Military History | The Runway

Military history is a field that studies warfare and its societal impacts, including battle strategies, weaponry progression, and military technology evolution. It's crucial for understanding societal evolution and informing military strategies. Strategists can learn from victories and defeats by analysing past wars to inform future decisions. Military history also reveals societal responses to conflict, guiding efforts to prevent future wars and promote peace. Additionally, it fosters national identity by allowing societies to remember and honour their past. In essence, military history provides valuable insights into the past, present, and human nature.

Military History

WWII assault tank found buried in sand near the North Sea

German archaeologists excavated a remarkably preserved World War II StuG III assault vehicle, providing valuable insights into German armoured warfare, battlefield history and long-term preservation before its restoration and museum display.

Liaison Officer - Leading Aircraftman Andrew Hunter

Military History

First Nations Australians serving during World War II

Despite enlistment barriers, 6,500–7,000 Aboriginal Australians served in World War II in military and civilian roles. Their contributions were vital, yet most returned to ongoing inequality, delayed recognition, and denied rights and benefits.

Military History

The Importance of the Battle of the Little Bighorn

Custer’s 1876 defeat at Little Bighorn, though small, became legendary. It highlights leadership, flawed assumptions, and institutional failures, showing that victory depends on cultural understanding—not just tactics, technology, or individual heroism.

Military History

Bravery in Burma: Despite being rendered blind by the Japanese, this soldier fought on

Operations in Burma during 1945 demonstrated that multinational Allied units operating in extreme jungle conditions achieved strategic disruption against Japanese forces, highlighted by 1st Lt. Jack L. Knight’s Medal of Honor during the Burma Campaign.

Military History

Okinawa memorial day speakers reflect on sacrifice, peace and ‘heavy burden’ of US bases

Okinawa’s 81st Battle of Okinawa memorial highlighted the enduring human cost of war, remembrance of over 240,000 victims, and ongoing debate over Japan’s security policies, constitutional reform, and the long-term presence of US forces.

Military History

Long-lost World War II ‘Hellship’ may have finally been found

Maritime archaeologists identified the WWII Japanese Hellship Hōfuku Maru wreck off the Philippines using sonar and dive evidence, clarifying its sinking location and providing historical closure for families of prisoners who died aboard in 1944.

Image of plane in sky

Military History

History, Heritage and the Integrated Force

History and heritage are not simply reflections of the past, they are enduring capability enablers that strengthen professional identity, preparedness and the effective generation of air power.

Australian War Memorial Lancaster

Military History

World War II Lancaster Bomber Pilot Howard Hendrick Dies Aged 102

Among the last survivors, he flew missions with 460 Squadron and showed how a life of service, generosity, and community contribution can leave a lasting legacy. Personal values and commitment continue to influence future generations.

Military History

Double amputee paratrooper to jump into Normandy for 82nd anniversary of D-Day

A former US Army paratrooper returns to parachuting 14 years after losing both legs in Afghanistan, completing a commemorative jump into Normandy to honour history, fallen comrades, and resilience through adaptive recovery.

Military History

How the success of D-Day hinged on a weather forecast

A critical Allied weather forecast ahead of D-Day enabled US General Dwight Eisenhower to delay the invasion by one day, showing how limited meteorological data and expert judgement shaped Operation Overlord’s success.