youtu.be/7Bzml6ltNh4

 

youtu.be/fF2F2mXsRog Full Feature

 

Anna May Wong, Warner Oland, Sessue Hayakawa

World-class Asian criminal genius Fu Manchu seeks retribution on the hated enemy he holds responsible for the murder of his wife and son, enlisting his equally sinister daughter until she's diverted by a crafty Scotland yard inspector. One of the numerous Sax Rohmer screen adaptations from the early sound era.

Princess Ling Moy, a young and beautiful Chinese aristocrat lives next door, unbeknownst to her, to Dr. Fu Manchu, a brilliant but twisted genius who is out to rule the world. She is involved with Ah Kee, a handsome young man, who also unbeknownst to her, is a secret agent out to thwart the heinous plots of Fu Manchu. As it turns out, Fu is not only her next-door neighbor, he is also, (unbeknownst to her), her father. When she finds out, will she take her father's part and fight the men out to get Fu, or will she become a brave heroine and save the world even if it is from the devious doings of her own Dad? Yes, it's dated, and there isn't nearly enough of Warner Oland in it; but it moves along well, has a lot of action, Wong and Hayakawa were fine actors, and if you're a Charley Chan fan, it's worth it to how much, if any, of Fu Oland used when creating Charley Chan.

FIRST ASIAN AMERICAN STAR!

Written by PHILIP LEIBFRIED

 

Her complexion was described as "a rose blushing through old ivory;" she was beautiful, tall (5'7"), slender, and Chinese-American. The last fact kept her from attaining the highest echelon among Hollywood's pantheon of stars, but it did not affect her popularity, nor keep her from becoming a household name. She was Anna May Wong, nee Wong Liu Tsong, a name which translates to "Frosted Yellow Willows," and she was born, appropriately enough, on Flower Street in Los Angeles' Chinatown on 3 January 1905, above her father's laundry. Anna May Wong's contribution to show business is a unique one; she was the first Asian female to become a star, achieving that stardom at a time when bias against her race was crushing. With determination and talent allied to her exotic beauty, she remained the only Asian female star throughout her forty-year career, never fully overcoming all prejudices in maintaining that position. Perhaps the rediscovery of her art will elevate her star to the pantheon of great performers and serve as a guiding light to Asian performers who still struggle to find their rightful place. Anna May Wong's life and career is something that is important for all who value greatly the Asian / Asian Pacific American communities' many artists and what we can all contribute!

Excerpt from : That Old Feeling: Anna May Wong

Part II of Richard Corliss' tribute to the pioneer Chinese-American star.

Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931.

Based on a Fu Manchu novel by Sax Rohmer.

Daughter of the Dragon extended the curse sworn by Dr. Fu on the Petrie family to the next generation. Fu Manchu (Warner Oland), long ago injured and exiled in an attempt on Petrie Sr., returns to London and confronts the father: "In the 20 years I have fought to live," he says in his florid maleficence, "the thought of killing you and your son has been my dearest nurse." He kills the father, is mortally wounded himself and, on his deathbed, reveals his identity to his daughter Ling Moy (Wong) and elicits her vow that she will "cancel the debt" to the Fu family honor and murder the son, Ronald (Bramwell Fletcher)... who, dash it all, is madly infatuated with Ling Moy. Ronald has seen "Princess Ling Moy Celebrated Oriental Dancer" perform, and the vision has made him woozy. "I wish I could find a word to describe her," this calf-man effuses. "Exotic that's the word! And she's intriguing, if you know what I mean." In a near-clinch, Ling Moy wonders if a Chinese woman can appeal to a British toff. When he begs her to "chuck everything and stay," she asks him, "If I stayed, would my hair ever become golden curls, and my skin ivory, like Ronald's?" But the lure of the exotic is hard to shake. "Strange," he says, "I prefer yours. I shall never forget your hair and your eyes." They almost kiss ... when an off-camera scream shakes him out of his dream. It is from his girlfriend Joan (Frances Dade), and the societal message is as clear and shrill: white woman alerting white man to treachery of yellow woman. Ling Moy, a nice girl, previously unaware of her lineage, might be expected to struggle, at least briefly, with the shock of her identity and the dreadful deed her father obliges her to perform. But Wong makes an instant transformation, hissing, "The blood is mine. The hatred is mine. The vengeance shall be mine." Just before his death, Fu mourns that he has no son to kill Ronald. But, in a good full-throated reading, Wong vows: "Father, father, I will be your son. I will be your son!" The audience then has the fun of watching her stoke Ronald's ardor while plotting his death. When she is with him, pleading and salesmanship radiate from her bigeyes. But when an ally asks her why she keeps encouraging the lad, she sneers and says, "I am giving him a beautiful illusion. Which I shall crush." As a villainess, she is just getting started. Revealing her mission to Ronald, she tells him she plans to kill Joan "Because you must have a thousand bitter tastes of death before you die." (The ripe dialogue is by Hollywood neophyte Sidney Buchman, whose distinguished list of credits would include Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Here Comes Mr Jordan and The Talk of the Town.) She soon ascends on a geyser of madness as she decides on a new torture: "My vengeance is inspired tonight. You will first have the torture of seeing her beauty eaten slowly away by this hungry acid." An aide holds a hose gadget over Joan's soon-to-be-corroded face, and Ronald cries for Ling Moy to stop. Very well she says. "Ling Moy is merciful." She barks at Ronald: "Kill her!" He must decide if his favorite white girl is to be etched with acid or stabbed to death. Great stuff! Melodrama is the art of knowing how precisely too far to goThe film is a triangle: not so much of Ling Moy, Ronald and Joan as of Ling Moy, Ronald and a Chinese detective, Ah Kee, played by Sessue Hayakawa, the Japanese actor who in the teens was Hollywood's first Asian male star. He's not plausibly Chinese here, and he is in a constant, losing battle with spoken English. But he is a part of movie history, in the only studio film of the Golden Age to star two ethnically Asian actors. And he gives his emotive all to such lines as "It is the triumph of irony that the only woman I have ever deeply loved should be born of the blood that I loathe." And in the inevitable double-death finale neither the villainess nor the noble detective can survive the machinations of Hollywood justice he gently caresses the long hair of the lady he would love to have loved. "Flower Ling Moy," he says, a moment before expiring. "A flower need not love, but only be loved. As Ah Kee loved you."

The Personal Anna May Wong

This 5'7 beauty loved to study and could speak in an English accent, as well as being fluent in German and French with more than a passing knowledge of other tongues including Italian and Yiddish. For exercise she rode horses, played golf, and tennis. She liked to cook and regaled her guests with succulent Chinese dishes at frequent dinner parties. She preferred casual clothes, wearing slacks and sweaters at home, but cultivated an oriental motif in her very smart formal wardrobe. She studied singing with Welsh tenor Parry Jones before she participated in the film Limehouse Blues as George Raft's mistress. Anna loved to dance to contemporary music. Anna was quoted as saying, "I think I got my first chance because they thought I was peculiar. But, now I like to believe that the public are fond of me because they think I'm nice."

The story of Anna May Wong’s life traced the arc of triumph and tragedy that marked so many of her films. Wong's youthful ambition and screen appeal got her farther than anyone else of her race. But her race, or rather Hollywood's and America's fear of giving Chinese and other non-whites the same chance as European Americans, kept her from reaching the Golden Mountaintop. We can be startled and impressed by the success she, alone, attained. And still weask: Who knows what Anna May Wong could have been allowed to achieve if she

had been Anna May White?

Anna May Wong passed away on Feb. 3rd 1961 she was 56 years old.

  

Filmography:

The Red Lantern. Metro 1919. The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921.

Shame. Fox 1921. Bits of Life. Assoc. First National 1921.

The First Born. Robertson Cole 1921. Thundering Dawn. Universal 1923

The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922 Drifting. Universal 1923 Fifth Avenue. PRC 1926.

Lillies of the Field. Assoc. First National 1924. The Thief of Bagdad. United Artists 1924

The Fortieth Door. Pathé serial 1924. The Alaskan. Paramount 1924.

Peter Pan. Paramount 1924. Forty Winks. Paramount 1925.

The Silk Bouquet/The Dragon Horse. Hi Mark Prod. 1926 The Desert's Toll. MGM 1926.

A Trip to Chinatown. Fox 1926. The Chinese Parrot. Universal. 1927.

Driven from Home. Chadwick 1927. Mr. Wu. MGM 1927.

Old San Francisco. Warner Bros. 1927. Why Girls Love Sailors. Pathé short 1927.

The Devil Dancer. United Artists 1927. Streets of Shanghai. Tiffany 1927.

Across to Singapore. MGM 1928. Pavement Butterfly (aka City Butterfly).

The City Butterfly. German 1929. Across to Singapore. MGM 1928.

The Crimson City. Warner Bros. 1928. Song. German 1928

Chinatown Charlie. First National 1928. Piccadilly, British International 1929.

Elstree Calling. British International 1930. The Flame of Love. British International 1930.

Hay Tang. German 1930. L'Amour Maitre Des Choses. French 1930.

Daughter of the Dragon. Paramount 1931. Shanghai Express. Paramount 1932.

A Study in Scarlet. World Wide 1933. Tiger Bay. Associated British 1933.

Chu Chin Chow. Gaumont 1934. Java Head. Associated British 1934.

Limehouse Blues. Paramount 1934. Daughter of Shanghai. Paramount 1937.

Hollywood Party. MGM short subject 1937. Dangerous to Know. Paramount 1938.

The Toll of the Sea. Metro 1922. The Thief of Bagdad 1924

 

Shanghai Express 1932

 

Some 300000 people demonstrated in Paris streets this afternoon to stand up for the same-sex marriage.

Paris, January 27th, 2013.

From Clok Around The Rock, SLR shots.

Ruddy Darter a.k.a. 'Bloody Barry' (Check Latin-Dutch-German names). LOL

A very scarlet looking medium sized dragonfly enjoying 34 °C

 

1600PX

 

There are lots of similar reddish darters. Hadn't posted this variety before. Some others in 2nd comment

     

I love her complexion so much. I think Pullip Kuhn is one of the prettiest release ever. Her make up is perfect and her "fair" skin tone is very photogenic.

A gender-bend of Deapool. Lady Deadpool also has some complexion "problems," as well.

Villa Sheherezada is the most unusual building in Dubrovnik. It is also known as the Taj Mahal of the Mediterranean as it is the only building built in the eastern style.

Its construction was completed in 1929, commsisioned by the wealthy Russian Jew, Vilim Zimdin who was its first owner and resident. Zimdin at the time had a mysterious lover, Maurka dark complexion, called Sherehezada, who he wished to build a special oriental style palace for, like the one described in the book 1,001 nights. The villa gets its name from her nickname.

The wealthy Zimdin brought Viennese architect Alfred Keller to Dubrovnik and dictated his megalomaniac idea, left him a tonne of money and gave him a period of two years. The bathroom wass transported by boat from America and the organ from St. Petersburg.

 

Keller was able to finish the building with colourful terraces and elements of oriental architecture that completely stand out from traditional Dubrovnik stone construction. Zimdin, however, did not want to stop at Dubrovnik's Taj Mahal. He wanted to turn the Church in St. Jacob into a casino, from the old port he tried to make a promenade by the sea and even build a bridge to the island of Lokrum to develop commercial facilities...The city authorities did not allow him to.

 

With the outbreak of World War Two, the dreams of this wealthy banker ended and the communist regime that came into power, nationalised the villa after executing General Belaj. Zimdin had left the villa in the Rusian general's care after heading to America with his wife (it was said that his lover followed him). It's interesting that neither the Italian, nor German fascists never set foot in the mansion during the war.

 

With the creation of Yugoslavia, the communists wished to turn the villa into Tito's palace but he didn't like the idea so he didn't stasy there (his villa was built in Lapad). Zimdin's descendants wanted the villa back but instead they signed it over to state ownership under the Hotel Argentina as its upkeep was too expensive.

 

During the 1960s it became a strip club and at the start of the new century changed its role again, becominga villa for the wealthy. Hollywood couple Elizabeth Taylor and Ricahrd Burton spent two months there, transforming Zimdin's lovenest into their own. Tito even visited them during their stay.

Today it has been renovated as an elite residence costing sevral thousand euros per night to stay. The residence is decorated with designer furniture, jacuzzis in every bedroom, a private beach, a personal butler adn breathtaking views of the sea from every room.

Russian millionaire Viktor Vekselberg and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbajev.

dubrovnikdigest.com/en/surrounding/villa-sheherezada

 

---------------------

7206 R Vila Šeherezada, Villa Cheherezada, sent 12.VIII.1961 to Ana Legović, D. Tucovića 3, Rijeka, Crno bela fotografija Izrada zadružna knjiga, Beograd, Snimio M. Mrđanov, no 2100

Why not tell a story to your children this weekend...

 

The Orphan Boy and His Dog

Story adapted from a T'boli tale by Laura Simms

 

This tale was gathered originally by three T'Boli Scholars: Faw-Wanan, Waning Negwan, and Gadu Udal. The tales were collected and written down in 1973 and later translated into English. (The T'boli live on the southern part of the island of Mindanoa in the Philippines. They are Malay in complexion and gather in seven villages around Lake Sebu. The datu is the head man in charge of village affairs. Until recently, they have had little contact with the modern world, but are known for their sophisticated weaving and their epic literature. Laura Simms visited the T'Boli in autumn 1996. The manuscript from which this story is adapted was given to Laura by anthropologist Helen Alegado in Davoa City, Mindanoa.)

