Military History Research Articles

MOBILISATION AND CONSCRIPTION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL IN IVANOVO REGION IN 1943

This article examines the activities of the city military commissars of Ivanovo Region for conscription into the Red Army of reserve conscripts, women and girls to replace regular military personnel, as well as persons who had served their sentences and were subject to mobilisation by their age. Attention is also paid to the work of the city military commissars to remove draft determents from enterprises’ employees whose qualifications did not meet the requirements periodically established by the State Defence Committee. Considerable attention is paid in the article to organising registration and conscription into the Red Army of young men born in 1926. Unlike previous mobilisations, that one carried out conscription on the basis of a resolution of the State Defence Committee in compliance with the basic provisions of the USSR Law “On Universal Military Dutyˮ as of June 26, 1941. The article is based on documents from the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History and the State Archive of Ivanovo Region, most of which have been introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. When working on them, we used hermeneutic method, which allows analysing the content of documents in terms of the time of their origin. The main result obtained during the work on this article is the establishment of the number of males and females conscripted from the territory of Ivanovo Region in 1943, as well as their employment, education, ethnicity, etc. These data allow us getting closer in order to identify the number of residents of Ivanovo Region drafted into the Red Army, and eventually understand the amount of human resources withdrawn from the region’s economy for the sake of repelling the Axis aggression. This article and its results are addressed to specialists in the field of military history, graduate students, and undergraduates of higher educational institutions.

Scholars in the service of war: The censorship of letters by Tatar prisoners of war in Germany during World War I

The article examines one of the interesting and little-known episodes from the history of World War I, telling about orientalist scholars involved in censoring letters from prisoners of war in German camps. This large-scale involvement of scholars in the censorship of letters from prisoners of war was a forced measure, since the military censors did not speak oriental languages. Among such letters, there were many written in the Tatar language, which was not taught at German universities before World War I. It can be assumed that it was the censorship of letters from prisoners of war in the Tatar language that to a certain extent influenced the emergence of a noticeable interest in the Tatar lan- guage in German Turkology. This is evidenced by the research work of the famous Turkologist Gotthold Weil who was responsible for the censorship of Tatar letters during the war and taught the Tatar language at the University of Berlin from 1918.

Thunder Alone Does Not Defeat an Enemy: An Analysis of Airpower in Vietnam

Operation Rolling Thunder is among the most well-known aerial operations in the Vietnam War, if not all of military history. However, that recognition originates more from infamy than achievement. The massive employment of ordinances, manpower, capital and military logistics did not yield the results desired by the American top brass, instead, the war in Vietnam only intensified with mounting American casualties and growing anti-war sentiments. To be concise, it was a failure. This paper aims to analyze 1) how Operation Rolling Thunder was executed, 2) why it was conducted that way, and 3) what therein should be blamed for the disastrous results mentioned earlier. The objective of the paper is to provide relevant suggestions for the use of airpower based on the experiences of Operation Rolling Thunder. This paper dissects Operation Rolling Thunder by its context, execution, and efficacy to demonstrate the usefulness air power had in the war. The operation was poorly planned and done in almost all major aspects, and the results were similarly poor. Airpower failed to be an effective political tool in this case as it failed to bring the North Vietnamese government to the negotiating table. The research employs a qualitative historical analysis, drawing from established military doctrines, primary sources such as U.S. governmental documents, and secondary scholarly discussions. Findings indicate that the gradual escalation strategy, political mismanagement, and lack of coordination with ground forces were key factors contributing to the operation's failure. The study concludes by offering recommendations for the effective use of airpower in modern military campaigns, demonstrating that airpower must be deployed in concert with other military assets to achieve political objectives.

