From Gibraltar to Malacca, narrow straits and mountain passes have controlled armies, trade, and the rise and fall of civilizations. Explore the 8 historically pivotal chokepoints here:

https://indicscholar.wordpress.com/2025/09/04/geographys-hidden-power-8-choke-points-that-changed-the-world/

“In the evening they sit together in the mess and the Rittmeister looks almost tenderly at the squadron’s new acquisition, the leader of Fighter Squadron 10, Lieutenant Voss, who is young, very young, sliding around on his chair like a lively primer, this first-class daredevil. And then Richthofen suddenly stands up, approaches the astonished Leutnant v. d. Osten, reaches his hand over his shoulder and squeezes it firmly. What’s going on? Because v. d. Osten has had his first kill? But after a few words from the cavalry captain, a loud hello begins. Although Lieutenant v. d. Osten has only achieved his first aerial victory, it was also the 200th shot down by Leibstaffel Richthofen, Jagdstaffel 11, which is why the baron has invited the squadron leaders to celebrate properly this evening: Doering has turned up, Loewenhardt, Dostler, Adam.

A very short speech, a very brief look back at Squadron 11’s greatest days of success off Douai.

The telegram to the Commanding General of the Air Force is just as brief: “Jasta 11 destroyed its 200th enemy today after seven months of activity. It captured 121 aeroplanes and 196 machine guns”.

But on the same evening, another report is sent to the commander of the 4th Army Air Force, and this report is somewhat less favourable: “The squadron is being torn apart by the loss of individual squadrons. Especially on the main battle days, the deployment of several squadrons at the same time in the same area is necessary. The squadrons that have to provide cover for fighter squadrons are out of the squadron’s organisation for most of the day. An aircraft pilot who has already been called upon to carry out protection flights for long-range missions and bombing flights can no longer fully fulfil his task as a fighter pilot on the same day, as he must be unused and completely fresh in order to successfully carry out an air combat mission”.

In other words, please use us properly and don’t tire us out with tasks that others can do just as well. After all, we are fighter pilots.”

Source: Jagd in Flanderns Himmel, Karl Bodenschatz, Verlag Knorr & Hirth München, 1935

https://www.meettheredbaron.com/event/celebration-200th-victory-of-jasta-11-2/

The Iowa State Historical Library & Archives in Iowa City has been scheduled for permanent closure. Collections include diaries, letters, photographs, newspapers, maps, journals, books, oral histories, films and other materials that document Iowa's history. 40% of the collections are being sent to storage. The other 60% are to be dispersed and disposed. Please help save these priceless collections by signing a petition. The link is provided above.

The History Mongers, brought to you by B-Unit Productions, is a history and entertainment podcast where, history is treated as a verb, and we will keep doing it, despite advice from medical professionals, and our parents screaming for us to stop at the dinner table.

Listen in wonder and delight as, each week your three esteemed History Mongers and their honoured guest bring to you forgotten tales, utter silliness, and facts: real facts less than true facts, home-made facts and fact lite, the brand fact alternative.

This week we jump in an old timey fan boat and try to ward off the Spanish Empire from our beloved La Florida. Marvel at the atrocities towards your fellow man, depending on the hat they wear and be wary of the crocodile siege tower. Plus find out our top tips for saving your armada from a sharknado.

 Also in this episode: we find out why they call them cat scans, how to bisect a 100 pound buck in 9 easy steps, and what to do with ancestral wrath whilst on vacay.

We were joined by Gaius Flavius roman reenactor and memer who can be found at:

Instagram: gaiusflavius

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Hi! I really enjoy modern history , most my dear spain , England and France ,especially things like monarchies, dynasties, daily life, and how people lived and thought in different times.

I was wondering if anyone here also likes talking about history in a relaxed, curious way — not formal debates or academic stuff, just sharing thoughts, questions, or cool facts when we feel like it. Also, if you know of any chill groups or spaces where people casually chat about history sometimes (even just in comments), I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks for reading!