Allied paratroopers descend upon Arnhem. Illustration by Graham Coton

17 September marks the anniversary of the launch of Operation Market Garden, one of the key battles of the Second World War. In 1944, Allied troops arrived at Arnhem by glider and parachute, hoping to secure three bridges across the river Nederrijn which would be used during the advance of ground troops advancing on Germany following D-Day.

The British forces under Lt.-Col. John Frost secured one end of the road bridge but found themselves surrounded by Germans. Cut off from supplies the British could do nothing and the siege ended  when a message went out by radio: “Out of ammunition. God Save the King.”

Eventually the Germans pressed home their advantage and the Allies withdrew.

More picture relating to the Battle of Arnhem can be found here. Many more illustrations relating to World War II can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

Father Hidalgo leading rebels during the Mexican revolution. Illustration by Ron Embleton

16 September marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in which Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest in the small town of Dolores, was a key figure. Hidalgo was involved in a planned revolt against the Spanish colonial governors but his men were betrayed and imprisoned.

On 15 September 1810, Hidalgo and a group of armed men forced the sheriff to release pro-independence prisoners and, just after midnight, he spoke to a gathering, a speech known as the grito de Dolores (the cry of Dolores). Hidalgo’s passionate demand of  “Death to the gachupines” became a battle cry of the rebels.

More pictures of Father Hidalgo can be found here. Many more illustrations relating to the history, culture and wildlife of Mexico can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The first tanks were used during the Battle of the Somme. Illustration by Frank Bellamy

15 September marks the anniversary of the deployment of the first tanks during World War I in 1916. The Somme Offensive by British troops against German troops embedded in trenches on the banks of the River Somme had begun in July 1916, resulting in a million casualties by the autumn.

A new allied offensive began on 15 September at Flers-Courcelette during which the new British secret weapon – the tank – was first used in battle in a hope that it would break the deadlock. Impervious to gunfire and untroubled by barbed wire and other improvised obstacles, the slow-moving behemoths unfortunately suffered from mechanical problems and often became bogged down in shell holes.

The battle was a limited success but was the beginning of the end: the Battle of the Somme was won in November, although the British forces had only advanced two miles.

More pictures of tanks can be found here. Many more pictures relating to World War I can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

Sam Houston leading his men against the Mexicans. Illustration by Angus McBride

5 September marks the anniversary of the election of Sam Houston to the position of president of the Republic of Texas in 1836. Born in Virginia in 1793, Houston spent some years living with the Cherokees in Tennessee, served in the War of 1812 and was convicted of beating up a Congressman, forcing him to move to Texas.

In Texas, Houston supported independence from Mexico and defeated General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto; Texas gained its independence and Houston was elected its first president.

More pictures of Sam Houston can be found here. Many more pictures relating to the histories of Texas and Mexico can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

Lord Cornwallis surrenders to George Washington at Yorktown. Illustration by Severino Baraldi

3 September marks the anniversary of the end of the American War of Independence. The war, fought between Great Britain and thirteen of its colonies in North America, the culmination of the American Revolution. Americans had formally declared their independence in 1776 and a bitter struggle ensued, with Britain backed by France, Spain and Holland. The war, however, went to the Americans and came to an end with the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.

The official end of the war celebrated today was the day of the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 which formally ended the conflict between Great Britain and the United States of America.

More picture relating to the War of Independence can be found here. Many more illustrations relating to the history of the United States of America can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

English bowmen won a tremendous victory at the Battle of Crecy. Illustration by Peter Jackson

26 August marks the anniversary of the Battle of Crecy. Fought in Northern France, it was one of the most important British victories during the Hundred Years’ War. The British army under Edward III of only between 9-10,000 faced far larger French forces under Philip VI – anywhere between 35,000 and 100,000 depending on sources.

The British won thanks to the use of the longbow which proved devastatingly effective against French armour and especially against their mounts which fell beneath the storm of arrows leaving the French knights floundering in the mud.

More pictures of the Battle of Crecy can be found here. Many more illustrations relating to war and warfare throughout the ages can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The Roman invasion of Britain

26 August marks the anniversary of the invasion of Britain by Julius Caesar in 55BC. This first attempt to invade the island came to very little. Their approach was watched by the British and at first repulsed as the Roman ships were too large to get close to land. Catapults and slingshots drove the British away and the Romans were able to establish a beachhead on the coast of Kent.

The invasion was called off as Caesar could not risk being starved out over the winter months; instead, Caesar planned a far larger attack for the summer of 54BC… and that time succeeded in landing five legions of soldiers and occupying much of the country.

More pictures relating to Julius Caesar can be found here. Many more illustrations relating to the history of Rome and the Roman Empire can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

William Wallace paraded by his captors. Illustration by Peter Jackson

23 August marks the anniversary of the execution of William Wallace in 1305. The Scottish patriot and warrior led the resistance during the Wars of Scottish Independence, defeating the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. He was himself defeated at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.

Wallace evaded capture until 1305 when he was betrayed by a Scottish knight, John de Menteith, and handed over to the English. Taken to London and tried for treason, he was executed at Smithfield.

More pictures relating to William Wallace can be found here. Many more illustrations relating to the history, wildlife and culture of Scotland can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The Battle of Stalingrad. Illustration by Severino Baraldi

23 August marks the anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the turning points of the Second World War, in 1942. The Luftwaffe had begun an aerial bombardment of the Volga in July, making the river impassable to shipping, but the Russians had removed railroad stock, cattle and grain supplies from the city before the German’s had advanced.

A massive air bombardment on 23 August caused a firestorm, killing thousands and destroying much of the city, but it was months before the German’s captured Stalingrad against determined resistance.

A major push by Russian forces over the winter of 1942/43 encircled the German armies and slowly starved them of food and ammunition until they were forced to surrender in February 1943.

Many more pictures relating to the battles of World War II can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The Battle of Naseby, one of the turning points in the First English Civil War. Illustration by John Millar Watt

22 August marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War in England. Rather than one decisive battle, the Civil War was a series of three that occurred over the period from 1642 to 1651, ending with a Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651. The defeated Royalists were led initially by King Charles I whose reign (1625-1649) was noted for increasing taxes and political dissent.

Charles was forced to leave London and raised his standard in Nottingham on 22 August 1642 and began raising an army. The first battle took place on 26 October and the first of the Civil Wars ended with Charles’ execution in January 1649.

More pictures of the English Civil War can be found here. Many more pictures relating to wars and battle throughout history can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.