Navy.ca's Fallen Comrades

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old

It is a commonplace that the history of civilisation is largely the history of weapons. In particular, the connection between the discovery of gunpowder and the overthrow of feudalism by the bourgeoisie has been pointed out over and over again. And though I have no doubt exceptions can be brought forward, I think the following rule would be found generally true: that ages in which the dominant weapon is expensive or difficult to make will tend to be ages of despotism, whereas when the dominant weapon is cheap and simple, the common people have a chance. Thus, for example, tanks, battleships and bombing planes are inherently tyrannical weapons, while rifles, muskets, long-bows and hand-grenades are inherently democratic weapons. A complex weapon makes the strong stronger, while a simple weapon–so long as there is no answer to it–gives claws to the weak.

- George Orwell

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Today in Military History

September 4

1886:

Indian Wars: After almost 30 years of fighting, Apache leader Geronimo surrenders with his last band of warriors to General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon in Arizona.

1939:

First RAF attacks on German Navy

1940:

World War II: The USS GREER becomes the first United States ship fired upon by a German submarine in the war, even though the United States is a neutral power. Tension heightens between the two nations as a result.

1944:

World War II: The British 11th Armored Division liberate the city of Antwerp in Belgium.

1945:

World War II: Japanese forces surrender on Wake Island after hearing word of their nation's surrender.

1950:

The "Beetle Bailey" comic strip begins.

1950:

The "Beetle Bailey" comic strip begins.

1951:

The first live transcontinental television broadcast takes place in San Francisco, California from the Japanese Peace Treaty Conference.

1967:

Vietnam War: Operation Swift begins - The United States Marines launch a search-and-destroy mission in Quang Nam and Quang Tin Provinces. The ensuing 4-day battle in Que Son Valley kills 114 Americans and 376 North Vietnamese.

476:

Romulus Augustus, the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, is deposed when Odoacer proclaims himself King of Italy.

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