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Enter the real Black Hawk Down: History of War issue 23 on sale now!

It inspired one of the most captivating war films of this century, but the events of the Battle of Mogadishu remain controversial in the history of the US Military. While Hollywood lent its own gloss to the inspirational and tragic stories of the battle, History of War issue 23 re-visits this iconic clash to present the brutal, but nonetheless gripping, reality of Black Hawk Down. Join Lt. Col. (ret) Thomas DiTomasso as he recounts his first-hand experience on the ground, leading his squad of Rangers and witnessing the chaos unfolding around him. You can also delve into the technical marvel of the MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter – the machine infamous for its role during the battle.

Also in issue 23 you can follow the grisly history of trench warfare, from its ruthless early use by the Roman army, to its harrowing peak during the Great War. Elsewhere you can become better acquainted with Otto Skorzeny, the scar-faced Nazi commando who rescued Mussolini from a mountain, caused mayhem behind American lines in the Ardennes offensive, and even had an affair with Eva Perón (definitely…probably).

Also in issue 23:

– Last stand of the samurai: Satsuma rebellion

– The Briefing: Soviet-Afghan War

– Clash of Koreas 

– Operator’s Handbook: Blackburn Buccaneer

– England’s axe warriors: the real housecarls

– Medal of Honor Hero: Daniel Daly 

– Artefact of War: Erik XIV’s armour

– Latest book reviews 

 

Scroll down to take a look at the delightful haul of in-depth features in issue 23:

 

This Nazi die-hard was responsible for some of the most daring commando missions of WWII, plucking Mussolini from captivity, infiltrating American lines, and even plotting to assassinate the Big Three.
This Nazi die-hard was responsible for some of the most daring commando missions of WWII, plucking Mussolini from captivity, infiltrating American lines, and even plotting to assassinate the Big Three.

 

Follow the brutal battle of Dien Bien Phu, as entrenched Viet Minh soldiers surround French forces. Building spiralling trenches ever closer inwards towards their enemy, the Viet Minh begin to tighten the noose as the Europeans fight for their lives.
In our Frontline: Trench Warfare section, follow the brutal battle of Dien Bien Phu, as entrenched Viet Minh soldiers surround French forces. Building spiralling trenches ever closer inwards towards their enemy, the Viet Minh begin to tighten the noose as the Europeans fight for their lives.

 

Inside our Black Hawk Down cover feature, as well as an eye-witness account of the infamous battle, you can take a look inside the arms and equipment of the incredible MH-60 helicopter.
Inside our Black Hawk Down cover feature, as well as an eye-witness account of the infamous battle, you can take a look inside the arms and equipment of the incredible MH-60 helicopter.

001_HoW_023 Black Hawk Down Otto Skorzeny Blackburn Buccaneer North Korea Samurai Satsuma Rebellion Trench warfare WWI Soviet-Afghan War