#WW2facts #WorldWar2 #crazyfacts #historicalfacts
Are you a history buff with a love for all things World War 2? If so, you’ve come to the right place! When it comes to the Second World War, there are countless mind-blowing facts that are sure to leave you in awe. From bizarre weapons to unbelievable events, the craziness of WW2 never fails to amaze. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most unbelievable and interesting facts about World War 2. Get ready to be amazed!
The Unbelievable WW2 Facts You Need to Know
1. The Invention of Duct Tape Saved Lives
Believe it or not, duct tape was originally developed during World War 2 for the military. It was used to seal ammunition cases, repair equipment, and even fix military vehicles. The versatile tape eventually became a staple in households and is now a common tool for DIY projects and household repairs.
2. The “Ghost Army” Fooled the Enemy
During WW2, a top-secret unit known as the “Ghost Army” utilized inflatable tanks, sound effects, and decoys to deceive the enemy. Their mission was to create the illusion of a much larger army in order to confuse and mislead German forces. This creative tactic played a crucial role in the success of Allied operations.
3. The Soviet Union Used “Anti-tank Dogs”
In a rather bizarre and tragic turn of events, the Soviet Union trained dogs to carry explosives and run under enemy tanks. The dogs were supposed to be detonated near German tanks, but due to various factors, many of the dogs ended up detonating near Soviet soldiers instead. This shocking tactic is a prime example of the extreme measures taken during WW2.
4. The US Developed Bat Bombs
In one of the more unique and unconventional weapons of WW2, the United States experimented with bat bombs. The concept involved strapping bombs to bats and releasing them over Japanese cities. The bats would then seek shelter in buildings, causing widespread fires and chaos. Although the idea never saw full-scale use, it remains a strange and fascinating historical footnote.
5. The “Battle of Los Angeles” Mystery
In February 1942, a mysterious event known as the “Battle of Los Angeles” took place. Thousands of anti-aircraft rounds were fired at unidentified flying objects over the city, leading to widespread panic and confusion. To this day, the true nature of the objects remains a source of debate and speculation.
6. The Role of Women in WW2
Women played a crucial and often overlooked role in World War 2. From serving as nurses and medics to taking on factory jobs to support the war effort, women made significant contributions on the home front and in active combat zones. Their resilience and determination in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations.
7. The Manhattan Project and the Atomic Bomb
Perhaps one of the most consequential and controversial events of WW2, the development and use of the atomic bomb forever changed the course of history. The top-secret Manhattan Project led to the creation of the world’s first nuclear weapons, which were ultimately deployed on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Understanding the Impact of WW2
World War 2 was a time of unprecedented global conflict and upheaval. The facts and events associated with this era continue to captivate and intrigue people of all ages. By delving into the more unusual and fascinating aspects of WW2, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and intricacies of this pivotal period in history.
As we reflect on the craziest WW2 facts, it’s important to remember the human cost and sacrifices made during this tumultuous time. The stories of bravery, innovation, and resilience serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who lived through and fought in WW2.
At the end of the day, the extraordinary events and individuals of World War 2 remind us of the enduring impact of history and the timeless lessons we can glean from the past. Whether it’s the unconventional tactics employed or the remarkable feats of courage, the legacies of WW2 continue to shape our world today.
In Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of the craziest WW2 facts, it’s clear that this period of history is filled with astonishing and astonishingly true stories. Whether it’s the unconventional weapons, the remarkable exploits of individuals, or the larger-than-life events, World War 2 never fails to surprise and captivate.
By shedding light on these lesser-known facts, we gain a richer understanding of the complexities and nuances of WW2. From the ingenuity of military tactics to the resilience of ordinary people, the stories of this era continue to inspire and inform us.
So, what’s the craziest WW2 fact that YOU know of? Feel free to share your own fascinating stories and join the conversation about the incredible events of World War 2. Let’s keep the spirit of history alive for future generations to appreciate and learn from! 🌍✨
That time the British dumped a dead man’s body with fake plans planted on hum so it would wash up in Spain and get turned over to the Germans.
The British used inflatable tanks to trick the enemy.
We actually tested “cat guided bombs” hoping the cats would steer the bombs towards enemy ships to avoid landing in the water.
That the American super-weapon to end the war could have used bats with incendiary bombs glued to them.
Lytle S. Adams was a dental surgeon from Pennsylvania who had become fascinated by bats on a trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico in 1942. He was intrigued by their strength and their habit of roosting before dawn. He also knew that most Japanese buildings were made of wood instead of concrete, making them highly flammable. Thus, an idea started to emerge.
If time-release incendiary bombs could be strapped to a large number of bats, a ‘bat bomb’ could be released over a Japanese city at night, allowing the bats to spread out all over the city and roost before sunrise. Then, the incendiary bombs would go off, and the fires would be able to spread quickly over a large area.
Using his connections (Adams was an acquaintance of First Lady Elanor Roosevelt), his plan was approved by President Roosevelt, after some advice from Harvard zoologist Donald Griffin. The president’s opinion was: “This man is not a nut. It sounds like a perfectly wild idea but is worth looking into.” The project was placed under the US Army Air Force.
