The Great War ended much differently than the never-say- die desperation of the Nazis in WW2. In 1918, there was no likely imminent collapse of Germany though the deprivation and starvation of many in the country was startling. Even though there were mutinies in the ranks of the French, order was generally maintained and despite… Continue reading The Armistice – The end of The Great War, WW1.
Tag: In The Footsteps of Heroes
The Battle of The Somme 100 Years On
Friday July 1st 2016 marks the centerniary of the commencement of The Battle Of The Somme. It is fair to say that July 1st 1916 might possibly the most horrific day in British history and most likely in the top two or three anywhere given the dreadful events of the day. The Battle of The… Continue reading The Battle of The Somme 100 Years On
My First Ever Booksigning!
Last Thursday was a big day in the life of me, I had my first ever book signing. It took place from 10am-4pm at Reason Coffee Shop and Bookstore in Watford High Street which is just 5 miles from where I live. The shop does a lot of work for good causes and has a… Continue reading My First Ever Booksigning!
Shot at dawn – Remembering those who bravely died as cowards
November 11th is Armistice Day and I thought I would write about an aspect of WW1 which is often forgotten, the sad stories of those who were shot by their own side. Over 300 Commonwealth soldiers were shot at dawn, a euphamism for being executed by their own side with 291 of them being British, 25… Continue reading Shot at dawn – Remembering those who bravely died as cowards
The tragic story of Sidney Ashcroft & the Guernsey Eight
As we approach Armistice Day, I thought I would write on another history related item, this time from WW2. Not many people know that part of the British Isles was conquered and occupied by Nazi Germany. The Channel Islands, in the English Channel lie around 90 miles south of the British mainland and the small… Continue reading The tragic story of Sidney Ashcroft & the Guernsey Eight
The incredible true tale of Job Maseko – The man who sunk a ship whilst a prisoner.
As today is Remembrance Sunday, I thought I would share a short account of someone who is rarely spoken of outside his homeland but whom I have been a fan of for many years. For most people when they are taken prisoner, their war is pretty much at the end, which is often a good… Continue reading The incredible true tale of Job Maseko – The man who sunk a ship whilst a prisoner.
Edith Cavell – Patriotism Is Not Enough
Many of us are familiar with the phrase “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel”, a quote that remains as true today as it was when it was first coined and is still evident by many politicians in particular around the world. Not so many people though are familiar with the equally if not… Continue reading Edith Cavell – Patriotism Is Not Enough
I have my first book signing!
So the big news on the happiness front this week is that I have been offered my very first book-signing. I didn’t have to beg or grovel or anything like I expected I might have to do or lets face it, be prepared to do. It’s not in London’s Oxford Street or New York’s Time… Continue reading I have my first book signing!
The Christmas Truce and football match of 1914.
Whilst we are getting ready to enjoy or in some cases already enjoying our Christmas in 2014, it is worth remembering what was happening 100 years ago not so far from where I am writing today. In what is perhaps one of the most inhuman situations in history a series of events played out that… Continue reading The Christmas Truce and football match of 1914.
Sights of the WW1 battlefields
This my penultimate post for now on WW1 and my recent tour to the battlefields of France and Belgium. There are simply so many places to see and despite being out all day, every day for a week, we only scratched the surface. One of the first places that we visited was Vimy Ridge. This… Continue reading Sights of the WW1 battlefields
Stephen Liddell 