#militaryhistory

[hiddenwwi]

German chapel at abandoned mountain battlefield - Tete des Faux battlefield on the Vosges front of Southern Alsace

[whencyclopedia]

Battle of Queenston Heights

The Battle of Queenston Heights (13 October 1812) was a major battle in the War of 1812. A US army, under General Stephen Van Rensselaer, crossed the Niagara River in an attempted invasion of Canada but was repulsed by a British, Canadian, and Mohawk force. The British victory came at the cost of General Isaac Brock, killed in the fighting.

Death of General Brock at Queenston Heights

John David Kelly (Public Domain)

Background: Fall of Detroit

In late June 1812, shortly after the United States had issued its declaration of war against the United Kingdom, the US began preparing for an invasion of British-controlled Canada. Ostensibly, the purpose of the invasion was to deprive Britain of a staging ground from where they could launch their own attack into US territory. But many of the 'War Hawks' – as the prowar faction in Congress was called – envisaged a more permanent outcome, believing that the invasion would result in Canada finally joining the Union. The annexation of Canada would greatly increase the United States' dominion over North America and would, in the words of one war-hungry congressman, "drive the British from our continent" (Berton, 98).

The invasion was to be four-pronged. Brigadier General William Hull, sitting with his 2,500-man army at Fort Detroit, would lead the first thrust, crossing over the Detroit River into Upper Canada (modern-day Southern Ontario). He would be followed by Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer, who would cross the Niagara River to capture Queenston, and by Major General Henry Dearborn, who would sail up Lake Champlain to capture Montreal, while a fourth US army crossed the St. Lawrence River to wreak havoc in Ontario. Most Americans believed it would be an easy campaign, that the Canadians, oppressed by the tyranny of British rule, would welcome their southern brethren with open arms. As former President Thomas Jefferson predicted, the invasion was expected to be nothing more than "a mere matter of marching" (Wood, 677).

But of course, it would not be so easy. General Hull began his invasion on 12 July, crossing over the Detroit River and establishing a base of operations at the small town of Sandwich, where he issued a proclamation calling on all Canadians to either join him or remain neutral. But Hull soon lost his nerve; deathly afraid of Native Americans, he was disturbed by reports of more Indigenous nations joining the British side and, moreover, feared that the arrival of enemy reinforcements could cut him off from US territory. On 8 August, after nearly a month of dithering on Canadian soil, he retreated to Detroit, where he was soon besieged by an Anglo-Indian force under Major General Isaac Brock and the great Shawnee chieftain Tecumseh. Brock and Tecumseh utilized psychological warfare to convince Hull that their army was larger than it really was, leading the American general to surrender both his army and Detroit without a fight on 16 August. The Siege of Detroit not only thwarted the first part of the US invasion but also left the British in control of the entire Michigan Territory.

Hull was widely castigated for his defeat – indeed, he would later be court-martialed and sentenced to death, before the sentence was commuted to dismissal from the army. But he had at least set foot on Canadian territory, which was more than can be said about his counterparts. General Van Rensselaer had tried, but he did not have the necessary supplies or reinforcements to mount a successful crossing; what militia forces he did have refused to cross the Niagara, arguing that they were merely a defensive force and were not obliged to fight outside the United States. General Dearborn, likewise, was stuck at Albany, New York, unable to fill the enlistment quotas needed for an attack. "We have as yet a shadow of a regular force," his second-in-command would write, "inferior, even in numbers, to half of what the enemy already has in the field" (Taylor, 182). Dearborn was therefore relieved when, on 9 August, a British major arrived at his camp to offer an armistice. Dearborn readily accepted before passing along news of the armistice to President James Madison for his approval and instructing Van Rensselaer, his subordinate, to do nothing that might provoke the British. The invasion had, therefore, completely failed, leaving the US in a worse position as the armistice settled over the Niagara frontier.

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[stricklandvintagewatches]

Exceedingly handsome, historically important and completely original, this WWI AEF/Air Service wristwatch is remarkable and worthy of an equally fine wrist. Custom-fitted with a correctly recreated period-leather strap. Circa 1918

[noticiasarquelogicasjaponesas]

