World War II | War History

Battle of Fort Driant – World War II’s Strangest Engagement?

Landscape torn apart by war + German soldier armed with a panzerschreck

The Battle of Fort Driant was a World War II-era engagement fought between the US Third Army and Germany’s 1st Army from September 27 to…

Before Playing a POW In ‘The Great Escape,’ Donald Pleasence Was One In Real Life

Still from 'The Great Escape'

British actor Donald Pleasence became one of the most popular antagonists in television and film, and is probably best known for portraying a prisoner of…

These ‘Night Witches’ Weren’t Burned at the Stake – They Bombed German Soldiers

Six members of the Night Witches looking toward the sky

One bomber regiment during the Second World War was so feared by the Germans that a soldier was immediately awarded the Iron Cross for shooting…

When War Production Dipped, the US Staged the Mock ‘Battle of the LA Coliseum’

Entryway to the LA Coliseum

As the Second World War progressed, the US government became concerned that production wasn’t as high as it should be, which directly correlated to public…

Edgar ‘Cobber’ Kain Single-Handedly Decimated 17 Enemy Aircraft During the Battle of France

Edgar "Cobber" Cain leaning against a Hawker Hurricane Mk I

It might seem strange, but the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) first Flying Ace of the Second World War wasn’t from Britain – he was from…

‘My Way’ Is Based On the Story of Yang Kyoungjong, But Did He Actually Exist?

Jang Dong-gun as Kim Jun-Shik in 'My Way'

My Way (2011) follows the story of a Korean soldier who fights for the Soviet Union, Japan and Germany during World War II. The South…

USS Harder (SS-257): The WWII-Era Submarine That Took Out Five Enemy Destroyers In Four Days

USS Harder (SS-257) sailing close to shore + USS Harder (SS-257) at sea

The USS Harder (SS-257), a Gato-class submarine, served in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War. She was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and…

Before He Was Britain’s Most Popular Leading Man, Kenneth More Served with the Royal Navy

HMS Aurora (12) at sea + Kenneth More as Second Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller in 'A Night to Remember'

Kenneth More was one of Britain’s greatest actors, both on-stage and on the silver screen. He became a household name, but only after he served…

Albert Göring Used His Brother’s Name to Help Jews Escape Germany

Albert Göring's mugshot

There’s one Göring who comes to mind when people think of the Second World War, yet some may be surprised to learn there was actually…

Valentin: The German U-boat Pen That Survived Multiple 22,000-Pound ‘Grand Slam’ Bombs

Two images showing the destruction caused by the Grand Slam bombs that were dropped on the Valentin U-boat pen

During the Second World War, the British dominated the waterways. Their naval fleet proved to be one of the biggest threats to Germany and, as…

The Red Army Used Camels to Fight the Germans at the Battle of Stalingrad

Two German soldiers riding a camel

The Second World War saw numerous technological advancements intended to provide distinct advantages over the enemy. Among these were, of course, tanks, which were used…

The Oddest Showdown of World War II? American Blimp vs German U-boat

Blimp hovering over a German U-boat at sea

In what was arguably the oddest battle to take place during the Second World War, a US Navy blimp duked it out with a German…