The outbreak of World War Two placed many countries in a difficult position, with the dilemma of how to deal with the threat of hostilities. Neutral countries like Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Sweden, and others faced challenges in maintaining their neutrality. Some, like Mexico and Brazil, eventually joined the Allies after being attacked by Axis powers. Overall, the decisions made by neutral countries during the war were complex and often influenced by various factors such as trade, alliances, and internal politics.

Operation Felix was a German plan to capture Gibraltar during World War II but failed due to Franco’s refusal to allow the Germans to invade Spain. Hitler’s meeting with Franco at Hendaye ended in failure, leading to the collapse of the operation. With Hitler shifting his focus to Operation Barbarossa, Operation Felix was abandoned, marking the end of Germany’s potential victory over Britain. The failure of Operation Felix highlighted the importance of Franco’s strategic decisions and the challenges of capturing Gibraltar. Ultimately, the missed opportunity to seize Gibraltar had a significant impact on the course of the war.

They may not carry weapons, but they’ve been on every frontline from Helmand to Ukraine. As religion fades and war changes, military chaplains are still holding the line, offering troops someone to talk to when no one else can, argues historian and author, Dr Linda Parker. An article published in National World

After the Battle of Waterloo, the defeated Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of St. Helena by the British government, despite objections from some. The 66th Berkshires regiment was tasked with guarding him until his death in 1821. Life on the island was monotonous for the soldiers, with no shots fired and strict surveillance. Governor Hudson Lowe’s paranoia and Napoleon’s passive resistance created tension. Napoleon’s death was met with mixed emotions, and he was buried with military honors. Lowe’s controversial tenure on the island ended soon after. The 66th eventually left for England, facing further hardships in colonial service before their tragic end in Afghanistan.

During both World Wars, the Germans made extensive use of captured tanks and armored vehicles, known as Beutepanzers, to supplement their own forces. Captured tanks were reconditioned, repaired, and put back into service, often with modifications to suit German needs. Examples include the use of British, French, Russian, Italian, and American tanks in various theatres of war. Hauptmann Alfred Becker played a key role in converting captured tanks into self-propelled guns, increasing their mobility and firepower. The use of Beutepanzers provided the Germans with additional armored support, especially in situations where their own tank production fell short.

Amphibious operations were a key aspect of WWII for the Allies, requiring specialized landing craft. The Royal Navy developed multiple types, including the LCA and LST. The LST(2) and LST(3) were essential for transporting tanks and supplies to invasion beaches. Crews faced challenges from enemy attacks, rough seas, and logistical issues, but the LST proved vital in successful amphibious warfare.

Geoff Simpson’s article on the Battle of Britain reveals the inherent imprecision and uncertainties surrounding the topic. From the challenge of determining the last survivor of the Few to the ever-changing list of qualified aircrew, exactitude is difficult to achieve. Simpson discusses the complexities in establishing the number of Allied aircrew involved in the Battle, the criteria for inclusion in the list of the Few, and the confusion over the nationalities of the pilots. Despite the discrepancies in casualties and nationalities, Simpson finds researching the Few to be a captivating and fulfilling pursuit, shedding light on the intricacies of the Battle of Britain.

In December 1895, Cecil Rhodes sent Dr Leander Jameson and 500 armed troops to take over the Transvaal Republic for its gold. The raid failed, leading to Rhodes’ resignation and Jameson’s imprisonment. The fallout included the Second Matabele War and strained relations with the Boers, ultimately contributing to the First and Second Boer Wars.

The first dozen years of the twentieth century were tumultuous for the Middle East, with the British having a complicated relationship with the Arabs and the Ottoman Turk regime. The British struggled to decide if the Turks were allies or enemies, causing frustration for their men on the ground. Two British men played key roles in helping the Arabs gain independence, with one remaining famous today and the other forgotten by history.

During the turbulent times of the Eighteenth and early Nineteenth Century in Europe, espionage thrived. From gentleman spies like Louis-Alexandre de Launay to lady spies like Mrs. Rachel Charlotte Williams Biggs, the era was filled with intrigue. Napoleon’s spies like Karl Schulmeister and L. de Longastre played vital roles, with some meeting mysterious ends. The birth of British intelligence can be traced back to Evan Nepean, who oversaw a network of spies including Richard Cadman Etches and George Parker. The strange reputation of Tarrare, a man with an insatiable appetite who served as a courier by swallowing messages, adds a bizarre twist to the world of espionage in this era.