[Michael Murphy]

Not WWII, but WWI. Tolkein loosely based LOtR on his experiences on his service in the first World War. In fact, he began writing The Silmarillion while he was recovering from injuries suffered in battle.

Back on topic, I was kind of ticked off when the elves showed up, too, but I was more annoyed with the way they mutilated Faramir's character-he was a much better person in the book.