This superb example of photorealism is a very powerful image of Red Army soldiers moving through the ruins of Berlin; they are wary of snipers as they press on to their ultimate goal, Hitler’s underground bunker.

Through the ruins of Berlin the Russian troops pressed on towards Hitler's bunker

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

This is an interesting picture of the sometimes overlooked medical pioneer and pathologist, Sir Bernard Spilsbury, whose work in that field led to important convictions in the criminal justice system, as well as acquittals. In later life he helped to deepen the understanding and study of forensic science, but he will always be remembered for his crucial role as a young pathologist whose skills and initiative helped to turn an anonymous cadaver into the credible corpse of a British officer in the great deception that was known as Operation Mincemeat.

Sir Bernard Spilsbury

Many more pictures of medicine can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The musical soundtrack of Britain during the Second World War is epitomised by Vera Lynn’s voice and the sentimental but nonetheless powerful lyrics of her signature song,’The White Cliffs Of Dover’. “We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day”, are words which for many still capture and express the atmosphere of those distant and perilous times, and this terrifically spirited and nostalgic picture of Vera Lynn singing for the Allied troops does much the same.

Vera Lynn boosting morale in the armed forces in WW2 by John Keay

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

This evocative picture shows young pilots scrambling after receiving orders to take to the skies and defend Great Britain against the onslaught of the Luftwaffe. The subtle image depicts a moment of excitement and apprehension in these young men’s lives, but it also shows the very green and pleasant land for which they were fighting, and for which many sacrificed their young and courageous lives.

The Battle Of Britain by Pat Nicolle

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

Our dramatic yet restrained picture shows the Battle of Monte Cassino, which was a hard-fought engagement between the Allies and the Germans embedded in the rural landscape surrounding the ancient hilltop abbey, a protected historic zone. The muted colours and distant explosions on Monte Cassino cleverly understate the fiercely violent battle there which saw four assaults and lasted over four months in Spring, 1944.

The Battle of Monte Cassino

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

Our panoramic picture shows one of the most famous images in world history, the notorious fireball and column of radioactive dust after the bombing of Hiroshima. We also see the Enola Gray which dropped the bomb, and one of the planes carrying scientific instruments to monitor the event. Our viewpoint is that of the observer in the third plane, the photography aircraft.

Hiroshima

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

Our dramatic picture shows the German storm-troopers wreaking havoc and destruction as they swept across Europe at the beginning of the war. Code-named Operation Barbarossa, the military plan was to make swift progress in capturing territory and enemy prisoners. During the first 18 days of the campaign in the East, German forces had covered 400 miles and had taken 150,000 captives.

Operation Barbarossa by Graham Coton

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of the Krupp Works of Essen are striking images of this titanic German industrial base which has made steel and weapons for Prussia, and later Germany, for over two centuries.
The first picture shows the Krupp Works.

Krupp's Factory at Essen

The second picture shows Krupp’s the munitions factory in October 1914.

Where Germany's great coal-box siege-guns are made, one of the chief gun-finishing shops at Krupp's

The third picture shows an aerial view of the works.

Krupp's Works, at Essen, Prussia

Many more pictures of industry can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of Winston Churchill smoking a cigar are striking images of the great British war leader in familiar pose.
The first picture shows Churchill on board ship.

Churchill in a Naval Scene by Roger Payne

The second picture is an heroic portrait in profile.

Churchill by Dan Escott

The third picture shows Churchill relaxing after the war.

Winston Churchill painting at Chartwell by Harry Green

Many more pictures of the Second World War can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.

The best pictures of Drake’s Drum are vivid images of the snare drum Drake took with him round the world, and which became a symbol of patriotic resistance.
The first picture shows the drum being played.

Drake's Drum by A D McCormick

The second picture shows the legend of the drum being played in England’s hour of need, here shown to be the Evacuation from Dunkirk.

Drake's drum sounds above a scene on the beaches of Dunkirk by Andrew Howat

The third picture shows Drake asleep as snare drums sound and the Armada approaches.

Drake's Drum by John Millar Watt

Many more pictures of popular legends can be found at the Look and Learn picture library.