The Warchives
@warchives.bsky.social
I share illustrations and photographs (and facts!) across two thousand years of history. Works are public domain or have authorship credited!
Polish hussars on parade for King John III Sobieski, late 17th century.
Look at those rear wings--they didn't call them "winged hussars" for nothing!
Painting by Wojciech Kossak, 1924.
Look at those rear wings--they didn't call them "winged hussars" for nothing!
Painting by Wojciech Kossak, 1924.
January 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Polish hussars on parade for King John III Sobieski, late 17th century.
Look at those rear wings--they didn't call them "winged hussars" for nothing!
Painting by Wojciech Kossak, 1924.
Look at those rear wings--they didn't call them "winged hussars" for nothing!
Painting by Wojciech Kossak, 1924.
"The trap is sprung."
The hanging of four conspirators in the Lincoln assassination: Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt.
Fort McNair, Washington D.C., 7 July 1865.
The hanging of four conspirators in the Lincoln assassination: Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt.
Fort McNair, Washington D.C., 7 July 1865.
January 2, 2026 at 3:51 AM
"The trap is sprung."
The hanging of four conspirators in the Lincoln assassination: Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt.
Fort McNair, Washington D.C., 7 July 1865.
The hanging of four conspirators in the Lincoln assassination: Mary Surratt, Lewis Powell, David Herold, and George Atzerodt.
Fort McNair, Washington D.C., 7 July 1865.
Lunchtime! A British cavalryman and his horse take a break. Belgium, 13 October 1914.
The Great War was on the whole was very unkind to the cavalry. But early in the conflict, British cavalry played a vital role in scouting and screening Germany's invading army.
The Great War was on the whole was very unkind to the cavalry. But early in the conflict, British cavalry played a vital role in scouting and screening Germany's invading army.
December 31, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Lunchtime! A British cavalryman and his horse take a break. Belgium, 13 October 1914.
The Great War was on the whole was very unkind to the cavalry. But early in the conflict, British cavalry played a vital role in scouting and screening Germany's invading army.
The Great War was on the whole was very unkind to the cavalry. But early in the conflict, British cavalry played a vital role in scouting and screening Germany's invading army.
"Against the Persecutor"
Finnish pagans march to battle. The Christianization of Finland (and the rest of northern Europe) was a long and often bloody process, lasting from the 11th to the early 15th century.
Painting by Pekka Halonen, 1896.
Finnish pagans march to battle. The Christianization of Finland (and the rest of northern Europe) was a long and often bloody process, lasting from the 11th to the early 15th century.
Painting by Pekka Halonen, 1896.
December 30, 2025 at 8:11 PM
"Against the Persecutor"
Finnish pagans march to battle. The Christianization of Finland (and the rest of northern Europe) was a long and often bloody process, lasting from the 11th to the early 15th century.
Painting by Pekka Halonen, 1896.
Finnish pagans march to battle. The Christianization of Finland (and the rest of northern Europe) was a long and often bloody process, lasting from the 11th to the early 15th century.
Painting by Pekka Halonen, 1896.
Armstrong guns in Egypt during the Anglo-Egyptian War, 1882.
Ostensibly, troops landed in Egypt to shield British investments and guard the Suez. In practice, the brief war led to Britain's occupation of the country for half a century.
Ostensibly, troops landed in Egypt to shield British investments and guard the Suez. In practice, the brief war led to Britain's occupation of the country for half a century.
December 28, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Armstrong guns in Egypt during the Anglo-Egyptian War, 1882.
Ostensibly, troops landed in Egypt to shield British investments and guard the Suez. In practice, the brief war led to Britain's occupation of the country for half a century.
Ostensibly, troops landed in Egypt to shield British investments and guard the Suez. In practice, the brief war led to Britain's occupation of the country for half a century.
A scene from the Eastern front: Guard Senior Sergeant of the Medical Service Valentina Ivanovna Kemaeva bandages a Soviet soldier. July 1943.
December 24, 2025 at 6:47 AM
A scene from the Eastern front: Guard Senior Sergeant of the Medical Service Valentina Ivanovna Kemaeva bandages a Soviet soldier. July 1943.
