Inside the fortress
The ‘Flying Fortress’ became legendary for its ability to stay in the air even after taking a severe battering.
Second World War
War of Words – ‘Kamikaze’
Marc DeSantis delves into the history and meaning of the word 'kamikaze.'
American Air Museum at Duxford granted listed status
It is the largest museum of its kind in Europe. Now the American Air Museum at IWM Duxford has been granted Grade II-listed status by English Heritage. The impressive building, which was designed by award-winning architect Norman Foster, was purpose-built…
Rare WWII Enigma machine uncovered in the Baltic
An incredibly rare Enigma machine from the Second World War has been recovered from the Baltic Sea. Divers made the discovery at Gelting Bay, east of Flensburg, while searching for discarded fishing nets. The cipher machine consisted of a keyboard,…
Nazi Prisons in the British Isles: political prisoners during the German Occupation of Jersey and Guernsey 1940-1945
This is a welcome addition to the literature on confinement, a topic that has developed from a little-studied phenomenon into one of most vibrant areas within the subdiscipline of Conflict Archaeology. Gilly Carr has been a part of this through…
The riches of Ravenna
In a small city on Italy’s Adriatic coast, faces of all-powerful emperors, empresses, and bishops gaze out from glittering mosaics. But why are these magnificent decorations here? Judith Herrin explores the history of Ravenna, a well-connected city and one-time capital of the Western Roman Empire.
News in brief
Medieval bridge discovered in Scotland Over the last two years, the Ancrum and District Heritage Society (ADHS) have, with the help of Historic Environment Scotland, Dendrochronicle, and Wessex Archaeology, surveyed and researched a medieval wooden bridge that was discovered underwater…
Facebook steps in to save struggling Bletchley Park
It played a crucial role in World War Two and is considered the birthplace of computing. Now, the struggling museum at Bletchley Park has been given a bailout by Facebook.
Wreck off Norwegian coast confirmed as long-lost German warship
It was hit by Norwegian artillery and torpedoed by a British submarine before finally being scuttled by its own captain. But now, the long-lost wreck of the German light cruiser Karlsruhe has been identified off the coast of Norway.
Spies of WWII commemorated with blue plaques
Two spies who worked for Britain during the Second World War have been honoured with blue plaques outside their London homes.
Museum: the American Airpower Museum
Reviewing the best military history exhibitions, with Marc DeSantis
In View
MHM's round-up of the latest military history titles
Letters from MHM December 2020/January 2021
I commend Alexander Izza on his excellent article on Okinawa (MHM 119, October/November 2020) but would take issue with a couple of points.
Fleming’s War
With the latest James Bond blockbuster out next year, MHM assistant editor Calum Henderson explores the life of the man who created him: Ian Fleming, whose wartime adventures rivalled those of 007 himself.
Second World War wrecks: Brecon Beacons
Today this wreck, along with several others in the Beacons, stands as a monument, a tangible example of the enormous sacrifices that were made every day during the Second World War.
News in brief
National Trust report on colonialism The National Trust has released their Interim Report on the Connections between Colonialism and Properties now in the Care of the National Trust, including Links with Historic Slavery (read more in ‘Sherds’ on p.64). Commissioned…
Seelow Heights and Berlin
Marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, David Porter analyses the last stand of Hitler’s Third Reich.
The Battle of Berlin: aircraft and infantry
David Porter analyses the balance of forces in the Third Reich’s final battle.
Observing the observers: exploring cold war archaeology in Berkshire
For most of the second half of the 20th century, the threat of nuclear war permeated the world. What can archaeology add to our understanding of this unique period, which still lies within living memory? Bob Clarke reports.
Alderney’s concentration camp uncovered
An archaeological project on Alderney has uncovered information about the labour and concentration camp of Sylt that once stood on the island, shedding light on the lives of prisoners during the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands in the Second…
Hitler’s hangmen: the secret plot to kill Churchill
Brian Lett reports on a Nazi plan for a mass POW breakout and attempted Fascist coup in wartime Britain.
HMS Olympus: a tale of tragedy and heroes
Timmy Gambin and Lucy Woods report on the discovery and exploration of HMS Olympus, which sank off the coast of Malta in 1942.
Churchill and Stalin: an unlikely alliance
From 1917 to the 1950s, Winston Churchill had a long and bumpy relationship with the Soviet Union, and it had a profound effect on his reputation in America. Taylor Downing charts the zigzags.
War Reporters: Ernie Pyle
Neil Faulkner on battlefield scoops through the ages.
Air war over Malta
In the first of an occasional series on conflict archaeology, Anthony Rogers reports on the evidence for the epic air battle above the island-fortress of Malta during the Second World War.
What is the significance of the Dambusters legend?
MHM Editor Neil Faulkner analyses the RAF’s controversial strategic bombing campaign.
Guernica, 1937 Pablo Picasso
On the afternoon of 26 April 1937, the air force of Nazi Germany’s Condor Legion, working on behalf of the Spanish Nationalists led by General Franco, sent its bombers over the ancient Basque town of Guernica. It was a Monday…
Patrick Leigh Fermor: paddy power
Dominic Green leads a tour travelling in the footsteps of the accomplished writer, scholar and soldier Patrick Leigh Fermor around Southern Greece
WAR ON FILM: Ill Met by Moonlight
TAYLOR DOWNING reviews a classic war movie.
Defeat from the jaws of victory: the Dodecanese campaign of 1943
Naval historian and museum curator Nick Hewitt explores a little-known British disaster of the Second World War.
Yamashita: the greatest Japanese general of World War II?
Graham Goodlad reviews the career of Tomoyuki Yamashita, ‘the Tiger of Malaya’, who was responsible for the fall of Singapore in 1942.
War zone: Plymouth
Matt Leonard explores the military history etched into the townscape of Plymouth.
Singapore, February 1942: the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history
Colonel Ronnie McCrum takes a critical look at a battle that was lost before the war began.