21 December 1945 - Gen. George Patton died. I'll leave his military career to those who know more than I do, this is about his death. On 8 December 1945 Patton was travelling in a chauffeur driven car near Speyer, Germany with Maj-Gen Gay when it collided at low speed with a US Army truck. Patton hit his head on the glass partition causing bleeding, he immediately complained of a paralysis and breathing difficulties. He was taken to a Military Hospital at Heidelberg where he was found to have a broken neck and a severed spinal cord. He died in his sleep 13 days later.

‍Another conspiracy theorists wet dream. Way back in the early 60's a German who grew up in Heidelberg told me that Patton was knocked off by the U.S. government because he wanted war with the Soviets & wouldn't keep is mouth shut & tow the diplomatic line.

He was also famous for striking soldiers who were suffering shell shock, including one in a town near to me called Knutsford. I think he was even in a hospital bed. He considered shell shock to be a form of cowardice. The town in question gets its name due to some happening with king canute and him crossing a Ford, Cnutes Fford went on to become Knutsford.

He was also famous for striking soldiers who were suffering shell shock, including one in a town near to me called Knutsford. I think he was even in a hospital bed. He considered shell shock to be a form of cowardice. The town in question gets its name due to some happening with king canute and him crossing a Ford, Cnutes Fford went on to become Knutsford.

‍Yes, as was in the movie Patton which we have discussed the artistic license before. Patton is generally considered the best American fighting general. As fate would have it, a warrior when we needed one the most. "Blood & Guts" & there is a statue honoring him at West Point.

I believe we covered Patton on the old site. He was great tactical General, which means battlefield General as opposed to a strategic General who plans campaigns . Apologies if that sounds patronising. Monty was a great strategist but not a great tactician, he planned a great strategy to tackle Rommel but his performance during it lacked the killer instinct of a Patton. Some say he had too much of the killer instinct though.....pays yer money and takes yer choice...as the saying goes. Monty plans, Patton completes? Sounds like winning ticket to me. Monty was mentally scared by the slaughter of WW1 which made him a caring General, too caring some might say but he truly understood the common soldier and unless you have read biography of him, you will not know the extent to which he went to bond them and make them believe they could actually beat Rommel with this funny sounding General. What brought him to the attention of everybody was his masterful performance during the debacle in France. He extracted his army in good, disciplined order and made the Germans know his name. His main problem was his overbearing arrogance, which too often got in the way of the job of allying with our allies. He was fervently against the choice of Ike because he hadn’t battle experience, not realising he was there to glue this three ring circus together and in that task he was uniquely gifted. The man was a star, what with the two largest egos on the planet to juggle with, then wrestle with Churchill and Roosevelt, with Marshall for desert. You tell me he didn’t have one of the toughest roles in the war? Beneath these higher echelons were an amazing group of staff officers, from both countries, who did get on very well and did the shovel work that made it work. What is never mentioned in WW2 is the Canadian contribution, why the Yanks even made a mammoth film about D Day and never mentioned the Canadians once, but gave the Frogs a starring role. Work that one out. Mark, can you enlarge this for me, as I only have an iPad at the moment and It won’t do it.

 ‍Major, I was going to mention the Ike no battle experience thingy but he turned out to be a good choice for his role. I think he was a good President as well. As far as D Day goes, the Canadians had one beach to take so they did play a major part of the effort. Dunno about the film & the lack of mention, but you know Hollywood & their artistic license. Have to make the films more watchable so add some drama & what not.

The greatest strategist of the war and ranking up there with the all timers, is Allenbrooke. Without him at Churchill’s shoulder as a restraining influence, Churchill would have gone off in all directions and it was only Allenbrooke who checked him and it was only Allenbrooke he would take any notice of.

Has anyone seen the movie "1917" or heard any reviews?

Has anyone seen the movie "1917" or heard any reviews?

I found this at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1917_(2019_film) .December 25, 2019 in the US and January 10, 2020 in Great Britain, are two release dates. I found this review at https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2019/12/10/1917-review-sam-mendes-george-mackay-innovative-spin-war-film/4388057002/ . 

23 December 1959 - Sir Edward Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax, died.

Youngest but only surviving son of the 2nd Viscount Halifax he was created Baron Irwin in 1925 and served as Viceroy of India 1926-31. Throughout the 1930s he held several Ministerial posts most notably Secretary of State for War in 1935 and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs under Chamberlain in 1938. He succeeded his father as 3rd Viscount Halifax in 1934. 

When Chamberlain resigned on the day that Hitler invaded western Europe, 10 May 1940, Halifax was both his and the King's choice to succeed him as Prime Minister. However Halifax recognized the fact that as a Lord he could not act as effective PM, power by then had passed to the House of Commons, so he withdrew himself from the contest citing Winston Churchill as the best man for the role.    

