Category Archives: Uncategorized

Uncategorized

Presidential Thanksgiving – 1789

Thanksgiving

Presidential Thanksgiving – 1789

Happy Thanksgiving

Below is President Washingtons Thanksgiving Proclamation. While the official holiday was not made into law until 1941 it was not uncommon for Congress and or the President to call for days of thanks. Enjoy below. Have fun and get some turkey.

 

Thanksgiving Proclamation

Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

Uncategorized

The Secret Origin of Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam

The Secret Origin of Uncle Sam

During the War of 1812 a New York meat packer named Samuel Wilson provided barrels of beef to the army. Stamped on the barrels were the initials U.S.  Soldiers, being soldiers, started calling the food “Uncle Sam’s”. A newspaper picked up on the phrase and eventually it became widely accepted to refer to the Federal Government as Uncle Sam.

The actual image of Uncle Sam evolved in the 1860’s to 70’s when famous political cartoonist Thomas Nast began featuring the character in his cartoons. He would eventually grant the character the long white beard and striped pants that became part of the icon. (Nast also was responsible for the modern depiction of Santa Claus and for deciding that the donkey would symbolize Democrats.)

WWI

During the WWI era artist James Montgomery Flagg updated the symbol with a top hat and blue coat. In his famous rendition the character pointed directly at the viewer. This image would become famous as the recruiting poster telling the viewer, “I Want You For The U.S. Army”.

In 1961 the US Congress officially recognized Samuel Wilson as the creator of the symbol. In 1989 President Bush even declared the September 5th would be Uncle Sam Day as already celebrated in Wilson’s hometown of Troy, New York.

Interestingly enough the original “personification” of America was the figure Columbia, a woman most often portrayed with arms held wide open.  The name most like was a play on Christopher Columbus’s “discovery” of America. Though eventually she would give way to Lady Liberty (before the statue) and Uncle Sam, Columbia is still around us today. Columbia University in New York, the capital of South Carolina is Columbia and even in Washington DC (District of Columbia).  Eventually Uncle Sam would surpass poor Columbia and become the personification of the country all across the globe.

Thanks to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Orlando for the picture and articles inspiration.

Uncategorized

Explanation and New Schedule

Manassas Battlefield

Explanation and New Schedule

 

Some may have noticed a lack of content that last month or so and I wanted to take a chance to address the situation. It is actually quite simple, I took on a new job. Being the main contributor tot he site, that really cut into the number of contributions I could be generating. It is my hope as the new job sorts itself out and the schedule solidifies I can go back to the 3 days a week schedule that was maintained for almost 5 years!

For the summer we will for sure get out at least one post a week, Wednesday will be the day we shoot for. We will also try and do more sharing and such on the Facebook page so we keep people coming back.

I can not wait until the time that we can get back to the regular schedule. Stick with us as we have plenty more stories to tell!

 

 

Uncategorized

Aircraft carriers on the Great Lakes?

Aircraft carriers on the Great Lakes?

Aircraft carriers on the Great Lakes?

Yep, there were two during WWII. The model in the picture is of the USS Wolverine (IX-64). During the war, the Navy purchased two large side wheel excursion steamers and converted them into aircraft carriers. The ships were used to train pilots and landing signal officers on the intricacies of their crafts. The ships were based out of the Glenview Naval Air Station near Chicago.

Commissioned 2 August 1942 the Wolverine served during the war even though it had a few issues. It had no elevators or hanger deck, so once the flight deck was full the operations were over for the day. Also in low wind conditions, the ship could not generate enough speed on its own to generate the wind needed to successfully simulate the landings. Still, they served their purposes well.

On 7 November 1945, with the war over. The Wolverine was decommissioned and in December 1947 sold for scrap.

Always remember for a brief couple of years we did have aircraft carriers on the Great Lakes. If ever we had the chance to bring Canda into the fold, it may have been then…

Uncategorized

Last Post of 2018!

Last Post of 2018!

Last Post of 2018!

 

This will be the last post for 2018 and we will pick up again after the new year starts,

Thank you to everyone who follows and reads this blog. It is a work of love and it is good to know it is appreciated.

American Military History is not just the story of the wars that were fought. About who won or lost. It is about the men and women that sacrificed everything for a cause, for a country, for a hope for a better future. In life and death, those who take up that fight deserve to be honored and remembered.

My father was a Vietnam War veteran. Some of the photos he took while over there are featured on this blog. He left us years ago before his entire story could be told. There is so much about the time he was over there that ill never be known because he was never quite ready to talk about it. Part of the reason that I wanted to end the year with the picture above is to honor him. The Three Soldiers stand right near the Vietnam Memorial, watching over those names that adorn it.  I was very lucky that my father’s name is not on that wall, but to this day I believe that a small piece of him is there with his friends that didn’t make it home.

Hello 2019

2018 was a good year for Historia Militaris. We broke 1,000 follows on Facebook and told over 100 stories this year. Next year we are going to bring some exciting new content to the blog, maybe even some additional contributors. We want to grow this and tell as many stories as possible. And we will, thanks to everyone that reads it.

