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An Overview of the AK-47 Assault Rifle

Introduction The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kalashnikova (Russian: Автомат Калашникова, lit. ‘Kalashnikov’s automatic [rifle]’; also known as the Kalashnikov or just AK), is a gas-operated assault rifle that is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge. Developed in the Soviet Union by Russian small-arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, it is the originating firearm of the Kalashnikov… Read More

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Why is Germany Allowed to have an Army While Japan Isn’t?

Introduction Whilst doing some research for something else, I came across the following question: Why is Germany allowed to have an army while Japan isn’t? I found the question amusing as both Germany (both as East and West, and then unified) and Japan have armies, and have done so for several decades. Background During World… Read More

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What were the Flying Tigers (1941-1942)?

Introduction The First American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Republic of China Air Force, nicknamed the Flying Tigers, was formed to help oppose the Japanese invasion of China. Operating in 1941-1942, it was composed of pilots from the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), Navy (USN), and Marine Corps (USMC), and was commanded by Claire… Read More

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What were the Eagle Squadrons (1940-1942)?

Introduction The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed with volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of World War II (circa 1940), prior to America’s entry into the war in December 1941. With the United States still neutral, many Americans simply crossed the border and… Read More

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What was the Destroyers-for-Bases Deal?

Introduction The destroyers-for-bases deal was an agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom on 02 September 1940, during World War II, according to which 50 Caldwell, Wickes, and Clemson-class US Navy destroyers were transferred to the Royal Navy from the US Navy in exchange for land rights on British possessions. Generally referred to… Read More

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An Overview of the Deportations of Germans from Latin America during World War II

Introduction During World War II, 4,058 ethnic Germans along with several hundred other Axis-nationals living in Latin America were deported to the United States and their home countries, often at the behest of the US government. Although the arrest, internment and/or deportation of belligerent country nationals was common practice in both Axis and Allied countries… Read More