Under Churchill he continued as Foreign Secretary for seven months until December when he was appointed Ambassador to the USA. After initial misgivings on the part of the Americans he developed into a successful and respected figure and held the post throughout the war until 1946. He was raised to the rank of Earl in 1944. 

power by then had passed to the House of Commons, so he withdrew himself from the contest citing Winston Churchill as the best man for the role.     Not what I read. Halifax did want the position of PM and thought he'd get it too. Both men were called to the palace where the King asked Churchill a leading question, which was, do you have any objections to Halifax being PM. Churchill knew Halifax was the King's man and he knew if he answered Halifax would get the position, so he walked across to the window and stood starring out without saying a word. Had Halifax got the post, he would have immediately sued for peace, a peace that would have lasted long enough for Hitler to take Russia, then he would have turned on us.

There are various versions of what went on on 10 May, in some it's a peaceful transition of power, in others it was a battle for supremacy. Lord Halifax has a reputation as an appeaser so his standing since has gone down somewhat. 

Three days worth.

24 December 1814 - The Treaty of Ghent signed.

Peace treaty ending the war between GB and the USA signed at Ghent in The Netherlands (modern Belgium). It in effect restored the status quo. Although fighting continued until February as news of the agreement took months to cross the Atlantic.

25 December 1941 - The Japanese captured Hong Kong. Under siege and aerial bombardment from 8 December the British colony held out for 17 days in the hope that a Chinese Army would come to their aid. When it became apparent that no such help was forthcoming the Governor Sir Mark Young surrendered on Christmas Day.

26 December 1943 - Battle of North Cape.

Naval battle in which the German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk by Royal Navy warships. The Scharnhorst was based in northern Norway with orders to disrupt the Arctic convoys. Initially accompanied by five destroyers the Scharnhorst had to continue alone as heavy weather forced her escort to return to base. Damaged by shells and torpedoes the German battleship sank, only 36 survivors were rescued out of a crew of 1968.

I see the TV ads running the movie 1917 Shula and it looks like something I will try to watch.

I’m confined to the up stairs and am lucky enough to have a TV in the bedroom I’m staying in.

I’m not getting much more than an hour or so of sleep at a time so spend a lot of time watching the American history channel which now shows the first war from start to finish in the proper speed and in full colour.

For us both watching our granddaughter opening her presents under the tree and talking to our little hockey star ( grandson ) in Cold Lake who was just as excited was probably the best medicine we have had in weeks shula.

 ‍12/26/66

Kwanzaa introduced to the U.S. as a 7 day celebration of Afro-American heritage & influence. Big ceremony in Buffalo at noon today. So Happy Kwanzaa to the few, the proud, the members of our little group.

 12/26/?

Boxing Day held in GB & her Anglo-Colonies. Always the day after Christmas & the origin somewhat disputed to this day. The most common is that the rich gave their servants a Christmas Box filled with $ & goodies on the day after Christmas. This was a thank you for their service during the year. ‍

 12/26/?

Boxing Day held in GB & her Anglo-Colonies. Always the day after Christmas & the origin somewhat disputed to this day. The most common is that the rich gave their servants a Christmas Box filled with $ & goodies on the day after Christmas. This was a thank you for their service during the year. ‍

‍As usual there are several different versions of the origin, but if I recall my Scots-in-laws said something about gifts for the troops.

27 December 1831 - Charles Darwin set sail on his voyage of scientific discovery.

Darwin was the naturalist on board the brig-sloop HMS Beagle which sailed from Plymouth on a five year round-the-world voyage of discovery. The main mission was to survey the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America, but there were many visits and stopovers allowing Darwin to complete a comprehensive study of the flora, fauna and geology of much of the southern hemisphere.

Although his journey is best remembered for his visit to the Galapagos Islands he studied the natural history of South America, the Pacific, Australia, the islands of the Indian Ocean, South Africa and the islands of the Atlantic.

He returned to England in October 1836. His studies formed the basis of his great work On the Origin of Species published in 1859.

28 December 1879 - The Tay Bridge Disaster.

In June 1878 a railway bridge across the Tay Estuary was opened by Queen Victoria. 19 months later on the evening of 28 December 1879 a violent storm blew up with winds of 80 mph. At 1916 hrs a train carrying 75 people travelling from Burntisland to Dundee began crossing the bridge from the south. It was soon lost in the rain and darkness. It never made it across, the middle section of the bridge collapsed, all 75 on board were killed as it plunged into the water.

The subsequent enquiry found that the structure was badly built and sub-standard materials were used.

It remains the second worst railway disaster in Scottish history. The stumps of the supporting legs can still be seen alongside the new bridge built in its place.

The disaster remains in the public consciousness to this day through the memorial poem by William McGonagall, said to be the world's worst poet. Judge for yourself, it begins :

"Beautiful railway bridge of the silv'ry Tay

Alas! I am very sorry to say

That ninety lives have been taken away

On the last sabbath day of 1879

Which will be remember'd for a very long time"

and ends :

"By telling the world fearlessly without the least dismay,

That your central girders would not have given way,

At least many sensible men do say,

Had they been supported on each side by buttresses

At least many sensible men confesses,

For the stronger we our houses do build,

The less chance we have of being killed"

Here's my effort How many out there are just like me Can't get the hang of poetry.