 

There was an orphan boy who was unhappy. His only companion was a little dog. He lived with his aunt and uncle who mistreated him. They beat the child, gave him only leftovers to eat, and rags instead of clothes. The poor child worked all day and slept in the ashes by the fire at night.

 

The orphan boy did whatever he was told. He worked hard and never complained. If he disobeyed he was burned or beaten, and the little dog was beaten as well. Everyone in the village made fun of the child, "He is lazy and stupid." The other children avoided him calling out, "He is an ugly child who has no clothes."

 

One morning, the boy was sent to fetch water. The puppy followed behind him. When they got to the well, the dog began to bark. A tiny old man stood near the cliff. His white beard hung to the earth. The child was frightened, but the puppy began to yelp and ran toward the little man.

 

The little man said, "Do not be afraid of me. I have something to tell you." The boy walked toward the man as if he was under a spell.

 

"I have seen how much you suffer," said the little man, "You and your puppy must follow me." They followed the man to the foot of a tree.

 

"I do not see anything," remarked the boy.

 

The man said, "Your eyes are blurred." He gave the boy and the dog medicine with which they washed their eyes.

 

Then the little man said, "Keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them." The boy was afraid. He heard the man unsheathe his bolo (sword). The child trembled, afraid to move. But he could not stand his fear and opened his eyes. He saw a huge snake moving toward him. He screamed, "I am going to die."

 

He heard a strange voice, like the buzz of a mosquito, "If you obey me you will have good fortune. But if you keep your eyes open, you will have bad fortune. Do not be afraid of the snake." The boy closed his eyes.

 

All of a sudden, he heard his puppy wail. Then someone tapped him on the forehead saying, "open your eyes." When he opened his eyes he saw a large dog standing before him. When he looked at himself he was dressed in sparkling clothes. His scars and dirt were gone. He was standing next to a house with glass walls.

 

The man spoke, "You are away from your village and you are away from danger. In my house there are many treasures. But, you can not eat any food in my world because you will not be able to return home. My family is away for four days. You must return home and then come back here to meet them. Your people have been very cruel to you, but one day they will honor you."

 

The old man gave the boy and the dog some special medicine so they could return to the glass house when they needed to return, then he turned them into their former selves, and turned himself back into a little old man.

 

The orphan was standing beside the well. He heard his aunt calling angrily for him, "What takes you so long to draw water?"

 

The orphan boy ran with the water. The little dog ran behind him. At home, his aunt beat him and the dog with a bamboo stick and pushed them into the garbage.

 

At that time, in the house where the boy was living, there was to be a great wedding feast. The three sons of the datu were to marry three princesses.

 

The orphan boy was given three times as many chores to do in preparation for the wedding. The three sons were not present because they were looking for the many gifts that the girls asked for their dowries: tedyung (black cloth to make skirts), kamagi (gold for jewelry), fanid ndol (the woven cloth called tinaluk), kfilan (special swords), ulew ndol (red turbans) and brass musical instruments.

 

The three daughters arrived and waited.

 

The orphan and the puppy left the kitchen to watch the celebrations. But the people called out, "Drive that ugly filthy child and his hideous dog away. They will bring bad luck. They are a source of embarrassment." The aunt mercilessly beat the boy and the puppy and then forced them to work again. No one took pity on the child.

 

The child and the dog ran as fast as they could to the well. They covered themselves with the medicine the old man had given them and passed through to the other world. The man welcomed them. He introduced the boy to his wife and two children. The man's wife was a beautiful. Her hair was coiled on the top of her head as elegantly as a finely woven basket. If she was to let down her hair it would reach her feet. She said, "Stay with us until the feast is over. You have suffered enough."

 

The orphan boy was given food to eat. The big dog was also given food. The man gave the boy two charms: one for good luck and one for bad luck. He said, "Use the good charm tonight at midnight. The youngest princess will see who you are. But, be careful not to confuse the two charms."

 

Then the boy and the puppy returned as they were before. When they reached the house they were beaten again, because they had been gone so long.

 

All evening and all night the boy tended the fire and stirred the rice. Eventually, everyone went to sleep. Only the youngest princess could not sleep because she did not want to marry one of the three datus. As the orphan was stirring the rice he thought, "The three datus think that they are the most powerful leaders. But they do not realize that I, whom they despise, will be the most powerful datu."

 

At midnight, he carefully chose the good luck charm and rubbed it on himself. The fireplace instantly turned into a well-woven mat. The bamboo frame of the stove became two pillows. The fire turned into a lamp and the stones on which he slept became valuable gongs. Everything in the kitchen became a priceless treasure of this world, and theorphan boy became a handsome young man and the dog became ferocious.

 

The youngest princess went into the kitchen. To her amazement she saw the young man and his place of treasures. She saw his beauty and the power of the dog. She knew it was not a dream. She awoke her mother, but when the old woman went to look, she saw only the filthy orphan boy and his ragged dog.

 

The youngest princess returned to her bed. She fell asleep and dreamed. The little old man came to her dream and said, "When you must choose a young man tomorrow, choose the orphan boy. You will live in a house of glass and mirrors and be surrounded by treasures. He will be kind and loving. The orphan boy will be the strongest datu." She awoke to the sound of bells and gongs. The wedding ceremonies were beginning.

 

Each of the young men was seated under nets. Behind the men were rows of horses, cows, water buffalo, sheep and goats. This was the dowry to be given to the fathers of the brides.

 

As the sun rose, each of the girls was to sit beside their chosen husband under the mosquito net. But the youngest princess had made a form from a pillow the size of a girl and she placed that beneath the net beside the youngest datu. When it was discovered, her father yelled at her. "You must go and choose your husband."

 

The youngest princess started running. She ran near to the datu, but instead of sitting down beside him, she ran all the way to the orphan boy and sat beside him near the fire. Her father tried to pull her away. She cried out, "If you pull me away or harm the orphan, I will die with him."

 

The youngest datu was enraged. He lifted up his sword and went to kill the orphan and the princess. But, the orphan took out his good luck charm. He rubbed it on himself and on the dog. He shed his ugly skin and stood up a powerful and handsome young man. The dog grew ten times its size and pounced on the datu's son. Everything in the kitchen turned to treasures.

 

The people who saw what had happened fell to their knees. The aunt, who had been so cruel, ran to the boy, and put her head by his feet. But, the dog intercepted and bit her hands.

 

The orphan boy married the princess, and from that day onwards he became the most powerful datu. They lived in that village for a long time.

 

Then, one morning, all the people saw a flash of lightening. Suddenly, the little old man appeared. His white beard hung down to the earth. When the sky cleared, the boy, the princess, the old man and the dog were gone. They all lived happily in the other world in the house of treasures.

 

The beautiful Caroline Catz on location in Port Isaac. The classic English beauty with peachy complexion, a real national Treasure.

It is true, that by listening you are really giving a hand!

He was definitely taking it all in!

Strobist Info:

1) Einstein in 27: Silver Beauty dish in front of subject 45 degree

2) Einstein behind the camera(slightly left) firing white V block as fill

3) 2 einsteins in strip box with grid behind the subject left right

4) another einstein in standard reflector with grid firing medium gray background.

www.facebook.com/TheMazePhotography

www.themazephotography.com/

©2015 Levent Eryilmaz

I think I do a lot of sunning, probably bad for my complexion!

Eid al Fitr is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan.

 

This young woman was celebrating with her family and many others at Canada Place in Vancouver. She has an almost angelic smile.

Somewhat inspired by The Swing by Jean Honore Fragonard 🎨 I’d like to imagine this is what Antoinette would be up to on a hot summer’s day in Versailles 🌸🌷🌺💖🙌💖 Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

And summer's lease hath all too short a date.

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimmed;

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance, or nature's changing course, untrimmed;

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st,

Nor shall death brag thou wand'rest in his shade,

When in eternal lines to Time thou grow'st. So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

Nuestra Señora de Piat

Piat, Cagayan

Sambali Festival

July 01, 2011

 

*This image was taken during the procession. The bright sky complements the majestic, dark complexion of our Lady of Piat, chiaroscuro.

Black Cat at the Toronto Fan Expo 2019

 

Dumb name, I realize. But anyways, the only thing I see wrong with this is a little bit of Joe's complexion doesn't match but I still think it came out good for the most part. Colored version in the comments!

Vishnu (/ˈvɪʃnuː/; Sanskrit: Viṣṇu) is a popular Hindu deity, the Supreme God of Vaishnavism (one of the three principal denominations of Hinduism) and one of the three supreme deities (Trimurti) of Hinduism. He is also known as Lord Narayana and Lord Hari. As one of the five primary forms of God in the Smarta tradition, He is conceived as "the Preserver or the Protector" within the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of the divinity.

 

In Hindu sacred texts, Vishnu is usually described as having dark complexion of water-filled clouds and as having four arms. He is depicted as a blue being, holding a padma (lotus flower) in the lower left hand, the Kaumodaki gada (mace) in the lower right hand, the Panchajanya shankha (conch) in the upper left hand and the discus weapon Sudarshana Chakra in the upper right hand.

 

Adherents of Hinduism believe Vishnu's eternal and supreme abode beyond the material universe is called Vaikuntha, which is also known as Paramdhama, the realm of eternal bliss and happiness and the final or highest place for liberated souls who have attained Moksha. Vaikuntha is situated beyond the material universe and hence, cannot be perceived or measured by material science or logic. Vishnu's other abode within the material universe is Ksheera Sagara (the ocean of milk), where he reclines and rests on Ananta Shesha, (the king of the serpent deities, commonly shown with a thousand heads). In almost all Hindu denominations, Vishnu is either worshipped directly or in the form of his ten avatars, the most famous of whom are Rama and Krishna.

 

The Puranabharati, an ancient text, describes these as the dashavatara, or the ten avatars of Vishnu. Among the ten described, nine have occurred in the past and one will take place in the future as Lord Kalki, at the end of Kali Yuga, (the fourth and final stage in the cycle of yugas that the world goes through). These incarnations take place in all Yugas in cosmic scales; the avatars and their stories show that gods are indeed unimaginable, unthinkable and inconceivable. The Bhagavad Gita mentions their purpose as being to rejuvenate Dharma, to vanquish those negative forces of evil that threaten dharma, and also to display His divine nature in front of all souls.

 

The Trimurti (three forms) is a concept in Hinduism "in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance, and destruction are personified by the forms of Brahma the creator, Vishnu the maintainer, preserver or protector and Shiva the destroyer or transformer." These three deities have also been called "the Hindu triad" or the "Great Trinity", all having the same meaning of three in One. They are the different forms or manifestation of One person the Supreme Being or Narayana/Svayam Bhagavan.

 

Vishnu is also venerated as Mukunda, which means God who is the giver of mukti or moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirths) to his devotees or the worthy ones who deserve salvation from the material world.

 

ETYMOLOGY

The traditional explanation of the name Vishnu involves the root viś, meaning "to settle" (cognate with Latin vicus, English -wich "village," Slavic: vas -ves), or also (in the Rigveda) "to enter into, to pervade," glossing the name as "the All-Pervading One". Yaska, an early commentator on the Vedas, in his Nirukta, (etymological interpretation), defines Vishnu as viṣṇur viṣvater vā vyaśnoter vā, "one who enters everywhere". He also writes, atha yad viṣito bhavati tad viṣnurbhavati, "that which is free from fetters and bondages is Vishnu".

 

Adi Shankara in his commentary on the Sahasranama states derivation from viś, with a meaning "presence everywhere" ("As he pervades everything, vevesti, he is called Vishnu"). Adi Shankara states (regarding Vishnu Purana, 3.1.45): "The Power of the Supreme Being has entered within the universe. The root viś means 'enter into'." Swami Chinmayananda, in his translation of Vishnu Sahasranama further elaborates on that verse: "The root vis means to enter. The entire world of things and beings is pervaded by Him and the Upanishad emphatically insists in its mantra 'whatever that is there is the world of change.' Hence, it means that He is not limited by space, time or substance. Chinmayananda states that, that which pervades everything is Vishnu."

 

SACRET TEXTS - SHRUTI & SMRITI

Shruti is considered to be solely of divine origin. It is preserved as a whole, instead of verse by verse. It includes the four Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda) the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishads with commentaries on them.

 

Smṛti refers to all the knowledge derived and inculcated after Shruti had been received. Smrti is not 'divine' in origin, but was 'remembered' by later Rishis (sages by insight, who were the scribes) by transcendental means and passed down through their followers. It includes the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana which are Sattva Puranas. These both declare Vishnu as Para Brahman Supreme Lord who creates unlimited universes and enters each one of them as Lord of Universe.

 

SHRUTI

 

VAISHNAVA CANON

The Vaishnava canon presents Vishnu as the supreme being, rather than another name for the Sun God, who also bore the name Suryanarayana and is considered only as a form of Vishnu.

