Welcome to 2013!
A very Happy New Year to all, wherever you may be in the World, i wish you the very best for the next 365 days until we all descend, one more, into Christmas shopping and endless fireworks, in a pointless attempt to outdo the Aussies! ( If you're British, i hope you'll understand what i mean!)
On a more serious note, the current US financial problem and the generally chaotic view of the political world at the moment, my hope for the year 2013 is that we see some kind of unilateral cooperation between the world's nations. Whether motivated by fear in a world unsure of its financial future or hope from a world looking for a better one, i sincerely hope that this year is the one!
I know, i know... I'm a pathetic optimist... Comes with being British!
Happy New Year!
Monday 31 December 2012
Friday 28 December 2012
On this Day - 28th December 1879
On this Day - 28th December 1879
The Tay Bridge collapse. A rather infamous event in Britain, when a violent storm caused the collapse of the rail bridge over the Firth of Tay in Scotland. Winds in excess of 70mph blowing at right angles to the bridge were recorded and was unanimously hailed as one of the worst storms in living memory.
A train carrying 60 people was on the bridge when a central section of it collapsed and fell into the estuary, taking the train with it. There were no survivors and 14 bodies were never recovered. Many elements were criticised as being the cause of the tragedy, from the construction of the bridge, to it's seeming lack of maintenance and the speed of trains crossing it. As there were no survivors, the true cause of the disaster was never conclusively determined. A new bridge stands on the sight today, with the stumps of the old one still visible in the water, there is no other memorial to the victims.
The Tay Bridge collapse. A rather infamous event in Britain, when a violent storm caused the collapse of the rail bridge over the Firth of Tay in Scotland. Winds in excess of 70mph blowing at right angles to the bridge were recorded and was unanimously hailed as one of the worst storms in living memory.
A train carrying 60 people was on the bridge when a central section of it collapsed and fell into the estuary, taking the train with it. There were no survivors and 14 bodies were never recovered. Many elements were criticised as being the cause of the tragedy, from the construction of the bridge, to it's seeming lack of maintenance and the speed of trains crossing it. As there were no survivors, the true cause of the disaster was never conclusively determined. A new bridge stands on the sight today, with the stumps of the old one still visible in the water, there is no other memorial to the victims.
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Stolen Nazi letters delivered at last
Interesting story, can imagine why the Germans were a bit miffed that their Christmas cards didn't get through!
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles ever occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War.
Interesting story, can imagine why the Germans were a bit miffed that their Christmas cards didn't get through!
The Channel Islands were the only part of the British Isles ever occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War.
Monday 17 December 2012
On this day: December 17th 1903
The Wright brothers Wilbur and Orville make the first powered flight in their "Wright Flyer" at Kittyhawk, North Carolina.
The simple canvas aircraft, flown for the first successful time by Orville Wright on December 17th lasted only 12 seconds and covered only 120 feet but marked a milestone in the technology of mankind. Within 20 years aviation was a major past time; within 30 the jet engine had been developed and within 40 commercial air travel had taken off. The Wright brother's seemingly unimpressive first steps initiated a period of vast technological advances, which helped propel us into our current modern world.
The Wright brothers Wilbur and Orville make the first powered flight in their "Wright Flyer" at Kittyhawk, North Carolina.
The simple canvas aircraft, flown for the first successful time by Orville Wright on December 17th lasted only 12 seconds and covered only 120 feet but marked a milestone in the technology of mankind. Within 20 years aviation was a major past time; within 30 the jet engine had been developed and within 40 commercial air travel had taken off. The Wright brother's seemingly unimpressive first steps initiated a period of vast technological advances, which helped propel us into our current modern world.
Sunday 16 December 2012
On this day - December 16th 1773
In Boston, American patriots of the "Sons of Liberty" boarded three ships laden with tea and, in protest of the new Tea Tax, dumped it overboard into the harbor. Contrary to popular belief only a few of the Americans were dressed as Mohawk Indians but their actions are cited as one of the earliest signs of the coming War of Independence.
In Boston, American patriots of the "Sons of Liberty" boarded three ships laden with tea and, in protest of the new Tea Tax, dumped it overboard into the harbor. Contrary to popular belief only a few of the Americans were dressed as Mohawk Indians but their actions are cited as one of the earliest signs of the coming War of Independence.
"Dumping it overboard made the tea undrinkable; even for Americans"
I was in Boston once and at the hotel buffet when I asked if they had tea, she returned with a teabag floating in lukewarm water. I was only 12 at the time and i only realised later that she was being a smartass, or maybe the Americans really don't have a clue how to make a cup of tea!