If you like what we bring, share the posts, like them as they go on Facebook and invite others to partake in our journey.

See you all in 2019!

 

Uncategorized, WWII

PBY-5A Catalina The Eye in the Sky

PBY-5A Catalina The Eye in the Sky

PBY-5A Catalina The Eye in the Sky

Being a flying boat has some advantages and during WWII the PBY-5A Catalina put them to good use. She was versatile and served a number of roles. This model does a good job of showing her off but they really need to be seen in person to be appreciated.

Around 3,300 were built for the war and they served in almost every theater. She was first introduced in 1936 and remained in service with the US Navy until 1957 but the Brazilian navy kept them in service until 1979. Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and even the Soviet Union all used them during their lifetime. Today some still fly and act as firefighting platforms all over the world.

The Catalina had a crew of ten and had two 1,200 horsepower engines. She could reach 195 miles per hour and had a range of about 2,520 miles. Armed with machine guns and capable of carrying 4,000lbs of bombs she could always manage to hold her own.

Her biggest role was as a submarine hunter in the Pacific as well as the Atlantic theater. They would escort convoys and when called upon would take the fight straight to the enemy subs. As patrol craft, few planes are in her league.  They helped the Royal Navy track the Bismark in 1941, leading the sinking of the massive ship. The helped spoil a surprise Japanese landing in Malaya on December 7, 1941, and most notably took part in the Battle of Midway, spotting the location of the Japanese carriers in the early hours of the battle. Scenes like these were repeated many times during the war where the Catalina’s always seemed to be on point.

 

Uncategorized

The Sound of Drums

.The Sound of Drums

The Sound of Drums

Since the beginning of warfare leaders needed to be able to communicate with their troops from a distance. To get their commands heared through the din of battle. during the roar of battle. In many places in the world, the drum has always been one of the most favored methods of battlefield communication.

Drums would be used to men where to gather, and when to attack. When to leave the battlefield and when to curfew had fallen on the camp. From a distance, units could communicate with other to coordinate. Drums would also help the soldiers keep their pace when marching.

Since our military heritage is drawn mainly from European tradition, it is interesting to note that prior to the Crusades, drums were not used in European armies. In fact, when facing off against the forces of Islam, who made heavy use of large kettledrums to command the troops, they found that their horses reacted poorly to the noise to which they had never heard. Early battles were heavily affected by the enemies drums until they grew accustomed.

Returning armies worked the drums into their operations. By the time that the European powers came to the American continent, they found themselves up against indigenous people that had been using drums for communication for thousands of years.

Drums, bugles and other musical instruments found their way into the US military. They only started to fade from use during the Civil War when the telegraph began taking its place in the command and control realm. Eventually, the radio would provide the most direct communication method and the drums fell silent as a battlefield tool.

Uncategorized

Thanksgiving 1789

 

Below is President Washingtons Thanksgiving Proclamation. While the official holiday was not made into law until 1941 it was not uncommon for Congress and or the President to call for days of thanks. Enjoy below. Have fun and get some turkey.

 

Thanksgiving Proclamation

Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favor, able interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go. Washington

Uncategorized

Germany’s WWI Turtle Grenade

German Turtle Grenade WWI

Turtle Grenade

 

Sure it sounds cute, but the Turtle Grenade was nothing to trifle with.  During WWI grenades were all the rage but there was a problem. When you pulled the pin the fuse would start counting down. You would throw the grenade and hope that it exploded when you wanted it to. Sometimes whoever if you did not time thing right, they would get picked up and thrown back at you.

In an effort to avoid this outcome Germany developed the Discushandgranaten. The Allies called it the Turtle Grenade. It was made up of two thin steel plates that were crimped together. Running through was a cross of four tubes that contained metal rods. The rods blocked the spring-loaded firing pins. When thrown you would put a spin on it, causing the metal rods to move outward (via centrifugal force). This action released the firing pins which ignited the fuse.

That was the theory at least. The design was good but still had issues. First off for it to be effective you had to throw it in such a way that it would land on one of the studs. Almost like skipping a stone on the water or some kind of steampunk shuriken. If it did not land just right, no explosion. Getting the throw right while you are standing in the trenches under fire was not the easiest thing to do.

The other issue was that it was easy to bump one of the studs and set the thing off. During the small amount of time, it was in use the number of “friendly fire” incidents was high. It did not take long for a new model of the grenade to find its way out. The Turtle would be replaced by the Potato Masher within a year.

Uncategorized

Wednesday Words & Phrases: Ambush

 

Bangladesh Army, Ambush

Ambush

An ambush is a surprise attack by people laying in wait in a concealed position.

It can also be used in conversation. Such as asking a question you already know the answer to. That could be considered “setting an ambush”.

The word can be traced all the way back through Middle English, to Old French (embusche (noun), (embushier) (verb), to Latin where it translates to “bush”. Yes, as you may have suspected, ambush comes from the word people used when someone hid in a bush. The noun version, “It was an ambush!” dates to the 15th century.