Have you heard of the "Strangest Battle of World War II"?

CPT Bob Moore — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:04:28 -0400

In World War II, there was a battle in which US Forces fought beside German Wehrmacht troops, high profile French Prisoners, and concentration camp inmates against a German SS unit.

"The battle for the fairytale, 13th century Castle Itter was the only time in WWII that American and German troops joined forces in combat, and it was also the only time in American history that U.S. troops defended a medieval castle against sustained attack by enemy forces."

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/05/12/world-war-ii-s-strangest-battle-when-americans-and-germans-fought-together.html

The book looks like it could be an interesting read. From the basics of the story, it also looks like it make a good movie, in my opinion.

World War II’s Strangest Battle: When Americans and Germans Fought Together

For one time only, Germans and Allies fought together in WWII. Andrew Roberts on a story so wild that it has to be made into a movie.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 12 at 2015 4:08 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:08:02 -0400

I love outrageous true military stories!

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/outrageous-true-military-stories-which-is-your-favorite

Outrageous True Military Stories. Which is your favorite? | RallyPoint

Sometimes true stories that inspire movies are better than the fiction. Which Service has the best outrageous (true) hero stories? Back it up with a credible link or citation. Approximately 80 officers and 200 enlisted men from the Marine Corps served in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II. In that group was one of the most decorated Marines in World War II and the most decorated member of the OSS, Col. Pierre “Peter”...

Response by MAJ Carlos "CAP" A Puentes Sr made May 12 at 2015 4:10 PM

MAJ Carlos "CAP" A Puentes Sr — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:10:55 -0400

Great article and read. Certainly if not the "Last" battle surely the strangest, at last in the end (or new beginning) the German Army fought to stop the SS.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 12 at 2015 4:28 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 12 May 2015 16:28:50 -0400

I chuckle when I think about allied commandos, equipment, and donkeys traveling hundreds of miles on the coast of North Africa to their point of debarkation on a small ship. Apparently everyone was sea sick and the donkeys were worthless as they were sea sick and puking.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made May 12 at 2015 5:20 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Tue, 12 May 2015 17:20:14 -0400

- Never heard of this battle before and I thought I knew my WWII history better than the average duck.
- Excellent case of the truth is stranger than fiction.
- Need to add to my list of books that I will read.

Response by SPC David S. made May 12 at 2015 5:43 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 12 May 2015 17:43:05 -0400

Yes I have heard of the Battle of Itter - It was a VIP prison. On the strange side of war and on the topic of switching sides and the Wehrmacht there was this guy, Yang Kyoungjong. strange tale of having served in the Japanese Imperial Army, Soviet Red Army and then again with the Wehrmacht troops and lived to tell about it.

However when it comes to strange I don't think it can get any weirder than this U.S. citizen and warlord of the century - Ivor Thord-Gray. He served with five Armies in 13 different wars covering several continents.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivor_Thord-Gray

Ivor Thord-Gray - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

He was born in the Södermalm district in central Stockholm, Sweden as the second son of a primary school teacher, August Hallström, and his wife Hilda. His eldest brother was the artist Gunnar August Hallström (1875–1943). His youngest brother was the archaeologist Gustaf Hallström (1880–1962).[2]

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 12 at 2015 7:52 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 12 May 2015 19:52:43 -0400

You had me until I read the quote, "The French VIPs finally put aside their political differences and picked up weapons to join in the fight against the attacking SS troops."
French picking up weapons and not dropping them, you sure this isn't a Harry Turtledove novel? :-)

Actually I'd love to read this being a military history buff.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made May 14 at 2015 12:21 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Thu, 14 May 2015 12:21:19 -0400

Great article, would love to see this as a movie.