Roll of honour films: a reappraisal

ABSTRACT Roll of honour films, showing photographs of local men who were serving in the First World War, appeared in British cinemas from early 1915. Widely produced at the time, only 12 such films have survived, four of which are held at Imperial War Museums (IWM). This article concentrates on the roll of honour films held at IWM from cinemas in Yorkshire, Essex and Lancashire. Concurring with previous studies, this essay explains the roll of honour film as a development of existing cinema practises, the new genre functioning as a strategy of practical patriotism. However, making use of new sources, this article gives a fuller account of the genre’s origins and shows that it was more substantial and long-lasting than has been recognised. It also makes observations about the nature of the roll of honour films that places them in the context of military and photographic history. As well as producing a detailed visual analysis which reveals some illuminating patterns about the gene, contextual research shows that one of the IWM examples was produced long after it is believed that the genre had died out.

Between State Duty and Peace Mission: The Other Side & Experience of Indonesia Peacekeeping Force in the Middle East

Further research has been conducted on the role of the Indonesian National Army and the Indonesian laskar after the declaration of independence on 17 August 1945 and during the revolutionary period from 1945 to 1949. However, after decolonization in the 1950s, military history including the lives of its members and their personal lives received less space in the narrative of military history. Peace veteran is a title given specifically to young Indonesians who had participated as special forces under the auspices of the United Nations. These young men did not only come from the TNI but also from student regiments who had the opportunity to join this special peacekeeping force. The main focus of this article revolves around their efforts to guard the border between Egypt and ‘Israel’ during the war in the Middle East. This article will use oral sources and personal documents from various Indonesian peacekeeping forces who served during this period. The results of the study show that although they were faced with uncertain situations, far from their families, and preparing to face the enemy, there was another side to their experiences, namely, meeting colleagues from other countries, language gaps, and other “normal” activities that they were still able to carry out while on duty.

Hobbes, the State of Nature and the Human Predicament (online first)

The triadic conception of the history of political thought, presented by Michael Oakeshott in his edition of Leviathan, is a useful heuristic framework through which to explore the idea of Hobbes’s state of nature. Hobbes’s position comes into sharp relief when examined through the criticisms of representatives from two traditions opposed to that to which Hobbes belongs. By examining the critiques by Pufendorf and Rousseau, representatives of the two alternative traditions, we are better able to appreciate the character of Hobbes’s portrayal of the human predicament. Hobbes, as an exemplar of the tradition of ‘Will and Artifice’ draws heavily upon his first publication, the translation of Thucydides’ The History of the Grecian War, which had a strong bearing on how Hobbes perceived the natural condition of humankind, and is indicative of the representation of human nature projected by the tradition of ‘Will and Artifice’.

Hobbes, the State of Nature and the Human Predicament

The triadic conception of the history of political thought, presented by Michael Oakeshott in his edition of Leviathan, is a useful heuristic framework through which to explore the idea of Hobbes’s state of nature. Hobbes’s position comes into sharp relief when examined through the criticisms of representatives from two traditions opposed to that to which Hobbes belongs. By examining the critiques by Pufendorf and Rousseau, representatives of the two alternative traditions, we are better able to appreciate the character of Hobbes’s portrayal of the human predicament. Hobbes, as an exemplar of the tradition of ‘Will and Artifice’ draws heavily upon his first publication, the translation of Thucydides’ The History of the Grecian War, which had a strong bearing on how Hobbes perceived the natural condition of humankind, and is indicative of the representation of human nature projected by the tradition of ‘Will and Artifice’.

THE MILITARY HISTORY OF THE SELJUQ EMPIRE UNDER THE REIGN OF ALP ARSLAN (1063-1072): A LITERATURE REVIEW

This study is anchored on Schloemers assertion that the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 was a monumental conflict between the Islamic forces led by Alp Arslan and the Byzantine army under Emperor Romanus IV. Alp Arslans tactical brilliance in exploiting the enemys strategies led to the defeat of the Byzantine forces, despite their numerical superiority and sufficient equipment. Consequently, Alp Arslans strategies and cunning, along with the effectiveness of the Islamic forces, became the primary factors behind the Seljuq Empires victory. Based on this premise, this study aimed to conduct a literature review on the military history of the Seljuq Empire during Alp Arslans reign, with a particular focus on his involvement in the Battle of Manzikert. This qualitative study employed historical research and content analysis for data collection and analysis purposes, particularly relying on credible sources. Findings reveal that the literature on this topic can be categorized into three main themes, namely the state of the Seljuq Empire in the 11th century, biography of Alp Arslan, and the Seljuq militarys involvement in the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Discussions on these three themes facilitate further examination, particularly regarding the Seljuq militarys engagement during Alp Arslans era in the Battle of Manzikert.