Sean bienvenidos japoistasarqueologicos a una nueva entrega en esta ocasión os presento una nueva entrega dicho esto pónganse cómodos que empezamos. - Hoy dia 27/1/2023 se ha externado una nueva película japonesa que se llama The Legend & Butterfly( La leyenda y la mariposa) el título original es レジェンド＆バタフライ. - Resumen del argumento:El enemigo de Nobunaga Oda, Yoshimoto Imagawa, ataca a Owari con su vasto ejército y Nobunaga Oda está desolado ante la abrumadora diferencia de fuerzas militares, pero NoHime anima a Nobunaga Oda a no desesperar y luchar contra su rival. - Espero que os guste y nos vemos en próximas publicaciones de Japón y que pasen una buena semana un cordial saludo. - ようこそjapoarchaeological japoistsへこの機会に私はあなたに新しい割賦を提示し、それは言われて、あなた自身を快適にし、始めましょう。 - 本日2023年1月27日、「伝説とバタフライ」という新しい日本映画が封切られました。原題は「LEGEND ＆ BATTERFLY」。 - あらすじ：織田信長の敵、今川義元が大軍を率いて尾張に攻め込み、圧倒的な兵力差に織田信長は打ちのめされるが、濃姫は織田信長に絶望せず、ライバルと戦えと励まします。 - 気に入っていただけたら幸いです。また、今後の日本の記事でお会いしましょう。良い一週間を��過ごしください。よろしくお願いします。 - Welcome japoarchaeological japoists to a new installment in this occasion I present you a new installment, that being said, make yourselves comfortable and let's begin. - Today 27/1/2023 a new Japanese movie has been released called The Legend & Butterfly, the original title is レジェンド＆バタフライ. - Plot Summary:Nobunaga Oda's enemy, Yoshimoto Imagawa, attacks Owari with his vast army and Nobunaga Oda is devastated at the overwhelming difference in military forces, but NoHime encourages Nobunaga Oda not to despair and fight his rival. - I hope you like it and I'll see you in future Japan posts and have a nice week, best regards.

[tmcphotoblog]

Happy Trafalgar Day 2024!

Today I commemorate Trafalgar Day, marking 219 years since Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson led the Royal Navy to victory at the Battle Of Trafalgar in 1805. 🇬🇧 His sacrifice and brilliance secured British naval supremacy and changed the course of history.

[damez1979]

Call of Duty: WWII - Hill 493

[ranarh]

This drawing is a piece from a previous Inktober challenge, for the daily prompt "helmet". I had no profound idea for this prompt so I made it sort of statement for peace - after the old saying: "Imagine there's war, and nobody shows up". Besides, mice are cute. "Desiring Obsolescence", ink on paper, A4, unframed, 50e via Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/de-en/listing/1077784960/mice-on-a-helmet-ink-pen-drawing

[teeviews]

Basgiath War College Fourth Wing T-Shirt Vintage

[warmaster-uk]

German fighter pilots with B-24 model showing its defensive arcs of fire. During World War II, the Luftwaffe, the German air force, frequently engaged with the United States Army Air Force's (USAAF) B-24 Liberator bombers. The B-24 Liberator was a heavy bomber that was primarily used by the USAAF for strategic bombing campaigns in Europe. The Luftwaffe fighter pilots were tasked with intercepting and engaging these bombers in order to protect German cities and military assets from bombing. The Luftwaffe fighters were mainly composed of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Focke-Wulf Fw 190, which were considered to be some of the best fighters of the war. The engagements between the Luftwaffe fighters and B-24s were often intense, with both sides suffering significant losses. The B-24s, being heavy bombers, were heavily armed and could put up a strong defence against the Luftwaffe fighters. However, the fighters were faster, more agile and had better manoeuvrability, which gave them an advantage in dogfight situations. Despite their best efforts, the Luftwaffe fighters were unable to effectively stop the B-24 bombing campaigns. The B-24s flew in large formations, which made them difficult to engage, and their heavy armament also made them formidable opponents. Additionally, the USAAF's use of long-range escort fighters, such as the P-51 Mustang, provided additional protection for the bombers. #secondworldwar #ww2 #worldwartwo #worldwar2 #war #history #militaryhistory #military #colourised #colorized #colourisedhistory #colorizedhistory #color #colour #colorizedhistoricalphotos #colorization #colourisation #retro #goodolddays #classic #goldenoldies #colorizedphoto #colourisedphoto #luftwaffe #b-24 #training https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn-YLaxq4YY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sfc-paulchambers]

