Nick Britten

I really miss the community on Twitter, but it's such a right-wing cesspool. I don't regret deleting my account one little bit.

God, I love a new book parcel! The Fantasy genre is in serious good health at the moment. Also, the books themselves look brilliant!

Last full day in Mallorca. It's been a lovely break before the long winter months set in!

I was given a load of books from a house clearance tonight. It was a little sad going through this guys book collection, which he had lovingly collected over years, knowing that if I hadn't taken them, they were just being dumped. I wonder what will happen to mine when I'm gone?

Officers of "D" battery R.H.A.

The battery in its original form was formed in 1793 and served with distinction throughout the Napoleonic Wars. In 1816 it was disbanded and reformed as "F" battery in the 1840's.

The Navy and Army illustrated 10th July 1896.

Bank holiday beer in the sun down at Minnis bay!

On this day 25th August 1537 The Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest surviving regiment in the British Army, and the second most senior, is formed.
The colours and Escort of the Honourable Artillery Company 1900.

On this day 25th August 1537 The Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest surviving regiment in the British Army, and the second most senior, is formed.
The colours and Escort of the Honourable Artillery Company 1900.

24th August 1914. First units of Indian Expeditionary Force “A” leave India for France under the command of General Sir James Willcocks.
They would arrive in France on the 30th September and were immediately moved into the Ypres Salient.

Tried something different, the AI pronunciation is a little off, but had fun making it.

#history

New book and a new author to start. I've been looking forward to this one.

he earned the VC for his heroic actions during the Mahdist War in Sudan on 13 March 1884.
Despite being severely wounded, he displayed extraordinary bravery in rescuing a comrade under heavy fire. Edwards lived to the age of 89 and was buried in Chigwell Essex.
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Thomas Edwards VC (19 April 1863 – 27 March 1953) was a British soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. Serving in the 1st Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders),
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Hodson was killed in March 1858 during the Siege of Lucknow. His supporters viewed him as a heroic officer, while critics saw him as reckless and brutal. His legacy remains debated, shaped by both his military successes and the ethical questions surrounding his actions.
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During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Hodson redeemed himself by leading successful cavalry operations. His most infamous act was capturing and executing the Mughal princes in Delhi. Though praised for his bravery, this act remains controversial, as it was seen as excessive and ruthless.
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In 1852, Hodson was appointed to command the newly formed Guides, a regiment specializing in intelligence and frontier warfare. However, allegations of financial misconduct led to his removal. Though never formally convicted, the accusations tarnished his reputation, sparking controversy.
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Hodson joined the British Army in 1845 and was soon posted to India. He served in the First Anglo-Sikh War and later in the Punjab under Henry Lawrence, who recognized his talent. Lawrence’s mentorship shaped Hodson’s career, giving him opportunities to display leadership.
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William Stephen Raikes Hodson (1821–1858) was a British soldier and intelligence officer in India, known for his role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. His life was marked by military brilliance, controversy, and a close association with Henry Lawrence, a key British administrator in India.
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New book Saturday. My reward for being dragged around Bluewater.

A much better book though!

Overworked and suffering from Cancer he was desperate to return to England but had to wait until 1810 before they British Government relented and allowed him to give up his command. He died before reaching England.
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OTD 7/3/1810 Vice Admiral Collingwood died aboard the Ville de Paris while sailing for England. He was 2nd in command at Trafalgar and was appointed cinc of the Mediterranean Fleet after the death of Nelson.
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Want academic seminars about India and imperial defence? And a tour of Knebworth House, ancestral home of viceroy Lord Lytton? All in one day with lunch thrown in?
Then look no further:

knebworthhouse.com/Event/public...

Just then, Sergeant Percy discovered precisely what the men thought of him...

Many a time, it was his go to punishment!

Still remember our two local bobbies, PC Williams and Sgt Grey. Williams was a top bloke, looked out for everyone and knew everyone. Every kid on the estate was terrified of Sgt Grey.

This amazing picture is of the Royal Naval Depot ships the old wooden Line of Battleships 'Marlborough' & 'Duke of Wellington' Portsmouth as the crews move to new barracks 1903.

Just deleted my Twitter account after 16 years. I can no longer, in good conscience, stay on a platform full of Russian bots, Musk, Trump, and reform supporters and just generally nastiness. Shame as I've made some good friends on there.

The three columns were to invade Zululand, from the Lower Tugela, Rorke's Drift, and Utrecht, respectively, their objective being Ulundi, the royal capital
King Cetshwayo had tried everything to avoid war, but he now unleashed his impi ya masosha on the invaders.
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and heads towards the camp of a Zulu chief called Sihayo.

The British commander, Lord Chelmsford accompanied the central column as it advances from Rorke's Drift into Zululand.
The central column consisted of 7800 men, including the 2 Battalions of the 24th Regiment of foot
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