Originally, the incendiary bombs would have been made with white phosphorus, but the design changed to use a new flammable invention: napalm. Mexican free-tailed bats were harvested from the wild with permission from the National Park Service, and the tiny bombs were attached to the bats with an adhesive.
Testing did not go well at first. In 1943, armed bats were accidentally released onto the Carlsbad Army Airfield Auxiliary Air Base. The bats roosted under a fuel tank and incinerated the test range. The project was relegated to the US Navy in August 1943, who renamed it ‘Project X-Ray’, and then passed it onto the US Marines that December.
The definitive test of the weapon happened at the Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, where a mock-up of a Japanese Village was burned to test its effectiveness. Results were optimistic, an observer commenting that the bat-powered delivery system was more effective than conventional napalm bombs. To quote the report: “Expressed in another way, the regular bombs would give probably 167 to 400 fires per bomb load where X-Ray would give 3,625 to 4,748 fires.”
The project was cancelled when it was revealed that the weapon wouldn’t be truly ready until mid-1945. In a search for a quick end to the war, attention focused on the atomic bomb project, which was showing quicker results.
During the war, Canada built more military trucks than the major Axis powers (Germany, Japan, Italy) *combined*. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Military_Pattern_truck).
Something like a tenth of the Russian population died.
German and American soldiers fought alongside French prisoners against the SS during the last days of the war
[The battle of castle Itter](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Castle_Itter)
Edit: If I had a nickel for everytime the wehrmacht and the Americans teamed up against the SS during WW2 I’d have two nickels, which isn’t alot [but it’s weird that it happened twice](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Cowboy)
The nuclear attack on Nagasaki almost failed when the bomb plane got separated from their escorts and they wasted 45 minutes of fuel trying to find them.
In France, my Uncle Curtis got blown up but still alive, so they morphined him really good and buried him in the sand til the battle moved on, then they came back and got him. He’s still kickin. Here’s an article about him: [https://www.al.com/live/2012/09/in_wwii_all-black_tank_battali.html](https://www.al.com/live/2012/09/in_wwii_all-black_tank_battali.html)
The last japanese soldiers didn’t surrender until the mid 1970s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiroo_Onoda
They tried to make an aircraft carrier made of ice.
I watched a documentary of a guy who wanted to be a spy and ended up somehow getting one of the highest medals on the German side and one of the highest medals in the allied side also. Supposedly the only person to do so.
During the Battle off Samar, a part of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, a small taskforce of 6 escort carriers, 3 destroyers, and 4 destroyer escorts code named Taffy 3 were attacked by the Japanese center fleet which consisted of 4 battleships, 6 heavy cruisers, 2 light cruisers, and 11 destroyers. This was the only time the Battleship Yamato engaged enemy surface vessels. The Battle was absurdly one sided for the Japanese. The battleship Yamato alone had a higher displacement than all of Taffy 3 combined. After a long battle against absolutely stacked odds the small American taskforce managed to force the center fleet to retreat and saved all the vulnerable landing craft of the Leyte Gulf invasion
That Hitler only joined the Nazi party because the German army sent him to a meeting to basically spy on them. Someone was giving a speech suggesting Bavaria should leave Germany and join Austria. Hitler was enraged by this and went on a rant about why that was a bad idea. The other members were impressed and recruited him to join the party and the rest is history.
Audie Murphy. Just Google him. There are too many stories to pick just one. Dude was basically the playable character in a call of duty game.
Not sure it’s so crazy as opposed to just a tragic facepalm, but the life jackets given to men on some amphibious landings, such a D Day, were basically little round floaties.
They were *supposed* to be attached and set under the arms, but due to all the equipment the soldiers were wearing, it was difficult and uncomfortable to do that.
So they attached them around the waist instead.
When they went into the water, they were so top-heavy that the life belt would end up flipping them over. They’d drown with their feet in the air, unable to right themselves.
Also, this is WW1 fact that I like: raising goats became a big cottage industry because they needed to feed the Indian soldiers who would not eat beef or horse.
The initial request for 7,000 goats for food for the arriving indian soldiers confounded the military officer who received it.
Japan lost multiple aircraft carriers in part because they didn’t have enough hand carts.
Bombs and torpedoes are heavy so with out enough carts extra munitions were stored in the hanger to be placed into the ammo bunkers when they had time.
So during combat areas their hangers were filled with bombs and fuel vapors and if they took a hit in the hanger bay the poorly stored ordnance would detonate and start fires they couldn’t put our.
Also the fires couldn’t be put out afterwords because they used cast iron piping which would shatter causing a complete loss of water pressure after the ammo detonates.
The atomic bomb was the second most expensive project of WWII.
The most expensive project of WWII was the B-29 bomber, used to drop the atomic bomb.
The United States had two *freshwater* aircraft carriers.
A French-Canadian soldier named Leo Major was so pissed off at the Germans for killing one of his friends he singlehandedly rounded up 93 Germans and liberated a Dutch town.
