay
cheers krieg

 

Welcome aboard, Sir! Fascinating tale about the 29.

 

Welcome to the Forum, Glen. Sounds like a great way to start and this is the place to find other fascinated with World War II history. I look forward to your future posts.

 

G'day mate and welcome.

Some interesting interests you have there.

 

Welcome Glen!

Looking forward to those scans if it´s possible to have them here!

 

Welcome Glen. I'd love to see the scans too.

 

I didn't forget your requests for the B-29 gunner's manual scans. I have been chasing computer viruses for some time and have had my computer off for a couple of days. I finally rebuilt my system Tuesday. Hope that does it.

In addition, I answered a request from a WWII vet in Good Old Days magazine. I just sent off my second letter requesting more information from the man, who was involved in the Normandy invasion. I think he said he's 91 years old. I sent him a detailed list of questions to answer. He said he has carpel tunnel, so his handwriting is a little shaky, but I can read it.

I also sent in a request to Reminisce Magazine for WWII pen pals. That will take a few months to publish. Any of you subscribe to it? If so, you'll eventually see my request. The magazine has some nice WWII stuff in it.

 

Welcome Glen!

 

When I realised that I may have an unhealthy interest in WW2, the first book I read was 'Hitlers nuclear weapons' A book about how Werner Heisenberg, may, have disrupted the plans for the Weirmacht to have nuclear weapons. It was so heavy,
(not in weight) that I thought, if I can read this, I can read anything!

Fantastic of your find! Good luck in your future & on this site!

Martyn.