Hey, I'm interested in the life of Aruj Barbarossa, particularly this episode:

Meanwhile, the Spanish had possession of Oran, a city just West of Algiers. The Spanish-appointed governor of the city felt so threatened by Oruç that he asked King Charles V to send troops so they could launch an attack on him. The king heeded the governor’s pleas, and the governor’s men marched on the town of Tilimsan just west of Algiers, where Oruç and his men were stationed. Oruç was unprepared for the attack, so they fled for Algiers. Along the way they came to a river and just as they were crossing, the Spanish came upon the rear and attacked them. Although he had already crossed the river, he went back across the river and fought alongside his men, although there was no hope of saving them. There he fought, one-armed, to the death.

Did it really happen? And generally, where can I read more about him?

All I ever hear about is the American attack on Omaha Beach and the Rangers' assault on Pointe du Hoc (and occasional references to Commonwealth/British forces landing with no opposition and riding their bicycles once ashore).

What were the other Allied forces facing that morning?

Any particularly interesting stories?

I've currently become enamoured with the Saxon era of England, I always found it average, but now all of a sudden I am fascinated by it. I am currently reading Ivanhoe, which, whilst not exactly a historically accurate piece of work, certainly helped broaden my horizon. Any places to find beginner's info (more than just Alfred the Great! Danes! Vikings! Normans! (boooo)), for me to read post exams. Thanks!

It seems to my understanding that Germany adamantly educates its people about the crimes it committed in the Second World War and even criminalizes Holocaust denial, but that Japan seems to seesaw and even blindside its own criminal actions in the same conflict. Now I've read somewhere that Japanese textbooks are less nationalistic than those of their victims (Korea and China) and has issued apologies, but at the same time Shinzo Abe could get away with whitewashing crimes such as comfort women and the Rape of Nanking, while Angela Merkel would be crucified if she even tries to justify the Holocaust.

I've read conflicting reports and hoped someone could be definitive.

I ask this because I have heard wildly different assessments by different people. On one side some are saying that Russia was unstoppable juggernaut once it got into gear and that Hitler (who was a bumbling incompetent anyway) was doomed no matter what. Other think that Hitler was actually relatively competent and that he was in fact capable of conquering Russia and cementing his power in Europe had he started invasion of Russia a bit earlier.

They must have had disagreements, but of what kind were they?

What events was music traditionally played at? Was it common?

I recently read that during the Civil War, some commanders would fire a warning salvo to allow the enemy to prepare themselves before they attacked with artillery. Is there any truth to do? If so, what was the justification? Chivalry? Thanks.

Taken from the book "In the Shadow of the Sword" by Tom Holland. There was no citation in the book, so I was wondering: is it true?