Month: April 2018

Derbyshire’s High Peak link to the most famous WW2 Battle of Britain fighter squadron

April 24, 2018

As a hobbyist historian and writer I love historical links however tenuous. I recently gave a talk, in the beautiful setting of Mellor Parish Centre at the extremity of Greater Manchester, about the Poles exiled to Siberia and Anders’ Army. I was able to link in a member of Anders’ Army who, not only served … More Derbyshire’s High Peak link to the most famous WW2 Battle of Britain fighter squadron

The Battle of Lake Naroch – Eastern Front, March 1916

April 21, 2018

18 March 2016 marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the little known but highly significant Battle of Lake Naroch on the Eastern Front. Sometimes known as the Russian 1916 Spring Offensive, it occurred after the German advance east had been halted in the September of 1915. The German Army had dug in through … More The Battle of Lake Naroch – Eastern Front, March 1916

Painting unveiled to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Lake Naroch March 1916

April 21, 2018

Belarusian artist Vladimir Saiko’s painting “Siberian Riflemen” unveiled in National History Museum in Minsk on 17 March 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Lake Naroch on the Eastern Front in March 1916. This massive painting 305x150cm, is oil on canvas and took over 2 years to create. It depicts a Russian offensive … More Painting unveiled to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Lake Naroch March 1916

The changing name of the Russian State Security service: An evolution of terror!

April 10, 2018

ЧК – ГПУ – ОГПУ – НКВД – МГб – КГБ – ФСБ Cheka – GPU – OGPU – NKVD – MGB – KGB – FSB Russia and the Soviet Union have always employed a State Security Service. We have all heard of and are familiar with at least one of the many acronyms that … More The changing name of the Russian State Security service: An evolution of terror!

40 years at the forefront of the Berlin music scene for Mark from Manchester

April 5, 2018

As a Mancunian, man and boy, it was sad news to hear of the recent sad passing of the legendary Mark E. Smith. As we reminisce about his antics, musical and otherwise, it’s not hard to remember the colossal music talent that Manchester and its surrounding areas have produced all the way back to year … More 40 years at the forefront of the Berlin music scene for Mark from Manchester

From the Steppes of Russia to Monte Cassino – The brave history of the Polish 2nd Corps

April 5, 2018

May the 18th 2014 marked the 70th anniversary of the victory of the famous battle at the Monastery of Monte Cassino in Southern Italy in 1944. This highly significant battle and one of the most important allied victories of the war had by then been raging for nearly six months. Its capture from the German … More From the Steppes of Russia to Monte Cassino – The brave history of the Polish 2nd Corps

In consideration of the dreaded Himalayan Balsam

April 5, 2018

Himalayan Balsam is a common weed familiar to everybody. It is vehemently hated by some and actively persecuted by others. However, it does have some redeeming features and whilst I can understand the reasons for it being much despised I feel somebody has to speak up in support of this controversial but defenceless and, even … More In consideration of the dreaded Himalayan Balsam