Updated: American Paratrooper Helmets

Out soon (end of October - early November) from Michel Detrez, this new book dedicated to paratrooper helmets. In recent years we have seen the release of a number of high quality books on the M1 helmet, but none specifically about the parachutist versions. This book focusses on all variations of shells and liners and different markings present on para helmets. We are getting it from the horse's mouth because Michel Detrez has a huge para helmet collection himself. Many of them unique pieces from historic figures who appeared in his earlier works. This book is availably in English from the English language version of paratrooper.fr. I ordered one already. When I get it I will write a detailed review.

Click here to view extracts of this book.

Review: Inglourious Basterds

Last night I went to see the new Tarantino I had been looking forward to, and I was not disappointed. If you like WWII movies, you MUST SEE this one. It is one big satire on a lot of famous movies, but without becoming a slapstick. Christoph Waltz deserves an Oscar for his role as SS Colonel Hans Landa. He’s not the main character (that’s Brad Pitt), but certainly has the most text in the movie. And that in four languages: German, French, English and Italian. All fluent, as far as I can tell. Language is the ‘file rouge’ in this story and Tarantino plays on this skillfully. Here in Belgium we are used to subtitles, but I have heard that all the switching of languages (with or without subtitles) can be quite annoying to an American audience. I could jabber on for another page, but it’s best you go see the movie yourself. I definitely want to see it again, because it’s so full of original lines and great acting, and layers of hidden jokes and references, that you need to pay attention to absorb it all. For the movie buff!

Sign up for trip to Fort Eben Emael

May 11, 1940, 11h15: the "impregnable" Fort Eben Emael on the Dutch-Belgian border fell to an unorthodox attack of 78 German paratroopers who landed on the roof by glider. This breach in the Belgian defenses was the beginning of the end. Ten days later the Belgian King capitulated.

Paratrooper.be is organizing a guided tour of Fort Eben Emael on 31 25 October. We are looking at assembling a group of at least 10 people. If you're interested, sign up here.

For more information about the Fort, click on the photo below.

Update: GIs in Brussels

I found some more items related to GIs in Brussels which I added to my article: souvenir postcards of Brussels and Antwerp, and a pamphlet for GIs staying over at the Metropole Hotel.
Read the updated article...

Wings & Wheels 2009

This year's show hardly had any 'wings', but I enjoyed the many vehicles, re-enactors and militaria stands. Always a great day out.
View the photo album