The first Medal of Honor award classified "Top Secret." Hiroshi "Hershey" H. Miyamura #KoreanWar Miyamura enlisted in the Army and entered active duty at age 19 in January 1945. As a Japanese-American from New Mexico, he volunteered for and was assigned to Company D, 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry Regimental Combat team in #WWII. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War, and was assigned to Company H, 7th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division. On the evening of 24-25 April 1951, near Taejon-ni, Korea, Company H occupied a defensive position when it was attacked by a numerically superior force of the (Chinese) People's Volunteer Army, better known to U.S. and United Nations troops as Chinese Communist Forces. With his unit in danger of being overrun and their casualties mounting, Cpl. Miyamura, then a machine gun squad leader, left his position to engage a number of the attackers with the bayonet, and killed approximately ten of them in hand-to-hand combat. He repeatedly ordered his men to withdraw as he covered them with rifle fire and damaged the machine gun so the enemy could not use it. He continued firing the machine gun, and although severely wounded in the process, continued to fire and killed about fifty Chinese troops before he ran out of ammunition. Despite the painful injury, he continued to ferociously resist against very uneven odds until he was finally overcome and captured. Miyamura spent 28 months as a prisoner of war. Meanwhile, in recognition of his extraordinary heroism in the battle, the recommendation for the Medal of Honor made its way through the military channels of evaluation and consideration. Because he was a POW, and recognizing the potential propaganda coup the Communists could exploit, the documents were classified "Top Secret," a first in the history of the Medal of Honor. In October of 1953 after the ended and he returned home, President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented now Staff Sergeant Hiroshi "Hershey" H. Miyamura the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House. He died on 29 November 2022, age 97. #armyhistory #MOH #USArmy #TRADOC #MilitaryHistory Posted @withregram • @armyhistory (at Middle Tennessee Area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnznL7vu4yQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hiddenwwi]

German trench at Butte de Vauquois, France

[whencyclopedia]

Battle of Crysler's Farm

The Battle of Crysler's Farm (11 November 1813) was a major battle in the War of 1812. Fought along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, it saw a British and Canadian force defeat a much larger American army, thwarting the United States' attempt to capture Montreal.

Battle of Crysler's Farm

Adam Sherriff Scott (Public Domain)

Background

By the autumn of 1813, the St. Lawrence Valley had been left largely untouched by the War of 1812, even though the conflict had been raging for over a year. This was partially because the Americans were focused on taking the Niagara Peninsula for political and strategic reasons, but also because David Parish, one of the largest landowners in the St. Lawrence region, had loaned millions of dollars to the Madison administration in the understanding that the US would leave the valley alone. For a while, Parish's bribes paid off, and the only action along the St. Lawrence were minor raids conducted by US Major Benjamin Forsyth and his riflemen, who attacked and plundered the Canadian settlements of Gananoque and Elizabethtown on their own volition. But by mid-1813, as the Americans fumbled their invasion of Niagara, they began to look at the St. Lawrence Valley as an enticing place to open a new front. After all, the river was a major supply line for British Canada, and its capture could allow the Americans to threaten vital Canadian outposts like Kingston or even Montreal.

Such an operation would be led by Major General James Wilkinson, who had recently replaced the outgoing General Henry Dearborn as commander of all US troops along the New York–Canadian frontier. To say that Wilkinson was controversial would be somewhat of an understatement. He was almost universally disliked; Winfield Scott, one of the army's up-and-coming officers, once said that serving under Wilkinson "was as disgraceful as being married to a prostitute" (quoted in Taylor, 281). Indeed, Wilkinson's reputation for treachery stretched back to the American Revolution, when he was implicated in the Conway Cabal, which had unsuccessfully tried to force General George Washington out of command. Since then, Wilkinson had undermined his superior officer, General Anthony Wayne, in the Fallen Timbers campaign of 1794, and had later plotted with Aaron Burr to illegally attack Mexico – when this conspiracy was uncovered in 1807, Wilkinson threw Burr under the bus to minimize his own involvement. To top it all off, Wilkinson was secretly in the pay of the Spanish, having promised to promote their interests in the American West. His detestable reputation stretched well beyond his own lifetime; President Theodore Roosevelt would later say of Wilkinson that "in all our history, there is no more despicable character" (nps.gov).

The fact that a man like Wilkinson had been given such an important command was a testament to the lack of experienced general officers in the US Army. In late August, he arrived at the military camp at Sackets Harbor, New York, where, despite his unsavory reputation, he was cheered by the men. "General Wilkinson has infused new spirit into the troops at this post," reported one captain. "He inspired a degree of confidence in every officer and soldier that I never saw equaled" (quoted in Taylor, 279). The reason for this outpour of jubilation was because the soldiers were in desperate need of hope – under the sluggish leadership of their previous commander Dearborn, they had suffered defeat after defeat and, moreover, were undersupplied and poorly trained, lacking enough officers to properly drill them. What was worse was that they were suffering from disease caused by their tainted food supply; for weeks now, the men had been subsisting on rotten meat, stagnant water, and bread that was found to have been mixed with bits of soap, lime, and even fecal matter. By September, 700 officers and men were incapacitated by illness, and a month later, that number had doubled. The men, therefore, hoped that this change in command would lead to a change in fortune and would save them from their wretched condition.

