Japanese Fire Balloons and the Tragic Tale of the Last WWII Casualties on US Soil
The Revolutionary and the Civil War tore North America apart, but the World Wars and most subsequent conflicts have been largely fought beyond its borders –…
Some of the Most Effective Melee Weapons of WWI, The Bayonet Was Not One of Them
WWI was a terrifying fusion of old and new. An infantryman might have a slower-firing bolt action rifle, or he could find himself behind a…
FUSAG: Patton’s D-Day Army That Didn’t Exist
An army can help win a war without even existing. Strange as that may seem, this is exactly what happened in the case of the First United…
Circumvallation: How the Romans Mastered Surrounding Towns To Conquer Populations
Of all the armies of the ancient world, the Romans did the most spectacular job of combining military might with engineering skill. This was repeatedly…
“My Heart Refused Such Sinister Grandeurs” – The Fall Of The Last Napoleon
It was a turbulent time in Europe. The year was 1870, and the Kingdom of Prussia held the reins of power. Prussia’s king, Wilhelm, was…
War Journalism During The American Civil War – Innovations And The Search For A Great Story
The American Civil War saw the rise of many new technologies, from weaponry to medical advances. An aspect of this were the changes taking place…
Hobart’s Funnies – The Strange-Looking Tanks That Helped To Win On D-Day
The landings in Normandy demanded new sorts of hybrid tanks that were capable of fulfilling multiple engineering tasks to provide maximum support to the infantry.…
Two Amazing Stories From USCGC Escanaba – Heroism And Heartbreak In The North Atlantic, 1943
The Rescue of the Dorchester USCGC Escanaba was steaming along calmly on February 2, 1943. She was part of a six-ship convoy; three escorts, and…
The Rise and Fall of the Chariot – It Changed History, But Eventually Was A Victim Of Its Own Success
The ability to move at speed around the battlefield can create huge advantages. Before the internal combustion engine, this was usually undertaken by horses. At…
How the Other Side Ate: Meals of Royal Naval Officers During The Napoleonic Wars
Officers of the Royal Navy at the turn of the 19th century were expected to live charmed and genteel lives. This was reflected in almost…
How The Spear Transformed Warfare – From Ancient Times To The Age Of Gunpowder
Spears have featured in warfare throughout history. Even after the arrival of firearms, spears continued to play a dominant role, from the pike blocks of…
Roman Emperors Who Died in Battle, From The End Of The Roman Empire To Byzantium
Though Roman Emperors occasionally did fight while out on campaigns, it was often a major shock if they were wounded or killed. If an emperor…