World War 2 | War History

Jagdtiger: The German Tank Destroyer That Was Both Devastating and Problematic

Jagdtiger on display outside

Throughout the Second World War, the Wehrmacht used some of the best equipment of the era. This was largely due to the fact the German…

The Douglas SBD Dauntless Changed the Course of the Second World War In a Single Day

Crewman standing in front of a number of Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers

Throughout the course of the Second World War, the US Navy and Marine Corps flew the Douglas SBD Dauntless, a naval scout aircraft and dive…

The US Army Air Forces Accidentally Dropped Bombs on Boise City, Oklahoma

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress in flight

Accidents happen. Some, however, are far worse than others, such as mistakingly attacking one’s own country during a practice aerial bombing mission. As ridiculous as…

Operation Tonga: 150 British Paratroopers Took the Merville Gun Battery Before D-Day

Four paratroopers standing in front of an aircraft

Then the largest seaborne invasion in history, the D-Day landings were planned down to the last detail. One of the most important parts of this…

Tony Rolt Escaped from POW Camps Seven Times Before Becoming a Successful Racing Driver

Tony Rolt driving a race car around a track

It’s safe to say Tony Rolt’s life after the Second World War was just as impressive as his time overseas. Rolt is best known for…

The Tragic Fate of the USS Grenadier (SS-210) and Her Crew

Memorial for the USS Grenadier (SS-210)

For over 70 years, nobody knew the fate of the USS Grenadier (SS-210). Struck by a Japanese aircraft, the submarine sank to the bottom of…

Mitchell Paige: The MoH Recipient Who Took On 2,700 Japanese Soldiers on Guadalcanal

US Marines crossing Lunga River + Military portrait of Mitchell Paige

World War II produced a number of heroes, particularly within the US military. A total of 473 service members were presented with the Medal of…

The MI5 Used Falcons to Catch German Carrier Pigeons

Ursula, a peregrine falcon, swooping down to attack a carrier pigeon + Two soldiers releasing a carrier pigeon into the air

The use of pigeons on the battlefield is often associated with the First World War. Homing pigeons, in particular, were used the most, with the…

Al Schmid: The US Marine Who Continued to Man His Machine Gun After Taking a Grenade to the Face

US Marines manning a 75 mm Pack Howitzer M1 + Al Schmid being presented with the Navy Cross

Al Schmid, an apprentice steel burner, enlisted in the US Marine Corps after hearing about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Once on the battlefield,…

Frogmen: Before Navy SEALs, Underwater Demolition Teams Were Making a Splash on the Battlefield

Three Frogmen walking in front of a stopped truck

The Navy SEALs are among the most highly-regarded Special Operations forces in the United States, only made more illusive by stories of their various units,…

Road Workers Were Amazed By An Unexpected World War II-Era Discovery In Chartres

Crew using a mechanical digger to lift a mud-covered M5 Stuart from the ground

During the six years that made up the Second World War, the Allied and Axis nations deployed an astonishing number of troops and armaments across…

Teresio Martinoli: The Italian Ace Who Flew for Both Sides During WWII

Two Fiat CR.42 Falcos in flight + Teresio Martinoli standing near an aircraft in his pilot's jacket

For those who won the war, their flying aces go down in history for their brave actions and heroic deeds. Even those who didn’t win…