World War 1 | War History

Battle Of WWI Merchant Raiders: HMS Alcantara v SMS Greif

On February 27, 1916, the Norwegian cargo ship Rena steamed out of Cuxhaven on Germany’s North Sea coast. In peacetime, this would not have been…

The Dawn of the Submarine: U-21 sinks HMS Pathfinder

In 1914 submarines were still a novel idea. Many nations had not utilized them until 1900, Germany not until 1906. Soon their worth would be…

Fascinating Facts About One of America’s Most Successful WWI Fighter Ace, Edward Rickenbacker

The United States Air Force and Army have seen many skilled, brave, and incredible pilots – men and women willing to fly straight into battle,…

The Half-shilling curate – Review by Mark Barnes

Great War books keep coming as the final months of the centenary period burns itself out. I’ve said, before, that the output has been just…

The First Yale Unit: College Students Form A Flying Squadron In 1916 An Amazing Group Of Guys

In the Spring of 1916, as WWI was raging in Europe, the students at Yale University’s class of 1918 were preparing themselves for a summer of…

As A Mere Lieutenant, Erwin Rommel Earned Germany’s Highest Honor

Gabe Christy

Erwin Rommel was undoubtedly one of the finest generals of the Second World War, his strategic mind and patient approach led his men to victory…

The Battle of Kovel: Disaster Amid Russia’s Greatest Military Triumph Of WWI

The Brusilov offensive was Russia’s greatest military triumph of World War One, but also the scene of one of that nation’s most misguided and disastrous…

Henry Johnson, Known as the “Black Death” – America’s First World War Hero

Colin Fraser

Henry Johnson was a World War I soldier who singlehandedly beat back a German assault while critically wounded. He was a great American hero and…

Led By Lions – Book review by Mark Barnes

Politicians aren’t exactly the flavour of the month in these parts and I doubt it’s much different wherever you are reading this. I won’t get…

A Turkish POW’s Adventures in Revolutionary Russia

War History online proudly presents this Guest Piece from Jack Snowden  When the eastern Turkish city of Erzurum fell to the Russians in February 1916,…

The Fokker Scourge: Imperial Germany’s Secret Weapon in the First World War

When World War 1 Broke out in 1914, most nations were ill-equipped for a sustained aerial war. The Treaty of Madrid, in 1911, outlined aircraft…

The Lion of Africa: Paul von Lettow Vorbeck: Germany’s WW1 Guerilla Commander In East Africa

In March of 1919, while Germany was recovering from its defeat in the First World War, its people starving and its army in ruins, a…