Mike Peters

WWII Historian, Battlefield Guide and former soldier, sharing his deep knowledge on glider operations, the Army Air Corps, and the Mighty Eighth.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@PhilipBrazier3 @TGTandV @usabmc @Mighty8thPod They were working on it yesterday...

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

I spent a some time visiting the new Visitor Centre at ABMC Madingley today. The refurbishment is a great improvement. Great to see the 381st BG on the ceiling. The VC is really well set up, worth the time out of your cemetery visit.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

Absolute pleasure to meet up with the walking Mighty Eighth encyclopedia that is @MalOzzie at Madingley this morning. A really interesting and enjoyable walk in the rain listening to his stories of the names on the memorial to the missing.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@james_2904 @SpitfireFilly It's a great read... good to get a 360 view of any battle.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@nickfshort @james_2904 @chiselbury Love the TV series

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

That is an interesting photo... the Op Frantic saga has so many dimensions to it. Thanks for sharing.

[WWII Photos @JGuybee]

P-51D Mustang in the maintenance area at Poltava Air Base, Ukraine, Apr 1945. This was one of the last stragglers from Operation Frantic that flew its last operational mission seven months earlier.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

I had a lovely visit to Stow Maries Airfield Museum today. The staff there do an amazing job, keeping the flame of memory to the Royal Flying Corps burning. I was delivering the final piece to the museum's excellent Capt Lindop Brown RFC exhibit. Privileged to play a tiny part.

[The Mighty Eighth Podcast @Mighty8thPod]

We have a podcast on the Eagle Squadrons, please download and listen if you want to know more.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@AckBig Birkenhead Park... Aberdeen Street. Then the Livingstone pub by the baths. Small world Andy.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

As a child in Birkenhead I met many men who had built the Ark at Camell Laird's yard. They were exceptionally proud of the carrier. Many in our street remembered seeing the giant take shape at the end of the street. What a great picture.

[Empire Aesthetics @Empireaesth]

“The Birth of the Ark Royal” (1950)

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

I am very excited to be reviewing these two new Airborne titles this month. Lots of similarity between the two national approaches to the use of Airborne forces... some equally interesting contrasts. Plenty to discuss I hope.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@TomCotterillX Service person in the British Army... Any reason why we aren't saying Soldier?

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

This looks fantastic. I must get over to the museum soon for a closer look.

[de Havilland Aircraft Museum @deHavMuseum]

Bernie Vincent and Martin Bull are restoring a rare WW2 Airspeed Horsa glider cockpit, a challenging project involving expensive, hard-to-source materials. Built at Cheltenham's H.H. Martyn factory, this example is one of 3,800+ used for 1944 invasions, including D-Day and Arnhem

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

Looking forward to receiving my copy this week. There isn't much that you can tell Neil about 6th (British) Airborne Division's campaign in Normandy. This looks like a great new history - review to follow. @Barber1944 @penswordbooks

[Sabrestorm @SabrestormBooks]

Neil Barber @Barber1944 introduces 'Pegasus Bridge' and Red Devils on D-Day' at the Army Flying Museum @museum74813 . https://t.co/R5SrW1q7rn via @YouTube

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

Having a Capa-esque moment with @James1940 on our epic tour of Sicily. So good to see this on our tour group chat today - thanks for the reminder Chris Donkin. Looking forward to our next expedition to the soft underbelly of Europe with @WeAreTripsmiths & @battlehonours in 2026.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@Tunisia_1943 @WW2TV Great book!

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

This is much anticipated release. The book is totally absorbing. Walking the ground with Jim was a moving experience. Above all, this story encapsulates the reality of combat for British tank crews. It also captures the bonds between those crews during WW2. Not to be missed.

[James Holland @James1940]

New 4-parter on the @WeHaveWaysPod - the British Band of Brothers, in which @almurray & I follow the incredible story of the Sherwood Rangers, the single British unit with more battle honours than any other in the war. We’ll get through their entire story in time but we’re starting with D-Day and the fighting of June 1940. Amazing men. I’m in awe.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

Current Read - first impressions are positive. Some good maps and sketch maps, relevant photographs (then & now), and an engaging narrative. It's refreshing to see an abundance of references and a wealth of useful appendices. Review to follow....

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

Somebody did their homework! Great choice of locations. Using RAF Northolt and the Battle of Britain Bunker Museum is an inspired choice. Well done, the @BofBBunker staff who kept quiet during our visit last week. Loose lips sink ships!

[Donald Tusk @donaldtusk]

Long live the Polish-British alliance! The Northolt Treaty has been signed.

[Mike Peters @MikeHistorian]

@1940Andy @FennellJW Repeat Please!