The Scottish Isle of of Islay is best known these days for its world famous peaty single malt whisky but a century ago, this normally tranquil place which sits on the western coast of the U.K and facing the fierce north Atlantic was for just a few short months at least, anything other than tranquil.… Continue reading The lonely Isle of Islay and the doomed American soldiers who died there in 1918 in 2 naval disasters.
Tag: Royal Navy
The Americans Are Coming!
When war was declared in Europe, the United States of America had no interest in joining what they labelled as the European War. American doctrine of the time was insular with regards to the old world and instead concentrated on shaping the Americas as to its own liking. Indeed a significant portion of the American… Continue reading The Americans Are Coming!
When WW1 came to East Africa
As we approach Armistice Day, it’s become something of a blog tradition for me to write some posts related to WW1. I thought this time to pick a little bit of an unusual subject and a little discussed arena in the war, East Africa. Whilst the fighting of the war concentrated in Europe, it… Continue reading When WW1 came to East Africa
The tragedy of Smalls Lighthouse
There have been lighthouses around the coasts and islands of Great Britain almost as far back there have been people travelling by ship. A fine Roman lighthouse of nearly 2,000 years is still standing tall within the walls of Dover Castle. The history of lighthouse keepers are as fascinating and treacherous as the often rough… Continue reading The tragedy of Smalls Lighthouse
Captain Bligh, Fletcher Christian and The Mutiny on The Bounty
HMS Bounty was a small and rather unremarkable ship that was bought and re-fitted for the Royal Navy for a not particularly exciting mission but little did anyone onboard realise their names would go down in maritime history. It started off as an experiment, to carry Breadfruit plants from Tahiti to the West Indies in… Continue reading Captain Bligh, Fletcher Christian and The Mutiny on The Bounty
I Salute You – The History of Saluting
Saluting is primarily but not exclusively a military sign of respect with a very long history. This week it hit the news that some senior officers have become upset as recruits are not showing them the respect they are due and recently none other than President Obama have been criticised for taking saluting seriously and… Continue reading I Salute You – The History of Saluting
70th Anniversary of D-Day
This time 70 years ago on 6th June 1944, the world held its breath as the largest amphibious military operation even seen was under way. Operation Overlord was the long-awaited Allied invasion of Nazi held Europe that would lead to the liberation of mainland Europe and 70 years of freedom and democracy. D-Day was never… Continue reading 70th Anniversary of D-Day
Day Tour to Portsmouth Historic Dockyards
Following my successful tour last week to Windsor Castle, I was delighted to be asked to take my two lovely guests from Australia to Portsmouth Historic Dockyards. It’s not always an obvious choice at least for overseas visitors staying in London but it’s always a very busy place with visitors from all over the country… Continue reading Day Tour to Portsmouth Historic Dockyards
Stephen Liddell 