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

Wartime spies posed as swagmen near Townsville, historian's research reveals

Townsville was a key WWII Allied logistics hub. New research has uncovered evidence highlighting how vulnerable northern Australia was to infiltration and spying. The suspected Japanese spy landed near a Townsville cattle property, but vanished.

Military History

The Importance of the Battle of Cannae

While undeniably a victory, Cannae serves as a grim reminder of the supremacy of the strategic over the tactical, and the difficulty of translating even the most tremendous tactical successes into new strategic realities.

Military History

Here is every rifle Marines have used in the last 250 years

A new feature on the US Marine Corps website showing the history of its long-arms—from the flintlock muskets of the Continental Navy, to the current M27—is part of the Corps’ 250th birthday celebrations.

Military History

US, Japan mark 80 years since the end of the Battle of Okinawa

By the spring of 1945, Japan was on the retreat. In April that year, American troops landed on the beaches of Okinawa and claimed victory over Japan three months later—but at a cost.

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.