French Cavalrymen Captured the Dutch Fleet in One of the Weirdest ‘Battles’ in Military History
There have been many strange occurrences throughout military history, but none were as unusual as the Battle of Texel. Taking place in the waters off…
Jimmy Buffett Anonymously Donated Two WWII-Era Aircraft to a Museum Before His Death
Jimmy Buffett’s passing on September 1, 2023 was a shock to music fans across the world. The “Margaritaville” singer’s death was attributed to an aggressive…
Operation Market Garden Led to a Decades-Long Treasure Hunt That’s Still Ongoing
In 2023, the Dutch National Archives unveiled a collection of documents that had previously been classified as “confidential,” as per the customary 75-year term. Among…
The M249 SAW Machine Gun Continues to Enhance the Role of Infantrymen in Combat
The M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) machine gun – also known as the Light Machine Gun, 5.56 mm, M249 – is a critical tool for…
Princess Mary Crowdfunded Personalized Gifts for Soldiers Serving On the Western Front
During World War I, then-17-year-old Princess Mary began a mission to bring a glimmer of hope and joy to those fighting on the Western Front.…
The Japanese Bolt-Action Arisaka Type 99 Rifle Saw Extensive Use In the Pacific Theater
The Arisaka Type 99 rifle was a significant evolution in the realm of military armaments. Born out of necessity in the 1930s, its development reflected…
Germany Hoped to Weaponize the Occult to Win the Second World War
Germany thought up several strategies to increase its chances of winning World War II, including the breeding of potato bugs to decimate enemy crops and…
The Battle of France Saw a European Power Fall in Just Six Weeks
One campaign changed the direction of the Second World War: the Battle of France. The period leading up to the engagement was known as the…
Shiro Ishii and the Dark Legacy of Japan’s Unit 731
Japanese physician Shiro Ishii presided over a series of abhorrent medical experiments that stand as some of the most egregious atrocities in modern history. Ranging…
Forward-Swept Wings Gave the Sukhoi Su-47 ‘Berkut’ a Unique Appearance
Continued advancements are the norm when it comes to military aviation, and some designs stand out for their unique features and designs. The Russian Sukhoi…
Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas II Tried (and Failed) to Avert World War I
The First World War, commonly referred to as the Great War, was an era characterized by profound upheaval, wherein major global powers engaged in intense…
The Dear John Letter Was a Symbol of Heartbreak Amid the Terrors of War
When its comes to wartime communications, few carry the weight of the infamous Dear John letter. Originating during World War II, these correspondences have become…