"Careful, he's an old boy!"
In 1989/1990, the French Musée des Blindés donated a Renault FT to the Koblenz Military Technology Museum in Germany.
In 1989/1990, the French Musée des Blindés donated a Renault FT to the Koblenz Military Technology Museum in Germany.
December 23, 2025 at 5:27 AM
"Careful, he's an old boy!"
In 1989/1990, the French Musée des Blindés donated a Renault FT to the Koblenz Military Technology Museum in Germany.
In 1989/1990, the French Musée des Blindés donated a Renault FT to the Koblenz Military Technology Museum in Germany.
Stretching their Sea Legs: British sailors on shore leave in Normandy. 12 July 1944
Also, a moment of appreciation for those stylish bell-bottom navy pants.
Also, a moment of appreciation for those stylish bell-bottom navy pants.
December 22, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Stretching their Sea Legs: British sailors on shore leave in Normandy. 12 July 1944
Also, a moment of appreciation for those stylish bell-bottom navy pants.
Also, a moment of appreciation for those stylish bell-bottom navy pants.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
British soldiers build a snowman in Italy, January 1945.
In the background is a Bofors 40mm antiaircraft gun. You can't tell, but it's also celebrating the holidays.
British soldiers build a snowman in Italy, January 1945.
In the background is a Bofors 40mm antiaircraft gun. You can't tell, but it's also celebrating the holidays.
December 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
British soldiers build a snowman in Italy, January 1945.
In the background is a Bofors 40mm antiaircraft gun. You can't tell, but it's also celebrating the holidays.
British soldiers build a snowman in Italy, January 1945.
In the background is a Bofors 40mm antiaircraft gun. You can't tell, but it's also celebrating the holidays.
Chaos! A scene from the Pachtersoproer, a 1748 uprising in the Netherlands.
This was the last year of the War of Austrian Succession, when economic ills had given way to violence. Here, citizens are shown looting the houses of tax collectors.
This was the last year of the War of Austrian Succession, when economic ills had given way to violence. Here, citizens are shown looting the houses of tax collectors.
December 11, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Chaos! A scene from the Pachtersoproer, a 1748 uprising in the Netherlands.
This was the last year of the War of Austrian Succession, when economic ills had given way to violence. Here, citizens are shown looting the houses of tax collectors.
This was the last year of the War of Austrian Succession, when economic ills had given way to violence. Here, citizens are shown looting the houses of tax collectors.
Youngest soldier?
A kitten investigates a 12-inch howitzer shell. Near Arras, 19 July 1918
A kitten investigates a 12-inch howitzer shell. Near Arras, 19 July 1918
December 9, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Youngest soldier?
A kitten investigates a 12-inch howitzer shell. Near Arras, 19 July 1918
A kitten investigates a 12-inch howitzer shell. Near Arras, 19 July 1918
Here's a shot of her propellor. Look at the size of the stairs behind it--phew!
December 5, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Here's a shot of her propellor. Look at the size of the stairs behind it--phew!
Navy Lieutenant Doug Faulls stands next to the massive bow of the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship. 1985.
She was built in 1976 as an oil tanker, but converted 8 years later. Mercy-class ships are the *3rd*-largest craft in the U.S. Navy, behind only its aircraft supercarriers.
She was built in 1976 as an oil tanker, but converted 8 years later. Mercy-class ships are the *3rd*-largest craft in the U.S. Navy, behind only its aircraft supercarriers.
December 5, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Navy Lieutenant Doug Faulls stands next to the massive bow of the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship. 1985.
She was built in 1976 as an oil tanker, but converted 8 years later. Mercy-class ships are the *3rd*-largest craft in the U.S. Navy, behind only its aircraft supercarriers.
She was built in 1976 as an oil tanker, but converted 8 years later. Mercy-class ships are the *3rd*-largest craft in the U.S. Navy, behind only its aircraft supercarriers.
The Iron Brigade charges Confederate forces at the Battle of Antietam, 17 September 1862.
The building in the back is Dunker Church. Only three days before the battle, Dunker's congregation was attending their Sunday service... to the sounds of cannons booming in the distance.
