World War I | War History

From the Scythians to Russia: The Use of Scorched Earth Tactics in War

US Air Force helicopter spraying Agent Orange over the jungle

Scorched earth tactics have been used nearly as long as armies have conducted military campaigns. While the practice is less common in modern times, it…

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…

The History of Snake Island: From WWI to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Ukrainian flag flying on Snake Island

One of the most contentious places in Eastern Europe is Snake Island. Located 30 miles off the southern coast of Ukraine in the Black Sea,…

Smedley Butler Had an Incredible Career in the US Marine Corps

Todd Neikirk
Smedley Butler sitting in a chair

Smedley Butler was born into privilege, but decided to fight for his country when he was just a teen. He became one of America’s most…

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 Cruiser Aurora Signaled the Start of the Russian Revolution

Aurora at sea

The October Revolution was one of the key events of the larger Russian Revolution, and the Russian cruiser Aurora signaled its start. Constructed at 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…

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…