The Dawn of South African–Portuguese Cooperation: From 1950 to 1961

ABSTRACT The relationship between Portugal and South Africa significantly shaped the regional politics of twentieth-century southern Africa. Notably, Exercise Alcora, the military alliance between Rhodesia, Portugal, and South Africa, is a well-documented aspect of Cold War history that has recently garnered increased scholarly attention. The availability of previously classified materials has revealed a more complex and nuanced account of the collaboration between Portugal and South Africa, whose early partnership laid the foundation for a broader supranational alliance in the region. This research delves into the genesis and evolution of South African–Portuguese ties, scrutinising the progressively strengthening connections from the 1950s to the early 1960s. It posits that, before the late 1940s, no substantial or well-defined relations existed between Portugal and South Africa. Establishing these ties was neither straightforward nor effortless; instead, it was a multifaceted and labour-intensive process influenced by critical factors. Both nations were united by shared ideological tenets rooted in nationalism. They concurrently experienced a waning of ties with democratic powers, notably Britain and the United States. Moreover, the apparent indifference of these Western states to the communist threat in Africa catalysed closer bonds between Lisbon and Pretoria, marking a significant shift in their geopolitical alignments.

Agailjhara in the Liberation War: Genocide and Mass Graves in Eyewitness Accounts.

The history of Bangladesh’s great liberation war is as much about sacrifice as it is about glory. The immense courage of Bengalis has played a key role in making this history. Every conscious man wants to know his own historical heritage. These issues include personal identity, social traditions, and personal legends. Agailjhara is an upazila located in remote areas of Barishal district. A quiet village surrounded by nature’s greenery. Due to geographical, social and communal reasons, firebombing, genocide, disappearances, torture and snatching of women took place in Agailjhara during the Great War of Liberation. As far as I know, no significant research work has been completed on the context of the Liberation War of this region. However, at present, people are talking about the 13 most brutal genocide by the Pak intrusing forces in this region. 7 mass graves remind the brutality of Pakistani forces. At the same time, hundreds of freedom fighters of Agailjhara fought bravely to face the Pakistani intruders and upheld the honor of the motherland. It is important to bring that glorious story to future generations. Today is the 53rd year of independence of Bangladesh. Even after so many years of independence, it was not possible to present the true history of the Liberation War to the new generation. Research on Agailjhara’s genocide and mass graves is an important issue in writing a correct and complete history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Lepanto or Little Algiers? Public history and the cultural politics of commemoration in modern Greece

ABSTRACT What can the Battle of Lepanto (1571) reveal about the interconnected politics of nationalism and racism in contemporary Europe? Linking memory studies, critical heritage and the history of European-Ottoman wars, this article uses the 450th anniversary of the historic battle as an entry point for rethinking the politics of commemoration in modern Greece. It takes a multi-scalar perspective which charts memory-making across different spatial and temporal scales and examines the role of mnemonic practices as articulations of Greek nationalism blended with dependence on Greece’s Euro-Atlantic patrons. The article situates the 450th anniversary of Lepanto within a larger commemorative tradition and long-term development of civic rituals and representational conventions. In doing so, it highlights the dynamics of voicing and silencing that shapes public history in ways that sanitise the past and obfuscate complex historical processes. Specifically, the article shows how the erasure of the Black history of Nafpaktos (the Greek town associated with Lepanto) and portrayals of the Greeks as an anti-Islamic nation have reinforced eurocentric civilisational narratives, occluding histories of colonialism and empire that continue to cast their shadows today.

