20th Century
What did you do in the war grandad?
This is the brief story of my grandad and his part in the war. Here is a picture of George with who we think is his grandmother in the early 1900s. George Gilfoyle was born [more…]
History
20th Century
Postcard From Carlisle
When in the vicinity one feels obliged. After all, I am a Carlisle lad. During my previous life more interesting I found myself nearby and could adjust my schedule. If I was shot by an [more…]
20th Century
Nostalgia Album, Part Six
Last time, we discovered my father’s cousin John Jr gave his life for his country at Bone in Algeria in 1943. In the First War his father, John Sr, died of sickness after being discharged [more…]
20th Century
My Legends of Pop Music – Part Thirty-Five – Creedence Clearwater Revival
If get this right, there will be many cover versions by future bands. I shall try and link live versions if they exist from the tellybox or a film, the sound quality may not be [more…]
20th Century
The Unsinkable Stoker
For many sailing and in particular cruising are enjoyable pastimes, leisurely time spent in remote places, the nature, tranquility, new things to see and do almost every day. For others it’s a different story. and [more…]
20th Century
Nostalgia Album, Part Five
Within weeks of the start of the Second World War, a residence survey was taken across the country with the information it provided used to issue identity cards and distribute ration books. On it, we [more…]
20th Century
My Legends of Pop Music – Part Thirty-Four – Manfred Mann
If get this right, there will be many cover versions by future bands. I shall try and link live versions if they exist from the tellybox or a film, the sound quality may not be [more…]
20th Century
Postcard from Cyprus, 1996
By the early 1990s, computing in the Ministry of Defence was moving from huge, multi-million pound machines housed in air-conditioned rooms out into the offices on minicomputers and personal computers running Windows. It’s hard to [more…]
20th Century
The Desert War – February 1942
January had finished with the Allies on the back foot in Libya, the Axis was advancing. It was all going pear shaped again. Although Tobruk had been relieved, the Axis armour hadn’t been destroyed, merely [more…]