The Eighth Air Force suffered more casualties than the Marine Corps.
Japanese mini subs were at the attack of Pearl Harbor
I think the construction of the Alaska Highway is underrated and less known than it should be.
The US connected mainland US to Alaska via northern Canada by building 2000km of road through previously wild land.
Camps of engineers and labourers built this 2,000km of highway through the Yukon in just about eight months! That is a insane pace. Cutting through swamps, forests, etc, working at -40c.
Just a unprecedented pace of construction the likes of which we will not see again.
It’s a great example of the war being won not only through combat but through materiel
Great video here!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaSlVOZ9Dpg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaSlVOZ9Dpg)
The germans built a airfield with planes out of wood to trick the allies, the British bombed it with a wooden bomb
Simo Hayha (aka the White Death) was a Finnish sniper with 505 conformed kills – in less than 100 days mind you.. he did not use a scope – plain ol iron sights. First the scopes would fog up in the cold air and second a glint off it would give his position away.
My all time favorite WW2 story doesn’t involve any violence or killing or destruction at all.
Background: Weather patterns in the Northern hemisphere generally move west-to-east. As a result, the Germans were at a disadvantage in not knowing what weather was coming towards Germany because it was coming from the West (i.e. it was coming through areas controlled by the Allies.)
So, they decided to secretly emplace an unmanned remote weather station on the coast of Canadian Labrador, which could send weather information to Germany by radio (remember no such thing as weather satellites back then.) The weather station was emplaced by a U-Boat in 1943. Since it was kind of hard to hide (although in a very remote area) the Germans put signs on it saying it belonged to the “Canadian Weather Service.” They also scattered empty packets of US cigarettes around so if anybody found it, they would assume it was an Allied military installation.
It was eventually discovered by the Canadians…
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# In 1977!
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In fact, when it was discovered, the local people assumed it was exactly what the Germans had hoped them to think – that it was a Canadian military emplacement. It wasn’t until 1981 that someone asked the Canadian military about “their” old weather station in Labrador and the Canadian military said “uh, that’s not ours.”
EDIT: Sorry, forgot the link: [Weather Station Kurt – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather_Station_Kurt)
Bear with me on this one: In 1942, a company of Polish troops were evacuated from the Soviet Union and found their way to Iran. Along the way, they befriended a Syrian brown bear that they named Wojtek. They officially enlisted him as a private in the unit. The men ended up in Italy from 1943-44, bringing the bear along with them. It helped to carry heavy ammunition and quickly became a celebrity among the troops!
Wojtek was eventually discharged after the war and lived peacefully in Edinburgh Zoo until he passed away in 1963.
My dad and his brother, Dan, ran into each other randomly in France. They turned around and saw each other, and they both yelled, “What are YOU doing here?” I have a couple of photos from that day. They got to spend that day together before going back into hell, and they both survived the war.
A member of the US Navy survived being stabbed four times by Japanese bayonets during the Bataan Death March when he was a POW in the Philippines. He buried a spoon in the ground before the march started that he promised he’d come back and retrieve when the war was over to prove he survived. In 1946, he returned to the Philippines and dug up the spoon to bring home.
That man was my great-uncle, and my family still has that spoon 82 years later.
Not the most crazy WWII fact, but it’s one that’s personal to my family.
Ice Cream Ships.
The US built concrete barges and added ice cream parlors on them for war in the Pacific. The idea was these barges could be towed to various harbors and sued to serve ice cream to any forces stationed there: Navy, Marines, Army (Air Force), etc. Depending on the source between one and *many* of these were built. Some may have been in converted merchant ships or older warships, but at least one was a concrete barge. This was because the US High Command considered ice cream essential for our soldiers morale.
To that point, until the boats (called Godunks?) were built, crafty airmen would load up milk and sugar in cleaned out cans and take them to high altitude and do crazy maneuvers to shake them.
But imagine that. Every other nation struggled with getting *rations* and *bullets* in enough numbers to the troops. Many Germans lacked winter clothing, many Russians lacked boots, and the Italians often lacked everything. After Dunkirk the English trained troops with brooms because they didn’t have enough rifles. Japan almost always had their soldiers marching with no rations and expected them to eat of the land.
And the US spent millions of dollars ensuring our troops in the *tropics* had fucking Ice Cream. They said, “well if we can’t ship it, we’ll make it *there!”* And then we went and did that.
How demoralizing could that be? You’re hungry, out of ammo, down hundreds of soldiers in your unit, and there’s no real hope of resupply and there’s some Americans lining up for *Ice Cream.* They not only have enough money and equipment to basically fire off ammo all day, call in air strikes every time the jungle sneezes, and have daily reinforcements but they also have enough money and material to go and give every soldier a cone stuffed with chocolate ice cream with sprinkles.
After Germany invaded France, they forced Citroen to make trucks for them. In an act of sabotage, Citroen moved the full mark on the engine oil dipstick lower. So, the engines would run but fail under heavy use.
Brilliant!