On November 7, 1937, the Los Angeles Examiner published a prescient map predicting how Imperial Japan could attack the US during World War II. Created by Howard A. Burke, the map imagined a Japanese attack on the US that closely predicted the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor four years later on December 7, 1941. Burke…
Category: Military History
Socialism Sucks: The Political Rehabilitation of Che’ Guevera
It might surprise some of you to hear that I can be completely unreasonable and even aggressive about certain issues; the rest of you already know me well enough to expect it. I left all my social skills someplace in Eastern Europe. I’ve even been known to make an ass out of myself in public…
Obscure Weapons: The Standschultze-Hellreigel Submachine Gun
The Austro-Hungarian Standschutze Hellriegel debuted in 1915. Today the automatic, light firearm is something of a mystery. The prototype blended pistol-caliber ammunition with the firepower of a machine gun, making it one of the first weapons which could be considered a “submachine gun.” That much, we know. The rest is … conjecture. The images in this…
Soldier Superb: Australian Infantry Training in WW2
Outstanding article on a subject too many WW2 buffs no little about: How the Australian Army’s Trained for the Tough Pacific Campaign they fought.
World War I History: The Liberators!
This is a pretty widely-published photo, but it sure is a good one. It also shows very clearly the US’ horrible excuse for a backpack of the time. For the record, the soldier on the left has a Chauchat in 8mm Lebel (sans magazine) and the soldier on the right has an M1903 Springfield rifle….
War Machines: The M-60 Patton Tank Gets Re-Invented for the 21st Century Battlefield
Raytheon wants to upgrade U.S.-made tanks from the 1960s Raytheon is pitching a new upgrade for the venerable M-60A3 Patton main battle tank that would turn the elderly design into a competitive force on the modern battlefield — all at a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle. Named the Raytheon M-60A3 Service Life Extension Program…
Word History: 11 Craven Words for Cowards
As Writer and Historian, I have always been interested in etymology, especially regarding the subject of military history and warfare in general. If you guys have any interesting tidbits or interesting words regarding this subject, shoot me a comment. -SF From the time we’re little children, we’re taught the virtues of bravery, though not always…
Historical Non-Fiction and Fiction Books of the Month Selections
Military History Monthly Routinely publishes a “Book Guide” of recently released or soon-to-be released Historical Non-Fiction and Fiction Titles; here is their latest for all you hopeless book worms like me…. KITCHENER’S MOB: THE NEW ARMY TO THE SOMME Peter Doyle and Chris Foster Kitchener’s Mob tells the story of the raising of Kitchener’s Army, from the earliest days…
U.S Naval Military History: The First Submarine Ever Built
The Connecticut River Museum in Essex holds a fully-functional replica of the “Turtle,” the first American submarine ever built. Little-known fact: the first submarine and underwater time bomb were created during the American Revolution–before electricity, and before Jules Verne. It was 100% human-operated (no engines just hand cranks and foot pedals) and used phosphorescent moss as…
War Books Worth a Damn: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
Although I obviously have not seen the movie yet, I can vouch for this book as being one of the best stories I have ever read of a soldier trying to make sense of life after War. You should definitely put this one on your reading list and make plans to see the movie, as…