What is Cannon Fodder?

Introduction Cannon fodder is an informal, derogatory term for combatants who are regarded or treated by government or military command as expendable in the face of enemy fire. The term is generally used in situations where combatants are forced to fight against hopeless odds (with the foreknowledge that they will suffer extremely high casualties) in… Read More

Advertisements

Who was Edward Smith?

Introduction Edward Benn (‘Ned’) Smith VC, DCM (10 November 1898 to 12 January 1940) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. World War I He is unusual in having gained both… Read More

What is the Trading with the Enemy Act?

Introduction Trading with the Enemy Act is a stock short title used for legislation in the United Kingdom and the United States relating to trading with the enemy. Background Trading with the Enemy Acts is also a generic name for a class of legislation generally passed during or approaching a war that prohibit not just… Read More

What is Evacuation Day (Syria) (1946)?

Introduction Evacuation Day (Arabic: عيد الجلاء‎), is Syria’s national day commemorating the evacuation of the last French soldier and Syria’s proclamation of full independence and the end of the French mandate of Syria on 17 April 1946. Background After World War I, the Ottoman Empire was divided into several new nations, creating the modern Arab… Read More

What is Transfer Day (US Virgin Islands)?

Introduction Transfer Day is a holiday celebrated in the US Virgin Islands on 31 March. It marks the transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States that took place in 1917. The islands were initially held by various European countries, and would be under the sole control of Denmark in 1754. Transfer Day… Read More

Who was Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck?

Introduction Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck (20 March 1870 to 09 March 1964), also called the Lion of Africa (German: Löwe von Afrika), was a general in the Imperial German Army and the commander of its forces in the German East Africa campaign. For four years, with a force of about 14,000 (3,000 Germans and 11,000… Read More

What was World War I (1914-1918)?

Introduction World War I (or the First World War, often abbreviated as WWI or WW1; German: Erster Weltkrieg) was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. Contemporaneously known as the Great War or “the war to end all wars”, it led to the mobilisation of more… Read More