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TIL there were no casualties at the Battle of Fort Sumter, the first engagement of the American Civil War. However, two privates were mortally wounded during the 100-gun salute to the flag, which was Major Anderson’s one condition for withdrawal.

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a860N TIL the most effective surrender leaflet in WW2 was known as the "Passierschein". It was designed to appeal to German sensibilities for official, fancy documents printed on nice paper with official seals and signatures. It promised safe passage and generous treatment to any who presented it.
G0D1 TIL that when one fails the British/Dutch navies’ Submarine Command Course (“The Perisher”), he is not told yet, but his bag is packed for him. When a boat/helicopter is ready the sailor is told of his failure, given a bottle of whisky, and immediately goes. He can never serve in a submarine again.
rRyPx TIL in the early 20th Century women would use their hat pin to physically defend themselves from being harassed in public transport. It worked so well that law makers at the time outlawed it. In Australia, sixty women went to jail rather than pay fines for wearing “murderous weapons” in their hats
wL9NE TIL there are certain foods astronauts can't eat in space, including bread because it lacks the right structure and shelf life, soda, because the carbonation is affected differently, and salt and pepper, because they act differently in microgravity
yVKRX TIL An American Flag survived the Challenger explosion and was the flag raised at the 2002 Winter Olympics