The building in the back is Dunker Church. Only three days before the battle, Dunker's congregation was attending their Sunday service... to the sounds of cannons booming in the distance.
December 4, 2025 at 2:54 AM
The Iron Brigade charges Confederate forces at the Battle of Antietam, 17 September 1862.
The building in the back is Dunker Church. Only three days before the battle, Dunker's congregation was attending their Sunday service... to the sounds of cannons booming in the distance.
The building in the back is Dunker Church. Only three days before the battle, Dunker's congregation was attending their Sunday service... to the sounds of cannons booming in the distance.
War Shorts: Lt. Richard (Dick) C. Tripp guides a Hellcat aircraft onto the USS Yorktown--in his tennis shoes and floral shorts!
Circa 1944
Circa 1944
December 2, 2025 at 7:50 AM
War Shorts: Lt. Richard (Dick) C. Tripp guides a Hellcat aircraft onto the USS Yorktown--in his tennis shoes and floral shorts!
Circa 1944
Circa 1944
FORE!
An American poster encourages citizens to keep up the fight against Nazi Germany. This poster was most likely seen on factory floors or in breakrooms. High worker productivity at home translated to military success abroad.
Courtesy of the War Production Board, 1942/1943
An American poster encourages citizens to keep up the fight against Nazi Germany. This poster was most likely seen on factory floors or in breakrooms. High worker productivity at home translated to military success abroad.
Courtesy of the War Production Board, 1942/1943
November 30, 2025 at 9:51 PM
FORE!
An American poster encourages citizens to keep up the fight against Nazi Germany. This poster was most likely seen on factory floors or in breakrooms. High worker productivity at home translated to military success abroad.
Courtesy of the War Production Board, 1942/1943
An American poster encourages citizens to keep up the fight against Nazi Germany. This poster was most likely seen on factory floors or in breakrooms. High worker productivity at home translated to military success abroad.
Courtesy of the War Production Board, 1942/1943
And... Pose: German soldiers next to their Ehrhardt "panzerwagen", Spring 1918.
World War I saw the birth of tanks, but it *also* saw the proliferation of armored cars like this one. With 9mm armor and 3 machine guns, the Erhardts were perfect for scout and police duties.
World War I saw the birth of tanks, but it *also* saw the proliferation of armored cars like this one. With 9mm armor and 3 machine guns, the Erhardts were perfect for scout and police duties.
November 29, 2025 at 7:46 PM
And... Pose: German soldiers next to their Ehrhardt "panzerwagen", Spring 1918.
World War I saw the birth of tanks, but it *also* saw the proliferation of armored cars like this one. With 9mm armor and 3 machine guns, the Erhardts were perfect for scout and police duties.
World War I saw the birth of tanks, but it *also* saw the proliferation of armored cars like this one. With 9mm armor and 3 machine guns, the Erhardts were perfect for scout and police duties.
A hospital corpsman examines the teeth of a Vietnamese girl during a county fair. Near Da Nang, January 1967.
From the 1st Marine Division Press Releases and Photographs Collection (COLL/4532) at the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections
From the 1st Marine Division Press Releases and Photographs Collection (COLL/4532) at the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections
November 27, 2025 at 8:51 PM
A hospital corpsman examines the teeth of a Vietnamese girl during a county fair. Near Da Nang, January 1967.
From the 1st Marine Division Press Releases and Photographs Collection (COLL/4532) at the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections
From the 1st Marine Division Press Releases and Photographs Collection (COLL/4532) at the Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections
Japanese soldiers crossing a river during the Battle of Zaoyang–Yichang. 6 June 1940
November 27, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Japanese soldiers crossing a river during the Battle of Zaoyang–Yichang. 6 June 1940
A Bit Premature: A cartoon from Puck depicts an out-of-work Mars, lamenting the end of war. 1898.
For context, the Spanish-American War had just ended. The Hague Convention (1899) was in the works. For a split-second, it really seemed like international peace was on the horizon.
For context, the Spanish-American War had just ended. The Hague Convention (1899) was in the works. For a split-second, it really seemed like international peace was on the horizon.
