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We probably all learned a little about World War II during history class and likely forgot most of it. You may have learned a little more if you like war movies or video games like Call of Duty or war films like Saving Private Ryan, Letters from Iwo Jima, or Dunkirk.
But there are probably a lot of things you were never taught, like stories and weird facts that don’t typically fit the usual history class curriculum. We find these small snippets interesting and add greater perspective to the broader aspects and global scale of this conflict.
Here are a few little-known and unusual facts about World War II that you probably didn’t already know. Some facts are heartwarming, and some are somber, but all are interesting and unique to reflect on.
World War II Was Fought Between Two Groups
Two groups of countries fought during the war: the Allies and the Axis. The major powers fighting with the Allies were Britain, Russia, France, China, and the USA. The major powers fighting with the Axis were Germany, Japan, and Italy.
The Last Japanese Soldier Didn’t Surrender Until 1974
At the beginning of the war, Teruo Nakamura fled with his unit into the Indonesian jungle. He thought it was still going and survived foraging for food until he was found and surrendered in December 1974.
The Youngest U.S. serviceman Was Only 12
Calvin Graham from Texas lied about his age to join the Navy. He was injured aboard the USS South Dakota, and when the Navy found out about his age, he was jailed and given a dishonorable discharge. Congress eventually restored his veteran’s benefits.
The War Didn’t Start Everywhere in 1939
History books say World War II started in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. But, the war actually started at different times for different countries. The war began for Japan and China in 1937, and for the U.S., it didn’t begin until 1941. Some historians say it was only a part of a broader conflict that really started in 1914.
At Least 3,000 Babies Were Delivered in Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Stanisława Leszczyńska was a midwife incarcerated at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. She was ordered to kill babies but refused to do so. During the two years she was at the concentration camp, she delivered 3,000 babies. The Catholic church is now considering her for sainthood.
Some Countries Did Not Join Wwii
Even though it was known as a world war, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and Portugal all declared themselves neutral and did not take part in the fighting.
By 1941, Germany Had Invaded Nine European Countries
Germany quickly advanced through Europe and, by the summer of 1941, had invaded Belgium, France, Holland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Yugoslavia, Greece, and the USSR.
In 1940, France Had More Guns, Tanks, and Men Than Germany
Germany’s military was not very modern or mechanized during the war. In May 1940, 16 of its 135 divisions had motorized transport. The rest either walked or relied on horses and carts. France had 117 mechanized divisions. They also had about 3,000 more artillery pieces than Germany and almost 1,000 more tanks.
Britain Built Over 100,000 Aircraft During the War
Until 1944, Britain focused little on military power. Instead, it focused on the Ministry of Aircraft Production. In fact, the country built 132,500 military aircraft during the war.
Fighter Command Only Had About 650 Aircraft in the Battle of Britain
In July 1940, Adolf Hitler was focused on invading Britain. Described by Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, as the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) finest hour, the Battle of Britain was fought in the air. Britain only had about 650 aircraft during the battle, and Germany had about 2,800 aircraft.
Japan Had Kamikaze Rockets
Japan struggled to keep up with British and U.S. technology, but they developed a rocket-powered, human-guided missile known as the Cherry Blossom or Ohka. It was used as a kamikaze weapon at the end of the war.
Britain Had the Least Rationing in Europe
Many European countries introduced rationing during the war, and many people went hungry. Britain rationed some food, but several foods were not rationed, so people in Britain never had to go hungry.
The American Parsons Jacket Was Designed for Comfort
The M41, otherwise known as the Parsons Jacket, was the standard U.S. Army field tunic. It was introduced in 1941 and was designed for comfort, practicality, and durability. It was based on the popular pre-war windcheater.
Germany Had a Cannon That Could Shoot 100 Miles
The V-3 cannon could shoot up to 100 miles, a distance that would allow them to shoot from mainland Europe into the U.K. Fortunately, the weapon was destroyed by bombing runs before completion.
A Polish Bear Served in the Army
Polish troops evacuated from the USSR to Iran in 1942. They traveled through Syria, and while there, they befriended a brown bear they called Wojtek and enlisted in their unit. In 1943, the unit ended up in Italy, along with Wojtek. He earned his keep by helping to carry ammunition and was very popular with the troops. When he was discharged, he went to Edinburgh Zoo and lived peacefully until 1963.
Heinrich Himmler Visited a Spa When He Abandoned His Post
Heinrich Himmler, head of the Schutzstaffel (S.S.), was also in charge of Army Group Vistula, 500,000 soldiers protecting Berlin. However, Himmler either found it stressful or was just lazy. He required massages and naps and worked just a few hours daily. When Army Group Vistula was overrun, he abandoned his post and went to the Hohenlychen Sanatorium spa.
The Soviet Union Sent Night Witches to Attack Germany
The USSR had women pilots who flew nightly bombing raids on German targets. They would cut their engines before reaching their targets to avoid detection. The sound of planes gliding sounded like broomsticks, so they were nicknamed the Night Witches.
The U.S. Experimented With Bat Bombs
Each bat bomb would contain over 1,000 compartments containing hibernating bats. The bats would have incendiary devices attached to them. The plan was to drop the bombs on Japanese targets where the bats would roost in wooden and paper structures. Then, the devices would go off, burning buildings that bombers may not reach.
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