World War II (often abbreviated to WWII or WW2), also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The vast majority of the world’s countries – including all the great powers – eventually formed two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. A state of total war emerged, directly involving more than 100 million people from more than 30 countries. The major participants threw their entire economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities behind the war effort, blurring the distinction between civilian and military resources. World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, marked by 70 to 85 million fatalities, most of whom were civilians in the Soviet Union and China. It included massacres, the genocide of the Holocaust, strategic bombing, premeditated death from starvation and disease, and the only use of nuclear weapons in war.

Neil Close (1913) – World War 2

Neil Close (1913) was born at Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, the son of Ernest Close (1885) and Bessie Ann Jane Lang. He enlisted into the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces in 1940, serving in the 49th Australian Infantry Battalion. He survived the…

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Lawrence Close (1915) – World War 2

Lawrence Close (1915) was born at Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales, the son of Ernest Close (1885) and Bessie Ann Jane Lang. He enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force in 1940. He survived the war, and subsequently left as a Flight…

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William Henry Close (1913) – World War 2

William Henry Close (1913) was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Percy William Close (1884) and Nellie Katherine Varnes. He was drafted into the US Armed Forces at Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio in 1940. He subsequently enlisted into the…

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Frederick Stephen Clowes (1915) – World War 2

Frederick Stephen Clowes (1915) was born in Marylebone, Londonthe son of Harold Robert Clowes (1885) and Gertrude Alice Maud Leggett. He saw active service in the 3rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery as a Gunner during World War II. He…

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