Justice Denied and Forgotten: The Hidden History of Alaska's World War II Internment Camps

Justice Denied and Forgotten: The Hidden History of Alaska's World War II Internment Camps

Wearing Many Hats: Chinese Muslim General Bai Chongxi and the Chinese Muslim Association during the War of Resistance

Abstract Bai Chongxi’s illustrious military career needs no introduction for military historians. What is less recognized is his influence on the development and integration of Chinese Muslims into the KMT’s national agenda during the War of Resistance. Bai leveraged his military positions to advance the aims of Chinese Muslims through his participation in the first national association for Chinese Muslims. By putting Bai’s military successes and failures during the War of Resistance into conversation with his efforts to mobilize Muslims, we see how his efforts were central to state making and nation building beyond the battlefield. In the ongoing reassessment of the Republican Era, showcasing the contributions of top generals like Bai off the battlefield presents an alternative narrative to the ongoing rehabilitation of the KMT. Bai’s influence furthers our understanding of KMT leaders in the making of modern China beyond the often-solitary focus on Chiang Kai-shek’s particular vision for the Chinese nation.

Cross-examining the Kagera War: A Plea for Multidirectional Postcolonialism

Abstract Military historians can benefit from »multidirectional« postcolonial analyses, which open new possibilities for studying war and militarization. Gendered analysis of the 1978–1979 Kagera War between Tanzania and Uganda crosses the different registers of postcolonialism, inviting military historians to account for war’s multidirectional effects within one frame.

The Rest is not the West: Othering and Identity Formation in the Non-Aligned-Movement

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was an important part of Cold War history. The movement presented an alternative to the two dominant power blocs, one which focused on equality and peace. This paper deals with the creation of a distinct NAM identity and the role that the West played in it. By applying the tools that the literature on populism offers, this paper will show that the West functioned as the most important Other against which a new identity was constructed. By focusing on the declarations of the first five NAM summits, I hope to show that over decades the West continued to be the primary Other in the self-perception of the NAM.

Ukrainian War Humor and Civic Activism in 2022

Abstract The 2022 war in Ukraine has produced the biggest virtual humor archive in the history of wars. We argue that Ukrainian war humor is a form of civic activism in the name of Ukraine’s sovereignty. This civic activism is defined by resistance, solidarity, vigilance, and dedication to victory. The war humor circulates locally as well as on a global stage. It expresses the government’s positions and the people’s voices and empowers those affected by this war. Ukrainian war humor documents experiences of war realities; provides moral commentaries and emotional and aesthetic interpretations; and articulates visions for the future of Ukraine as a sovereign European state.

Regulated Temporariness Reconsidered: Chinese Migrants in Japan and the Confluence of Policy, Infrastructure, and Transnational Factors

This paper examines how Japan’s immigration policies, the role of migration infrastructure, and pressures and expectations from the home country shape the regulated temporariness of Chinese migrants in Japan. It analyzes the regulated temporariness inherent in Japan’s visa system and considers how the uncertainty faced by temporary migrants intensifies their connections with China. The findings indicate that the migration infrastructure between China and Japan not only enhances migrants’ mobility but also restricts their freedom of choice. Furthermore, globalized social media and migrants’ connections to China transmit “pressure from China,” stemming from the two countries’ war history and the resultant political discourse, to Chinese migrants in Japan. The study reveals that migrant temporariness is not solely driven by migration entry and residence policies, as emphasized in existing migration research theories. Instead, migration infrastructure, historical relations between the two countries, and expectations for future development also shape migrants’ regulated temporariness. Migrants voluntarily enter into regulated temporariness, paradoxically achieving greater flexibility within this regulated state. This phenomenon demonstrates a blurred area between flexible temporariness and regulated temporariness, where both coexist rather than transitioning from one to the other. Consequently, it is necessary to expand our understanding of regulated temporariness, taking into account broader transnational factors and informal influences.

