War and Peace Show 2011

The 2011 'War and Peace Show' (sometimes simply referred to as 'Beltring')is being held in southern England. I've been before but couldn't make it this year. Looking at their photo gallery I wish I had able to, for there is some astonishing hardware on display. Their gallery is well worth a look. Link
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The time when the British army was really stretched

There is an interesting article by Chris Summers on the BBC News web site. The British army is due to be reduced to 82,000 by 2020, prompting claims it will be the smallest it has been since the 19th Century. But if Britain had a small army then, how did it control an empire? Link
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Treadmill shows medieval armour influenced battles

Medieval suits of armour were so exhausting to wear that they could have affected the outcomes of famous battles, a study suggests. This is quite an interesting article on the BBC web site. Link
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Save HMS Caroline: the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland

This is worth a read. Dr Dominic Tweedle, Director-General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy explains why our (UK) nautical heritage (in shape of HMS Caroline) must be preserved. Link
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Conqueror Tank

One of my favourite tanks from the cold war era is the Conqueror tank. Here's an excellent little (propaganda) movie on U-Tube. Link
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Berlin's abandoned WWII bunkers

Beneath the city of Berlin lies a network of bunkers that haven't been seen since World War II. Now tourists can access this underground world of bomb shelters and railway lines. Al Moloney went below the city to explore its hidden history. See BBC web site Link.
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GMC 352 Purchase - Progress Report - No 2

Yesterday I drove up to Yorkshire and met up with my pal Steve to have a look at the vehicle. Its' history seems a little unclear, however what I do know is (looking at the chassis number) that it was built around Dec43/Jan44, and the log book shows that it was first registered in the UK 1989.

Overall the vehicle is really really sound with just a small amount of corrosion on the cab floor (about 6" sq) and along the bottom of the doors. The paintwork is pretty tatty, as is the canvas (the main piece on the back is totally knackered actually), but that can be sorted. The exhaust down-pipe needs a new casket, and two of the brake cylinders are leaking, but the current owner will fix those as part of the condition of sale, so........ I left the owner with a deposit, and will pick the vehicle up when the work is complete, sometime in the next 10 to 14 days :)

Going back to the subject of paint, it is currently painted in a light grey as if it were used by the United States Navy for moving ammo around in Port Chicago at the time of the disastrous explosion there. In fact this vehicle was only ever used in Europe, and used to be painted green, so as soon as I can, I plan to restore to its original colour, with a huge allied star on the bonnet :)
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Display pilot's incredible escape from World War Two fighter as he bails out after mid-air collision at airshow.

These pilots had a lucky escapes... Link
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GMC 352 Purchase - Progress Report - No 1

Since I last posted arrangements have been firmed up, and I view the vehicle this Friday. If its okay (and confidence is high that it will be), I have set plans in place to pick it up the following Saturday. I've arranged insurance through a company called Adrian Flux Insurance Services. £120 for a years cover + £ 30 for roadside assistance, recovery and homestart. Must confess I was surprised at how reasonable the latter element is, for should it need recovering a 6.5 tonne vehicle is going to need more than your normal small car transporter to more it.
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Photos From Waddington Airshow

Last Saturday the family and I went to the Waddington International Airshow. Overall it was a great day out, the highlight being a stunning display by the United Stated Air Force (USAF) display team 'The Thunderbirds'. It is the first time in over ten years that they have been to the UK, and Waddington was the only display they were doing. Six F16s tearing the sky up was a sight (and sound) to behold.
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2011-07-02 Wattisham Airshow

Ambition To Buy A WW2 GMC CCKW Truck

To cut a long story short, it looks like I could be about to satisfy a long-term ambition of mine to own a historic military vehicle. I've been put in contact with a chap who is selling a GMC 352. This is the short wheel-based version of the 353 that was designed as an Artillery tractor for towing 75mm and 105 guns. No road tax, no MOT, insurance is only £120, so apart from the fact it only does about 8 the gallon, it should be cheap to operate, right ? Well if everything goes according to plan I should find out in a few weeks ! :)
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In pictures: Dunkirk command tunnels

The BBC web site has some pictures showing the renovated tunnels underneath Dover Castle where Operation Dynamo was planned. Link
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WWII In Photos - A Retrospective In 20 Parts

An old friend of mine Steve Hammond sent me a link to a fascinating series of photo essays being done by a guy called Alan Taylor. Highly recommended. Link
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How Many Left ?

If you live in the UK this is a fascinating site which tells you how many cars of any make and model are still on the road in the UK. Link
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