James Wilkinson, c. 1820

John Wesley Jarvis (Public Domain)

Shortly after his arrival in Sackets Harbor, Wilkinson met with US Secretary of War John Armstrong, Jr., to concoct a plan. While it was agreed that Wilkinson would lead his 8,000-man army down the St. Lawrence River, the two men disagreed as to their target; Armstrong preferred an attack on Kingston, which housed the main British naval base on Lake Ontario, while Wilkinson advocated for the riskier – yet more glorious – assault on Montreal. The successful capture of Montreal, Wilkinson argued, would sever the British supply line and cut the Canadian provinces in two. Armstrong ultimately relented, viewing the plan with a great deal of optimism. "If our cards are well played," he told Wilkinson, "We may renew the scenes of Saratoga" (quoted in Taylor, 283).

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[jjwphotography1990]

Fire! Reenactments are a great way to learn a little bit of history and these guys did a great job bringing that history to life. Taken during the "Battle of the Loxahatchee River" reenactment in 2020. . Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park . #loxahatchee #loxahatcheeriver #loxahatcheeriverbattlefieldpark #battlefieldpark #seminole #seminolewars #americanhistory #military #militaryhistory #battle #reenactment #history #historical #reenactor #soldier #rifle #shooting #gun #photography #pictureoftheday #photooftheday #shotoncanon @canonusa #canonusa #canonphotographers @canon_photos #canon_photos #canonglobal @canoneosr #canoneosr #canoneosrofficial @canonrseries #canonrseries @canon_r_mirrorless @canon_photogroup @canon_addicts @townofjupiterfl #townofjupiter @jupiterfloridausa @jupiterdaily @jupiterillustrated @raw._florida @history (at Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-1gczr_Bn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[trendtracker360writer]

Ever heard of the Silver Shields? These legendary elite soldiers from ancient Macedonia, known as the Argyraspides, were more than just warriors—they were symbols of power and resilience. With silver-plated shields that showcased both skill and artistry, they left a significant mark during military campaigns under Alexander the Great. Their legacy? A blend of historical prowess and modern inspiration. Today, they resonate in art, literature, and even collectibles, reminding us of the timeless themes of bravery and loyalty. Dive into their captivating history and see how these ancient icons continue to inspire! Join www.SilverWars.com.

[tmarshconnors]

The Suez Crisis of 1956

As a British nationalist, I must confront an uncomfortable truth: the Suez Crisis 1956 was a watershed moment when Britain, once the world’s preeminent power, faced the harsh reality of its diminished global standing. That fateful period saw Britain falter on the world stage and lose much of its grip on the illusion of imperial dominance.

The Crisis Unfolds

On July 26, 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal, previously owned and operated by the Suez Canal Company, a Franco-British enterprise. For Britain, the canal was more than a strategic asset—it was a lifeline to the Empire, connecting Europe to vital colonies and oil supplies in the Middle East. Nasser’s bold move was perceived as a direct challenge to British authority.

The ensuing weeks were marked by diplomatic wrangling, covert planning, and military posturing. Prime Minister Anthony Eden, a staunch believer in Britain’s imperial legacy, saw Nasser’s actions as intolerable. Alongside France and Israel, Britain hatched a plan to regain control of the canal. The strategy was clear: Israel would invade the Sinai Peninsula, and Britain and France would intervene under the guise of peacekeeping, seizing control of the canal in the process.

The Illusion of Power

On October 29, 1956, the plan was set into motion. Israeli forces attacked the Sinai, and Britain and France issued ultimatums, which Nasser predictably rejected. Airstrikes and landings followed, but instead of showcasing British strength, the intervention highlighted its vulnerabilities.

The United States, under President Eisenhower, condemned the operation. Eisenhower, wary of Soviet exploitation of the crisis amidst the Cold War, pressured Britain and its allies to withdraw. The financial strain of the operation compounded the issue. Facing a collapsing pound and a lack of American support, Britain had no choice but to abandon the campaign. By March 1957, British troops had withdrawn.

A Humbling Defeat

The Suez Crisis was not just a military setback; it was a blow to Britain’s pride and prestige. For centuries, Britain had projected an image of unassailable authority. The events of 1956 shattered that illusion. The country was forced to reckon with a new world order where the United States and the Soviet Union held the reins of power, relegating Britain to the status of a secondary player.

