How to have fun in a blackout

How to have fun in a blackout

Not that there's any reason for you to have a blackout, unless you're susceptible to power cuts, but it's an excuse to play a song by the fantastic Mills Brothers if nothing else. Of course, should you ever wish to experience what a blackout might have been like, you need only draw the curtains, switch off all the lights and get a few candles out. If you've got a gramophone and a recording of the Mills Brothers, or the Ink Spots, then so much the better!

Diary reveals Great Escape plot

Diary reveals Great Escape plot

Further wartime tales here. What I particularly like about this piece is how the flippant comments made by the diary's author encapsulate so well the British traits of self-deprecation, ingenuity, resolve and a stiff-upper-lip in the face of adversity. The best thing about war stories is that they are all, without exception, fascinating. Each and every one is an example of heroism and hardship, the likes of which we may never know. In this case, another little aspect of an important time in history has been illuminated where before there was darkness, if you'll forgive the awkward expression.

World at war captured in aerial photographic archive

World at war captured in aerial photographic archive

A reminder of the sterling work done by reconnaissance pilots during the Second World War, in almost unimaginable conditions fraught with peril and discomfort. The contribution to the war effort by these chaps can never be underestimated and the debt of gratitude owed to them is great. It is also an interesting window into the early years of spy planes, which have since reached their peak with the likes of the English Electric Canberra, and Lockheeds U-2 and SR71.

North Atlantic battle that made legend of HMS Rawalpindi - Times Online

North Atlantic battle that made legend of HMS Rawalpindi - Times Online

Another tale of heroism and bravery here, in the best traditions of the Royal Navy. I have more than a passing interest in military history (well, all history if I'm honest) and this is the kind of thing that stirs a chap's soul. It also holds a little personal interest for me as my grandfather served on a minelayer during the war in the same waters and was once informed that the battleship Scharnhorst was in the vicinity. Luckily they never encountered it; armed as they were with only one 4½-inch deck gun the battle would have been terribly one-sided, as it was in this case too!