Saturday 15 December 2012
Operation Mincemeat
Operation Mincemeat
One of my favourite stories of ingenuity and dash to come out of the Intelligence war! A very British idea developed by some of the greatest of the minds in British Intelligence. These intelligence agents with "corkscrew minds" fooled the fuhrer and the whole of the Nazi Empire and saved thousands of lives, shortened the war and helped ensure the Allied victory. This is a great documentary and well worth a look!
Operation Mincemeat, an idea developed by Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond) which was seized by British Intelligence in 1943 to deceive the Germans by fooling them into believing that the target of Allied forces poised in North Africa was Greece and not Sicily.
The corpse was dropped off the coast of Spain, wearing a British Royal Marines uniform and carrying "TOP SECRET" papers which were then intercepted by German operatives in Spain. The lie worked it's way up the chain of command and ultimately fooled Hitler himself into believing it. As a result Sicily was taken in just under a month; Italy invaded shortly after (which sapped enemy strength away from the rest of Europe and Russia) and the Axis finally defeated just over a year later.
The true identity of the man was only revealed in the 90's. His name was Glyndwr Michael, a poor, barely literate Welshman with no living relatives who committed suicide in a disused warehouse in London. He may have died unknown and unloved, but in death he served his country with great aplomb and is more than worthy of remembrance.
One of my favourite stories of ingenuity and dash to come out of the Intelligence war! A very British idea developed by some of the greatest of the minds in British Intelligence. These intelligence agents with "corkscrew minds" fooled the fuhrer and the whole of the Nazi Empire and saved thousands of lives, shortened the war and helped ensure the Allied victory. This is a great documentary and well worth a look!
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| The team of Intelligence Officers from Room 13 at the Admiralty who duped the rest of Europe. |
Operation Mincemeat, an idea developed by Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond) which was seized by British Intelligence in 1943 to deceive the Germans by fooling them into believing that the target of Allied forces poised in North Africa was Greece and not Sicily.
The corpse was dropped off the coast of Spain, wearing a British Royal Marines uniform and carrying "TOP SECRET" papers which were then intercepted by German operatives in Spain. The lie worked it's way up the chain of command and ultimately fooled Hitler himself into believing it. As a result Sicily was taken in just under a month; Italy invaded shortly after (which sapped enemy strength away from the rest of Europe and Russia) and the Axis finally defeated just over a year later.
The true identity of the man was only revealed in the 90's. His name was Glyndwr Michael, a poor, barely literate Welshman with no living relatives who committed suicide in a disused warehouse in London. He may have died unknown and unloved, but in death he served his country with great aplomb and is more than worthy of remembrance.
Friday 14 December 2012
Shootings in Connecticut December 15th 2012
When are the American people going to stop accepting this crap!? When will they finally admit that the constitution needs amending to prevent the distribution of firearms to those who would murder children?! I see no sense in it, and I feel for those who must suffer the consequences.
"...It is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government and provide new guards for their future security..."
The Declaration of Independence may have been referring to Government, but this passage, in my opinion, can be used in relation to such incidents.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
On this day - December 11th 1920
On this day - December 11th 1920
(Particularly fitting given the current loyalist instability in Belfast)
Black and Tams and regular British forces burned and looted several buildings in Cork, Ireland in response to and IRA ambush, which wounded 12 and killed 1. Firefighters attempting to halt the blaze were impeded by the Army and suffered varying levels of intimidation, from having their hoses cut to being shot at. Over 300 residential properties were destroyed in the fire and 3 people were killed, the first two being unarmed IRA members and the last being a woman who suffered a heart attack when the Army entered her home.
It's the memory of events such as this which keep Ireland in the minds of the British people and the world. The Irish themselves (Northern and Republic) both abhor such acts now as a return to "the troubles" would only bring with it further collateral damage and civilian deaths. We must remember, particularly in the present time that Loyalism, Nationalism and religious divides may separate us but they must not separate us from our better natures.
I pray that the current situation in Belfast over this past week is not the start of something further. From what the police have released, the majority of those involved are cut from the same cloth as those who partook in the London riots, they are opportunists with no political or religious motive to speak of, if you love your country enough to protest at the removal of it's flag, protest it peacefully, attacking the police is not the way to get your grievances addressed!
(Particularly fitting given the current loyalist instability in Belfast)
Black and Tams and regular British forces burned and looted several buildings in Cork, Ireland in response to and IRA ambush, which wounded 12 and killed 1. Firefighters attempting to halt the blaze were impeded by the Army and suffered varying levels of intimidation, from having their hoses cut to being shot at. Over 300 residential properties were destroyed in the fire and 3 people were killed, the first two being unarmed IRA members and the last being a woman who suffered a heart attack when the Army entered her home.
