When we think of warfare, we often picture guns, grenades, and strategy, but history shows us that some of the most bizarre and unexpected items carried into battle had nothing to do with traditional combat. Soldiers across centuries and continents have taken to the battlefield with objects that were symbolic, sentimental, or just downright strange. These odd artifacts often reveal what gave them courage, identity, or even an edge over the enemy. Here are eight of the weirdest items that ever accompanied soldiers into war.
8. Personal Diaries
Many soldiers, despite the dangers, carried personal journals or notebooks into combat. These were used to process trauma, document history, or leave something behind in case they didn’t return. While not weird in the traditional sense, carrying a diary into a firefight is undoubtedly brave. These emotional items carried into battle often ended up in museums, capturing first-hand stories of war.
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7. Playing Cards
During the Vietnam War, American soldiers sometimes left the Ace of Spades on the bodies of enemies or scattered them in the jungle, believing the Viet Cong viewed the card as a symbol of death. Some even carried decks with just that card. It’s one of the strangest items carried into battle for psychological impact.
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6. Samurai War Fans (Tessen)
Samurai in feudal Japan often carried war fans made of metal or thickened paper. Though they looked decorative, they were also used to deflect arrows, signal troops, or in emergencies, serve as weapons. These fans were practical but elegant items carried into battle.
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5. Religious Relics
Crucifixes, mini Torah scrolls, and Quranic verses were often carried by soldiers of faith. Some carried them tucked in breast pockets, believing they offered divine protection. In the Crusades and beyond, actual relics of saints or splinters from sacred sites were also taken into battle. As symbolic items carried into battle, these represented a deep-rooted spiritual defense.
4. Live Animals
Animals aren’t uncommon on the battlefield but some troops carried pets, mascots, or symbols into battle. Wojtek, a bear adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II, carried artillery crates and even had a rank. Meanwhile, some American units brought monkeys or dogs for emotional support. These living items carried into battle made brutal conditions a bit more bearable.
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3. Good Luck Dolls and Voodoo Charms
Both American and European soldiers have been known to carry small good luck charms. These superstitions were especially common in World War II, where anything that might offer a shred of luck was kept safe. These strange items carried into battle weren’t tactical, but they helped soldiers psychologically cope with life-or-death situations.
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2. Bagpipes
Scottish pipers were known to lead soldiers into battle while playing bagpipes, even during modern wars like World War I and II. The pipes were believed to boost morale and intimidate the enemy. One famous example is Bill Millin, who played his bagpipes on D-Day as bullets flew around him.
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1. A Bag of Rocks
During World War I, some Scottish soldiers carried small pieces of the “Stone of Destiny,” a sacred object tied to Scotland’s royal heritage. It was believed to bring protection and spiritual strength. This was one of the more symbolic items carried into battle, meant to remind troops of home and history.
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