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.

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Military History

Calls to Commemorate K'gari's Unknown War Heroes with Permanent Tribute

A secret commando school operated on K'gari (Fraser Island) during WW2, due to its remote location. Soldiers practised parachuting, canoeing, anti-tracking, mining and medical response techniques; while Z Special Unit trained there for covert operations.

Military History

The U.S. Invasion of Veracruz, Mexico

The United States’ invasion of Veracruz in 1914 illustrated rapid policy escalation and reversal after miscalculation of objectives and unintended escalation of conflict, resulting in subsequent diplomatic withdrawal following operational and political fallout.

Military History

75 years on, we remember the Battle of Kapyong

In April 1951, soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) and allies halted a Chinese advance, suffering heavy losses and earning a US Presidential Citation for courage, sacrifice, and steadfast service.

Chief of Army Staff India and Australian Chief of Army Australian War Memorial,

Military History

Sikh soldiers leave a legacy that hides in plain sight each Anzac Day

About 20 Australians of Indian heritage served in WWI, despite early enlistment restrictions. Their influence, including the puggaree on the slouch hat, reflects Indian cultural traditions. These stories demonstrate that Anzac identity is diverse.

Bombing of Darwin War II reenactment

Military History

Bombing of Darwin war veteran urges young people to learn about largest attack on Australia

The account of the 1942 air raids highlights the scale, confusion, and lasting attacks impact—reminding readers how unprepared systems and communication gaps can deepen the consequences of sudden crises. Preparedness and resilient systems crucial.

The ‘short snorter’ signed by Royal Australian Air Force and United States Army Air Force personnel in July 1942.

Military History

Australian War Memorial curator uncovers 4-metre World War II short snorter

Short snorters were signed currency used by military personnel, and linked to travel and shared wartime experiences. This one, belonging to a RAAF Flight Lieutenant, is unusually long and contains signatures from multiple countries.

Military History

Ancient ‘machine-gun’ damage discovered on walls of Pompeii

Archaeological evidence at Pompeii suggests wall damage from an ancient dart-thrower weapon called a polybolos during the 89 BCE siege, indicating potential use of advanced rapid-fire artillery in ancient warfare. Interpretations, however, remain contested.

Military History

This Mortally Wounded WWII Navigator Refused Morphine to Guide His B-17 Home

Robert Femoyer, a B-17 navigator, refused morphine to remain conscious and guide his aircraft home, exemplifying exceptional sacrifice and leadership that ensured crew survival during a critical World War II mission.

Didgeridoo player at Anzac Cove

Military History

Gallipoli Has 4 Lessons for the Strait of Hormuz Crisis

History offers practical guidance for modern maritime tensions, highlighting the risks of misjudgement, poor coordination, and unclear objectives when operating in constrained and politically sensitive waterways. Joint coordination failures can undermine otherwise strong capabilities.

Military History

Remains of 8 Australian soldiers returned over a century later

The remains of more than 100 World War I Commonwealth soldiers—including eight Australians—were sent from a US museum to France for identification, commemoration and reburial by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).