THE WAR YEARS
Bringing Second World War history to life, one story at a time.
military historian & author
I’m Charlie Trumpess, a military historian and published author with a Master’s degree in Military History from the University of Buckingham. I’m also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. I run The War Years, focusing on Second World War military history.
What I do
I write articles about military operations and the human side of the Second World War. My research draws on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including veteran testimonies, memoirs, war diaries, unit records and many other official documents. I tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
I have written two military history books. The Birth of British Special Forces, published by Fonthill Media in May 2026. A History of the Guards Armoured Formations 1941–1945 was published by Pen & Sword Military in January 2025.
You can follow my work on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, where I regularly share WW2 content.
What happened when Kamikaze aircraft attacked HMS Formidable?
The story of HMS Formidable is a remarkable account of resilience and survival in the face of adversity. This aircraft carrier endured not just one, but two kamikaze attacks, demonstrating the bravery of its crew and the strength of the ship itself. The events surrounding these attacks illustrate the challenges faced during wartime and the determination required to overcome them. Through quick thinking, teamwork, and solid engineering, HMS Formidable managed to stay afloat and continue combat operations despite the terrible threats it encountered. Among the burning wreckage of aircraft and firefighting parties was my uncle, a young teenage rating who would go on to travel the world with the merchant navy.
If you would like to know more about HMS Formidable's second commission, Operation Iceberg or the role of the British Pacific Fleet, you can read my 47-page illustrated paper as a PDF download or a digital flipbook.
Credentials and memberships
My academic credentials include an MA in Military History by Research from the University of Buckingham. I also hold a Diploma in Marketing, and I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM) and a CIM Chartered Marketer (CMktr).
I am an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS), a member of the Society of Authors (SoA), the Historical Writers’ Association (HWA), the Society for Army Historical Research (SAHR), the Army Records Society and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). I am also an associate member of the 29th Division Association.