For Eden, the crisis marked the end of his political career, his reputation was irreparably damaged. For Britain, it signalled the twilight of the empire. The humiliation at Suez accelerated decolonization, with countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean pushing harder for independence.

Reflections on What Was Lost

As a nationalist, it is painful to look back on Suez and not feel a sense of loss—loss of influence, loss of unity, and loss of the boldness that once defined our nation. The crisis underscored how much had changed since the days of Victoria’s empire. It revealed the cracks in the foundation of British power, forcing us to confront the limitations of our ambitions.

Yet, amidst the gloom, there is a lesson. The Suez Crisis, while a defeat, should remind us of Britain’s capacity for reinvention. From the ashes of empire, the country forged a new path, albeit a humbler one, grounded in soft power, diplomacy, and economic resilience.

In the end, Suez remains a cautionary tale: a reminder of the costs of overreach, the importance of alliances, and the need for pragmatism in a rapidly changing world. For those of us who still believe in Britain's greatness, it is a chapter worth studying—not just as a lament for what was lost but as a guide for how we might reclaim a new kind of leadership in the modern era.

[travelloverr]

Polhawn Fort: A Cornish Gem of History

A Glimpse into the Past:

Built in the 1860s as part of a Victorian coastal defense system, Polhawn Fort played a crucial role in safeguarding Britain from potential invasion. The fort’s imposing granite walls, intricate tunnels, and well-preserved gun emplacements provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who once manned this formidable stronghold.

Exploring Polhawn Fort:

A visit to Polhawn Fort is a journey through time. Visitors can:

Wander through the tunnels: Delve into the depths of the fort’s labyrinthine tunnels, once used for ammunition storage and troop movement.

Climb the gun emplacements: Explore the impressive gun emplacements and imagine the thunderous roar of cannons during wartime.

Discover the history: Learn about the fort’s fascinating history through informative displays and interpretive panels.

Enjoy panoramic views: Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Whitsand Bay, the surrounding coastline, and the rugged Cornish countryside.

Explore the surrounding area: Discover the natural beauty of the South West Coast Path, which passes close to the fort, offering stunning coastal walks.

Read more article in UK

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Outdoor Adventures at Polhawn Fort:

Polhawn Fort is not just a historical site; it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including:

Coastal walks: Explore the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves along the South West Coast Path.

Rock climbing: Challenge yourself with the challenging rock faces that surround the fort.

Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, and a variety of birdlife.

Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning coastal views.

Tips for Visiting Polhawn Fort:

Check opening times: The fort has seasonal opening hours, so check in advance to avoid disappointment.

Wear appropriate footwear: The terrain around the fort can be uneven and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes.

Bring a camera: Capture the stunning scenery and the fort’s impressive architecture.

Pack a picnic: Enjoy a picnic lunch with breathtaking views.

Respect the environment: Leave no trace and respect the natural surroundings.

Getting to Polhawn Fort:

Polhawn Fort is located near Rame Head on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall. It is easily accessible by car and public transport.

By car: The fort is well-signposted from the main roads.

By public transport: Buses operate from nearby towns and villages.

Nearby Attractions:

Rame Head: Explore the dramatic cliffs and lighthouse at Rame Head, the most southerly point of Cornwall.

Mount Edgcumbe Country Park: Discover the beautiful gardens and historic house at Mount Edgcumbe.

Looe: Visit the charming fishing town of Looe with its picturesque harbor and quaint shops.

Plymouth: Explore the vibrant city of Plymouth with its historic dockyard and maritime heritage.

Conclusion:

Polhawn Fort is a unique and unforgettable destination that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past while providing opportunities for outdoor adventure. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a day out with stunning scenery, Polhawn Fort is sure to leave a lasting impression. Continue Reading

FAQs about Polhawn Fort

Q: What is Polhawn Fort?

A: Polhawn Fort is a 19th-century coastal fort located on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall, England.

Q: What can I see and do at Polhawn Fort?

A: Explore tunnels, climb gun emplacements, learn about the fort’s history, enjoy panoramic views, go for coastal walks, and even try rock climbing.

Q: Is Polhawn Fort suitable for children?

A: Yes, Polhawn Fort can be interesting for children, especially those fascinated by history and exploring.

Q: What are the opening times of Polhawn Fort?

A: Opening times vary seasonally. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Q: How much does it cost to visit Polhawn Fort?

A: There may be an entrance fee. Check the official website for the latest pricing information.

Q: Are dogs allowed at Polhawn Fort?

A: Pet policies may vary. Check the official website or contact them directly for the latest pet policy information.

Q: How can I get to Polhawn Fort?

A: Polhawn Fort is accessible by car and public transport.