World War 1 | War History

Classic Hollywood Actors Who Served During World War I

Humphrey Bogart dressed in his US Navy uniform + Military portrait of Spencer Tracy

While it was still a relatively new phenomenon, Hollywood studios were cranking out film after film during the 1920s and ’30s. As a result, many…

Frederick Banting: The Co-Discoverer of Insulin Served in Both World Wars

Frederick Banting working at a desk

Shortly before 2:00 AM on October 31, 1920, Frederick Banting woke up from a dream that would change the lives of millions. He quickly scribbled…

USS New York (BB-34): The Only US Ship to Sink a German U-boat In WWI

Naval guns firing on the deck of the USS New York (BB-34)

The USS New York (BB-34) was a US Navy battleship and the lead vessel of her class. Named after the state of New York, she was…

Legendary Battles That Would Make Outstanding Films

Artist's depiction of the Battle of Belleau Wood + Swedish machine gunner aiming a machine gun in the snow

War movies have been popular for as long as films have existed. As a result, some of the more popular subjects have been completely exhausted.…

Dan Daly: The Legendary Marine of Big Words and Bigger Deeds

Todd Neikirk
Military portrait of Dan Daly + Dan Daly being presented with the Médaille militaire

“My God! Do you mean he’s real? I thought he was somebody the Marines made up, like Paul Bunyan!” These words were said by a…

The Exploits of Fritz Joubert: South African Turned German War Spy

Fritz Duqesne being interrogated

Fritz Joubert Duquesne was a man originally born in South Africa who spied for the Germans in two World Wars. In between the battles, he…

8 Fierce Historical Military Figures Most People Haven’t Heard About

Portrait of Francis Pegahmagabow + Stanislav Petrov sitting in his apartment + Lyudmila Pavlichenko holding a sniper rifle

History is filled with so many fierce fighters that it’s not surprising some have been largely forgotten following their service. Here are eight of the…

Battle of St Eloi Craters: The Relatively Unknown Battle That Devastated the Canadian Corps

Aerial view of St Eloi + Members of the Northumberland Fusiliers standing together

Military historians have often overlooked the Battle of St Eloi Craters that occurred during the First World War. Perhaps this lack of interest is due…

Humphrey Bogart Used His Real-Life Military Service to Bring Authenticity to His Movie Roles

Robert Francis and Humphrey Bogart as Ensign Willis Seward "Willie" Keith and Lt. Cmdr. Philip Francis Queeg in 'The Caine Mutiny'

While Humphrey Bogart is remembered for being one of the greatest Hollywood actors of all time, we should also acknowledge his efforts in the aftermath…

The Amazing Life of Eugene Bullard: Boxer, Nightclub Owner and Military Pilot

Eugene Bullard wearing his Legionnaire uniform

Eugene Bullard was the first Black American military pilot, flying combat missions for France during the First World War. He left the United States with…

The Type B Bus ‘Pigeon Loft’ Was A Strange Sight on the Western Front

British soldier standing atop a Type-B Bus "Pigeon Loft"

Over time, there have been some odd vehicles seen on battlefields, but few were as eye-catching as the Type B Bus “Pigeon Loft.” The Allied…

Quentin Roosevelt is the Only Child of a US President to Be Killed in Combat

Quentin Roosevelt's grave marker + Quentin Roosevelt in his military uniform

Many US presidents served in the military before taking office – in fact, 31 have had some experience in the armed forces. There’s long been…