U-Boat 96, and the film Das Boot
In 1981, a film was released which is still cited as one of Germany’s greatest cinematic triumphs. It followed the exploits of U-96, a German…
How the British Military Learned in Advance About the V2 Rocket – and How They Responded
The V2 rocket and its predecessor V1 had the potential to transform the Second World War. The world’s first long-range unmanned missiles, they were a…
Great Military Deceptions of World War Two
Military intelligence was vital to the Second World War. Trickery abounded, as commanders tried to deceive opponents about their plans. Tricking Rommel at Alamein Intelligence…
British Naval Intelligence: Well Equipped for WW2 But Often Lacking Material
At the outbreak of the Second World War, much of the British military were not equipped for dealing with military intelligence. The exception was the…
John D. Bulkeley, Commander of the USS Endicott – A daring attack in WWII
On August 17, 1944, the USS Endicott, captained by Lieutenant Commander John D. Bulkeley, blew up two German ships, using only a single 5” gun.…
The RAF and the Luftwaffe: Different Ways They Approached WWII
One of the most crucial conflicts of the Second World War was between the air forces of Britain and Germany. The Royal Air Force (RAF)…
Fake Pipes and Mixed Signals: Military Intelligence in North Africa in WWII
The North African campaigns of the Second World War are remembered for their tank battles, vast deserts, and colorful commanders. One of the most critical…
Kelley Shoemaker: Paratrooper during the Vietnam War
War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jeremy P. Ämick, who is a military historian and writes on behalf of the Silver Star…
Lt. Gen Wainwright, Prisoner Of War, Who Was Awarded the Medal of Honor in WW2
Being captured by the Japanese during the early days of WWII meant facing years of grueling conditions, torture, and starvation. Also, many were cut off…
The Hannibalic War would make an Excellent Movie
There are an infinite number of great stories to be found in history. Fantasy tales such as the hit series, Game of Thrones, can be…
General Jan Smuts: Fighting Snobbery and Germany in East Africa in WWI
As a South African officer in the British Army of World War One, General Jan Smuts struggled against prejudice as much as he did against…
The U-Boat War: A Vital and Misjudged Part of WWII
The Battle of the Atlantic was a vital arena of the Second World War. A protracted campaign that lasted for most of the war, German…