It's the memory of events such as this which keep Ireland in the minds of the British people and the world. The Irish themselves (Northern and Republic) both abhor such acts now as a return to "the troubles" would only bring with it further collateral damage and civilian deaths. We must remember, particularly in the present time that Loyalism, Nationalism and religious divides may separate us but they must not separate us from our better natures.
I pray that the current situation in Belfast over this past week is not the start of something further. From what the police have released, the majority of those involved are cut from the same cloth as those who partook in the London riots, they are opportunists with no political or religious motive to speak of, if you love your country enough to protest at the removal of it's flag, protest it peacefully, attacking the police is not the way to get your grievances addressed!
Sunday 9 December 2012
On this day - December 9th 1917
On this day - December 9th 1917
British and Arab forces under Field Marshall Edmund Allenby capture Jerusalem from the Ottomans.
This moderately successful campaign of the First World War is significant to me because it shows the co-operation between Arabs and Europe that since the time of Lawrence and Allenby has gone astray. If we can take example from these men and their fight, peace in the Middle East might come a little easier.
Post-Script: Sorry I missed the 8th! I was doing the typical student thing, getting drunk on cheap beer and not getting up because of a cracking hangover. My apologies!
British and Arab forces under Field Marshall Edmund Allenby capture Jerusalem from the Ottomans.
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| Allenby Enters Jerusalem |
This moderately successful campaign of the First World War is significant to me because it shows the co-operation between Arabs and Europe that since the time of Lawrence and Allenby has gone astray. If we can take example from these men and their fight, peace in the Middle East might come a little easier.
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| Faisal I of Iraq |
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| T.E Lawrence - Better known as "Lawrence of Arabia" |
Post-Script: Sorry I missed the 8th! I was doing the typical student thing, getting drunk on cheap beer and not getting up because of a cracking hangover. My apologies!
Friday 7 December 2012
On this Day - December 7th 1941
On this Day - December 7th 1941
The United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was attacked by the Japanese. Many of the US ships in the Harbor were sunk or damaged including: eight battleships, three cruisers and three destroyers. Over 180 aircraft at the Airfields surrounding the Harbor were destroyed and 2,402 people were killed. On the USS Arizona alone, 1,777 men were killed.
The sneak attack provoked widespread condemnation from the people of the United States and was the deciding factor for the United States to enter the Second World War. The US Declaration of War against Japan the following day was followed on December 11th by Italy and Germany's declaration of war on the United States being reciprocated by Washington. The entry of the US into WW2 and the prominence of the Pacific theatre of war following Pearl Harbor meant that the war was truly global after the events of December 7th.
The United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was attacked by the Japanese. Many of the US ships in the Harbor were sunk or damaged including: eight battleships, three cruisers and three destroyers. Over 180 aircraft at the Airfields surrounding the Harbor were destroyed and 2,402 people were killed. On the USS Arizona alone, 1,777 men were killed.
The sneak attack provoked widespread condemnation from the people of the United States and was the deciding factor for the United States to enter the Second World War. The US Declaration of War against Japan the following day was followed on December 11th by Italy and Germany's declaration of war on the United States being reciprocated by Washington. The entry of the US into WW2 and the prominence of the Pacific theatre of war following Pearl Harbor meant that the war was truly global after the events of December 7th.
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| The USS Arizona explodes |
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Thursday 6 December 2012
On this day - December 6th 1917
On this day - December 6th 1917
Halifax, Nova Scotia - The cargo ship, Mont Blanc, carrying military munitions for the War in Europe exploded after colliding with the Norwegian ship Imo in the second largest accidental man man explosion in history. The resulting explosion was equal to around 3 Kilotons, and obliterated an area of two square kilometres from the epicentre, killing nearly 2000 people and injuring a further 9000. The shockwave from the explosion was felt by the Canadian Prime Minister in Charlottetown, 130 miles away.
Halifax, Nova Scotia - The cargo ship, Mont Blanc, carrying military munitions for the War in Europe exploded after colliding with the Norwegian ship Imo in the second largest accidental man man explosion in history. The resulting explosion was equal to around 3 Kilotons, and obliterated an area of two square kilometres from the epicentre, killing nearly 2000 people and injuring a further 9000. The shockwave from the explosion was felt by the Canadian Prime Minister in Charlottetown, 130 miles away.
I did a little digging online and discovered that even more incredible than the explosion itself, were the actions of the people in rescue and recovery operations in the wake of the disaster. As the ship was burning, a tug the Stella Maris pulled in close by to spray her with their fire hose; when the Mont Blanc exploded 19 of her crew of 24, 5 surviving to be washed ashore with the hulk of their boat by the resultant tsunami.
