Zeno’s Warbird Video Drive-In February 2012 Newsletter
Hello World War 2 aircraft fans –
You are invited to drop by Zeno’s Warbird Video Drive-In http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/
to view this months showing of six classic World War 2 documentary videos streaming over the Web. This month there’s action in the air, on the ground and under the sea!
As always, all of the videos showing on our web site are for your free viewing pleasure. Please help “spread the word” by liking us on Facebook.
Now showing “At the Matinee” at Zeno’s Drive-In http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/MATINEE.html
“The 362nd Fighter Group - On the prowl over Germany” In color Exclusive original documentary – some of the most exciting color air action sequences to come out of World War 2! Select 362nd Fighter Group P-47 Thunderbolt fighter/bombers were especially equipped with color movie cameras to capture thrilling ground and air attacks as they happened. These squadrons were tasked with striking targets inside Germany as the war against the Third Reich entered it’s final act in Spring, 1945. The result is unique from the cockpit views putting you in the middle of attacks on tanks, airfields, trucks, rail yards, bridges, trains, fighters and more. You’ll even see antiaircraft fire arcing up from the ground, bursting around the big Thunderbolts as they make their low level strikes.
“US Bombers Over North Africa” A rare look at early war US Air Operations in North Africa. B-25 and B-17 bombers of the 321st and 97th Bomb Groups hammer Rommel’s retreat from Tunisia. *Part of the “North West African Strategic Air Force,” these groups were initially tasked with preventing men and material from reaching the Afrika Korps, and later with preventing them from escaping. The missions for the day of this film were to strike from bases in Algeria at the junction at Manouba, near Tunis, and the air field at Sidi Ahmed, near Bizerte, where a large number of extremely valuable JU 52 transports were based, a key element in German evacuation plans.
“Catapulting on a World War 2 Aircraft Carrier” Small World War II aircraft carriers depended on their catapults. This unique film offers a rare look at how US Navy carrier crews were trained to operate catapults to launch aircraft, even from very short decks. As a bonus, you’ll see GM FM-1 “Wildcats” up close, handled expertly on the tiny deck of a CVE “jeep” escort carrier.
“Submarine Warfare in the Pacific” Completed shortly after the end of the War this exciting film features footage of US submarine operations you won’t find anywhere else. There’s even a cameo appearance by Japanese Fleet Admiral Nagano who discusses (in English) the effect of US sub operations on the ability of the Japanese to make war. The “pig boats” inflicted military and transport losses on the enemy that were far beyond their own tiny numbers. The program is introduced by Vice Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, Jr, the legendary commander of Pacific submarine forces (COMSUBPAC) and narrated by star, and Navy man, Gene Kelly. The film is chocked full of dramatic footage shot on location by combat cameramen, including above and below surface actions and one of the Silent Service’s most vital, but unsung, functions, the rescue of downed airmen in the combat zone. One of the highlights of the film is footage of Medal of Honor winner, Lt Commander George L. Street, leading an attack. See Tirante, Trigger and other famous subs in action along with their crews.
“Clark Gable’s Combat America” In color. This warm hearted documentary was produced, written, directed, and narrated by movie star Clark Gable while he was on assignment with the 8th Air Force, developing a gunnery training film. Though not as well known as “Memphis Belle,” in our opinion this film is easily its match in story telling, action, and unforgettable color imagery. Gable chronicles the experiences of the men of the 351 Bombardment Group from the cool early morning mists of Colorado to the frigid skies over Germany. His affection and admiration for these men comes through loud and clear.
"Tunisian Victory " An American-British feature length co production in very good black and white film, reminiscent of the Academy Award Winner, “The True Glory.” This is the climactic final chapter in the defeat of Rommel’s Africa Korps told in an epic, wide ranging presentation. American, British, and French forces strike from the West in Operation Torch, landing in Morocco and Algeria, the first major amphibious strike of World War 2. British and Commonwealth forces continue their drive from Egypt, through the Mareth Line in Southern Tunisia. And “action packed” is an understatement! You’ll see all aspects of Allied air, sea, parachute and ground operations from beach landings through the final mass surrender of the Africa Korps, including a mountain of dramatic combat footage ranging across the North African front. There’s a wide variety of Allied and Axis tanks and armored vehicles featured too, along with many aircraft like the A-20, B-25, B-17, B-24, Spitfire, Hurricane, Beaufighter, P-38, P-39, P-40 and more in action.
If you haven’t stopped by Zeno’s Drive-In before, we also feature 1940-45 vintage WWII Army & Navy films and pilot’s manuals on how to fly the F4U, F6F, P-38, P-39, P-40, P-47, P-51, P-61, TBF/TBM, AT-6/SNJ, B-17, B-24, B-25, A-20, A-26, B-26, B-29, and Stearman N2S. Alert! - don’t miss the F-86 & B-58!
Free admission for all. That’s over 14 hours of rockin’ World War II props & jets for free viewing over the Internet!
Now on Twitter @ZenosWarbirds
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Zeno’s Warbird Video Drive-In
World War II Aviation Videos Playing Online 24/7
http://www.zenoswarbirdvideos.com/
WW2 Web Videos: Thunderbolts attack, WW2 Carriers & Subs, plus bombers against Rommel