ON THIS DAY

[harry hackedoff]

Shoulders, it has been reported that several Aussie War Graves in South Africa have recently been robbed,(Breaker Morant`s grave was one) medals, plates, belt buckles etc were stollen.
There is a dinner coming up in Perth shortly, at which the legality of Harry Morant`s trial and execution will be debated. I`d love to attend, but tickets are 150 bucks each Proceeds to a certain Reg Assoc, based in Swanbourne If it gets reported I`ll give you a heads up
Aye,

[Shoulderholster]

On this day 1900,Lord Roberts captures Bloemfontain.

1944, 44 Cdo RM Start on Operation Screwdriver,the battle for the Arakan

[harry hackedoff]

On this day, 1912, Capt Larry Oates announced to his tent group that he was "just going outside, I may be gone sometime”.
Thereby giving Royal those immortal words that we’ve all said. Arctic Log, anyone? It was Oates` 32nd birthday, btw.

Ref the Breaker Shoulders, what’s regarded down here as the definitive work on Harry Morant is called " Shoot straight, you bastards! The Killing of`Breaker` Morant". I can’t find it, so this is from memory. Certain key witnesses were sent to India to prevent them testifying in Morant`s defence, Morant and Hancock refused to change their assertions that I'M A SCAMMER SPAMMER!!! gave the " no prisoners" order and both refused to testify against their CO, Capt Alfred Taylor.
Several legal authorities here have stated that the case "wouldn’t last five minutes in any Court of Appeal" There is widespread public opinion that a stitch-up took place to save I'M A SCAMMER SPAMMER!!!’s arse.
In any event, what galls Aussies most of all is the fact that during their trial, Pietersburg was heavilly attacked and the pair either volunteered, or were pressed into it`s defence. Under such circumstances, all charges should`ve been dropped when a "plea of Condonation" was entered on their behalf. The trial Officers chose to ignore it and the pair were shot, just before dawn , on 27 Feb, 1902. "Shoot straight, you bastards", were Breaker Morant`s last words to the detachment of Cameron Highlanders, who formed the firing party.
I can see moves for a full Judicial Review aren`t far off, followed by Full Pardons.
The dinner is late next week, ostensibly to raise funds for SAS Resource Trust, but the publicity isn`t doing any harm to the Breakers` supporters.

[Dave.Mil]

Captain Lawrence Edward Grace Oates (1880-1912), of the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons. Now the Royal Dragoon Guards, also has Lieutenant Colonel Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) CO 5th Dragoon Guards, as one of its other famous soldiers

The following is an extract from Major General Evans' History of the Regiment:

"The 5th Dragoon Guards at this time (1899), when they were ordered to make ready to join the contingent which was being organised in India for service in South Africa, were commanded by an officer of outstanding personality and ability. Lieutenant Colonel R S Baden-Powell, "B-P" as he was always called, held strong and slightly unorthodox ideas on the need for flexibility in cavalry tactics and the advantages to be gained from training, not only the junior leader, but also the individual soldier to be self reliant and capable of independent action in accordance with a general principle. Under him, NCOs and men were instructed in "personal tactics" - then regarded as a specialised subject - scouting, and taught to use their brains in taking advantage of natural cover as well as riding knee to knee, and encouraged to use their initiative".

Supposedly he was also batting for the other side if you get my drift.

[harry hackedoff]

Batting for the other side, Sir? What can you mean, Sir?
Was BP a "wide receiver", Sir?
I think we should be told
Any way, move yer feet mate, I`m going outside. I might be gone sometime Who`s nicked me bogroll

[Shoulderholster]

On this day 1945 Operation Varsity,the crossing of the Rhine.
46 Cdo RM was the first British unit to cross the Rhine on the night of the 23rd/24th as part of a diversion for the following airborne assault.
SH

[El Prez]

1971 at this time we were 2 hours 40 mins into the 30 miler, just short of halfway!!!! (Diamonds were running with the YO batch)

Kinnnelll it's a long time ago.

[Mike]

Oh Dear.....You young sprogs.... This date 1971 I was freezing me nuts off in the Antartic on the Little Red Plumb............We spent a awfull long time on the same wave....too
Aye

[harry hackedoff]

`Ere, Lofty, did you ever come across a killick called Mike Bishop, from those far off times

[harry hackedoff]

1972, direct rule begins in Ulster.
1958 Elvis began military Service, ah hah huh
1949 father and son win joint Oscars Walter and John Houston as actor and Director, for the fillum " Treasure of the Sierra Madre" with H. Bogart.
Dellds` more attractive, but slightly careless twin, uses a line from this film as his signature, " where`s your badges" "We don`t need no stinkin badges"
1603 Queen Elizabeth I died, shame
1449 King Charles VII not best pleased at England breaking truce by capturing Fougeres. Chucks dummy and renews 100 years war. Tough shit Kermit, we still won

[Mike]

`Ere, Lofty, did you ever come across a killick called Mike Bishop, from those far off times

Which LOFTY are you talking to Aich?

[Shoulderholster]

On this day 1942 Operation Chariot took place.The raid on the docks at St Nazaire,the only port on the Atlantic seaboard that could refit or service the German battleship Tirpitz.
HMS Campbelton (formerly USS Buchanan) rammed the gates of the dry docks and later 5 tons of explosives packed into her bows exploded destroying most of the dock and surrounding area.
The operation was a success and Tirpitz was forced to stay in Norway and was later destroyed.
The Raiders sustained very heavy casualties,and a total of 5 VCs were awarded for this action.
I'm taking a tot in their memory tonight,here's to Brave Men.

SH

[harry hackedoff]

Same as that Shoulders, but a couple of days adrift
What never ceases to astound me with Ops like this is the number of volunteers. " Never volunteer for anything, unless it`s a suicide mission" seems to have been the order of the day. From memory, one leading hands` VC was richly deserved( as were they all) Bill Savage, by name.
Herman wasn`t particularly respectfull of some of the dying Jocks who chose to fight in the kilt, from some of the phots.
Was it two RM Colour Stripeys who blew the winding gear, deep underground?
So well did the lads go to work, that night, that St Nazaire dry dock took TEN YEARS to get working after the war.
Here`s to `em
Brave Men, Aye

[harry hackedoff]

Mikey, mon chere guard de la cote, mwa mwa both cheeks( er, no, mate sorry. Defo not those cheeks )

Mike Bish was a neighbour o`mine an `ee were a killick `board the Plum, about the same time as yew, me `earty. Oo arrgh, spreaders both ends, an no mistake. Fetch me another cabin boy, this`uns full up
Aye,