D-Day
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Sinterklaas, also known as Saint Nicholas, is a beloved tradition in the Netherlands and parts of Belgium, celebrated annually on December 5th (Sinterklaasavond or Pakjesavond) and leading up to that date. It is also observed in other regions with Dutch heritage. The tradition centers around Sinterklaas, a figure akin to Santa Claus, who is based
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By mid-September 1944, the Allies had made substantial progress in their liberation of Western Europe following the successful Normandy landings in June. Operation Market Garden, launched on September 17, was a large-scale Allied offensive aimed at quickly advancing through the Netherlands, securing key bridges, and eventually entering Germany to end the war sooner. This operation
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On Normandy’s shores ‘neath dawn’s pale light,Brave souls stormed forth to end the night.Steel met sand in thunder’s cry,While hopes and fears rode sea and sky. The tide of war began to turn,As freedom’s fire began to burn.Through blood and grit, the path was paved—By those who fought, the world was saved. Into the Jaws
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(First published in 2019) Ireland remained neutral throughout World War II, but that is not to say there was no contribution from the Irish during the war. Many young Irish men did join the British army and also partook in Operation Overlord, more commonly known as D-Day. However, this blog is not about any of
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This blog will not contain a lot of text, mainly photographs and art of soldiers who served during World War II, and will contain short descriptions. The photograph above was discovered by Levi Bettwieser, a passionate collector of old film rolls who was lucky enough to stumble upon 31 undeveloped rolls of film full of
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Operation Postmaster: A Daring Special Operations Executive Mission in World War II Introduction Operation Postmaster was a covert military operation conducted during World War II by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE). It was a meticulously planned and highly successful mission that took place in January 1942, targeting enemy-controlled shipping in Spanish-controlled Fernando Po (now
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A few days before Christmas, Dennis Donovan, the last surviving member of the wartime 48 Royal Marine Commando, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, at the remarkable age of 100. In recent years, he has made several pilgrimages back to Normandy, with his final visit in June 2024 to commemorate the 80th
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The Battle of Vianden: A Testament to Courage and Resistance on November 19, 1944 The Battle of Vianden, fought on November 19, 1944, stands as a remarkable episode of defiance during World War II. Taking place in the medieval town of Vianden in northern Luxembourg, this engagement showcased the extraordinary bravery of a small group
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Beneath the whispering trees, they lie,In silent rows where poppies bloom,Their names inscribed against the sky,In fields that echo with the tomb. In foreign lands, on distant shores,Their stories linger, etched in stone,Brave souls who fought in global wars,Now rest in peace, their battles done. White crosses mark the endless sea,Of dreams cut short, of
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First-hand accounts from soldiers who participated in D-Day provide a vivid and personal perspective on the events of June 6, 1944. These narratives capture the chaos, bravery, and camaraderie experienced by those who were there. Here are some notable accounts: Omaha Beach: Charles E. “Chuck” Shay Charles Shay, a Native American medic with the 1st
History of Sorts 