Germany invaded Norway in April 1940, and defeated the Nordic nation in a 62-day campaign. But Norwegians continued to serve the Allied cause throughout the war. One of the least remembered, most important, and most unique roles was not about strength of arms, but about gross tonnage. The History Guy remembers the critical role played by “the largest shipping company in the world.”
Tag: wwii
Mephisto and the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux
The Second battle of Villers-Bretonneux represented a critical turning point in the Great War. While most fans of military history recall the first battle between tanks, the fate of the A7V “Mephisto” tells the story of tank warfare in the First World War. The History Guy recalls the story of the only surviving A7V.
The Naval Battle of Okinawa
The Battle of Okinawa was the largest and deadliest battle of the Pacific campaign. But the terrible battle on the island was only part of the fight, as the ships of the Navy faced an onslaught of Kamikaze attacks. The History Guy recalls the many desperate actions to save the ships of the Okinawa armada.
Rangers and the 116th Infantry Regiment: D-DAY+2
Events behind Omaha beach on D-Day +2 helped to secure the allied invasion of “Fortress Europe.” Rangers were rescued, a resort town taken, and a Medal of Honor earned. The History Guy tells the story of the day after the day after D-Day.
The Battle of Merville Gun Battery
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, men of the British Ninth Parachute Battalion must disable a heavy gun battery that is within range of Sword Beach. The History Guy recounts one of the million acts of bravery on D-Day that deserves to be remembered.
D-Day Playlist on YouTube
With the 76th anniversary of D-Day approaching, The History Guy had the opportunity to create a playlist for YouTubes’s Learning Hub. This collection of videos from several channels covers the largest amphibious invasion in military history:
Douglas Munro and the Battle of the Matanikau
In September 1942, a group of U.S. marines was trapped behind enemy lines. A group of Navy landing craft came to the rescue, under the leadership of two Coast Guardsmen. The History Guy tells the story of the only U.S. Coast Guardsman to have been awarded the Medal of Honor. It is history that deserves to be remembered.
Explosion of USS Mount Hood, November 10, 1944
The ammunition ship, USS Mount Hood, was responsible for supplying ammunition to hundreds of ships from the United States Third Fleet in Seeadler Harbor. On March 10, 1944, something went terribly wrong. The History Guy tells a forgotten story that reminds us even the sailors on support vessels risked their lives in the World War II effort.
December 1944: USS Bergall vs IJN Myōkō and Ushio
In December 1944, a US submarine stumbled upon a Japanese heavy cruiser. The brief battle resulted in epic journeys for both. The History Guy recalls an event where the story was as much in what happened after the battle as it was in the battle itself.
The Air Transport Command
The Air Transport Command played a vital role in the US war effort of World War II, yet their service is nearly forgotten. The History Guy remembers the compelling story of military and civilian men and women who ferried planes and supplies from across the US to remote places all over the world. It is history that deserves to be remembered.