The heroism of Vince Coleman should also be remembered. He was a railway dispatcher at the Richmond railway yards, who heard from a sailor coming up from the docks that a munitions ship in the harbour was on fire and rushed with his colleagues to flee to a safe distance. He realised just in time that several trains were due in to Halifax within the hour and rushed back to the dispatch office to send messages to them to warn them away from the area. Coleman sent this message out shortly before the explosion:
"Stop Trains. Munitions ship on fire. Approaching Pier 6. Goodbye"
His actions saved the lives of 300 people on board the nearest train which was damaged by the blast but no one was injured thanks to the trains distance from Halifax. Vince Coleman himself was killed at his post when the Mont Blanc exploded. Canada remembers him as a hero; in my opinion the rest of the world should know of his sacrifice and bravery.
Wednesday 5 December 2012
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| Philosophy: All questions... no answers! So don't expect any! |
On this day - December 4th 1775
Henry Knox arrives at American held Fort Ticonderoga to transport the forts guns back to Boston to assist in breaking the British siege. Henry Knox would become the Continental Army's General of Artillery for the remainder of the war, which would result in Britain's loss of the 13 Colonies, thanks a bunch America!
Henry Knox arrives at American held Fort Ticonderoga to transport the forts guns back to Boston to assist in breaking the British siege. Henry Knox would become the Continental Army's General of Artillery for the remainder of the war, which would result in Britain's loss of the 13 Colonies, thanks a bunch America!
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Good morning! Why not kick off the day with an excellent playlist? This one's a real eye-opener for all you Cold War kids out there, as it is an alternate history documentary exploring what might have been in the last days of the USSR. Masterfully done and frankly terrifying, the appeal of this documentary to me is the way in which 95% of it is compiled from contemporary news broadcasts and archive footage, giving it an element of realism and making it what might otherwise have been a impressively speculative load of tripe. Useful if you're studying the Cold War, as it includes plenty of historical figures and a wealth of context, and otherwise entertaining through it's chilling story.
The first part of the documentary is missing from Youtube so here is a brief synopsis of what is missed:
Widespread economic crisis in Eastern Europe during the era of Glasnost and Perestroika brought on by Mikhail Gorbachev during the 1980's creates growing internal strife behind the Iron Curtain. The hardline communists within Gorbachev's inner circle act to preserve the Socialist ideals that Gorbachev seems to be undermining in his attempts to save the USSR from economic ruin. During a visit to East Germany, Communist hardliners, led by General Vladimir Soshkin, pull off a successful military coup and Gorbachev simply dissapears. The new hardline government begins operating a no nonsense policy towards Eastern Europe and begins enacting crackdowns in cities across the Warsaw Pact, drawing increasing criticism from the Western Allies.
Monday 3 December 2012
This one got me thinking about those historical figures that pop up every few hundred years who unite all the world against them: Napoleon, Hitler, Saddam Hussein. These guys who are just such a threat that the world cannot afford to ignore them. Great episode though:
20th Century Battlefields - The First Gulf War
20th Century Battlefields - The First Gulf War
Probably should have done this first, I don't even know if anyone is reading this, i hope so. I need an outlet for my thoughts, hopefully you're thinking along similar lines to me, if you're reading this I assume so!
As a cynical, thoughtful and enthusiastic Brit and history student I thought I could try to help others out with information, historical knowledge and a chance for discussion (and maybe a bit of insight into the life of a University Student studying history!) and my journey of learning and discovery. I am currently studying History at the University of Stirling
I'll talk about anything, whether anyone is listening or not, History is my passion and my life's work and efforts are directed into emphasising its importance. In studying it and collecting historical artifacts and working my way up the Historians hierarchy I hope one day to be someone of note. Small beginnings is where I am, greatness is what i aspire to. To reach my goal, I feel compelled to share knowledge with anyone who seeks it. The value of what I know is up to you, I can only hope it aids you in your journey. As one of my heroes would attest: Sic Parvis Magna, greatness from small beginnings.
As a cynical, thoughtful and enthusiastic Brit and history student I thought I could try to help others out with information, historical knowledge and a chance for discussion (and maybe a bit of insight into the life of a University Student studying history!) and my journey of learning and discovery. I am currently studying History at the University of Stirling
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| My Idols - Sherlock Holmes |
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| Eddie Chapman |
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| Sir Flinders Petrie |
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| Sir Francis Drake |
20th Century Battlefields
Fantastic Series: 20th Century Battlefields
If you're studying 20th Century history on any of the topics Dan and Peter cover, it's an invaluable resource!
I've watched all of them loads of times! Currently watching the Vietnam episode:
20th Century Battlefields: Vietnam - The Tet Offensive and Battle of Khe Sanh
If you're studying 20th Century history on any of the topics Dan and Peter cover, it's an invaluable resource!
I've watched all of them loads of times! Currently watching the Vietnam episode:
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