The War Years

The War Years is dedicated to bringing World War Two history to life. Our website, YouTube channel, photo galleries, social media and blog posts combine to tell the true stories of the world's most destructive conflict, and keep alive the memories of all those who were lost.

Looking for specific information on some aspect of World War Two? Use our search feature or contact us directly.

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The Story of the Conflict

The story of World War Two is an epic tale of political extremism, racism, territorial expansionism, subjugation and mass murder on an industrial scale. It’s also a story of immense courage, sacrifice, determination, ingenuity and great leadership.

Read the whole story in brief.

TheWarYears1939 dedicated WW2 military history channel. 

TheWarYears1939 - Military History YouTube Channel

Watch over 70 videos that tell the story of every aspect of World War Two military history. Our dedicated YouTube channel has over 3 million views and 1600 subscribers. We take a closer look at the people, vehicles and weapons that had such as devastating and decisive impact on the outcome of key battles throughout the conflict.

Visit TheWarYears1939 video channel now.

The War Years Blog

In the War Years Blog we review military history books, events and museums. We also look at the history of unique World War Two artefacts, militaria, medals and anything else of general interest. Read our latest blog post now.

Featured
Spitfire September
Spitfire September

In this post, we review a Spitfire September. First, we take a look at the new Spitfire documentary film. Next, the Battle of Britain Air Show at IWM Duxford, and finally, John Nichol’s book, Spitfire: a Very British Love Story. Tally-Ho!

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Drama Revival Explores the Tragedy of Chemical Warfare
Drama Revival Explores the Tragedy of Chemical Warfare

This autumn, Proud Haddock will bring Tony Harrison’s lyrical play Square Rounds to the Finborough Theatre for its first UK production in nearly 30 years since its rediscovery. Based on true events, this highly original play explores the devastating impact of chemical warfare and weapons of mass destruction.

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Living on Borrowed Time, the Story of Captain John Hannaford
Living on Borrowed Time, the Story of Captain John Hannaford

In her book Time Stood Still in a Muddy Hole, first-time author Pat Strickson tells the fascinating true story of Captain John Hannaford, one of the UK’s last Bomb Disposal officers of World War Two. Read the full book review now on The War Years.

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Fragments of Triumph and Tragedy
Fragments of Triumph and Tragedy

In this blog, we look at two fragments of World War Two aviation history, one a German Luftwaffe Bf-109E-3 and the other a Royal Air Force Spitfire Mk.Vb. We learn how one pilot was to survive a short, brutal dogfight and how the other was to die and only receive a proper burial 70 years later.

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The Ghosts of Tangmere

In this blog post we visit Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, once a frontline RAF fighter base during the Battle of Britain and home to the UK's airspeed records. 

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Visit the Home of Fighter Command
Visit the Home of Fighter Command

In this post we visit the former Headquarters of RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, The Bentley Priory Museum in Stanmore, a suburb of Northwest London. It was here that Sir Hugh Dowding oversaw the air defence of the UK during the dark days of 1940.

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The Museums of RAF Davidstow Moor
The Museums of RAF Davidstow Moor

In this post we visit a former Coastal Command airfield, RAF Davidstow Moor, Cornwall, and its two fascinating military history museums that stand in the shadow of a cheese factory.

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The Miracle of Dunkirk Retold
The Miracle of Dunkirk Retold

In this blog post we take a look at Christopher Nolan’s new war movie Dunkirk.

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The Abbeville Boys Focke Wulf Fw-190A1
The Abbeville Boys Focke Wulf Fw-190A1

In this blog we take a look at the unique history of a piece of engine cowling from Fw-190A-1 Wn.10036. The Fw-190 was part of Jagdgeschwader (JG) 26 "Schlageter" known to the Allies as "The Abbeville Boys". Piloted by Oberfeldwebel Helmut Ufer, the Fw-190 was shot down by an RAF Spitfire in July 1942. 

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Two Books on the Tank War for Northwest Europe
Two Books on the Tank War for Northwest Europe

In this double book review we look at two very different titles that both look at the tank war in Northwest Europe from very different perspectives. Ken Tout's book A Fine Night for Tanks takes an almost forensic look at Operation Totalize. Tank Action by David Render is a very personal portrait of the Allied advanced from the Normandy beaches to Germany from the viewpoint of a junior tank commander.

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Photo Galleries

Our World War Two galleries include many genuine photographs of events as they happened plus museum visits, vehicle displays, air shows and battle re-enactments. 

Featured
British Airborne
British Airborne

British paratrooper armed with a No. 4 Lee Enfield .303 rifle. He's wearing the distinctive airborne Denison smock.

Hawker Hurricane
Hawker Hurricane

RAF Battle of Britain Hawker Hurricane, although this one is actually a lifesize fibreglass replica

Sten Gun
Sten Gun

Two British paratroopers armed with 9mm Sten submachine guns. The man crouching has the shoulder pips (rank insignia) of a British Army Captain while the man standing wears the stripes of a Sergeant (Non-Commissioned Officer). Over 4 million Sten guns of different variants were made during the 1940s.

US Army Infantryman
US Army Infantryman

This US army infantryman appears to be armed with a Springfield M1903 bolt-action rifle, 5 round magazine .30-06.

VE Day Anniversary Event
VE Day Anniversary Event

Two World War Two re-enactors dressed as British airborne forces during a mock battle at the Royal Gunpowder Mills VE Day anniversary event, May 2014.

The German Soldier at Rest
The German Soldier at Rest

This photo was taken during the VE Day anniversary event at the Royal Gunpowder Mills, May 2014.

American M3 Half-Track
American M3 Half-Track

This is an anti-aircraft variant of the American WW2 M3 half-track armoured personnel carrier.  

US Army M3 Half-Track
US Army M3 Half-Track

The M3 half-track was extensively produced with about 15,000 units and more than 50,000 derivative variants manufactured

M3 Stuart - Turretless
M3 Stuart - Turretless

A turretless M3 Stuart light tank used by the British in Italy and Normandy during WW2, known as the T8E1 Reconnaissance vehicle.

M40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage
M40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage

The American M40 155mm Gun Motor Carriage was a self-propelled artillery vehicle built on a widened and lengthened M4A3 Medium Tank chassis.

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