 

VEDAS

In the Yajur Veda, Taittiriya Aranyaka (10-13-1), Narayana suktam, Lord Narayana is mentioned as the supreme being. The first verse of Narayana Suktam mentions the words "paramam padam", which literally mean "highest post" and may be understood as the "supreme abode for all souls". This is also known as Param Dhama, Paramapadam, or Vaikuntha. Rig Veda 1:22:20a also mentions the same "paramam padam". This special status is not given to any deity in the Vedas apart from Lord Vishnu/Narayana.[citation needed] Narayana is one of the thousand names of Vishnu as mentioned in the Vishnu Sahasranama. It describes Vishnu as the All-Pervading essence of all beings, the master of - and beyond - the past, present and future, one who supports, sustains and governs the Universe and originates and develops all elements within. This illustrates the omnipresent characteristic of Vishnu. Vishnu governs the aspect of preservation and sustenance of the universe, so he is called "Preserver of the universe".

 

Vishnu is the Supreme God who takes manifest forms or avatars across various ages or periods to save humanity from evil beings, demons or Asuras. According to the extant Hindu texts and traditions, Lord Vishnu is considered to be resident in the direction of the "Makara Rashi" (the "Shravana Nakshatra"), which is about coincident with the Capricorn constellation. In some of the extant Puranas, and Vaishnava traditions, Vishnu's eye is considered to be situated at the infinitely distant Southern Celestial Pole.

 

Following the defeat of Indra and his displacement as the Lord of Heaven or Swarga, Indra asks Lord Vishnu for help and thus Lord Vishnu takes his incarnations or avatars to Earth to save mankind, thus showing his position as Supreme God to all of creation.

 

In the Puranas, Indra frequently appears proud and haughty. These bad qualities are temporarily removed when Brahma and/or Shiva give boons to Asuras or Rakshasas such as Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu and Ravana, who are then able to defeat Indra in wars between Devas and Asuras. The received boons often made Asuras virtually indestructible.

 

Indra has no option but to seek help from Vishnu. Indra prays before Vishnu for protection and the Supreme Lord obliges him by taking avatars and generating himself on Earth in various forms, first as a water-dweller (Matsya, fish), then as an amphibious creature (Kurma avatar or Tortoise), then as a half-man-half-animal (Varaha the pig-faced, human-bodied Lord, and Narasimha the Lord with lion's face and claws and a human body). Later, Vishnu appears as human beings (Vamana the short-heighted person), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha and finally as Kalki for performing his task of protecting his devotees from demons and anti-religious entities.

 

Vishnu's supremacy is attested by his victories over those very powerful entities. It is further attested by the accepted iconography and sculptures of Vishnu in reclining position as producing Brahma emerging from his navel. Brahma the creator is thus created in turn by Vishnu out of his own person. Instead Vishnu takes various avatars to slay or defeat those demons. But it is to be noted that Vishnu also provided boons to Akupresura, a bear faced demon who was destroyed by Lord Shiva.

 

Vishnu's actions lowered Indra's ranking among Hindu deities and led to the ascendancy of Vishnu.

 

Few temples are dedicated to the Sun or Suryanarayana, nor indeed Indra, nor does Indra figure largely in the Hindu religion.

 

Indra is almost completely absent from the deities considered as the chief or most important deity.

 

RIGVEDA

In the Rigveda, Vishnu is mentioned 93 times. He is frequently invoked alongside other deities, especially Indra, whom he helps in killing Vritra and with whom he drinks Soma. His distinguishing characteristic in the Vedas is his association with light. Two Rigvedic hymns in Mandala 7 are dedicated to Vishnu. In 7.99, Vishnu is addressed as the god who separates heaven and earth, a characteristic he shares with Indra.

 

The Rig Veda describes Vishnu as younger brother to Indra as Vamana. In Vaishnava canon the 'Vishnu' who is younger brother to Indra is identified as Vamana, Avatar of Vishnu, hence referred to as Vishnu by Vaishnavites. Vishnu is the Supreme God who lives in the highest celestial region, contrasted against those who live in the atmospheric or terrestrial regions. Vishnu is content with mere prayer, unlike almost all of the other gods who receive sacrificial offerings such as Havis, which is given using clarified butter, or Soma. Later foreign translators have view that Vedas place Indra in a superior position to Vishnu's Avatar of Vamana but in fact Vamana helps Indra by restoring his Kingdom.

 

An alternate translation is provided by Wilson according to Sayana:

 

When Thy (younger brother) Viṣṇu (Vamana) by (his) strength stepped his three paces, then verily thy beloved horses bore thee. (Rigveda 8:12:27)

 

Wilson mentions Griffith's possible translation as a footnote. However the following verse from Rigveda renders the above translation by Wilson more probable.

 

Him whose three places that are filled with sweetness, imperishable, joy as it may list them, Who verily alone upholds the threefold, the earth, the heaven, and all living creatures. (Rig veda 1:154:4)

 

Wilson offers an alternate translation for Rigveda 10:113:2:

 

Viṣṇu offering the portion of Soma, glorifies by his own vigor that greatness of his. Indra, the lord of heaven, with the associated gods having slain Vritra, became deserving of honour. (Rigveda 10:113:2)

 

This verse sees Vishnu as one who is glorified by his own strength, while Indra became deserving of honor after having slain Vritra only in association with other gods.

 

However Vishnu's praise for other gods does not imply worship. Wilson translates:

 

Viṣṇu, the mighty giver of dwellings praises thee, and Mitra and Varuna; the company of Maruts imitates thee in exhilaration. (Rigveda 8:15:9) (page 280)

 

The following verses show categorically Vishnu as distinguished from other gods in Rigveda.

 

He who presents (offering) to Viṣṇu, the ancient, the creator, the recent, the self-born; he who celebrates the great birth of that mighty one; he verily possessed of abundance, attains (the station) that is to be sought (by all). (Rigveda 1:156:2) (page 98)

 

No being that is or that has been born, divine Viṣṇu, has attained the utmost limit of thy magnitude, by which thou hast upheld the vast and beautiful heaven, and sustained the eastern horizon of Earth.(Rigveda 7:99:2) (page 196)

 

The divine Viṣṇu, the best of the doers of good deeds, who came to the pious instituter of rite (Indra), to assist (at its celebration), knowing (the desires of the worshiper), and present at the three connected period (of worship), shows favor to the Arya, and admits the author of the ceremony to a share of the sacrifice. (Rigveda 1:156:5) (page 99)

 

Jan Gonda, the late Indologist, states that Vishnu, although remaining in the background of Indra's exploits, contributes by his presence, or is key to Indra's success. Vishnu is more than a mere companion, equal in rank or power to Indra, or sometime the one who made Indra's success possible.

 

Descriptions of Vishnu as younger to Indra are found in only the hymns to Indra, but in a kathenotheism religion like that of the Rigveda, each god, for a time, is supreme in the mind of the devotee.

 

In the Rig Vedic texts, the deity or god referred to as Vishnu is the Sun God, who also bears the name 'Suryanarayana'. By contrast, the 'Vishnu' referred to in 'Vishnu Purana', 'Vishnu Sahasranamam' and 'Purusha Sooktham' is Lord Narayana, the Consort of Lakshmi. Vaishnavites make a further distinction by extolling the qualities of Vishnu by highlighting his differences from other deities such as Shiva,[citation needed] Brahma or Surya.

 

THREE STEPS

Hymn 7.100 refers to the celebrated 'three steps' of Vishnu (as Trivikrama) by which he strode over the universe and in three places planted his step. The 'Vishnu Suktam' (RV 1.154) says that the first and second of Vishnu's strides (those encompassing the earth and air) are visible to men and the third is in the heights of heaven (sky). This last place is described as Vishnu's supreme abode in RV 1.22.20:

 

The princes evermore behold / that loftiest place where Vishnu is / Laid as it were an eye in heaven.(trans. Griffith)

 

Griffith's "princes" are the sūri, either "inciters" or lords of a sacrifice, or priests charged with pressing the Soma. The verse is quoted as expressing Vishnu's supremacy by Vaishnavites.

 

Though such solar aspects have been associated with Vishnu by tradition as well as modern-scholarship, he was not just the representation of the sun, as he moves both vertically and horizontally.

 

In hymns 1.22.17, 1.154.3, 1.154.4 he strides across the earth with three steps, in 6.49.13, 7.100.3 strides across the earth three times and in 1.154.1, 1.155.5,7.29.7 he strides vertically, with the final step in the heavens. The same Veda also says he strode wide and created space in the cosmos for Indra to fight Vritra. By his stride he made dwelling for men possible, the three forming a symbolic representation of the dwelling's all-encompassing nature. This nature and benevolence to men were Vishnu's enduring attributes. As the triple-strider he is known as Trivikrama and as Urukrama, for the strides were wide.

 

BRAHMANAS

The Brahmanas are commentaries on the Vedas and form part of the Shruti literature. They are concerned with the detail of the proper performance of rituals. In the Rigveda, Shakala Shakha: Aitareya Brahmana Verse 1 declares: agnir vai devānām ava mo viṣṇuḥ paramus, tadantareṇa sarvā anyā devatā - Agni is the lowest or youngest god and Vishnu is the greatest and the highest God.

 

The Brahmanas assert the supremacy of Lord Vishnu, addressing him as "Gajapati", the one whom all sacrifices are meant to please. Lord Vishnu accepts all sacrifices to the demigods and allots the respective fruits to the performer In one incident, a demonic person performs a sacrifice by abducting the Rishis (sages), who meditate by constantly chanting God's name. The sacrifice is meant to destroy Indra. But the rishis, who worship Indra as a demigod, alter one pronunciation of the Veda Mantra, reversing the purpose of the sacrifice. When the fruit of the sacrifice is given and the demon is on the verge of dying, he calls to Vishnu, whom he addresses as Supreme Godhead and "the father of all living entities including himself".

 

Aitareya Brahmana 1:1:1 mentions Vishnu as the Supreme God. But in the Vaishnava canon, in different ages, with Vishnu in different avatars, his relationship with the asuras or demons, was always adversarial. The asuras always caused harm, while the sages and devas or celestial beings, did penance and called to Vishnu for protection. Vishnu always obliged by taking an avatar to vanquish the asuras. In the Vaishnava canon, Vishnu never gave or granted any boons to the asuras, distinguishing him from the gods Shiva and Brahma, who did. He is the only God called upon to save good beings by defeating or killing the asuras.

 

Sayana writes that in Aitareya Brahmana 1:1:1 the declaration agnir vai devānām ava mo viṣṇuḥ paramus,tadantareṇa sarvā anyā devatā does not indicate any hierarchy among gods. Even in Rigveda Samhita, avama and parama are not applied to denote rank and dignity, but only to mark place and locality.

 

In Rigveda 1:108:9,: yadindrāghnī avamasyāṃ pṛthivyāṃ madhyamasyāṃ paramasyāmuta sthaḥ | i.e., in the lowest place, the middle (place), and the highest (place). Agni, the fire, has, among the gods, the lowest place; for he resides with man on the earth; while the other gods are either in the air, or in the sky. Vishnu occupies the highest place. The words avama and parama are understood as 'First' and 'Last' respectively. To support this claim, Sayana adduces the mantra (1,4. As'val. Sr. S. 4, 2), agnir mukham prathamo devathanam samathanam uttamo vishnur asit, i.e., Agni was the first of the deities assembled, (and) Vishnu the last.

 

In the Kausitaki Brahmana (7.1) Agni is called Aaradhya (instead of avama), and Visnu parardha(instead of parama),i.e., belonging to the lower and higher halves (or forming the lower and higher halves). The Vishnu Purana gives tremendous importance to the worship of Vishnu and mentions that sacrifices are to begin only with both the lighting of fire or 'Agni', pouring of sacrificial offerings to Vishnu in 'Agni' so that those offerings reach and are accepted by Vishnu. Worship of Vishnu through Yajnas (or Homams) and other rituals, will not achieve the desired result if Agni's role is neglected.

 

Muller says "Although the gods are sometimes distinctly invoked as the great and the small, the young and the old (Rig veda 1:27:13), this is only an attempt to find the most comprehensive expression for the divine powers, and nowhere is any of the gods represented as the subordinate to others. It would be easy to find, in the numerous hymns of the Veda, passages in which almost every single god is represented as supreme and absolute."

 

However this notion is not completely correct as per the following verses, which shows Rigveda describe one or more gods as subject to other god(s).

 

Him whose high law not Varuna nor Indra, not Mitra, Aryaman, nor Rudra breaketh, Nor evil-hearted fiends, here for my welfare him I invoke, God Savitar, with worship. (Rigveda 2.038.09)

 

I invite to this place, with reverential salutations, for my good, that divine Savita, whose functions neither Indra, nor Varun.a, nor Mitra nor Aryaman nor Rudra nor the enemies (of the gods), impede. (Rigveda 2.038.09)

 

SMRITI

 

VISHNU SMRITI

The Vishnu Smṛti, is one of the later books of the Dharmashastra tradition of Hinduism and the only one that focuses on the bhakti tradition and the required daily puja to Vishnu, rather than the means of knowing dharma. It is also known for its handling of the controversial subject of the practice of sati (self-immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre). The text was composed by an individual or group. The author(s) created a collection of the commonly known legal maxims that were attributed to Vishnu into one book, as Indian oral culture began to be recorded more formally.

 

BHAGAVATA PURANA

Vishnu is the only Bhagavan as declared in the Bhagavata 1:2:11 in the verse: vadanti tat tattva-vidas tattvam yaj jnanam advayam brahmeti paramatmeti bhagavan iti sabdyate, translated as "Learned transcendentalists who know the Absolute Truth call this non-dual substance as Brahman, Paramātma and Bhagavan."

