Andrew Knighton

Andrew Knighton is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE

Articles by Andrew Knighton:

Encounters Between Enemies: 7 Peaceful Meetings Between the Opposing Sides of World War I

The First World War saw unprecedented death and destruction all along the Western Front. Despite this, soldiers from opposing sides managed to have friendly encounters,…

A Brief History Of The SAS, Britain’s Fighting Elite

Britain’s principal special forces unit, the SAS are perhaps the country’s most famous military unit They are internationally influential experts in special missions. World War…

Operation Nimrod: The SAS Assault on the Iranian Embassy

On 5th May 1980, the Special Air Service (SAS) stormed the Iranian embassy in London, ending a six-day siege. It was an event that brought…

Brotherhood, Blood, And Discipline: An Ancient Roman Battle

It’s the first century AD and the professional Roman army is at the height of its power. You’re part of that army – a soldier…

A Day in the Life of a Roman Legionary – Mighty Soldiers Of The Ancient World

Roman legionaries were among the most ruthlessly efficient soldiers in the ancient world. But even for these highly disciplined and well-equipped men, the armies that…

76 Hours Of Hell – The Battle Of Tarawa – 5,700 Dead For Twelve Square Miles

The Battle of Tarawa was one of the more terrible American experiences in the Pacific theater of World War Two. It was one that would…

Five Influential Historical Generals Who Were Actually Mad

A shocking number of military leaders have suffered from mental health issues, even as they held the lives of the men they led in their…

Charles the Bold, Burgundy’s Flawed Reforming Warlord

Charles the Bold was a man who could have changed the face of Europe. Inheriting the Valois duchy of Burgundy in 1467, he was one…

The Disastrous Attack Which Led To George Armstrong Custer’s Last Stand

George Armstrong Custer is one of the most infamous figures in American military history. A cavalry commander whose style was based on instinct and showmanship…

8 Reasons For The French Military Disaster At Dien Bien Phu

Arrogance. Ignorance. Poor planning. These were the weapons with which French commanders fought the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, and with which they ensured their…

When Malaria Sided With Napoleon: The Doomed British Walcheren Expedition That Cost 4,000 Lives

The British expedition sent to Walcheren in the Netherlands in 1809 was one of the boldest moves of the Napoleonic wars. Unfortunately for the soldiers…

The Duke Of Marlborough Was A Very Successful General – He Was Adaptable, Cunning, And He Looked After His Men

John Churchill, the First Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) is perhaps the greatest commander in British military history. Leading British troops on the continent in the…