The Junkers Ju 87 or Stuka (from Sturzkampfflugzeug, “dive bomber”) was a German dive bomber and ground-attack aircraft. Designed by Hermann Pohlmann, which first flew in 1935. The Ju 87 made its combat debut in 1937 with the Luftwaffe’s Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War and served the Axis forces during World War II. The aircraft is easily recognisable […]
JU87 Stuka Dive Bomber – Germany’s screaming menace Read More »
After its defeat in World War I, Germany was banned from operating an air force by the Treaty of Versailles. Following Hitler’s ascent to power, German re-armament began in earnest in the early 1930s although this was initially kept secret because it clearly violated the treaty and the early development of military bombers was disguised
Heinkel HE III – Germany’s stalwart medium bomber Read More »
Citizen Kane Released in 1941 by Mercury Productions, Citizen Kane was the debut film for Orson Welles. At just twenty five years old Welles produced, co-wrote and directed the film, as well as playing in the starring role. The plot examines the life and legacy of wealthy newspaper publisher and industrial magnate Charles Foster Kane.
5 Famous Films of the Forties Read More »
With the outbreak of war in late 1939, attempts were made by the government to close all places of popular entertainment, including the cinemas. Mostly located in city centres and regularly packed with men, women and children, it was feared that cinemas posed a danger during bombing campaigns. But a public outcry meant that the
A Trip to ‘The Pictures’ in the 1940s Read More »
Britain’s Wartime Coal Crisis In 1939, as World War II raged, Britain implemented a national service draft. Over 1.5 million men joined the armed forces, impacting crucial industries like coal mining. Coal mines, already dangerous and unregulated, saw an exodus of young miners seeking a different wartime experience. This manpower shortage threatened Britain’s coal supply,
Keep the Home Fires Burning – The Crucial Role of The Bevin Boys Read More »
In the late 1930s, the shadow of war loomed large, and this shift was reflected in 1940s toys. Military themes dominated boys’ toys, with tanks, aeroplanes and soldier figures mirroring the changing times. Girls’ toys continued to focus on domestic roles, featuring dolls, tea sets and miniature appliances. The outbreak of World War II drastically
As we enter the 1940s, hair care and styling for women takes a practical turn but still lives up to social expectations of femininity. Keeping hair clean and shiny was time consuming, particularly as shampoo became scarce during the second world war. As a result cuts became a little shorter, with hair pinned away from
Glamorous 40s Hairstyles: 3 Must-Try Looks Read More »