November 26, 2025 at 6:39 AM
A Bit Premature: A cartoon from Puck depicts an out-of-work Mars, lamenting the end of war. 1898.
For context, the Spanish-American War had just ended. The Hague Convention (1899) was in the works. For a split-second, it really seemed like international peace was on the horizon.
For context, the Spanish-American War had just ended. The Hague Convention (1899) was in the works. For a split-second, it really seemed like international peace was on the horizon.
An aerial photograph of the beach defenses of occupied Normandy, 6 May 19144 (one month before D-Day!).
Courtesy of the Robert O. Bare Collection (COLL/150) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division.
Courtesy of the Robert O. Bare Collection (COLL/150) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division.
November 24, 2025 at 12:56 AM
An aerial photograph of the beach defenses of occupied Normandy, 6 May 19144 (one month before D-Day!).
Courtesy of the Robert O. Bare Collection (COLL/150) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division.
Courtesy of the Robert O. Bare Collection (COLL/150) at the Archives Branch, Marine Corps History Division.
Stolen! A soldier of the Russian Life Guards (mounted, right) captures a French regiment's eagle at Austerliz, 1805.
This was an isolated triumph, however. Napoleon *crushed* the Russian/Austrian forces at Austerlitz. The War of the Third Coalition effectively ended here.
This was an isolated triumph, however. Napoleon *crushed* the Russian/Austrian forces at Austerlitz. The War of the Third Coalition effectively ended here.
November 22, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Stolen! A soldier of the Russian Life Guards (mounted, right) captures a French regiment's eagle at Austerliz, 1805.
This was an isolated triumph, however. Napoleon *crushed* the Russian/Austrian forces at Austerlitz. The War of the Third Coalition effectively ended here.
This was an isolated triumph, however. Napoleon *crushed* the Russian/Austrian forces at Austerlitz. The War of the Third Coalition effectively ended here.
"Heart-tank Hotel"? (I'm sorry)
Elvis Presley posing for the camera during his military service in West Germany, 1958.
As we can see by the sign, Presley was a tanker, serving in the 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division.
Elvis Presley posing for the camera during his military service in West Germany, 1958.
As we can see by the sign, Presley was a tanker, serving in the 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division.
November 19, 2025 at 9:38 PM
"Heart-tank Hotel"? (I'm sorry)
Elvis Presley posing for the camera during his military service in West Germany, 1958.
As we can see by the sign, Presley was a tanker, serving in the 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division.
Elvis Presley posing for the camera during his military service in West Germany, 1958.
As we can see by the sign, Presley was a tanker, serving in the 32nd Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Division.
Piper David Muir, of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
The Crimean War was a conflict of "firsts": first railways used for warfare, first widespread use of telegraphs... And the first widely-circulated war photography in Europe.
The Crimean War was a conflict of "firsts": first railways used for warfare, first widespread use of telegraphs... And the first widely-circulated war photography in Europe.
November 18, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Piper David Muir, of the 42nd Royal Highlanders, during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
The Crimean War was a conflict of "firsts": first railways used for warfare, first widespread use of telegraphs... And the first widely-circulated war photography in Europe.
The Crimean War was a conflict of "firsts": first railways used for warfare, first widespread use of telegraphs... And the first widely-circulated war photography in Europe.
A sniper from the 6th Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge. 14 January, 1945.
Note that he's using a sniper variant of the Lee-Enfield rifle. The sturdy and reliable Lee-Enfield was Britain's standard service rifle for a whopping *62 years*--from 1895 to 1957!
Note that he's using a sniper variant of the Lee-Enfield rifle. The sturdy and reliable Lee-Enfield was Britain's standard service rifle for a whopping *62 years*--from 1895 to 1957!
November 16, 2025 at 9:38 PM
A sniper from the 6th Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge. 14 January, 1945.
Note that he's using a sniper variant of the Lee-Enfield rifle. The sturdy and reliable Lee-Enfield was Britain's standard service rifle for a whopping *62 years*--from 1895 to 1957!
Note that he's using a sniper variant of the Lee-Enfield rifle. The sturdy and reliable Lee-Enfield was Britain's standard service rifle for a whopping *62 years*--from 1895 to 1957!