USA

A Japanese Kawanishi H8K2 “Emily” Flying Boat shot down by a PB4Y-1 heavy bomber (consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft used by the US Navy) on July 2nd, 1944, in the Central Pacific. The Japanese Kawanishi H8K (and the improved H8K2) was a large four engined aircraft designed to land and operate …

Actresses Marlene Dietrich and Rita Hayworth serving food to soldiers at the Hollywood Canteen in Hollywood, California. November 17th, 1942. The Hollywood Canteen was open between October 3rd 1942 and November 22nd 1945. It provided food, dancing and entertainment for soldiers and servicemen, who were usually on their way overseas. …

The forward magazine of the Mahan-class destroyer USS Shaw exploding during the Pearl Harbor bombing on December 7th, 1941. The ship was repaired a few months after the attack, and served in the Pacific for the rest of the war. It was decommissioned in October 1945, and was sold for …

1) Sweethearts kissing over the railing, as British soldier returns home during leave. London, 1940. 2) American soldier with his English girlfriend hugging on the Hyde Park lawn in 1945. 3) British soldier welcomed home by his wife after the end of WW2 in Europe, 1945. 4) A young Canadian …

Heavy anti aircraft fire against Japanese night raiders by US Marines defending the Yontan Airfield in Okinawa, April 16th, 1945. Two US Marine Corsair fighter planes of the “Hell’s Belles” attack squadron can be seen in the foreground. Image captured by Technical sergeant Chorlest of the Marine Corps. Book suggestion …

A shattered Japanese Kawanishi H8K seaplane is watched by US soldiers after strafing (attacking ground targets with automatic weapons), likely on the Kwajalein Atoll of the Marshall Islands in early 1944. The Battle of Kwajalein, fought between January 31st and February 3rd 1944, saw the United States defeat a small …

Köln Dome Plateau, 1945 vs 2011. In the historical photograph, taken on April 4th, 1945, we can see a US corporal standing besides an US Army announcement and a wrecked German Panther tank. The announcement reads “Sight seers keep out! Beyond this point you draw fire on our fighting men. …

A US convoy rider gives a lift to a loaded Chinese boy on his motorcycle in the Tengchun Cutoff, China. Date unknown. Book recommendation ⤵️ 📖 Forgotten Ally: China’s World War II, 1937-1945 (Rana Mitter, 2013) Photo source: US National Archives and Records

US President Franklin Roosevelt smoking and drinking white wine, as he is listening to a speech during a Democratic Party fundraiser on November 1st, 1938. Franklin Roosevelt was also known to enjoy Martinis, as well as cocktails and mixed drinks. Book suggestion ⤵️ 📖 No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor …

A french Woman kisses a US soldier on August 25th, 1944, during the liberation of Paris, as his mates offer cheeky smiles. Victory parades took place in Paris for five days after the liberation, between August 25th and August 29th. Book suggestion ⤵️ 📖 Eleven Days in August: The Liberation …