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.

Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber

Military History

The pajama pilot over Pearl Harbor

The December 7 1941 sudden crisis forced split-second decisions under extreme pressure — showing how preparation, instinct, and calm action can shape outcomes when routine moments turn into defining events.

Military History

How one Japanese vessel spectacularly failed at Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Japanese midget submarines attempted a covert attack on Pearl Harbor. Mechanical failures and early detection limited their impact, highlighting the role of vigilance, early warning, and human decision-making in maritime defence.

Military History

Bookshelf: A new history of Vietnam’s American War

A reassessment of Vietnam’s long conflict challenges familiar stories, arguing internal division—not foreign domination—shaped events, with outside involvement intensifying an already brutal struggle rather than determining its final outcome.

Military History

With his bare hands, this sailor sealed off his ship to save its crew

The USS Neosho survived Pearl Harbor but was lost in the Coral Sea. A determined sailor protected others during deadly attacks — showing how steady action under pressure can preserve hope, even when the situation appears hopeless.

Military History

Commemoration events for 84th anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack

This US article outlines the public events that offer a chance to honour those lost in the 1941 WW2 Japanese attack and reflect on its lasting impact — strengthening community remembrance and preserving lived stories for future generations.

Military History

80 years ago, a WWII B-17 bomber crashed in the Baltic. Scientists are finally learning who was onboard.

Marine archaeologists may soon identify a World War II B-17 bomber and its crew after 82 years, using well-preserved machine guns whose serial numbers offer crucial evidence for closure and historical record.

Military History

This Korean War aviator was the first helicopter pilot to receive MOH

Lt. John Kelvin Koelsch, first helicopter pilot awarded the Medal of Honor, showed heroism in the Korean War by rescuing a downed Marine under enemy fire before capture and death as a prisoner of war.

Military History

How an anti-war blockbuster starring Mel Gibson helped rebirth the Anzac Gallipoli legend

A single film revived interest in the Gallipoli story. It stirred emotion and shaped how Australians saw sacrifice and service. It also showed how art can influence public memory and national values.

Military History

When Logistics Decided Victory: The Battle of Leyte Gulf

Future conflicts will likely hinge on logistics—fuel, resupply, and sustainment will define operational success. History shows that strategic dominance demands robust logistics systems that endure disruption and keep forces ready and mobile.

Military History

Americans planned a massive invasion of Japan for November 1945. But it didn’t happen.

The planned invasion would have caused catastrophic loss on both sides—but two atomic bombs ended the war first, reshaping military strategy, ethics, and the course of human history. Long term debate about whether the bombs were justified.