Ryan McLachlan

Ryan McLachlan is a historian and content writer for Hive Media. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Classical Studies and his Master of Arts in History from the University of Western Ontario. Ryan’s research focused on military history, and he is particularly interested in the conflicts fought by the United Kingdom from the Napoleonic Wars to the Falklands War.

Ryan’s other historical interests include naval and maritime history, the history of aviation, the British Empire, and the British Monarchy. He is also interested in the lives of Sir Winston Churchill and Admiral Lord Nelson. Ryan enjoys teaching, reading, writing, and sharing history with anyone who will listen.

In his spare time, he enjoys watching period dramas such as Murdoch Mysteries and Ripper Street and also enjoys reading classical literature and Shakespeare. He also plays football and is an afternoon tea connoisseur.

Articles by Ryan McLachlan:

The Movies That Made Kirk Douglas One of the War Genre’s Best

Kirk Douglas as Col. Dax in 'Paths of Glory'

Kirk Douglas was a Hollywood legend, with many of his movies about war and military-related topics. He began his career in 1946 after serving with…

Feathers vs. Firearms: When Australia Took On Flightless Birds In the Emu War

Fallow behind a barbed wire fence + Close-up of an emu

In the annals of history, there are events that stand out not for their grandeur or significance, but for their sheer absurdity. One such event…

Zone Rouge: The WWI-Era Battlefields That Are Still Dangerous Over 100 Years Later

Craters and trees scattered across the battlefield in Verdun

Zone Rouge – or the “Red Zone” – is a chain of former battlefields across northeastern France that the government has cordoned off due to…

Michael Caine Became a Staple of the War Movie Genre With These Releases

Michael Caine as Lt. Gonville Bromhead in 'Zulu' + Michael Caine as Lt. Col. John O.E. Vandeleur in 'A Bridge Too Far'

Sir Michael Caine is a legend of the silver screen, with many of his appearances being in war- and military-related movies. He began acting in…

US Army Armor Officer and Commander Nicholas Moran Rates Popular Tank Battle Scenes

Still from 'All Quiet on the Western Front' + Still from 'Fury'

It might be surprising to some, but tanks have become pretty commonplace in Hollywood productions. We’re not just talking about war and military films, but…

Ex-Submarine Commander David Marquet Rates Naval Scenes from Popular Movies

Erwin Leder as Obermaschinist Johann in 'Das Boot' + Sean Connery as Capt. Marko Ramius in 'The Hunt for Red October' + Capt. David Marquet saluting in uniform

Some of the most exciting war films ever made revolve around submarines. In an interview with Insider, retired American Submarine Commander Capt. David Marquet rates…

Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Crimson Tide’

Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman as Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter, Executive Officer and Capt. Frank Ramsey, Commanding Officer in 'Crimson Tide'

Crimson Tide (1995) is an American submarine thriller directed by Tony Scott and starring actors Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. The film masterfully combines suspenseful…

Götheborg of Sweden: The Replica 1700s Ship That Rescued a Modern-Day Vessel In Distress

Götheborg of Sweden sailing along the coast

Götheborg of Sweden – or Götheborg III – is a seagoing replica of the Swedish East Indiaman Götheborg I, which was launched in 1738. The original ship…

The Best Vietnam War Movies to Watch If You Like ‘Platoon’

Willem Dafoe, Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger as Sgt. Elias, Chris Taylor and Staff Sgt. Barnes in 'Platoon'

Platoon (1986) is one of the greatest movies about the Vietnam War. Starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe, the film was directed by…

Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Gladiator’

Russell Crowe as Maximus Meridius in 'Gladiator'

Gladiator (2000) is an acclaimed ancient Roman historical epic, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. Set during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius,…

Ned Kelly: The Australian Outlaw Who Wore a Suit of Armor During His Last Shootout With Police

Heath Ledger as Ned Kelly in 'Ned Kelly'

Edward “Ned” Kelly was an infamous Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police murderer. He’s best known for wearing a bulletproof suit of armor…

US Naval Aviators Once Complained That NASA Pilots Were Bullying Them

Vought XF8U-3 Crusader III in flight + McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in flight

In 1976, the US Navy retired its fleet of Vought F-8 Crusaders. The aircraft had an illustrious career, with the greatest kill ratio of all…