 

VISHNU PURANA

In the Vishnu Purana (6:5:79) the personality named Parashara Rishi defines six bhagas:

 

aiśvaryasya samagrasya vīryasya yaśasaḥ śriyaḥ

jñāna-vairāgyayoś caiva ṣannāḥ bhaga itīṇganā

 

Jiva Gosvami explains the verse in Gopala Champu (Pūrva 15:73) and Bhagavata Sandarbha 46:10:

 

jñāna-śakti-balaiśvarya-vīrya-tejām.sy aśeṣataḥ

bhagavac-chabda-vācyāni vinā heyair guṇādibhiḥ

 

"The substantives of the word bhagavat (bhagavat-śabda-vācyāni) are unlimited (aśeṣataḥ) knowledge (jñāna), energies (śakti), strength (bala), opulence (aiśvarya), heroism (vīrya), splendor (tejas), without (vinā) objectionable (heyair) qualities (guṇādibhiḥ)."

 

SANGAM LITERATURE

Tamil Sangam literature (300BCE to 500CE) mentions mAyOn, or the dark one, as the supreme deity who creates, sustains and destroys the universe. Paripadal 3 describes the glory of Thirumal in the most superlative terms.

 

Paripadal by kaduvan iLaveyinanAr:

 

"thIyinuL theRal nI poovinuL naaRRa nI kallinuL maNiyu nI sollinuL vaaymai aRaththinuL anbu nI maRaththinuL mainthu nI vEthaththu maRai nI boothaththu madhalu nI vencudar oLiyu nI thingaLuL aLiyu nI anaiththu nI anaiththinut poruLu nI"

 

The last line states that Lord Vishnu is the supreme deity who is the inner controller (Antaryamin) of the entire universe. This is one of the Lord's glories, which is first mentioned in Vedas and later propounded by Alwars in Prabhandams and Sri Vaishnavaite Acharyas in various commentaries

 

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Vishnu, Lakshmi is mentioned in Tamil works of literature of the Sangam era, including the epic Silapadikaram (book 11, lines 35–40):

 

āyiram viritteḻu talaiyuṭai aruntiṟaṟ

 

pāyaṟ paḷḷip palartoḻu tētta viritiraik kāviri viyaṉperu turuttit tiruvamar mārpaṉ kiṭanta vaṇṇamum

 

On a magnificent cot having a thousand heads spread out, worshipped and praised by many, in an islet surrounded by Kaveri with bellowing waves, is the lying posture of the one who has Lakshmi sitting in his chest.

 

THEOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES

The actual number of Vishnu's auspicious qualities is countless, although his six most-important "divine glories" are:

 

Jnana (Omniscience); defined as the power to know about all beings simultaneously;

Aishvarya (Sovereignty), derived from the word Ishvara which means unchallenged rule over all;

Shakti (Power or Energy), the capacity to make the impossible possible;

Bala (Strength), the capacity to support everything by will and without any fatigue;

Virya (Vigour), the power to retain immateriality as the Supreme Spirit or Being in spite of being the material cause of mutable creations;

Tejas (Splendor), which expresses self-sufficiency and the capacity to overpower everything by spiritual effulgence.

 

Other important qualities attributed to Vishnu are Gambhirya (inestimatable grandeur), Audarya (generosity), and Karunya (compassion). Natya Shastra lists Vishnu as the presiding deity of the Sṛngara rasa.

 

The Rigveda says: Vishnu can travel in three strides. The first stride is the Earth. The second stride is the visible sky. The third stride cannot be seen by men and is the heaven where the gods and the righteous dead live. (This feature of three strides also appears in the story of his avatar Vamana/Trivikrama.) The Sanskrit for "to stride" is the root kram; its reduplicated perfect is chakram (guņa grade) or chakra (zero-grade), and in the Rigveda he is called by epithets such as vi-chakra-māņas = "he who has made 3 strides". The Sanskrit word chakra also means "wheel". That may have suggested the idea of Vishnu carrying a chakra.

 

FIVE FORMS

In Shree Vaishnavism, another school dating from around the 10th century AD, Vishnu assumes five forms:

 

In the Para Form, Para is the highest form of Vishnu found only in Sri Vaikunta also called Moksha, along with his consort Lakshmi, (and Bhumi Devi and Nila devi, avatars of Lakshmi) and surrounded by liberated souls like Ananta, Garuda, and a host of Muktas (liberated souls).

In the Vyuha form, Vishnu assumes four forms, which exercise different cosmic functions and controls activities of living beings.

In the Vibhava form, Vishnu assumes various manifestations, called Vibhavas, more popularly known as Avataras from time to time, to protect the virtuous, punish evil-doers and re-establish righteousness.

In the Antaryami; "Dwelling within" or "Suksma Vasudeva" form, Vishnu exists within the souls of all living beings and in every substance.

In the Arcavatara or Image manifestation, Vishnu is visible and therefore easily approachable by devotees since Para, Vyuha, Vibhava and Antaryami forms can only be imagined or meditated upon because they are beyond our reach. Such images can be

Revealed by Vishnu, for example, a self-manifested (Swayambhu) icon (murti), e.g. The Mahavishnu Temple at Tirunelli, The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam, The Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple, etc.; or

Installed by Devas or celestial beings such as such as Guruvayur Temple installed by Vayu; or

Installed by humans, and consecrated according to Vaishnava Agama shastras or scriptures such as Lord Jagannatha of Jagannath Temple (Puri) at Puri.

 

RELATIONS WITH OTHER DEITIES

 

SHIVA

The three gods of the Trimurti clan are inseparable and in harmony in view of their common vision and universal good. They are perfectly ideal in all respects.

 

Both Asuras and Devas played supportive roles in this story by keeping company with Vishnu in his incarnated forms. Hanuman is a vanara who is completely dedicated to Rama. He gives Vishnu company and obeys his command, while playing an important part in Rama's life. He is regarded in Vaishnava canon because it is through blessings that Hanuman is born. Thus, Hanuman, Vishnu's constant companion, with his idol appearing temples of Rama, Krishna and Narasimha, i.e. all of Vishnu's avatars, is considered by Vaishnavas.

 

Syncretic forces produced stories in which the two deities were shown in cooperative relationships and combined forms. Harihara is the name of a combined deity form of both Vishnu (Hari) and Shiva (Hara). This dual form, which is also called Harirudra, is mentioned in the Mahabharata.

 

LAKSHMI

Vishnu's consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth (also known as Maya). The Samvit (the primary intelligence/dark matter) of the universe is Vishnu, while the other five attributes emerge from this samvit and hence Maya or dark energy of the universe is Lakshmee is his ahamata, activity, or Vishnu's Power. This power of God, Maya or Shakti, is personified and has multiple names: Shree, Lakshmi, Maya, Vishnumaya or Mahamaya. She is said to manifest as Kriyashakti, (Creative Activity) and Bhutishakti (Creation). This world requires Vishnu's creativity. He therefore needs Lakshmi to always be with Him. Her various avatars as Lord Vishnu's consorts are Varahavatar (Bhoodevi) or Bhoomi, Ramavatar Seeta, Krishnavatar Rukmini)

 

SARASWATI & GANGA

According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lord Vishnu had three wives Lakshmi, Saraswati and Ganga. Due to their constant quarrelsome nature among them. Once Ganga tried to be close with Vishnu, this rebuked Saraswati but Lakshmi tried to pacify them but faced a curse rather. As per the curse, Lakshmi to appear as Tulasi. Sarawati cursed Ganga to run as a river in the world and Saraswati was cursed to run as a river in the netherworld. After this, Lord Vishnu transformed and became Brahma and Shiva to pacify Saraswati and Ganga.

 

GARUDA

Vishnu's mount (Vahana) is Garuda, the eagle. Vishnu is commonly depicted as riding on his shoulders.

 

ICONOGRAPHY

According to various Puranas, Vishnu is the ultimate omnipresent reality and is shapeless and omnipresent. However, a strict iconography governs his representation, whether in pictures, icons, or idols:

 

He has four arms and is male: The four arms indicate his all-powerful and all-pervasive nature. His physical existence is represented by the two arms in the front, while the two arms at the back represent his presence in the spiritual world. The Upanishad Gopal Uttartapani describes the four arms.

The Shreevatsa mark is on his chest, symbolizing his consort Lakshmi.

He wears the auspicious "Kaustubha" jewel around his neck and a garland of vaijayanti flowers (Vanamala). Lakshmi dwells in this jewel, on Vishnu's chest.

A crown adorns his head: The crown symbolizes his supreme authority. This crown sometimes includes a peacock feather, borrowing from his Krishna-avatar.

He wears two earrings: The earrings represent inherent opposites in creation — knowledge and ignorance; happiness and unhappiness; pleasure and pain.

He rests on Ananta, the immortal and infinite snake.

 

Vishnu is always to be depicted holding four attributes:

 

A conch shell or Shankha, named Panchajanya, is held by the upper left hand. It represents Vishnu's power to create and maintain the universe. Panchajanya represents the five elements or Panchabhoota – water, fire, air, earth and sky or space. It also represents the five airs or Pranas that are within the body and mind. The conch symbolizes that Vishnu is the primeval Divine sound of creation and continuity. It also represented as Om. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna avatara states that of sound vibrations, 'He is Om'.

The Chakra, a sharp, spinning, discus-like weapon, named "Sudarshana", is held by the upper right hand. It symbolizes the purified spiritualized mind. The name Sudarshana is derived from two words – Su, which means good, superior, and Darshana, which means vision or sight; together. The Chakra represents destruction of ego in the awakening and realization of the soul's original nature and god, burning away spiritual ignorance and illusion, and developing higher spiritual vision and insight to realize god.

A mace or Gada, named "Kaumodaki", is held by the lower right hand. It symbolizes that Vishnu's divine power is the source of all spiritual, mental and physical strength. It also signifies Vishnu's power to destroy materialistic or demonic tendencies (Anarthas) that prevent people from reaching god. Vishnu's mace is the power of the Divine within us to spiritually purify and uplift us from our materialistic bonds.

A lotus flower or Padma is held by the lower left hand. It represents spiritual liberation, Divine perfection, purity and the unfolding of Spiritual consciousness within the individual. The lotus opening its petals in the light of the Sun is indicative of the expansion and awakening of our long dormant, original spiritual consciousness in the light of god. The lotus symbolizes that god is the power and source from which the universe and the individual soul emerges. It also represents Divine Truth or Satya, the originator of the rules of conduct or Dharma, and Divine Vedic knowledge or Jnana. The lotus also symbolizes that Vishnu is the embodiment of spiritual perfection and purity and that He is the wellspring of these qualities and that the individual soul must seek to awaken these intrinsic Divine qualities from Vishnu by surrendering to and linking with Him.

 

To this may be added, conventionally, the vanamaala flower garland, Vishnu's bow (Shaarnga/Kodand) and his sword Nandaka. A verse of the Vishnu Sahasranama stotram states;vanamālī gadhī shārngī shanki chakri cha nandaki / shrīmān nārāyaņo vişņo vāsudevo abhirakşatu//; translation: Protect us Oh Lord Narayana who wears the forest garland,who has the mace, conch, sword and the wheel. And who is called Vishnu and the Vasudeva.

 

In general, Vishnu's body is depicted in one of the following three ways:

 

Standing on a lotus flower, often with Lakshmi, his consort, beside him on a similar pedestal.

Reclining on the coiled-up thousand-hooded Shesha Naga, with Lakshmi seated at his feet; the assemblage rests on the "Kshira Sagar" (ocean of milk). In this representation, Brahma is depicted as sitting on a lotus that grows out of Vishnu's navel.

Riding on the back of his eagle mount, known as Garuda. Another name for Garuda is "Veda atma"; Soul of the Vedas. The flapping of his wings symbolizes the power of the Divine Truth of Vedic wisdom. Also the eagle represents the soul. Garuda carrying Vishnu symbolizes the soul or jiva atma carrying the Super soul or Param atma within it.

 

AVATARS

Ten avatars (dashavatara) of Vishnu are the most prominent: Apart from the most prominent incarnations there are believed to more.

 

The most commonly believed incarnations of Vishnu are:

 

Matsya, the fish that kills Damanaka to save the vedas and also saves Manu from a great flood that submerges the entire Earth.

Kurma, the turtle that helps the Devas and Asuras churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality.

Varaha, the boar that rescues the Earth and kills Hiranyaksha.

Narasimha, the half-lion half human, who defeats the demon Hiranyakashipu.

Vamana, the dwarf that grows into a giant to save the world from King Bali.

Parashurama, "Rama of the battle axe", a sage who appeared in the Treta Yuga. He killed Kartavirya Arjuna's army and clan and then killed all the kshatriyas 21 times.

Rama, the prince and king of Ayodhya who killed the Demon King Raavan.

Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, who takes part in the Mahabharata epic. Krishna is worshipped as the Supreme Avatar of Vishnu (Supreme Personality of Godhead) in Gaudiya-Vaishnava philosophy.

Buddha, the ninth avatar of Vishnu.

Kalki, the tenth Avatar of Vishnu and said to be the harbinger of the end Kali Yuga. This avatar of Vishnu is yet to come.

 

Some versions of the above list include Hayagreeva among the Dashavataras while some include Buddha as ninth avatar of Vishnu. Another 22 avatars are given in Chapter 3, Canto 1 of the Bhagavata Purana, although it states that "the incarnations of the Lord are innumerable, like rivulets flowing from inexhaustible sources of water".

