Black and Tan

Wing Commander Gibson ,VC, DSO and bar, DFC and bar was the bravest of the brave. He died flying a Mosquito on a raid to Bremen in September 1944 aged twenty-six.

Chunky Chips

I very much enjoyed Chips Channon’s Diaries, the 1967 edition. I was aware it was incomplete out of respect for people still alive.

A Mad World

This townhouse, on the Upper East Side, is said to be the largest single-family home in New York.

Some Corner of a Foreign Field

When PG Wodehouse was interned in 1940 he had a long and uncomfortable journey to Upper Silesia, spending five weeks in the fort at Huy, a place better viewed from the outside. You will be curious about Huy and may not be quite sure where it is or how to pronounce it.

An Admirable Admiral

Cloudesley Shovell’s a grand name for a chap who doesn’t have to spell it out every time he talks to a call centre. He could be the central character in a series by Patrick O’Brian, for he spent most of his life at sea.

Another Roller

A blogger trying to grab a reader’s attention often casts modesty aside and is boastful; guilty as charged. The Bible, so often a source of solace, has consolation.

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Categorised as History

Blue Mist

Next time I watch Lawrence of Arabia I will pay more attention to the armoured car. It’s a replica in David Lean’s film.

For Richer for Poorer

When Edward Bellew married Augusta Bryan in 1853 it brought two old, landed Catholic families together; one rich the other stupendously rich.