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

Doolittle Raid on Japan, April 1942

In response to Pearl Harbor, the 1942 Doolittle Raid deployed U.S. bombers from a carrier to strike Japan—achieving psychological impact that influenced Japanese decisions and contributed to their defeat at the Battle of Midway.

Military History

U.S. Military Spending: The Economic Impact of War

Understanding how U.S. war spending affects the economy helps shed light on inflation, GDP impact, and the long-term trade-offs associated with military financing.

Military History

Battle of Waterloo

This account of Waterloo spotlights Napoleon’s tactical maneuvers and Wellington’s strategic countermeasures in a battle that ended French dominance, shifted European power, and marked one of history’s most defining military moments.

Military History

American Military Aviation in the Interwar Years and After: Some Historical Reappraisals

This article critiques historical shifts in American air power strategy, highlighting how technological ambition and cognitive bias shaped air warfare doctrine. It examines unintended consequences and ethical questions that arose with World War II’s strategic bombing.

Military History

A personal account of a paratrooper who jumped into Normandy on D-Day

This account of D-Day is worth reading for its historical lessons, offering a gripping portrayal of soldiers' courage and resilience under extreme conditions. It reveals the harsh realities of war and the strategic impact of airborne operations.

Military History

Shipwreck Hunters Find Lost World War II-Era Submarine That Vanished With 64 Crew Members Onboard

The recent discovery of the HMS Trooper, missing since October 1943, solves an 80-year mystery, offering closure to the families of the 64 crew members. Broken into three pieces, evidence indicates it hit a mine, providing historical lessons in naval warfare.

Military History

“Black Week”: The Darkest Days for the US Army Air Forces

The 1943 bombing campaign against Germany exposed flaws in US air power doctrine, as bombers suffered heavy losses without proper fighter escort. This highlighted the need for improved tactics and demonstrated Germany’s strong aerial defences.

Military History

10 Roman Military Innovations You Should Know About

Explores ten Roman military innovations that transformed ancient warfare—highlighting weaponry, medical advancements, and battlefield tactics crucial to their enduring success.

Military History

Air Power in the Falklands Conflict: An Operational Insight

Book Review: This book provides a detailed operational analysis of air power in the Falklands Conflict, challenging popular narratives and highlighting critical lessons in military planning and execution.

Military History

The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot: 19-20 June 1944

The "Great Marianas Turkey Shoot" secured U.S. naval air dominance by devastating Japan’s carrier-based aircraft—shifting the balance of power in the Pacific permanently.