 

BEYOND HINDUISM

 

SIKHISM

Guru Granth Sahib of Sikhism mentions Vishnu, one verse goes:

 

The true Vaishnaav, the devotee of Vishnu, is the one with whom God is thoroughly pleased. He dwells apart from Maya. Performing good deeds, he does not seek rewards. Spotlessly pure is the religion of such a Vaishnaav; he has no desire for the fruits of his labors. He is absorbed in devotional worship and the singing of Kirtan, the songs of the Lords Glory. Within his mind and body, he meditates in remembrance on the Lord of the Universe. He is kind to all creatures. He holds fast to the Naam, and inspires others to chant it. O Nanak, such a Vaishnaav obtains the supreme status.

 

BUDDHISM

While some Hindus consider Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu, Buddhists in Sri Lanka venerate Vishnu as the custodian deity of Sri Lanka and protector of Buddhism. Lord Vishnu is also known as upulvan, or uthpala varna, meaning "Blue Lotus coloured". Some postulates that Uthpala varna was a local deity who later merged with Vishnu while another belief is that Uthpala Varna was an early form of Vishnu before he became a supreme deity in Puranic Hinduism. According to Chronicles "Mahawamsa", "Chulawamsa" and folklore in Sri Lanka, Buddha himself handed over the custodianship to Vishnu. Others believe that Buddha entrusted this task to Sakra(Indra) and Sakra delegated this task of custodianship to god Vishnu. In contrary to vedic Hinduism, in assimilation of Hindu god Vishnu into Sinhalese Buddhism, Vishnu becomes a mortal being and a Bodhisattva aspiring Buddhahood. Additionally, Vishnu is considered as the god of home and hearth representing mercy, goodness, order and stability. Many Buddhist and Hindu shrines are dedicated to Vishnu in Sri Lanka. In addition to specific Vishnu "Kovils" or "devalayas", all Buddhist temples necessarily house shrine rooms (Devalayas) closer to the main Buddhist shrine dedicated to Vishnu. John Holt in his groundbreaking study examines the assimilation, transformation, and subordination of the Hindu deity Vishnu within the contexts of Sri Lankan history and Sinhala Buddhist religious culture. He then explores the role and rationale of medieval Sinhala kings in assimilating Visnu into Sinhala Buddhism. According to Holt the veneration of Vishnu in Sri Lanka is evidence of a remarkable ability, over many centuries, to reiterate and reinvent culture as other ethnicities have been absorbed into their own. Though the Vishnu cult in Ceylon was formally endorsed by Kandyan kings in early 1700s, Holt states that vishnu images and shrines are among conspicuous ruins in the medieval capital Polonnaruwa. In Buddhist mythology, when Vishnu failed to traverse the universe in three steps, he was given the title "Ardha Vishnu (Half-Vishnu)" and when Vishnu banished demons from the Vaishali (Vishala)in India, he became "Mulu Vishnu or Whole Vishnu". The extreme significance of god Vishnu in Sinhala society is reflected in recitals of the traditional "Offerings to dwarfs and crossing the door frame (bahirwayanta dola pideem saha uluwahu peneema)" that starts with Sri Vishnu invocation.In the recitals,mentioning of the aspiring Buddhahood of Vishnu which is of prime importance to Buddhists and wishes for him to live five thousand and more years highlight the central role of Vishnu in the psyche of Sri Lankan Buddhists.

 

OTHERS

James Freeman Clarke, Richard Leviton, James Cowles Prichard, and others have noted the similarities between Vishnu and Ancient Egyptian God Horus.

 

During an excavation in an abandoned village of Russia in the Volga region, archaeologist Alexander Kozhevin excavated an ancient idol of Vishnu. The idol dates from between the 7th and 10th centuries. In the interview Kozhevin, stated that, "We may consider it incredible, but we have ground to assert that Middle-Volga region was the original land of Ancient Rus. This is a hypothesis, but a hypothesis, which requires thorough research"

 

THOUSAND NAMES OF VISHNU

Vishnu's many names and followers are collected in the Vishnu Sahasranama, (Vishnu's thousand names) from within the larger work Mahabharata. The character Bheeshma recites the names before Krishna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, praising him (Vishnu) as the supreme god. These Sahasranama are regarded as the essence of all Vedas by followers of Vaishnavism, who believe sincere chanting of Vishnu Sahasranama results in spiritual well-being and a greater awareness of God.

 

The names are generally derived from the Anantakalyanagunas (meaning: infinite auspicious attributes).

 

According to the Siddhartha-samhita there are twenty-four forms of Lord Vishnu. The twenty-four forms are

 

Vasudeva

Sankarshana

Pradyumna

Anirudha

Keshava

Narayana

Madhava

Govinda

Vishnu

Madhusudana

Trivikrama

Vamana

Sridhara

Hrishikesha

Padmanabha

Damodara

Purushottama

Achyuta

Narasimha

Janardana

Hari

Krishna

Adhokshaja

 

Upulvan, Uthpala Varna - In Sri Lanka, Vishnu is also referred to as Upulvan ( Blue Lotus Coloured)

 

WIKIPEDIA

Left: nrfb new doll - kanekalon hair.

Right: my childhood doll - beautiful saran hair.

 

Notice also hair color difference and skin tone difference. My childhood doll has lighter complexion, her eyebrows are thinner, eyes differently painted, her overall color palette seems to be warmer more muted.

Temples in Taiwan are like folk arts museums. They collect detailed stone sculptures and elaborate wood decorations. Lukang Mazu Temple (鹿港媽祖廟) is one of the best in Lukang. Beautiful stone carving from Qing Dynasty can be seen in the back hall. The woodcarvings are particularly fine in the front hall, and the high plafond is simply gorgeous. The Matsu statue in this temple is now called the Black-Faced Matsu, as centuries of incense smoke have discoloured her original complexion.

 

Mazu is the indigenous goddess of the sea who is said to protect fishermen and sailors, and is invoked as the patron deity of all Southern Chinese and East Asian persons. Most of Lukang residents’ living was replied on trading and fishing on the sea. Therefore, Mazu Temple became the most important place for locals.

The MM theme for next Monday is spiky. This is an old Avon complexion beauty brush that needs some deep cleaning. Brought it home after we sold my mom’s house.

Close up portrait of attractive young woman looking at camera. Head and shoulders view of female fashion model.

 

Not sure the darker hair suits my complexion but do like the dress and it’s always fun to change things around every so often. What do you think?

Español:

Los gecónidos, gecos o salamanquesas son una familia de reptiles muy extensa y variada que habita en climas templados y tropicales. En Europa la especie más conocida es la salamanquesa común, que habita principalmente en los países del Mediterráneo Occidental, además de Portugal. También hay algunas poblaciones aisladas introducidas por el hombre en el norte de África, América y en la zona mediterránea oriental. Es abundante en toda la Península Ibérica, salvo en la zona norte, aunque su presencia destaca especialmente en Andalucía y Levante, debido al clima.

La salamanquesa común mide entre 12 y 16 cm., es de complexión robusta y cuerpo aplanado, con el dorso cubierto de escamas. La cabeza, ancha y ligeramente triangular, acaba en un hocico redondeado y está coronada por unos prominentes ojos de pupilas verticales, que se dilatan en la oscuridad para mejorar la visión. La cola, larga y espinosa, es regenerativa y si la pierde volverá a salir. Sus dedos planos contienen unas pequeñas láminas adhesivas que le permiten sujetarse en superficies verticales y totalmente lisas como el cristal, o incluso boca abajo.

La coloración de este gecko varía entre el pardo oscuro y el gris claro, según la luz a la que se exponga y el material donde se sitúe, pero también puede ser totalmente negro o con motas. El vientre es de color claro, amarillento.

Aunque puede habitar en zonas templadas y no excesivamente frías, prefiere los lugares cálidos y soleados. Vive en cualquier sitio donde pueda encontrar refugio, troncos de árboles, rocas, edificios, cuevas... siempre que disponga de grietas y resquicios por los que esconderse.

Es una especie muy ligada al ser humano, que podrá encontrarlo frecuentemente en la pared o en el techo de su casa, en muros o tapias, sobre todo alrededor de los focos de luz, donde acude para alimentarse de los insectos que se sienten atraídos hacia ella. Caza a sus presas con gran agilidad y movimientos veloces. Es carnívora y se alimenta de invertebrados como arañas, mariposas, saltamontes, hormigas, libélulas, moscas, mosquitos...

Es un reptil de costumbres nocturnas aunque le gusta calentarse al sol por la mañana, por eso en los meses de verano es más normal verlas durante el día. Es muy territorial y no dudará en mantener una cruel lucha con cualquier congénere que intente invadir su espacio.

Aunque no es muy común tener salamanquesas en cautividad, éstas tienen un gran contacto con las personas, por lo que no sería raro encariñarse con alguna de ellas. En ese caso, hay que proporcionarle un terrario acorde a su ambiente natural y con el espacio suficiente para corretear tranquilamente. Es carnívora, por lo que se alimentará principalmente de insectos como hormigas, moscas y mosquitos, o también grillos y saltamontes si es lo suficientemente grande. Es muy importante que nunca le falte agua fresca.

 

English:

The gekonids, geckos or geckos are a very extensive and varied reptile family that lives in temperate and tropical climates. In Europe the best-known species is the common gecko, which lives mainly in the countries of the Western Mediterranean, as well as Portugal. There are also some isolated populations introduced by man in North Africa, America and the eastern Mediterranean area. It is abundant throughout the Iberian Peninsula, except in the northern area, although its presence is especially notable in Andalusia and Levante, due to the climate.

The common gecko measures between 12 and 16 cm., Is of robust build and flattened body, with the back covered with scales. The head, broad and slightly triangular, ends in a rounded snout and is crowned by prominent eyes of vertical pupils, which dilate in the dark to improve vision. The tail, long and spiny, is regenerative and if it loses it will come out again. His flat fingers contain small adhesive sheets that allow him to hold on vertical surfaces and completely smooth as glass, or even upside down.

The coloration of this gecko varies between dark brown and light gray, depending on the light to which it is exposed and the material where it is placed, but it can also be totally black or speckled. The belly is light, yellowish in color.

Although it can live in temperate zones and not excessively cold, it prefers the warm and sunny places. Live anywhere you can find shelter, tree trunks, rocks, buildings, caves ... provided you have cracks and crevices to hide.

It is a species closely linked to the human being, which can be found frequently on the wall or on the roof of your house, on walls or walls, especially around the light bulbs, where you go to feed on insects that are attracted to she. It hunts its prey with great agility and fast movements. It is carnivorous and feeds on invertebrates such as spiders, butterflies, grasshoppers, ants, dragonflies, flies, mosquitoes ...

It is a reptile of nocturnal customs although it likes to warm up in the sun in the morning, so in the summer months it is more normal to see them during the day. It is very territorial and will not hesitate to maintain a cruel fight with any fellow that tries to invade its space.

Although it is not very common to have geckos in captivity, they have a great contact with people, so it would not be strange to be attached to any of them. In that case, we must provide a terrarium according to its natural environment and with enough space to run around quietly. It is carnivorous, so it will feed mainly on insects such as ants, flies and mosquitoes, or also crickets and grasshoppers if it is large enough. It is very important that you never miss fresh water.

 

Garza real

Ardea cinerea

Familia: Ardeidos – Ardeidae

Aspecto: Garza grande, de complexión robusta, predominantemente de color gris, con un pico recto, fuerte, en forma de daga. Las garzas pueden diferenciarse de las grullas durante el vuelo, y a menudo también cuando están de pie, por la forma en que encorvan su cuello.

Tamaño: Largo 84-102 cm, envergadura alar 155-175 cm, peso 930-1.150 g.

Nido: Una gran pila desarreglada de ramas, generalmente construido muy alto en un abeto o pino. Las aves pueden usar el mismo nido durante muchos años.

Reproducción: Pone 6 huevos en mayo, incubados de forma alternada por los padres, en 4 a 6 períodos, durante 25 a 28 días. Las aves jóvenes aprenden a volar aproximadamente a los 50 días. Muchas garzas reales anidan en colonias.

Distribución: Ave migratoria de verano que se reproduce poco en Finlandia (solo hay alrededor de 100 parejas). En los últimos años, los avistamientos de invierno se han vuelto más comunes.

Migración: Pasa el invierno en el oeste y sur de Europa. La migración de otoño puede tener lugar entre mediados de agosto y principios de noviembre, y las aves regresan de marzo a mayo.

Alimentación: Acecha inmóvil a lo largo de costas, lista para emboscar, en espera de que peces y animales acuáticos pequeños estén a su alcance.

Sonidos: Un chillido fuerte, molesto, similar al llamado de la pagaza piquirroja.

La garza real tiene partes superiores de color gris claro, y partes inferiores de color blanco grisáceo. Su cabeza es mayormente blanca, excepto por una raya negra que se extiende desde encima de sus ojos hasta la parte posterior de su cuello, donde algunas de sus plumas se alargan para formar una cresta. Los adultos con plumaje de apareamiento pueden tener un color rosáceo a los lados del cuello, y algunas filas de rayas oscuras en el cuello y el pecho. La garza real tiene el pico de color amarillo o naranja amarillento, patas de color marrón opaco e iris amarillo.

 

Las aves inmaduras generalmente se parecen a las adultas, pero su capuchón y su cuello son más grises (y el cuello no tiene color rosáceo). Su pico es más pardusco y el iris es blanco.

