Military History Now

@exQUIZitely The map and manual for Sid Meier's Pirates! was worth the price alone. Honourable mentions to Gunship and F19

Celebrating physical media from a world long gone. Silent Service II (MicroProse, 1990) for DOS PCs. Minimum system requirements: - PC XT - 512k RAM - DOS 2.0 Box came with a massive manual (including technical specifications for submarines and battelships), a keyboard overlay, a games catalog, and more. Later ported to Amiga and Atari ST.

The U.S. Army had high hopes for the XH-26 helicopter when it first flew in 1952. Powered entirely by tiny jet engines mounted on each rotor tip, the miniature whirlybird was lightweight and nimble but ultimately proved unsuitable for military use. Only five were ever made.

Today in 1943, General Patton strikes an 18-year-old GI suffering from PTSD while visiting a field hospital in Sicily. The incident, along with a similar episode days later, makes headlines and nearly costs the general his command. For the full story see: t.co/Xcr2ISKjS6

On this day in 1914, Germany declares war on France. Hours later, France reciprocates. Armies in both countries begin mobilizing for action. The diplomatic crisis that has gripped Europe for weeks is quickly passing the point of no return.

British veterans of the First World War remember what it was like to 'go over the top' (Clipped from the 2018 documentary 'They Shall Not Grow Old')

Today in 1943, a Japanese destroyer slams into PT Boat 109. The American vessel's 26-yr-old skipper, John F. Kennedy, keeps the survivors alive following the ramming. The tale of heroism spreads and will later propel the young officer into politics. See: militaryhistorynow.com/2015/10/14/jfk…

On this day in 1964, the American destroyer USS Maddox opens fire on North Vietnamese patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. Washington uses the engagement, along with a false report of another incident two days later, to justify a major military intervention in Southeast Asia.

Today in 216 BC, Hannibal of Carthage encircles and wipes out a much larger Roman army at Cannae in southern Italy, producing one of history's most remarkable victories. His bold strategy inspires generals for centuries. But for Rome, the defeat is an epic humiliation that spurs a range of far-reaching military reforms. See how Hannibal did it at: t.co/W46o0hd5Fy

Today in 1944, the largest naval convoy of the Second World War, codenamed HX 300, reaches British waters. Its 166 cargo ships and 35 escorts carry everything from tanks and fuel oil to lumber and rum. Despite its immense size, improved Allied anti-submarine tactics ensure not a single vessel is lost to German U-boats.

On this day in 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte, age 32, is proclaimed France's "First Consul for Life." Two years later, he'll crown himself emperor.

On this day in 1990, Iraqi forces invade Kuwait. 168 days later, a U.S.-led international coalition will launch Operation Desert Storm, the massive military campaign to drive Saddam Hussein's army out of the tiny Persian Gulf emirate.

The @CWHM Lancaster dropped down for a look while we were out sailing on the tall ship Empire Sandy.

Two F-14 Tomcats from the USS Nimitz mix it up with a couple of Mitsubishi Zeroes in the beloved sci-fi movie 'The Final Countdown.' The film imagines the nuclear powered aircraft carrier being thrown back in time to the eve of Pearl Harbor. It was released on this day in 1980.

On this day in 1943, 177 American bombers strike the Nazi-controlled Ploesti oil fields of Romania. More than 100 planes are lost or damaged in the raid. It's among the worst defeats suffered by the Allies in the air war. Read about the operation here and how the Allies learned from the disaster: t.co/anrKsa2UYs

On this day in 1798, Horatio Nelson defeats a French fleet at the Battle of the Nile. The clash leaves Napoleon's 45,000-man Armée d'Orient stranded in Egypt with no way to get home.

On this day in 1944, the Polish Resistance takes to the streets of Warsaw as part of Operation Tempest, a coordinated nation-wide effort to liberate the country from German occupation. Nearly 200,000 Poles will be killed before the nine-week uprising is finally crushed.

Today in 1970, the Royal Navy officially abolishes the centuries-old daily rum ration. The Admiralty considers the tradition harmful to health & safety in a modern navy. Disheartened sailors wear black armbands as the last tots of spirits are poured. See: militaryhistorynow.com/2013/09/30/fig…

On this day in 1917, the Allies launch a three-month offensive east of Ypres to clear the German army from a ridge near Passchendaele. An unusually wet August along with heavy autumn rains soon transform the battlefield into an impassable quagmire.

On this day in 1940, Great Britain braces for invasion. Here, men of the British 'Green Howards' infantry regiment guard the English Channel coast at Sandbanks near Poole, Dorset. Photographed on this day in 1940.

On this day in 1941, Germany's Army Group Centre encircles and captures 300,000 Soviet troops at the Battle of Smolensk. Hitler's month-old drive into Russia continues, but stiffening resistance by the Red Army will soon slow the invaders. Also, winter is coming.