The Big Fat History Thread

[GOBIAS]

I find the Cold War and Espionage interesting, Philby, Gordievsky, Cambridge Spy ring ect and my favourite is Eddie Chapman an absolute wrong un who ended up giving the Germans false info about where the V1 rockets were landing.

If I had my time again I'd join M16 so I could hang about in Berlin and keep an eye on what 'no good' the East Germans were upto

Cold War is a fascinating topic for me.

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[GOBIAS]

I have written a blog pertaining to my father's service in the RAF during World War Two. He flew two tours with Bomber Command before ending up as a POW in Germany. If this is of interest to you it can be seen here. https://wallyswar.wordpress.com/

Looking forward to reading that David

[Strummer]

I remember David L posting that before, it’s brilliant.

[Buckaroo]

A few years ago I was doing some research and I needed to follow up reference to a very rare 2nd edition of Linnaeus's Species Plantarum, the book in which he established the biological binomial system. I found they had a copy at the Natural History Museum. You have to fill in a form in the library, then they bring the books to you. When I opened it there was an old typed note in the front saying that this very book was given to Dr Solander by Linnaeus himself when he embarked on the voyage of Captain Cook's Endeavour with Joseph Banks in 1768. It was full of Dr Solander's hand written notes in the margins and every available space. It really felt like I was holding piece of history in my hands and looking at a link to the past.

[Freddie]

A few years ago I was doing some research and I needed to follow up reference to a very rare 2nd edition of Linnaeus's Species Plantarum, the book in which he established the biological binomial system. I found they had a copy at the Natural History Museum. You have to fill in a form in the library, then they bring the books to you. When I opened it there was an old typed note in the front saying that this very book was given to Dr Solander by Linnaeus himself when he embarked on the voyage of Captain Cook's Endeavour with Joseph Banks in 1768. It was full of Dr Solander's hand written notes in the margins and every available space. It really felt like I was holding piece of history in my hands and looking at a link to the past.

Love a story like that, god bless libraries

[Strummer]

For those who like really good historical books about war, the best book I’ve ever read on the Vietnam War is Chickenhawk, by Robert Mason.

It’s all about helicopter warfare during the conflict, written by a man who actually flew them. You’ve seen the movies, but this is instead the real story.

[rockabilly]

I have written a blog pertaining to my father's service in the RAF during World War Two. He flew two tours with Bomber Command before ending up as a POW in Germany. If this is of interest to you it can be seen here. https://wallyswar.wordpress.com/

Thanks for sharing this David.

[David Layne]

For those who like really good historical books about war, the best book I’ve ever read on the Vietnam War is Chickenhawk, by Robert Mason.

It’s all about helicopter warfare during the conflict, written by a man who actually flew them. You’ve seen the movies, but this is instead the real story.

Speaking of helicopter warfare in Vietnam read about my experiences with helicopters in Vietnam at my blog here.https://davidelsblog.wordpress.com/

[GOBIAS]

Speaking of helicopter warfare in Vietnam read about my experiences with helicopters in Vietnam at my blog here.https://davidelsblog.wordpress.com/

Another on my to do list. Thanks David.

[DanR]

I have written a blog pertaining to my father's service in the RAF during World War Two. He flew two tours with Bomber Command before ending up as a POW in Germany. If this is of interest to you it can be seen here. https://wallyswar.wordpress.com/

Thanks - I found a visit to the International Bomber Command centre in Lincoln really informative. We now have a plaque for my Grandad there (he was in 106 and 9 Squadrons, and was based at East Kirkby, Metheringham and Bardney airfields), has inspired me to pay a visit to those sites when some normality is possible.

[Strummer]

Speaking of helicopter warfare in Vietnam read about my experiences with helicopters in Vietnam at my blog here.https://davidelsblog.wordpress.com/

That is fantastic. I’ve barely just dipped in, but will read that in detail later tonight.

[Hughton,we have a problem]

Speaking of helicopter warfare in Vietnam read about my experiences with helicopters in Vietnam at my blog here.https://davidelsblog.wordpress.com/

Wow, just wow. Grantham in '44 , you would have met my mother at some point.

[David Layne]

Wow, just wow. Grantham in '44 , you would have met my mother at some point.

Probably, what was her name?

[Carlos]

I'm well happy I've started this thread now, got loads to read through this evening. Thanks everyone.

[Carlos]

Just sat watching "The true history of Scotland" on YouTube it's incredibly interesting.

Also of special interest as I researched my family tree in 2020 and I found I was a direct descendant of the last King of Scotland (19th great grandfather) so I'll be taking my throne there when I'm done in Germany.

[Eddie Yates]

Just sat watching "The true history of Scotland" on YouTube it's incredibly interesting.

Also of special interest as I researched my family tree in 2020 and I found I was a direct descendant of the last King of Scotland (19th great grandfather) so I'll be taking my throne there when I'm done in Germany.

You're related to Idi Amin?

[Carlos]

You're related to Idi Amin?

Could you not tell?

[Strummer]

Could you not tell?

For me, it was the fondness for uniforms that gave it away; I notice you’ve adopted the local one after arriving in Germany:

[Carlos]

For me, it was the fondness for uniforms that gave it away; I notice you’ve adopted the local one after arriving in Germany:

I sent you that in confidence!

I think I look really smart for my first day back at school.

[rockabilly]

All I know is, Bonnie Prince Charlie marched his troops down from Scotland. When he saw what a 5hite hole Derby was, he turned 'round and went back home (after he'd had a pint in the 'Crew and Harper' at Swarkestone Bridge).

[Carlos]

All I know is, Bonnie Prince Charlie marched his troops down from Scotland. When he saw what a 5hite hole Derby was, he turned 'round and went back home (after he'd had a pint in the 'Crew and Harper' at Swarkestone Bridge).

Made me chuckle that after watching Sir Billy last night.

Bonnie Prince Charlie, the only royalty to be named after 3 sheep dogs.

[Eddie Yates]

Talking of Dr Idi Amin Dada VC I'm currently reading a book about 'Entebbe' & the high jacking of the Air France plane after it landed at Athens after departing Tel Aviv and was taken to Uganda

[Strummer]

Talking of Dr Idi Amin Dada VC I'm currently reading a book about 'Entebbe' & the high jacking of the Air France plane after it landed at Athens after departing Tel Aviv and was taken to Uganda

I would also add, if there’s anyone who hasn’t seen the movie, The Last King of Scotland, do yourself a favour and watch it if you get chance.

It’s an astonishingly good movie, and Forest Whitaker is superb as Idi Amin.

[Carlos]

I would also add, if there’s anyone who hasn’t seen the movie, The Last King of Scotland, do yourself a favour and watch it if you get chance.

It’s an astonishingly good movie, and Forest Whitaker is superb as Idi Amin.

I endorse this post massively

[Erik]

Just sat watching "The true history of Scotland" on YouTube it's incredibly interesting.

Also of special interest as I researched my family tree in 2020 and I found I was a direct descendant of the last King of Scotland (19th great grandfather) so I'll be taking my throne there when I'm done in Germany.

I'd have thought you could get one even in Scotland, no need to smuggle it through customs.