I'm still trying to 'bond' with her skintone, which is so very unusual. It kinda reminds me of MRM? Hmmm...

File name: 10_03_003781a

Binder label: Special Cards: Stock Cards

Title: Use Whittmore's Bayberry Glycerine Soap for the skin & complexion. Use Whittemore's Lava Soap for office or home use in removing ink and other stains. [front]

Date issued: 1870-1900 (approximate)

Physical description: 1 print : chromolithograph ; irreg. image of shaving brush 5 x 14 cm.

Genre: Advertising cards; Cut-paper works

Subject: Shaving equipment; Soaps

Notes: Title from item.

Statement of responsibility: Clinton Man'f'g Co.

Collection: 19th Century American Trade Cards

Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department

Rights: No known restrictions.

Alina has an alabaster (and matte) complexion ...

Taken at Cahirmee horse fair, Buttevant, County Cork. The hat may be Panama, but the complexion is pure Paddy!

Alfred B Bales……………………………….......49 Canadian Batt

 

Name: BALES Initials: A B

Rank: Private Regiment: Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) Unit Text: 49th Bn.

Date of Death: 07/04/1916 Service No: 436662

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. A. 22. Cemetery: MENIN ROAD SOUTH MILITARY CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=95745

 

There is a picture of Private Alfred Benjamin Bales on Norlink

norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

 

The accompanying notes read

Private Bales was born at Norwich, 21st October 1892 and was educated at the Model and Municipal Secondary School. He enlisted in December 1914 and was killed in action at Ypres, 7th April 1916.

 

The 8 year Alfred appears on the 1901 Census at 19 Magdalen Street in the Parish of St Clements. This is the household of his parents, Ernest William, (aged 37 and a Saddle & Harness Maker and Leather Dealer from Norwich), and Anna Maria, (aged 39 and from Morwich). Their other children are:-

Anna Maud……………aged 12.………………born Norwich

Ernest William…………aged 11.………………born Norwich

 

Alfred Benjamin was baptised at St Clements on the 22nd December 1899. His birth date is simply given as 1882. Parents are Ernest William, a Saddler and Anna Maria. The family are living at Magdalen Street.

Alfred also appears on the NORWICH CATHEDRAL - BOYS MODEL SCHOOL WAR MEMORIAL

www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/NorwichBoysModelSchool.html

 

The enlistment papers for Private Alfred Benjamin Bales can be seen on line here:-

www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/databases/cef/001042-119.02-e...

 

They confirm he was born Norwich, but gives date of birth as the 18th October 1892. He gives his next of kin as E Wm Bales residing at 17 Magdalen Street. He was single and gave his occupation as farmer, (plus an undecipherable word). He had no previous military experience. At the time of his medical examination on the 25th January 1915 he was 22 years and three months, stood 5 foot 7 inches tall, with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion.

 

It was the 31st Battalion that was the Albert Regiment. The 49th was the Edmonton Regiment. The battalion has no Battle Honours relating to the period of Alfred’s death.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_infantry_battalions_in_the_...

 

The 49th was in action at the St Eloi craters at this time, in one of the many pointless actions of the war based on the poor quality of the Army high command.

 

From Chapter 5 of the Nicholson Matrix, there is a description of the action, though no specific reference to the 49th but there is to the 31st .

 

Throughout 4 and 5 April the whole of the Canadian front line came under almost continual bombardment. The intensity of the German fire was described by a British artillery officer who had been in the Ypres Salient for the past year as far greater than any he had hitherto experienced.39 Both battalion sectors were hard hit, and 200 yards of trench in the 27th Battalion’s area were completely demolished. The destruction of the sandbag parapet in one of the 31st Battalion’s trenches exposed the Canadians to enfilade machine-gun fire from position 85 as well as to sniping from the German lines, only 150 yards away. Although each man dug his own slit trench in the mud, casualties mounted rapidly. By noon on the 4th every second man in one of the 27th’s forward companies had been hit. The battalion commander, Lt.-Col. I. R. Snider, was forced to thin out his front line, leaving in front of the craters only bombing parties supplied by battalions of the 5th Brigade and four Lewis gun detachments from the 5th Brigade Machine Gun Company. He had no contact with the 31st Battalion on his left. On the evening of 5 April small parties from the 28th Battalion were sent out to station themselves in the four big craters and act as snipers and observers until these could be trenched and garrisoned. There is doubt that the positions which they occupied were actually the designated craters. Later that same night the 29th Battalion began relieving the badly depleted forward companies of the 27th Battalion.40

 

This relief dragged out interminably. The incoming troops, burdened with extra equipment, had to struggle forward in a long line through the mud and congestion of the same narrow communication trench that was being used by pioneers moving up to work on the craters and by other parties coming to the rear, many of them wounded. The exchange was still in progress when at 3:30 a.m. on the 6th, following an intense barrage, the Germans attacked with two battalions* astride the road which ran from St. Eloi south-eastward to Warneton and before its destruction had passed between the sites of the 3rd and 4th craters. Effective resistance was impossible. West of the road the two relieving companies were not yet in position, having failed to find the positions manned by the 5th Brigade. They could do little more than deflect the tide of the German attack eastward, where it quickly wiped out the machine-gun posts and flowed through the resulting gap in front of the central craters. The eastern wing of the assault was held up momentarily by crossfire from the 31st Battalion’s machine-guns, which also repelled attacks against Craters 6 and 7 and the line to the east. Artillery fire on the enemy’s lines of approach by all available British field guns failed to stop the attackers, some of whom got through by splitting into small groups. The Germans quickly secured Craters 2 and 3 and from these points of vantage soon spread into Craters 4 and 5. In less than three hours the enemy had regained all the ground taken from him between 27 March and 3 April. 41

 

The Canadians launched local counter-attacks with the minimum of delay. The only feasible way to regain the craters seemed to be by bombing, but the element of surprise was missing and the efforts accomplished nothing. On the right bombers of the 27th and 29th Battalions attempting to reoccupy Craters 2 and 3 were caught in the mire and shot down before they could get close enough to fling their grenades. On the left Brig.-Gen. Ketchen ordered the 31st Battalion, reinforced with a detachment from the 28th, to retake Craters 4 and 5. But their unfamiliarity with the ground and the complete absence of recognizable landmarks caused the attackers to repeat the mistake made by British troops ten days earlier. Forced to make their approach from the side, they lost direction and occupied Craters 6 and 7, reporting that they had regained 4 and 5. German shellfire during the remainder of 6 April and on succeeding days isolated the two craters that the Canadians were holding, so that no reconnoitring officer could reach them in daylight. Because of bad weather no air photograph of the positions was taken from the 8th until the 16th. The mistake was to persist throughout that entire period.†42 The occupants of the two craters could see on their right the high edge of what they believed to be Crater 3 (The Mound), but which was in reality No. 5. On the night of 6-7 April the 28th Battalion sent out 75 bombers, supported by two companies, to regain this objective. Enemy shellfire and heavy rain held them up. Losing their way in the darkness they occupied a group of craters north of No. 4, and there captured several small German patrols. They had failed to attain their objective, or even identify it correctly. During the night the 4th Canadian Brigade (Brig.-Gen. R. Rennie) relieved the 6th Brigade, which had suffered 617 casualties in its four days of fighting.43 For the next week confusion was to persist with respect to the exact positions held by the Canadians.

cefresearch.com/matrix/Nicholson/Transcription/

 

Background to the creation of the battalion is here

www.lermuseum.org/ler/rh/ch1_page05.html

The same source has no mention of the 49th being involved in the St Eloi action

www.lermuseum.org/ler/rh/ch2_page03.html

 

Mack Billin,……………………………..............14th Essex Regiment

 

Name: BILLIN, MACK

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Essex Regiment Unit Text: 13th Bn.

Date of Death: 13/11/1916 Service No: 28341

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 10 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=768669

(Note - different Battalion)

No match on Norlink

 

The 6 year old Mack is recorded at 10 New Yard in the Parish of St Pauls. This is the household of his parents, Mark, (aged 36 and a Shoemaker from Norwich), ans Alice, (aged 29 and from Norwich). Their other children are:-

Alice…………………….aged 8.………………….born Norwich

Herbert………………….aged 5.………………….born Norwich

Lily………………………aged 7 months…………born Norwich

Walter……………………aged 7 months…………born Norwich

 

Monday 13th November 1916. Day 136

 

The Battle of the Ancre, the final battle of the Somme Campaign began today.

 

13th Essex (Part of 6 Brigade) - Redan Ridge

 

2nd Div attacked Redan Ridge north of Beaumont Hamel with 6 Bde on the left and 5 Bde on the right. 99 Bde was in reserve. 5 Bde formed up in No Man’s Land and, staying close to the creeping barrage, took the German front line with little difficulty. 2nd Bn, Highland Light Infantry and 24th Royal Fusiliers pressed on to Beaumont Trench. The Fusiliers blocked the trench because 6 Bde’s advance had fallen behind. They fought off some German bombing attacks.

 

6 Bde had real problems. Fog and mud slowed the advance as did fire from the Quadrilateral. Added to which the German wire was intact. Troops from the brigade’s four battalions entered the German trenches where they were pinned down by MG fire.

 

By 7.30 am only 5 Bde was ready to move on to the second objective, Frankfurt Trench. Only a few men reached this objective and soon withdrew. Also at 7.30am 99 Bde began to move forward to support the attack but orders for an advance by the brigade were cancelled and 2nd Div began to consolidate on it’s captured trenches. 6 Bde was withdrawn to re-org.

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

 

14th (Reserve) Battalion

Formed at Brentwood in September 1915 from depot companies of 13th Bn.

Moved to Northampton in January 1916 and went on in the May to Aldershot.

1 September 1916 : converted into 98th Training Reserve Battalion of 23rd Reserve Brigade at Aldershot.

www.1914-1918.net/essex.htm

 

I suspect therefore Private Billin fell in the company of many from the 13th Essex, rather than the 14th Essex as shown on the church roll of honour as that unit never made it to france and had already effectively ceased to exist.

 

William Chilvers………………………………...1st Norfolks

 

Name: CHILVERS, WILLIAM

Rank: Lance Corporal Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 37 Date of Death: 31/07/1916 Service No: 3/10187

Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Chilvers, of Garden House, Newton, St. Faith's, Norwich; husband of Anna Elizabeth Gray (formerly Chilvers), of 12, Thoroughfare Yard, Magdalen St., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=760002

 

No match on Norlink

 

No obvious match on the 1911 or 1901 census However on the 1911 census there is a William born circa 1857 in Norwich now recorded in St Faiths district.

 

On the 1891 census that William is living at 52 Albany Road in the Parish of St Clements and is a Brush Finisher by trade. His wife is Amelia, aged 33 and a General Shop-keeper from Norwich. The eldest of their children is our man, “Willy”, aged 12 and born Norwich. Their other children are:-

Maud…………….aged 9.………………born Norwich

George…………..aged 8.……………….born Norwich

May……………aged 6.…………………born Norwich

Amelia…………aged 3.…………………born Norwich

Henry…………..aged 1.…………………born Norwich.

 

The Chilvers also have a lodger living with them, Harriet Harwood, (aged 25 and a Boot Machinist from Norwich), and her one year old daughter, Rosa.

 

On the 1901 census the family have moved to 69 Spencer Street in the Parish of St James with Pockthorpe. “Willie” has moved out, not surprisingly really as the family has grown to include

Nellie………….aged 9.…………………born Norwich

Laura………….aged 7.………………….born Norwich

Fred……………aged 6.…………………born Norwich

Edith V…………aged u/1.………………born Norwich

 

I initially found a baptismal record for a William Chilvers, but in the light of the above this is possibly the right person, its just that the dates don’t tie up. A William Chilvers, son of a William (Brush Finisher by occupation) and Amelia, took place at St Stephens, Norwich on 27th January 1879, and his birth date was given as 11th August 1877, which does not marry up to any of the other dates above. The family were living at Butcher’s Court, St Stephens.

 

I believe William’s brother Henry is recorded on the St Faiths War Memorial, which ties in with the family location in 1911

www.flickr.com/photos/43688219@N00/2871580378/

 

The 1st Norfolks were relieving a fellow Brigade Unit, the 1st Bedfords, on the day that Private Chilvers died.

 

31st July 1916

 

OPERATION ORDERS NO.7 1/BEDFORDSHIRE RGT. Ref. Sheet LONGUEVAL 31st July 1916

1. The Battn. will be relieved at dark by 1/NORFOLK Rgt.

2. On Relief Battn. will withdraw to area East of Church, where they will get into SLIT Trenches they dug on arrival in LONGUEVAL last night.

3. O.C. Coys. will report their arrival in this area to Battn. H.Q.

4. O.C. Coys. will send one guide each to Bn.H.Q. at once to guide NORFOLK coys up.

5. Later (about 11 p.m.) the 1/CHESHIRE RGT. will arrive in the area.

6. On arrival of 1/CHESHIRE Rgt, coys will withdraw independently to POMMIERS Redoubt, without being relieved.

7. O.C. Coys. will report the final departure of their coys to Bn.H.Q.

Report on Operations 30 July - 1st August 1916. REF. Sheet LONGUEVAL 1/BEDFORDSHIRE RGT 30.7.'16 6.45 P.M.