29 December 1170 - Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury, murdered.

Beckett was a churchman and close friend of King Henry II who through his influence was appointed Archbishop in 1162. However once in office Thomas failed to live up to the King's expectations that he would be his loyal servant in his attempts to subdue the powers of the Church. After an assembly in 1164, fearing arrest, Beckett fled to France where he remained for six years. 

Tempted back by promises of a reconciliation Beckett returned in December 1170. But within days the King infuriated by Beckett's failure to submit is said to have uttered the famous words "Will no-one rid me of this turbulent priest?" Accordingly four knights travelled to Canterbury where they hacked the Archbishop to death before the High Altar.

The site of his martyrdom became a place of pilgrimage and he was canonized just 14 months later by the Pope. 

If you notice in both wars Tommy the Canadians were always in the centre of the advance. The main reason for this in both wars was they were the only professional army on the field. They were in the centre on D-Day and in the centre for both the the Sicily and Italy landing. On D-Day they advanced in land further than anyone else and took all their objectives, the only ones to do so. In the first war they had to try and hide were the Canadians were because the Germans knew where ever they were that’s where the attack or advance would come from. The upper echelon had so much faith in them that they pulled the Canadians from the Italian front and gave them the task of taking Holland. British troops were also involved but they fell under Canadian command and fought with the Canadians. It you write anything on the last 100 days of the first war you will discover that the allies were in fear of being pushed back to the coast. The British commander out of fear of this happening asked if anyone has any ideas how to stop it. The Canadian General Arther Currie and an Australia who Currie meet and knew from Vimy Ridge came up with a bold plain and the British commander liked it and after first checking and showing it to the French Commander the plan was implemented and the war only lasted for a hundred days more. 

I think that movie 1917 is suppose to be about the British but looking at the Red patches and upper shoulder Regimental flashes I thought it was the Canadians who wore them. Maybe wrong but can’t get a good enough look at them on a IPad. If anyone can please post a picture then that would help.

 ‍Agreed Pete. As I have posted many times before the English will always send someone else in "first" or center. Empire or later called Commonwealth troops have always provided excellent cannon fodder for their English masters & as a tribute the English have always been willing too.

The British also like the States had a conscript army but the different was theirs were much better trained than yours. The trouble in the first war was not the caliber of their soldiers but of their upper echelon    Officers who thought that he could win the war through attrition.

America took on the same attitude in Vietnam and thought they could win by keep throwing more men into fight a guerrilla war. More men doesn’t mean better tactics.

30 December 1916 - Grigori Rasputin murdered.

With Russia facing defeat against Germany and revolution at home a group of high born figures took it upon themselves to rid the country of the Tsar's influential holy man Rasputin. The debauched former monk had ingratiated himself into the lives of the ruling family to the detriment of their reputation and Russia as a whole.

He was invited to a "party" at the Moika Palace in St Petersburg, the home of Prince Felix Yusupov. Here he was fed poisoned cakes, shot and dragged into the courtyard where he was beaten with chains. Finally he was trussed up and dumped into the frozen river Neva. When his body was recovered two days later it was found that he had drowned.  

Reminds me of Paddy getting his head chopped off working in a sawmill. They throw his head into a plastic bag and rush it and his body to the hospital to have it sewn back. Somebody asks about him the next day and his mate replies...tragic, he suffocated on the way to the hospital.

 ‍In 1600 something Hogmanay was started as a traditional New Year's Eve celebration. Fireballs & like to drive out the Evil Spirits & the English I guess. Pete is a Jock, have you ever celebrated Hogmanay?‍

I'm haunted by hogmanay. When I was growing up we always spent new years eve at my uncles, who had the compulsory diet of BBC new year's eve jockism on, in fact it was the only station anybody had. You know the crack, blokes in skirts, daggers, tartan by the acre, whooping, queer dancing around swords, so when we'd finally got ourselves our own television, I wrongly thought that the new year's eve programmes would somehow be different, that it wouldn't be all Andy Stewart in his kilt and an overdose of Jockism. WRONG! The jocks thought they owned the new year in this island, as their attitude is... you can have Christmas but the New Year Celebration is all ours and unfortunately the BBC agreed with them. Me and my brother were force fed BBC jockism and we really didn't understand it but we instinctively knew we hated and were bored shitless by it, especially more so as the years went by. The jocks are the most parochial singers on the planet and every home grown song has to compulsory have the words..... oh the rivers over there and heather over here and the wee bonny hills somewhere else..... ZZZZZ. So you see. I had a healthy disdain for jockism even then. I dread to think what poor Tom was subjected to and if you have some latent nightmares pal, feel free to contact me and I'll guide you through the post traumatic stress.