Operation Varsity "was the battle that ended" World War Two in Europe, yet it is largely unknown to all but military history buffs.

British, Canadian and American forces took off mostly from Essex airfields on 24 March 1945, to be dropped directly on top of the German lines at the River Rhine.

Paratroopers and gliders packed with men descended into fierce fighting conditions which resulted in rapid success, but huge loss of life. About six weeks later, the Western Allies had met the Russians in Berlin and Victory in Europe was declared.

Chris Bullock has organised an event at one of the departure airfields, RAF Rivenhall, to remember those who died, saying "it's an untold story".

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Over a million Africans who were called to service by colonial powers took part in the war

It is no mere exaggeration to say that World War II left an indelible impression upon every continent on Earth. Land, air and naval battles, a war of intelligence, the mass movement of thousands of people, growing conscience, reevaluation of the very essence of existence - the lives of peoples of all races and colors would never be the same. The latter depicts the situation in Africa more than anything else.

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Over a million Africans who were called to service by colonial powers took part in the war Read Full Article at RT.com

Women who played vital roles during World War Two are to be celebrated in an exhibition at the International Bomber Command Centre.

Ten women have been chosen by the centre, in Lincoln, "to represent the contribution, courage and leadership shown by women at all levels" during the conflict.

They have been immortalized as 8ft-tall (2.4m) steel silhouettes, which will go on show on 14-15 March, in recognition of what the centre describes as their "previously unacknowledged qualities and capabilities".

The statues have been created by Standing with Giants – the team behind the D-Day display at the British Normandy Memorial, which was unveiled last year.

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Six months before his 18th birthday, Ralph McClure signed up to the Royal Navy.

He was a talented footballer and worked as a butcher in his local Co-Op in Nottingham.

Ralph became a signaller on a Landing Craft Tank.

He was onboard HMS LCT 952 when it landed on the British section of Sword Beach on D-Day.

It wasn't until 70 years after the Normandy landings that Ralph told his family about the role he played in the war.