19th Century
Morse Code
Just a few of the umpteen songs I could have chosen! Apparently I’m a bit of a numpty for not making the link between “The Longest Day” and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony! So, with June being [more…]
History
20th Century
Postcard from Berlin
In June 2017 Master Reggie and I decided to go on a ‘lads’ tour of Berlin. Master Reggie had just completed his degree course and Mrs Reggie suggested it was time for some Father and [more…]
20th Century
Hungary 1956; ‘Normalization’ in Budapest
The crushing of the 1956 Hungarian uprising led to repercussions far beyond the borders of the country itself. In its wake communist fellow travellers were forced to confront the grim realities of Soviet realpolitik, the [more…]
Arts
19th Century
Oysters 2½ Ways
“O Oysters,’ said the Carpenter, You’ve had a pleasant run! Shall we be trotting home again?’ But answer came there none — And this was scarcely odd, because They’d eaten every one.” The final verse [more…]
20th Century
The Spitfire, of course, Part 2
A couple of years ago I wrote an article here concerning the design of the Spitfire and questioned its status as the best fighter of WWII. I mentioned in that article a follow up piece [more…]
Arts
Postcard from Penarth
A little confession first. This is a bit of a cheat ‘postcard’ because, although I have visited this lovely seaside town many times, I also lived there for a blissful year or so, overlooking Cardiff [more…]
19th Century
South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company
It is obvious from many of the articles that appear on this website that history and mechanical things are of interest. So here is one that combines the two, the history of a railroad and [more…]
19th Century
The Rise and Fall of the British Police
In light of the recent abominable and unprofessional behaviour, during riots and public demonstrations, by members of what used to be a well-respected British police force — together with their now routine displays of a [more…]