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

Heritage Honour for Ships Sunk in Battle of the Coral Sea

The WW2 battle was crucial to Australia's defence. Three US ships were sunk and 600 lives lost. Formal recognition helps protect historical sites and acknowledge the lives lost—ensuring future generations understand their significance and sacrifice.

Military History

Hell’n Pelican II bomber returns to Papua New Guinea in historic milestone

The American Douglas A-20 Havoc light bomber ‘Hell’n Pelican II’ crashed in Papua New Guinea during World War II. The aircraft was found in 1976 and reassembled at RAAF Base Amberley in the 1980s.

Military History

Handwritten notes reveal Churchill's penicillin concern ahead of D-Day.

Penicillin was seen as vital to reduce casualties. Newly released wartime documents reveal his determination to secure penicillin supplies—highlighting the critical role of preparation and innovation in improving medical outcomes during major operations.

Military History

Cockatoo Island: shipyard for 134 years

Cockatoo Island shaped national capability, resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to local and global events. Over 290 vessels were constructed including Australia’s first aircraft carrier- HMAS Albatross in 1928. Last ship, HMAS Success, launched in 1984.

Military History

Expedition captures the first ever images of the wreck of a World War I submarine

In 1917, the USS F-1 sank in a collision off the coast of California, killing most of its crew. Although originally discovered in 1975, researchers had no images of the wreck until very recently.

Military History

The ANI at 50: The Falklands War

Clear lessons from the conflict highlight the cost of underpreparedness—especially when strategic misjudgements (including small ones) overlook the enduring value of maritime capability, resilience and presence. Force structure must match national interests.

Military History

Sunken USS Yorktown’s 83-year-old secrets

The aircraft carrier USS Yorktown sank during the Battle of Midway near Hawaii. A recent deep-sea dive uncovered unexpected artefacts—offering new insights and raising fresh questions about one of history’s most pivotal naval battles.

Military History

China Intervenes in the Korean War

In December 1950, the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) drove the United Nations Command (UNC) out of North Korea, inflicting several severe defeats—including at the Chosin Reservoir, where United States Marines were almost overwhelmed.

Military History

The RAN Bridging Train at Suvla Bay

An overlooked unit of Australian naval reservists proved vital in a failed campaign—solving critical logistical problems under fire and enabling a smooth retreat against all odds. Instrumental in getting water supplies ashore and building wharves.

Military History

By VE Day in 1945, Stalin had got what he wanted in Poland – now Putin may get what he wants in Ukraine

Drawing parallels between Stalin's post-WWII Polish gains and Putin's current ambitions in Ukraine, the article examines how historical narratives influence the present. Poland's independence was compromised despite Allied promises. Putin uses WWII to justify Ukraine actions.