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.

A P-51 Mustang during an aerial display, at the 2018 Temora Warbirds Downunder.

Military History

P-51 Mustang’s Switch to Merlin Engine Made it the World-beater of World War II

This article is about the Rolls Royce Merlin Engine and how placing this engine into the P-51 Mustang made the P-51 one of the best fighters in WW2.

Iron Duke

Military History

The Duke of Wellington: Forging the 'Iron Duke'

The Duke of Wellington is probably the most famous wartime General that the UK has ever produced—he is most famous for his complete and utter defeat of the French under Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Japanese Type 97 (foreground) and Type 91 (rear, taller) hand grenades still retain their air of menace at a WW2 memorial display in the village of Barana, on Mount Austin and south of Honiara. The village, established in the 1960s, was the site of the battle of the Gifu, fought at the last Imperial Japanese Army stronghold near Honiara.

Military History

The Real War 1939-1945

This article provides a sobering account by a military historian Paul Fussell—who served in WW2 as an infantry officer—of what war is really like.

A US Army soldier from the 1st Cavalry Division salutes during the US national anthem during the Train, Advise, Assist Command - South Transfer of Authority ceremony.

Military History

Paul Fussell obituary

US writer Paul Fussell, who died in 2012 was a well-respected academic military historian.

Military History

Pearl Harbour: The Day of Infamy, 7 December 1941

The attack on Pearl Harbour by Japan and the declaration of war against the USA by Nazi Germany brought America into WW2; which four years later resulted in the unconditional surrender of both Japan and Germany.

Lieutenant Commander Priya Chandra, Royal Australian Navy, pays her respects during a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii.

Military History

Attack on Pearl Harbor—1941

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in President Roosevelt signing a declaration of war against Japan, marking the United States' official entrance into World War II.

Military History

Milne Bay 1942. The RAAF's Forgotten Finest Hour.

In the WW2 battle of Milne Bay, RAAF provided the Australian Army with close air support and achieved local air supremacy, which resulted in a notable victory for Australian forces.

Military History

Tobruk: 8 facts about the WW2 confrontation in North Africa

German propaganda’s use of the term 'Rats of Tobruk’ hardened the resolve of Tobruk’s Australian and British defenders.

Wing Commander Andrew Brandham and Warrant Officer Michal Mikeska pause after laying rosemary into Shark Bay, Western Australia, in memory of the 645 members of HMAS Sydney (II) who lost lost their lives in the battle with German cruiser Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia in 1941.

Military History

HMAS Sydney’s unknown sailor identified, but mysteries remain

During WW2, HMAS Sydney engaged the German auxiliary cruiser HSK Kormoran—in the battle that followed, both ships were destroyed.

A P-51 Mustang and a Supermarine Spitfire perform an aerobatic display at the Wings Over Illawarra 2017 air show

Military History

The P-51 Mustang’s Winning Record

The P-51 Mustang was the perfect example of an American fighter aircraft in WW2—Pilots loved the plane for its responsiveness and agility.