Did you know that some of the most important battles in World War II were fought with inflatable tanks, cardboard planes, and loudspeakers? In 1944, at the height of WWII, the Americans introduced a new unit to the battlefield – the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, also known as the “Ghost Army”. The 23rd was comprised of 1,100 men, whose sole purpose was to deceive Axis commanders. |
The idea for this unit came from the 1942 Allied campaign in El-Alamein called Operation Bertram, in which British troops used fake plywood constructs to make jeeps look like tanks and tanks look like supply trucks. |
In May of 1944, the 23rd arrived in Britain and took part in deceiving the Germans into thinking that the D-Day invasion had begun in Pas-de-Calais, rather than Normandy. After that, they continued setting up inflatable “tanks”, dummy planes and vehicles, fictitious radio transmissions, and vehicle-mounted speakers that played pre-recorded sounds of battle and troops moving. |
Many of the soldiers of the 23rd were recruited from places such as art schools and advertising agencies, as well as engineers, designers, and architects. |
|
Not only would the 23rd‘s soldiers build mock battlefields, they would also disguise themselves as high-ranking officers and visit nearby towns, where they would discuss fabricated plans. |
The Ghost Army was so successful that, at one point, Axis propaganda reported a large Allied force in a place that had no soldiers at all. |
The Ghost Army was kept secret for many years, and its existence was only revealed over 40 years after the war had ended. To this very day, some of the unit’s works and methods are still kept classified. |
H/T: messynessychic.com |
Discover How This Board Game Saved Thousands During WWII
Find out how a simple board game helped around 20,000 British prisoners escape from German camps during World War II.
The European History Quiz: How Much Do You Know?
This quiz will test your knowledge of some of the most significant events to ever take place within Europe's long and bloody history.
The Epic Battle of Stalingrad Comes to Life
One of the most epic battles in history, and the biggest of WWII comes to life and explored in this in-depth video.
What is HAMAS? The Terror Organization Explained
What IS Hamas? What are its intentions, and how did it get started?
The Revolutions That Sparked These 5 Famous Paintings
These 5 famous works of art were sparked by different revolutions and tell absolutely fascinating histories.
Facts & Quotes to Honor Veterans Day
Enjoy 5 interesting facts and quotes in honor of Veterans Day.
The Apollo Program: A History of Manned Space Missions
Only 12 men have ever stepped foot on the moon. Find out more about their successful moon landings here!
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
1950s Debunked: Correcting Misconceptions About the Era
The 1950s may not have been as idyllic as we have been made to believe.
22 Old Photos That Really Make History Come Alive
Looking through these old black and white photos you can really learn a lot about history and the world. These 22 photos generates that mind-blowing spark and teaches you something new.
We Bet You Never Knew the Origins of These Common Idioms!
We bet you use the following 8 common idioms all the time, but have you ever stopped to take the time to think about where they came from?
What a Mesmerizingly Beautiful Blooming Flowers Timelapse!
It took one photographer 9 months to record the images for this mesmerizing timelapse film. Watch flowers bloom like never before.
Looking at a 100 Years of High School Fashions...
Here's what high schoolers wore each decade of the 20th century.
Travel Back in Time With These Rare Moments From History...
Some photos date as far back as to the early 20th Century, with a few prototype designs that would eventually pave the way for the technology we use today. Take a stroll down memory lane with these Rare moments.
Don’t Throw Away Your Used Teabags Just Yet
Teabags aren’t only for making delicious cups of teas. Find out what other uses they hold in this helpful video.
These Pictures Smuggled out of North Korea Will Shock You
Shocking photos that reveal what life really is like in North Korea.
You Will Not Look At These 6 Historical Figures The Same
The rumors and myths of these historical figures are already considered facts. The truth, however, is completely different.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
You'd Never See THIS in a Modern Home
In this video, we'll visit some old homes and learn about their obsolete features.
These Supposed Aphrodisiacs Are Just a Waste of Money
Many things that are supposed to be aphrodisiacs are actually no such things. Here are 10 "aphrodisiacs" that are nothing more than a waste of money.
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
The Story of the Roman Atlantis: The Ancient City of Baiae
In this article, we will explore what life was like in Baiae, why the city sank, and its rediscovery by explorers.
You Won’t Find Maps Like These in Geography Textbooks!
Explore this collection of 20 new and updated maps on a variety of fascinating subjects!
If You Like History You Will LOVE This Incredible Video!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
The Incredible Story of a Boy Surviving 49 Days at Sea!
This Indonesian teenager managed to survive almost 50 days at sea while adrift in a floating wooden hut. Learn all about his amazing story here.
Emperor Augustus: How Does History Judge Him?
When speaking of great Roman emperors, perhaps the first that comes to mind is Augustus, who reigned for 41 years and is thought of as the founder of the Roman principle.
These Collections Are Certainly On the More Unusual Side..
These collections are larger and a little more unusual than a run-of-the-mill stamp collection. Take a look.
Check Your Pockets Now! This Quarter Is Worth Thousands!
There's a quarter out there that is worth thousands of dollars. Here's what you need to look out for.
The Rise and Fall of the Mongol Empire
The story of an empire so vast and so powerful, it still leaves signs of its passing thousands of years later.
The Eerie, Spiritual, and Sometimes Fun History of Masks
Let’s get to know some of the most famous masks in history and the civilizations that created them.
You Should Share This With Your Younger Family Members
This enlightening message highlights the state of the world and reminds the social media generation of something vitally important.
15 Unique and Powerful Armors Worn by Heroes and Warriors
Here’s a treat for history buffs! Check out the most amazing types of armor throughout history.
The Retirement Home Where Young & Old Live Together
This is a great idea! Young musicians are given free board at a retirement home in exchange for recitals. And this makes for great friendships too!
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
How to Detect a Liar, Explained by a Former FBI agent
Former FBI agent explains about deception detection methods, and debunks common myths.
Do You Remember Playing Like These Photographed Children?
In the days before cellphones, the internet, and the like, we children had to learn how to make our fun. Remember playing like these retro kids?
Witness How Cinema's Visual Effects Changed With Time
Witness the progression of visual effects in cinema from the Academy Awards of 1927 and moving all the way up to 2018's edition.
All Coffee Drinkers Should Know These 17 Facts
A lot of adults drink at least one cup of coffee each day, but very few actually know these facts about coffee.
Inside the Male Psyche: The Silent Fears They Never Share
There are some things that a man never shares with anyone.
You'll Need a Second Look For THESE Photos...
These fascinating photo illusions will make you believe like you're seeing one thing, but they actually depict something very different
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
Enjoy These Brilliant Documentaries for Free on YouTube
Done with your Netflix’s docuseries supply? Check out these wonderful free documentaries on YouTube next.
Meet the Sweet Girl With a ‘Benjamin Button’ Condition
Meet Isla Kilpatrick-Screaton, the only girl in the world with 'Benjamin Button' disease.
10 Common French Loanwords You’re Probably Mispronouncing
French loanwords that are pronounced differently or mean something else entirely in French
15 of the Best Books for Seniors and Older Adults
Check out our definitive list of amazing books that every senior will enjoy.
The Grisly Origins of Madame Tussaud's Wax Empire!
Ever wondered how Madame Tussaud's became the most famous waxmaker in history? Well, if you did, you need wonder no more!