Military Battle Zone

1945

  • Japan’s suicide divers WW2

    The Fukuryu, or “Crouching Dragon” in Japanese, refers to a special attack unit of Japanese soldiers prepared to resist the Allied invasion of Japan’s home islands. These Suicide divers or Kamikaze frogmen (‘Kamikaze’ means ‘divine wind’) would be armed with… Continue reading

  • Japan’s fire balloons WW2

    One of the most secret weapons in the Pacific War, the Fu-Go balloon, is part of the Japanese Army’s long-term strategy in response to the US Doolittle raid. Designed to traverse the North Pacific Ocean and carrying explosives and anti-personnel… Continue reading

  • German rocket U-boats WW2

    The rocket U-boats were a series of military projects by the German Kriegsmarine (German Navy) aimed at developing submarine-launched rockets that could be launched against sea or offshore targets. The first experimentation with the idea of rocket U-boats is the… Continue reading

  • The Bat bombs of WW2

    Codenamed “Project X-Ray”, the US Military’s bat bombs were small, experimental incendiary devices attached to live bats. The concept was the brainchild of Dr. Ltyle. S. Adams, a dental surgeon who was inspired by the behavior of free-tailed bats during… Continue reading

  • The Panzerschreck Anti-tank launcher

    The German Panzerschreck Anti-tank launcher, also known as the Raktetenpanzerbuchse 54, was inspired by US bazookas captured in North Africa. It was one of two Anti-tank launchers used by the German army, such as the Panzerfaust. Due to its effectiveness… Continue reading

  • Japanese Ohka plane WW2

    The Japanese Yokosuka MXY7 Model 11 (Ohka or ‘Cherry Blossom’), codenamed ‘Baka’ by Allied troops, was a suicide attack aircraft used against Allied warships. Tested in October 1944, this rocket-powered gilder packed with 3000 pounds of explosives is designed to… Continue reading