Improving Learning Outcomes on History of World War II Material Through the Application of the Problem-Based Learning Model for Class XII-2 Students at SMA Negeri 5 Medan

This research aims to measure how effective the problem-based learning model is in increasing the understanding of class XII-2 students at SMA Negeri 5 Medan regarding World War II. Using the Classroom Action Research (PTK) method in two cycles, this research involved learning results tests and observations to collect data. The results of research using a problem-based learning model in class XII-2 students at SMA Negeri 5 Medan showed a significant increase in learning outcomes for World War II material. This is evidenced by the increase in the average student test score from 78 in the first cycle to 82 in the second cycle. Apart from that, observations also show an increase in student learning activities, such as group discussions and information seeking.

THE POLISH-UKRAINIAN ALLIANCE OF 1920 IN CONTEMPORARY UKRAINIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY

The article is devoted to the study of the development and main trends of modern Ukrainian historiography of the Polish-Ukrainian Alliance of 1920. The source base of the study are monographs, articles, and dissertations of Ukrainian historians in the period from 1991 to 2022. The methodological basis of the study is the principles of the Cambridge School of Intellectual History, which can be generally characterized as a contextualist method of interpretation, which places the main emphasis on historical conditions and the intellectual context of the discourse of a given historical era. These principles are especially relevant for the mentioned issue given its political sensitivity, which has not disappeared to this day. As a result, the political context at the time of the creation of the text can significantly influence the research questions and interpretations of the researchers. The author notes that since Ukraine regained its independence in 1991, Ukrainian scholars have rejected the Soviet paradigm of the history of the Polish-Soviet war and have largely adopted the interpretive schemes of emigration historiography. In this narrative, in contrast to the Soviet one, S. Petliura, when signing the agreement with Poland, was guided by Ukrainian national interests. However, Ukraine became a hostage to the selfish interests of Poland, which eventually betrayed its ally. However, as the author proves, the interpretive model that depicts the Polish-Ukrainian Alliance as the resultant force of Polish and Ukrainian interests and resources is beginning to dominate Ukrainian historiography. The aspect of uniting for the common struggle against Bolshevism began to come to the fore. A significant role in this process is played by the possibility of contacts between Ukrainian historians and Polish colleagues, the essential filling of many factual gaps and, not least, the geopolitical situation of Ukraine.

Cruising Europe in World War II: Epistemological Challenges of German Vernacular Trophy Photography

The Nazi regime outfitted the Wehrmacht with the best photographic technology and its soldiers were far better equipped than their allies or nemeses. More than ten per cent of the eighteen million German combatants possessed a fast-shutter 35-mm camera. German soldier-photographers documented their wartime activities extensively, in turn leaving behind a gigantic, private and largely underexplored archive that poses multiple epistemological and ethical challenges. Military historians and Holocaust scholars approach soldierly photographs primarily as sources of information, including proof of crimes. This article shifts these lenses and argues that reading them as visual images, and not solely as historical sources and circulating artefacts, reveals a medium that equally affects its practitioners as well as the observers. Drawing upon public archives and private collections, I focus on highly performative images of victory and conquest over enemy countries and peoples and conceptualise them as ‘trophy photographs’. I examine recurrent motifs within this genre, in particular sexual encounters with enemy women and photographs of male bonding, which arguably constitute the most prevalent images snapped by soldier-photographers who ‘cruised’ Nazi-occupied Europe. Borrowing from Queer Studies, the concept of cruising allows me to probe soldiers’ mobility in semipublic spaces and also acknowledge the voyeuristic and visually alluring quality of their photographs. Seductive, exciting, these trophy photographs lure in their audience(s) with sexually charged, often (homo)erotic overtones. In turn, these images provoke diverse ways of seeing and interpreting their content: how can we best frame the soldier-photographer’s gaze and capture the polysemic quality of the images, especially when dealing with violence, racism, sexism and/or homoeroticism? What effect do trophy images of conquest potentially have on the historical actors who shot and circulated those photographs and what impact do they have on contemporary observers? Finally, acknowledging multidirectional and fractious lives of images, how do we understand the complex relationship between public history and the ethics of seeing? Because photographic images are historically contingent and open-ended, this article casts light on the complexity of mediation and competing visions between diverse publics of the past, present and future.