Tag: 1930-1939

A photo of the Hotel Central facade

Prague’s Daring Dame: The Hotel Central

Prague, 1901. A city of soaring Gothic spires and grand Baroque palaces. Then, something new appeared. Something... different. On Hybernska street, a building bloomed into existence, its facade a swirl of pastel colours and floral motifs. This was the Hotel Central.
A photo of the Jablonkow tunnel

Did World War II Start With a Failed Secret Raid?

World War II began on 1 September 1939. What if I told you a secret German commando unit jumped the gun, invading Poland six days early? This is the Jabłonków Incident, a bizarre opening act to the world’s deadliest conflict. Ready to uncover one of WWII’s best-kept secrets?
An underwater photo of the Kujawiak's anti-aircraft guns

ORP Kujawiak: From Britain to Malta

During World War II, the Polish Navy operated under the auspices of the British Navy. One destroyer escort, the ORP Kujawiak, helped supply the island of Malta where it hit an Italian mine. This article explains the short life of ORP Kujawiak, its final moments and its current status as an underwater diving site.
A photo of Place Charles De Gaulle - Bayeux, France

Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories

During World War II, the USA and UK plotted to place France under Allied administration after the war, instead of restoring the French government. Why would they consider this, and how different would the world today be if this had gone through? This article examines the political context and the personalities behind what happened.
A photo of the detailed stonework in the château of Châteaudun

The lost anti-Viking defence system

In the late 10th century, France faced with an economic crisis and an uneasy peace with the Vikings. Would the Vikings attack again? Or was their recent attempt at peace going to last?
A photo of Einstein's bust - Prague, Czechia

Einstein in Prague

Albert Einstein developed key aspects of relativity during his 1911-1912 stay in Prague, lecturing at the local university.
A photo of ethnic Germans awaiting trains to take them to Germany - Strossmayerovo Namesti, Prague, Czechia

The German expulsion

I've written lots about how Germany and German influences affected Bohemia and Czechia. This is what led to a backlash after World War II. This article explores the little-known story of how Czechoslovakia expelled Germans after the war.
A photo of Jan Kefer and his wife

The occult plot to kill Hitler

Before World War II, Czechoslovak occultists tried to use black magic to kill Hitler. It sounds like the plot to a Hollywood B-movie, and in some ways it is. But it also is 100% true.