Rutland of Jutland and a day that will live in infamy

When English First World War hero and flying ace, “Rutland of Jutland”, became an advisor to the Japanese military on naval aviation in the 1920s, no-one seemed to have thought much more of it. After all, Japan was an ally in WW1. No-one paid much attention — until Pearl Harbor, that is. “Rutland of Jutland”… Continue reading Rutland of Jutland and a day that will live in infamy

Asylum seekers or economic migrants stealing jobs?

Research is like rummaging through your dead grandad’s belongings, only to discover some never-told secret. I wasn’t looking for information on Jewish East European immigration; my interest was in Octavius Morgan and his views, as demonstrated by his speeches in Parliament. But you will see what I am getting at if you read this UK… Continue reading Asylum seekers or economic migrants stealing jobs?

Really pining for the fjords

If you had visited the magnificent Crystal Palace in the summer of 1887 the attractions awaiting you were many and varied. There were cycle races pitting men against racehorses, balloon ascents pitting man against the birds and a Japanese acrobat known as the Original Little All-Right and his act known as the Slide For Life.… Continue reading Really pining for the fjords

A Bad Day (and Night) at the Office at Waterloo

If you visit the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, you’l find there a florid Baroque monument to a dead scion of an English aristocratic family, The Ponsonbys. William Ponsonby, or to give him his titles, Sir William Ponsonby KCB, MP for Londonderry, was killed at the Battle of Waterloo, on June 18 200… Continue reading A Bad Day (and Night) at the Office at Waterloo