Orders received to reinforce in LONGUEVAL 2/K.O.S.B. holding Line. 1/R.W.Kents in support. Leading platoon moved off at 6.53 p.m. and reached LONGUEVAL at 7.45 p.m. relieving 1/R.W.KENTS 10.12 p.m. O.C. 2/K.O.S.B. reported that his men were retiring from Line S.11.d.9/5 to S.11.c.5/8. A & C Coys were directed to proceed with guides of K.O.S.B. to hold & consolidate this line. B & D Coys were directed to hold line S.11.d.9/5 to S.17.b.0/9. It was proposed to withdraw K.O.S.B. into reserve at dawn. 11.45 p.m. Message received by O.C. K.O.S.B. that GORDONS 51st DIVISION were in Sunken Road & that K.O.S.B. were to bomb towards them. 31.7.'16 12.10 A.M. Enemy started intense bombardment 12.45 A.M. Orderly returned from A & C Coys & reported K.O.S.B. Guides could not show them the way up to front line. O.C. A & C Coys were instructed to establish themselves on the Line B.C.D.E. (S.11.d.4/8 to S.11.c.5.5) & to send out patrols to ascertain if any K.O.S.B. were holding forward line. 2.30 A.M. All Coys reported heavy casualties [2 officers Killed & several wounded]. B & D Coys reported themselves to be in position as ordered from S.11.d.5/5 to S.11.b.0/9. Two wounded prisoners were taken by 'A' Coy. Reinforcements had been asked for at 10.54 A.M. O.C. D Coy reported that he had been able to get in touch with Division on right. O.C. C Coy reported that owing to mist darkness & shell fire it was impossible to recognise the line B.C.D.E, that he was in touch with K.O.S.B. & would establish himself in the forward position at dawn. Telephone communication established between Bn. H.Q. & front line 6.25 A.M. Order received from Bde to relieve K.O.S.B. who were to move into reserve. O.C. C.Coy. reported by Telephone that his patrols were unable to get forward. Two Machine Guns enfilading NORTH STREET & heavy sniping from his front. Companies were now as follows: - D.Coy from PICCADILLY to NORTH ST. on DUKE ST. B.Coy. continuing this line into DELVILLE WOOD. A.Coy. crossroads NORTH ST./FLERS RD. to ORCHARD. C.Coy. in support of A.Coy. with refused flank about S.11.d.8/3 & two platoons North of FLERS Rd. about S.11.d.4/4. C.Coy. were still endeavouring to gain touch with 2nd Divn. The position taken up could be seen from the opposite ridge & any movement attracted heavy shell fire. There was also considerable sniping from the direction of FLERS Rd. 6.0. P.M. 1/NORFOLK RGT. arrived and relieved 2/K.O.S.B. and the forward BEDF. coys, who were moved back to reserve position E. of Church. 10.30 P.M. 1/CHESHIRE RGT. arrived & relief of 1/BEDF. R. was completed by Midnight. 1/BEDF. R. returned to POMMIERS REDOUBT. 11 P.M. A patrol from C.Coy. trying to get into touch with 2nd Division approached the German line in NORTH of DELVILLE WOOD & attracted a big burst of fire.

Source www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1916appendices.html

 

William John Chilvers………………………… .1st Rifle Brigade

 

Name: CHILVERS Initials: W J

Rank: Rifleman Regiment/Service: Rifle Brigade Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 29/03/1918 Service No: S/37032

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. J. 17. Cemetery: POINT-DU-JOUR MILITARY CEMETERY, ATHIES

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=257132

 

The index to the Great War Roll of Honour confirms that Rifleman Chilvers was a William J.

 

No match on Norlink

 

There is a William John born circa 1899 in Norwich and now recorded in the district of Forehoe on the 1911 census, but otherwise there are plenty of William’s from Norwich and of the right sort of age. This individual, aged 2, is recorded at 99, Norfolk Street, in the Parish of St Stephens. This is the household of his parents, John Rackham, (aged 50 and a Gardener from Morton, Norfolk), and Anna Chilvers, (aged 23 and from Norwich)

 

Divisional Battle Honour

First Battle of Arras. 28 Mar 1918

 

At 3am on Thursday 28 March the early morning stillness was shattered by the chaotic din of a terrific German bombardment. Shortly after 7am German infantry attacked. Unaided by fog and, in places, going forward in mass formations, they met with devastating fire from British artillery and well-sited machine guns.

South of the Scarpe German infiltrations via communication trenches forced 3rd and 15th Divisions back from their front lines by 8.30am; gradual withdrawals were made to the rear of the Battle Zone; despite great pressure no effective breakthroughs were made. The greatest German efforts were made north of the Scarpe: attacking across difficult ground enemy infantry successfully progressed up the valley between 4th and 56th Division positions forcing British fighting withdrawals to the Battle Zone; despite repeated attacks the line held.

www.cwgc.org/spring1918/content.asp?menuid=34&submenu...

 

Charles Goulder………………………………....1st Norfolks

 

Name: GOULDER, CHARLES

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 35 Date of Death: 27/07/1916 Service No: 3/8037

Additional information: Son of Henry and Sophia Goulder, of 49, Fishergate St., Norwich; husband of Sarah Goulder, of I, Tiger Yard, Fishergate St., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=786634

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 23 year old Charles , a Shoe Finisher from Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 Census at 49 Fishergate Street in the Parish of St Edmund. This is the household of his Step-father, William Eames, a 63 year old Tailor and Licensed Victualler from Bedford, and mother, Sophia Eames, (aged 53 and a Publican from Norwich). Making up the household is Charles brother John H Y Goulder, aged 26, and like his brother, a shoe finisher from Norwich.

 

Charles isn’t obviously on the 1891 Census., but on the 1881 one the “40” year old Sophia Goulder is a widow, living at what looks like Little Bull Close in the Parish of St Paul, with no occupation, and head of a household of 8, of which Charles is the youngest. Sophia also seems to be absent from the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1891 census, both as a Goulder and as an Eames.

 

Charles was baptised in the church of St Simon and St Jude on the 5th February 1878. His birth date was shown as the 26th December 1877. His father is listed as John Henry, a Labourer, and his mother is Sophia. They are listed simply as residing in the Parish of St Pauls.

 

Note none of these dates and ages from the Census & Baptismal record tie in with him being 35 in 1916, so I guessed he must have lied about his age.

 

Thursday 27th July 1916. Day 27

 

Delville Wood

 

At 7.10am after a one hour barrage on Delville Wood the 1st Bn, KRRC and 23rd Bn, Royal Fusiliers of 99 Bde, 2nd Div began their advance from the south. By 9am they had occupied a line 50 yards from the northern edge of the wood. At 9.30am a German attack forced back the right side of the line slightly so that it ran just east of King St.

 

In conjunction with 2nd Div, 1st Norfolk Regt and 1st Bedfordshire Regt of 15 Bde, 5th Div attacked the west end of the wood and Longueval village. The Bedfords linked up with 2nd Div in the northern end of the wood. Longueval was occupied almost as far as Duke Street

 

That night 17th Middlesex and 2nd South Staffords (6 Bde) relieved 99 Bde. 95 Bde relieved 15 Bde.

Source forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

 

REPORT ON OPERATIONS 26/28 JULY 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt 26.7.'16 11.15.P.M.

The Battalion left its Bivouac POMMIERS REDOUBT and marched to Brigade Advanced H.Q. Here owing to very heavy Barrage & poison Gas shells in the Valley the Battalion halted for two hours. The Barrage was still intense but a fresh wind made advance possible & only two cases of gas poisoning have been reported. Shell fire was moderately severe in the valley and increased as the old German Second line Trenches were approached. 27.7.'16 [Capt. PARKER wounded] 3.50 A.M. Battn arrived in position of assembly in German 2nd Line Trenches and improved cover 5.30 A.M. Operation Orders received & communicated to Company Commanders. 7.0 A.M. A & B Coys in accordance with orders, left to take up their position in Reserve trenches at LONGUEVAL. 7.40 A.M. Report received from O.C. 1/NORFOLKS that owing to heavy shell fire, he required assistance 8.20 A.M. OC 1/BEDFORDSHIRE Rgt arrived at H.Q. 1/NORFOLK Rgt in LONGUEVAL having arranged for A & B Coys to assault the second line in conjunction with NORFOLKS & for C & D Coys to pass through & take third line. O.C. 16/ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Rgt was requested to occupy front line trenches when these were vacated by C & D Coys. A & B Coys had at 7.30 A.M. occupied first line at 'E' & reserve trenches at 'B'. 9.00 A.M. C Coy arrived at E D Coy arrived at B and A Coy pushed across towards German Redoubt at F where the two leading NORFOLK Coys were being held up [100 prisoners surrendered here] Lt. FYSON with his platoon attacked house at G and took 32 prisoners. 9.5 A.M. C Coy advanced across PRINCES Street but were held up by Machine Gun fire from House at Cross Roads (I). This house was taken by a party of NORFOLK bombers. At the same time, two platoons of A Coy reached position marked H & K near FLERS Road where they were in touch in [sic] the ROYAL FUSILIERS on their right. A German counterattack was met with LEWIS Gun & Rifle fire, the estimated Enemy Casualties being 50. Several small posts were observed on the Ridge, apparently protected by wire. 9.30 A.M. C Coy crossed PRINCES STREET and took up a position parallel with NORTH Street joining up the two leading NORFOLK coys. They were unable to progress further owing to heavy Machine Gun fire from DUKE Street. They consolidated their position. 1 Officer & 30 men went forward from B Coy at C to reinforce a Coy of NORFOLKS at A. This coy was held up by Machine Gun fire from direction of DUKE Street & was unable to advance. STOKES Mortar Battery was asked to cooperate, but did not come into action. Later, heavy Artillery was asked to bombard this post. While awaiting this & the opportunity to advance, B & D Coys endeavoured to improve their cover under a hurricane bombardment.

 

6.30 P.M. ROYAL FUSILIERS on right, owing to heavy shell fire, retired and out line at K & H was slightly withdrawn to cover exposed flank. 7.0 P.M. B Coy received orders to retire to German Second Line trenches, leaving one platoon to hold line at A. A similar order was sent to D Coy but did not reach there and a second order was sent at 8.0 P.M. 9.0 P.M. C Coy tried to establish itself on East side of NORTH ST. but had to withdraw. They consolidated in touch with NORFOLKS & the SOUTH STAFFORDS of 2nd Division 28.7.'16 6 A.M. 1/D.C.L.I. & 1/E.SURREYS arrived & took over the line & the Battalion withdrew to POMMIERS Redoubt.

 

15th Infy. Bde. 1st Bedfords

The Brigadier-General Commanding wishes to express to all ranks of the Brigade his great admiration at the magnificent manner in which they captured the Village of LONGUEVAL yesterday. To the 1st NORFOLK Regiment and the 1st BEDFORDSHIRE Regiment and some of the 16th ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Regiment, who were able to get into the enemy with the bayonet, he offers his heartiest congratulations. He knows it is what they have been waiting and wishing for many months. The 1st CHESHIRE Regiment made a most gallant and determined effort to reach their objective and failed through no fault of their own. The way in which the Troops behaved under the subsequent heavy bombardment was worthy of the best traditions of the British Army The Brigade captured 4 Officers and 159 other ranks 28/7/1916

Source www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1916appendices.html

  

Walter Green………………………………........1st Norfolks

 

Name: GREEN, WALTER

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: "B" Coy. 2nd Bn. Age: 33 Date of Death: 09/12/1915 Service No: 3/10638

Additional information: Son of Osborne Green, of Norwich; husband of Alice Maud Campbell (formerly Green), of 6, Peacock St., Norwich.

Memorial: DOIRAN MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1649433

 

Note - different Battalion.

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 18 year old Walter, a Printers Labourer from Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 76 Silver Street, in the Parish of St James, Pockthorpe. This is the household of his brother-in-law, Jacob Sexton, (aged 31 and a Boot & Shoe Maker from Norwich.), and presumably his sister, Jacob’s wife, Rose Sexton, (aged 28 and from Norwich).. As well as four Sexton children, the household also contains Rose and Walter’s brother, Robert, (aged 21 and a Builder’s labourer from Norwich), and their father, Osborn Green, a 57 year old widowed Gas Works Labourer from Norwich.

 

On the 1891 census, the 47 year “Osborne” was already a Widower, although described there as an Engine Driver at a Gas Works. The address is difficult to decipher, but looks like 8, Harwardson’s Yard, in the Parish of St Paul.

 

Walter appears to have been baptised in the church of St James with Pockthorpe on the 15th March 1885. His birth date is given as 23rd July 1882. His parents are shown as “Osmond” and Martha. The father’s occupation is shown as Labourer. The family live at “Stewardsons” Yard.

 

Note to self - I’m sure I’ve seen something like Hawardsons Yard down Magdalen Street - go and check.

 

Not quite sure how Private Green ended up being commemorated on the Doiran. His unit was besieged in Kut in Iraq at this time if he was a 2nd Battalion man, or in the trenches on the Somme if he was a 1st Battalion man.

 

Ernest Grimwood………………………………..7th Norfolks

 

Name: GRIMWOOD, ERNEST JAMES

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 7th Bn.

