Surviving members of the 48,000 Bevin Boys are to be awarded a badge for their work during the 2nd World War. The official recognition is for the conscripted and volunteer force that helped keep the British coal mines running from 1943 onwards.
The Bevin Boys were named after Ernest Bevin, Labour MP, and Minister of Labour and National Service in Churchill's coalition government. Approximately 50% were conscripts selected by ballot to serve in the mines. The remainder were volunteers who chose coal mining in preference to serving in branches of the Armed Services.
Of course, one might wonder why British merchantmen, particularly those involved in the Russian convoys, have yet to receive any award for their services.
Wednesday 20 June 2007
Tuesday 19 June 2007
North Korea Fires Missile at Japan
The China Daily today reported the following. "North Korea fired a short-range missile toward waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, a South Korean intelligence official said Tuesday, amid signs of progress in ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The North "fired the short-range missile around 3:30 (2:30 a.m. EDT)," the South Korean official said on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the issue." There were no comments in addition to this extremely brief article.
This was the second missile firing in as many weeks, and comes after the test-firing of a number of short-range missiles, into the Sea of Japan, on 26th May 2007.
These events come as the UN nuclear inspectors prepare to visit North Korea next week. This is ostensibly to discuss the monitoring and verification of shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Am I alone in feeling that we have been here before, with both Iraq and Iran?
This was the second missile firing in as many weeks, and comes after the test-firing of a number of short-range missiles, into the Sea of Japan, on 26th May 2007.
These events come as the UN nuclear inspectors prepare to visit North Korea next week. This is ostensibly to discuss the monitoring and verification of shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear reactor. Am I alone in feeling that we have been here before, with both Iraq and Iran?
Friday 15 June 2007
Kurt Waldheim Dies
I don't like to speak ill of the dead, but in this case I'll make an exception. Ardent Nazi, Kurt Waldheim, died yesterday at the age of 88. His most notable posts were as Secretary-General of the United Nations, President of Austria, and Nazi intelligence officer in the Balkans.
Many would argue that he was a member of the Wehrmacht, and no Nazi. However, evidence to the contrary, shows this not to be the truth.
He actively supported the Germans and Croats in their suppression of the Bosnians, and was complicit in the massacre at Kozara in 1942. He was also involved in massacres against the Yugoslavs and Greeks in 1943-44; particularly with reference to massacres at Kalavrita, Klissura, Distomo and Chortiatis. He is also thought to have been involved with the torture and execution of British troops under Hitler's 'Commando Order'.
What is not beyond doubt was his direct involvement in the deportation of the Greek Jews to the concentration camps and his anti-Israeli stance.
Needless to say, his passing will see no mourning for him in my house. Indeed, it is unbelievable that a Nazi with his record could be allowed to gain high office and live into old age with no recourse. Such is the world of international politics!
Many would argue that he was a member of the Wehrmacht, and no Nazi. However, evidence to the contrary, shows this not to be the truth.
He actively supported the Germans and Croats in their suppression of the Bosnians, and was complicit in the massacre at Kozara in 1942. He was also involved in massacres against the Yugoslavs and Greeks in 1943-44; particularly with reference to massacres at Kalavrita, Klissura, Distomo and Chortiatis. He is also thought to have been involved with the torture and execution of British troops under Hitler's 'Commando Order'.
What is not beyond doubt was his direct involvement in the deportation of the Greek Jews to the concentration camps and his anti-Israeli stance.
Needless to say, his passing will see no mourning for him in my house. Indeed, it is unbelievable that a Nazi with his record could be allowed to gain high office and live into old age with no recourse. Such is the world of international politics!
Thursday 14 June 2007
The "That Really Bothers Me Blog"
Welcome to Carl W. and his new aforementioned blog.
I look foward to his rants on the US traffic police, etc., so I hope he gets a bit of interest. There seems to be much similarity in the behaviour displayed by these guardians of the road, either side of the Atlantic. But, at least ours aren't gun-toting!
Having had the pleasure of meeting Carl several years ago, the subject of traffic police and tickets seemed to be quite a source of irritation for him. Seems things have not changed over that time. And, it appears he is not alone with these thoughts. Still, if you want to find out more, just click on the link at the left hand side of the page.
However, I trust that this new avenue of interest does not take up too much of his Civil War gaming time, as he is a valued cross-Atlantic opponent.
I look foward to his rants on the US traffic police, etc., so I hope he gets a bit of interest. There seems to be much similarity in the behaviour displayed by these guardians of the road, either side of the Atlantic. But, at least ours aren't gun-toting!
Having had the pleasure of meeting Carl several years ago, the subject of traffic police and tickets seemed to be quite a source of irritation for him. Seems things have not changed over that time. And, it appears he is not alone with these thoughts. Still, if you want to find out more, just click on the link at the left hand side of the page.
However, I trust that this new avenue of interest does not take up too much of his Civil War gaming time, as he is a valued cross-Atlantic opponent.
25th Anniversary of Falklands Victory
Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the victory over the occupying Argentinian force on the Falkland Islands.
The force sent 8,000 miles from Britain suffered 255 dead, and the native Falkland Island population a further 3.
The war succeeded, in addition to the reclaiming of the British territory, to provide the final nail in the coffin of the Argentinian military junta.
It is a tragedy that subsequent administrations have ensured that we would not be able to repeat this course of action, when required to defend British subjects in the future.
The force sent 8,000 miles from Britain suffered 255 dead, and the native Falkland Island population a further 3.
The war succeeded, in addition to the reclaiming of the British territory, to provide the final nail in the coffin of the Argentinian military junta.
It is a tragedy that subsequent administrations have ensured that we would not be able to repeat this course of action, when required to defend British subjects in the future.
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