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Special
Special
Israel Independence Day
On May 14th 1948, Israel declared its independence — and then managed to defend it thanks to its armed forces. This holiday is celebrated on 5 Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which in 2023 corresponds to April 25-26, from sunset till sunset. On this day, people decorate their houses and cars with Israeli flags and have picnics, the government gives out awards for contributions to Israeli culture, and some military bases open up to visitors.
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Italy Liberation Day
By the end of April of 1945, Italy-based forces of the Wehrmacht and Republic of Salo had no supplies or manpower to oppose the Allies, and so on the 29th they capitulated at Caserta. However, it was the 25th of April that became Liberation Day — on this date the National Liberation Committee of Upper Italy called for all guerrillas to rise against the occupying forces and force their garrisons to surrender.
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Zimbabwe Independence Day
During the dissolution of the British Empire one of its colonies, South Rhodesia, decided to declare its independence unilaterally. This led to it being unrecognized by other countries during its entire existence. In 1979 it returned under British protectorate, and after elections on April 18th, 1980, it became independent again, this time under the name Zimbabwe.
  • 18 April 2023
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Vasily Matsievich’s Birthday
Soviet fighter pilot Vasily Matsievich was born on April 13th, 1913. As a part of 26th Regiment he defended Leningrad from enemy bombers during the blockade, and by June 1942 had made 196 sorties. In 1943 he was awarded the highest award of the USSR — the Order of Lenin, the Gold Star medal and the title “Hero of the Soviet Union”.
  • 8
  • 13 April 2023
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Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics
On April 12th, 1961 a new era in humanity’s quest for the skies began: for the first time in history a manned craft orbited the Earth. Yuri Gagarin became a legend, and to commemorate his heroic flight, April 12th was declared the Day of Aviation and Cosmonautics. Celebrate it with us in War Thunder!
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Royal Air Force Day
On April 1st, 1918 the Royal Air Force was founded, and on the same date in 1924 — the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. Around that time HMS Hermes, the first purpose built aircraft carrier, was commissioned. Both the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy proved instrumental in 1940, during the Battle for Britain, when they managed to hold against the might of the entire Luftwaffe and prevent invasion by Germany.
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Lucky Piñata
Something interesting happens regularly in War Thunder. Right now as you are reading this text the participants of the big football competition are fighting for decals, decorations, titles and other valuable prizes.
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100th Anniversary of the Italian Air Force
The Italian Royal Army founded its air arm back in 1884, when it decided to use aerostats for military purposes. But a separate Air Force was founded on March 28th, 1923 — precisely 100 years ago. In the 1930s it participated in military operations in Ethiopia and Spain, in the 1940s it fought in WWII as a part of Axis powers (and then partially for Allies), and in 1990 it took part in the Gulf War in an international coalition.
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First Flight of the La-5
On March 21st, 1942 the La-5, a Soviet fighter aircraft designed by Semyon Lavochkin, made its maiden flight. It was an evolution of LaGG-3 that replaced an inline engine with the stronger and more widely available Shvetsov ASh-82 radial engine; that allowed the USSR to quickly produce a huge number of new fighters. In the skies La-5 was a strong competitor to the German Bf 109, and its modifications were used until the end of the War.
  • 5
  • 21 March 2023
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St. Patrick’s Day
The feast of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is observed on March 17th. This holiday has long since stopped being a purely religious one and thanks to the Irish immigrants spread across the entire world.
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Happy International Women’s Day!
It’s the first and the most important spring holiday! On this day we’d like to extend congratulations to all women of the world. We wish you to always be surrounded by your loved ones, for a smile to never leave your lips, and for all your wishes to come true. Celebrate this holiday with us in War Thunder!
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Finnish Air Force Day
The Finnish Air Force was founded on the 6th of March, 1918, soon after the country declared its independence from the Russian Empire. Its first planes were simply left behind by Russian forces. But the Finns didn’t have their own pilots, so in the beginning they had to rely on unofficial help from Swedes, Danes, and Russians.
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South African Armed Forces Day
In 2012 President Zuma chose February 21st as the day to honor the Armed Forces of South Africa; it is celebrated with drills and parades.
  • 8
  • 21 February 2023
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First Flight of the Bo 105
On February 16th, 1967 the Bo 105 multi-purpose helicopter, created by Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, took to the air for the first time. The Bo 105 pioneered a hingeless rotor system, received over 20 modifications and is still widely used in many countries across the globe.
  • 10
  • 16 February 2023
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Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spend a romantic evening together in your favorite game, give out gifts and compliments, and, of course, get new decals in War Thunder.
  • 23
  • 14 February 2023
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National Foundation Day in Japan
According to legend, Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan ascended to the throne 2683 years ago on the first day of the first Lunar month — that was February 11th, 660 BC. After the Meiji Restoration, the Emperor decreed this day a national holiday; it was temporarily banned after WWII, but was brought back in the mid-1960s. On February 11th Japanese temples hold festivals, buildings are decorated with flags, and the royal family addresses the nation.
  • 19
  • 10 February 2023
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Victory in Stalingrad Day
The Battle of Stalingrad began in the summer of 1942: both German and Soviet command considered the city to be of critical importance. In autumn the Red Army during Operation Uranus successfully encircled the Wehrmacht forces near Stalingrad. Axis powers failed in their attempt to break through, and on February 2nd, 1943 field marshal Paulus went against Hitler’s orders and surrendered. This victory became one of the most important events of WWII.
  • 16
  • 2 February 2023
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Australia Day
On January 26th, 1788, the British First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove, proclaiming British sovereignty over New South Wales and the founding of Sydney. Nowadays January 26th is the main state holiday — Australia Day. Congratulations to all our Australian players!
  • 26
  • 26 January 2023