Age: 18 Date of Death: 12/08/1916 Service No: 9675

Additional information: Son of Mrs. Annie Grimwood, of 5, Thoroughfare Yard, Magdalen St., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=787840

 

Brother of Robert below

No match on Norlink

 

The 2 year old Ernest is recorded on the 1901 census at 15 Handford Cut, Ipswich. This is the household of his parents, William, (aged 31 and a Boot Machinist from Ipswich), and Annie, (aged 28 and from Ipswich). Their other children are:-

Annie…………………….aged 4.……………….born Ipswich

Horace…………………aged 7.…………………born Ipswich

Robert…………………..aged 6.…………………born Ipswich

William…………………aged 9.…………………born Ipswich

 

Neither Ernest or Robert appear to be on the 1911 Census.

 

Saturday 12th August 1916. Day 43

 

7th Norfolk Regt and 9th Essex Regt captured Skyline Trench.

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058&p...

(It must subsequently have been re-taken by the Germans. As the Oxs and Bucks Light Infantry seem to have sustained heavy casualties “taking” Skyline trench on the 14th and holding it against the subsequent counter-attacks until relieved. The 1st/1st Bucks Regiment also seemes to have been engaged in an attack to take the Skyline Trench on the 14/15th August)

 

Robert Grimwood……………………………….8th Norfolks

 

Name: GRIMWOOD, ROBERT

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 8th Bn.

Age: 20 Date of Death: 19/07/1916 Service No: 16154

Additional information: Son of Mrs Annie Grimwood, of 5, Thoroughfare Yard, Magdalen St., Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. Memorial: THIEPVAL MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=787844

 

Brother of Ernest above

 

No match on Norlink

 

See Ernest above for census details

 

Wednesday 19th July 1916. Day 19

 

Delville Wood

 

Fighting continued in Delville Wood all day. 53 Bde (18th Div) had been sent to reinforce 9th Div. 8th Norfolks attacked from south west of Longueval at 7am and occupied the southern part of Delville Wood. The 10th Essex, 6th Royal Berkshire Regt and 8th Suffolks were sent to the attack with little success.

Source forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=9058

 

6th Royal Berkshire War Diary for the day

3.30AM - Bn arrived at S22d Valley. CO rejoined with orders which were read and explained. Bn ready to move off at 4AM.

5.14 - Norfolks report Zero time to be 6.15AM.

5.40 - Norfolks commence to move off towards LONGUEVAL which was over a mile off. Enemy shell road to LONGUEVAL with field guns. Long halts cause delay and congestion in road.

7.5 - No 13 Platoon D Coy Berks moves off as leading platoon of the Bn. Enemy shelling road heavily with guns of all calibre. Many casualties from shell fire. Norfolks not yet attacked though barrage lifted.

9.0 - Entrance to village reached.

9.49 - B9 stating Barrage will lift at 11AM received.

10.50 - BM12 " " " " 11AM by 50 yards a minute received.

11.40 - Norfolks report S portion of wood clear. Battn starts to move on to wood.

11.55 - Bn in position in S portion of wood and in touch with Essex on right but very weak owing to heavy losses from shell fire. MG opened fire on to the leading platoons of D Coy from the NW corner of the Southern half of wood. This gun had not been reported by Norfolks.

NOON - CO arranged for rebombardment to start at 1pm for 30 minutes and for assault to take place after.

1pm - Heavies falling short among our own men. Shrapnel bursting short.

1.30pm - Barrage lifted. It was impossible to tell that a bombardment was on as the rate of fire was so slow and Coys had to be informed that it was time to attack. Germans brought heavy barrage on PRINCES ST line and opened with MGs on advancing troops. D Coy unable to advance owing to MG from a house somewhere on their left. C & B advanced about 150yds but suffered heavy casualties and were finally forced to drop back to the lines PRINCES ST where they started to dig in.

1.50 - Owing to heavy fire on working parties AC & B Coys forced to retire to original line - about 80 yds S of PRINCES ST.

2.15 - Coys ordered to consolidate on the line they hold. Bde calls for situation - reported verbally see back of message B729.

2,36 - Situation explained to Suffolks and Stokes Gun asked for but not received.

3.5 - Situation explained to Bde. MGs sent into the line proposed to hold. 4 guns under 2Lt Gilbert.

3.37 - Situation sent to Bde - work of consolidation of the line 120yds S of PRINCES ST complete. Efforts being made to deepen the line 40yds S of PRINCES ST.

4.10 - Preparations complete for further effort to advance on our left but owing to inability to get in touch with Suffolks on left advance was impossible. Reported to Brigade.

4.45 - Our heavies dropping short and causing casualties among our own men. Reported to Brigade.

5.30 - Situation reported to Brigade.

6.45 - Casualties reported to Brigade.

8.40 - Situation reported to Brigade.

9.40 - 2Lt GC Hollis arrived with details of arrangements for attack by RW Fus at dawn - circulated to other Battns for information.

9.50 - German counter attacked on left edge of wood and in the village - rifle and machine gun fire for ten minutes - attack apparently driven off.

10.40 - Details of new attack received from Bde.

10.45 - Details of change in dispositions received from Norfolks and arrangements made to comply with this.

10.50 - BM45 received from Bde and timed at 8.45pm. As Norfolks message was later and after conference with Essex it was decided to act on the Norfolks information. Wires to Brigade all broken.

11.50 - Heavy shelling by Germans.

Source www.thewardrobe.org.uk/wardiary.php

 

Jack Grigglestone……………………………….1st Norfolks

 

Name: GRIGGLESTONE Initials: J

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Date of Death: 20/12/1914 Service No: 6361

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 4. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=907979

 

No match on Norlink

 

There is a 17 year old John Grigglestone on the 1901 census, who is listed at 7, Fishergate in the Parish of St Edmunds. John’s occupation is shown as “Soldier”. This is the household of his widowed mother, Mary Ann, (aged 38 and a Dressmaker from Norwich). Making up the household is her other son, William, aged 14 and a Boot Finisher from Yarmouth.

 

There is also a 7 year old John, born Ballater, Scotland, who is listed at 49, Peacock Street, in the Parish of St Paul. This is the household of his parents, George, (aged 45 and a Cabinet Makers Clerk, from Berr in Ireland), and Isabella, (aged 37 and from Fuchibridge in Scotland). Their other children are:-

Geoffrey……………………aged 1.……………………born Norwich

Henry P…………………….aged 10.…………………born Tricomalee, Ceylon

Isabella……………………..aged 3.…………………..born Norwich

William…………………….aged 5.…………………..born Ballater, Scotland

 

On the 1911 census, the individual who was a soldier now appears to be listed as a “Jack”. There is no trace of the younger John.

 

Battalion War Diary

17/12/14-28/12/14 Relieved DCLI at MESSINES. Very bad, wet approach

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t...

*There is no reference to any casualties during this period. While fellow Brigade unit the 1st Cheshire’s records no action, there is this in the War diary of the 1st Bedfords, another Brigade Unit.

 

20 Dec 1914 Heavy bombardment of enemy's trenches, to cooperate with attack from other parts of our line, during yesterday, & to a lesser extent today. Enemy did not respond with much rifle fire, but shelled our trenches. About 12 yards of our front trench blown in by heavy explosive shell, & machine gun damaged. 2 men killed, 2 wounded by 'snipers'.

Source: www.bedfordregiment.org.uk/1stbn/1stbtn1914diary.html

 

William G Guyton………………………………3rd Lincs

 

Name: GUYTON, WILLIAM GEORGE

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 24 Date of Death: 22/10/1915 Service No: 15599

Grave/Memorial Reference: I. 9. Cemetery: DIVISIONAL CEMETERY

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=93259

Note - different Battalion

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1911 census has a William Guyton, born circa 1891 in Norwich and still resident there.. However, this individual doesn’t appear to be on the Genes Re-united transcription of the 1901 census for England & Wales., and he was probably just to young to have made the 1891 census.

 

Bit of background on the family name can be found here

guyton.co.uk/Page_8.html

 

Robert Hawes……………………………….......Royal Engineers

 

Most likely

Name: HAWES Initials: R P

Rank: Pioneer Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 126th Field Coy.

Date of Death: 17/09/1916 Service No: 84676

Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. D. 61. Cemetery: HEILLY STATION CEMETERY, MERICOURT-L'ABBE

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=271203

 

The Great War Roll of Honour confirms that Pioneer Hawes is a Robert P.

 

There are several possible Robert’s with a Norwich connection on both the 1901 and 1911 census, but none are down as a Robert P. and there is nothing currently in the most likely searches of the Baptismal records - (baptised Norwich, date range 1881 - 1901, surname Hawes).

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 126th Field Company were attached to the 21st Division and supported the brigades of that Division in the attacks and counter-attacks at Fler-Courcelette during the period 15th - 22nd July.

Source www.reubique.com/126fc.htm

 

www.firstworldwar.com/battles/flers.htm

www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_flers_courcelette.html

 

Alfred Walter Jay……………………………….Australian Infantry Force

 

Name: JAY, ALFRED WALTER

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry, A.I.F. Unit Text: 50th Bn.

Age: 23 Date of Death: 26/09/1917 Service No: 3421

Additional information: Son of Walter and Eliza Jay, of 8, Peacock St., Norwich, England.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 7 - 17 - 23 - 25 - 27 - 29 - 31. Memorial: YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=924472

 

No match on Norlink

The 8 year old Alfred, born Norwich, is recorded on the 1901 census at 46 Peacock Street, in the Parish of St Saviours. This is the household of his parents, Walter, (aged 37 and a Bricklayers Labourer from Norwich), and Eliza, (aged 30 and from Norwich).

 

Alfred was baptised in St Clements on the 18th September 1892. His parents were listed as Walter, a labourer by trade, and Eliza. No date of birth is listed. The family were living at Peacock Street.

 

The Army Records can be seen on line at the Australian National Archive

naa12.naa.gov.au/NameSearch/Interface/ItemDetail.aspx?Bar...

naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/Imagine.asp?B=7372245

 

Alfred Walter Jay, a seamen by trade, enlisted at Adelaide, South Australia on the 26th January 1917 as part of the ninth re-enforcements of the 50th Battalion. He gave his age as 25th, his birthplace as Norwich in the UK, and his next of kin as his mother, Eliza Jay, of no 8, Peacock Street, Norwich.

 

He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 150lbs, with brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion.

His distinctive marks include tattoo’s on both upper arms.

 

He embarked at Adelaide on the 10th February 1917, on HMAT “Seeang Bee”, arriving at Devonport on the 2nd May. The same day he “marched in from Australia” to the 13th Training Battalion at Codford . By the 6th August he was dispatched to France for his final training.

 

On the 7th September he was marched out to his unit, who record him as being taken on strength on the 10th. On the 26th he is recorded as being killed in action.

 

His records note that he was buried half a mile west of Westhoek - (the grave must have been destroyed in subsequent fighting as he is now commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial.

 

In his will, in which he bequeaths everything to his mother, he lists his Australian bank account, so it doesn’t look as if he was a seaman stranded in Australia. The records include a receipt signed by Eliza Jay for his personal effects.

 

Early in 1917, the battalion participated in the advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and attacked at Noreuil on 2 April. For his actions at Noreuil Private Joergen Jensen was awarded the Victoria Cross. Later that year, the focus of AIF operations moved to the Ypres sector in Belgium. There the battalion was involved in the battle of Messines between 7 and 12 June and the battle of Polygon Wood on 26 September. Another winter of trench routine followed.

Source : www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11237.asp

 

50th Battalion War Diary

 

One of the appendices of the War Diary for September 1917 is the Commanding Officer’s report on the Battalions actions from 22nd to 27th September on ridge S E of Zonnebecke.

 

On the 22nd Sept the Bn was billeted in Canal area.

 

Prior to moving forward packs and all baggage were dumped, all ranks being then ready to move wearing “Fighting Order”. From the Canal area, routes forward to YPRES and WESTHOEK were reconnoitred by Officers and N.C.O’s of all Coys. A red stripe was painted on the back of Steel Helmet for 50th Bn, attacking Red Line and Blue for 49th and 51st Bn attacking Blue Line.

 

The Bn move to YPRES on the 23rd September 1917.

Two bombs, extra 100 rounds S.A.A & 4 sandbags per man, also 80 picks and 80 shovels were issued to each company. At 6.30 pm the Bn left for WESTHOEK & relieved the 52nd Bn, relief being completed by 10.20 pm, the 52nd Bn moving forward & taking over front Line.

 

On 24th Sept. routes from WESTHOEK to Front Line were reconnoitred by all officers, number of NCO, scouts and runners. Ground to be captured was well looked over & valuable information given by 52nd Bn officers.

 

On 25th Sept, Orders for attack were issued. Bn was given a 540 yard Frontage and had to attack to a depth of 750 yards. Task being to capture first objective, “RED LINE”, 49th & 51st Bn. then moving through to their Objective, “BLUE LINE”, 300 yards in advance of RED LINE.

 

Attack was carried out on four lines, each Coy in 100 YDS frontage.

Order of battle being from right to left, - “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” Coys.

Total number taking part in attack being 19(?) officers, 530 Other Ranks.

 

An extra water bottle and two days preserved rations were issued at 9 p.m on 25th Sept.

Casualties to midnight on 25th Sept. 14 O.R. killed, 1 Off 15 O.R wounded.

 

26th September 1917. Bn left WESTHOEK 1 am moving by platoons in single file 100 Yds interval between Platoons to front line and were formed up on tape ready to attack by 4.30 am.

Zero was at 5.50 am.

To this time there were no casualties.

Moving to position of assembly and forming on the tape were well done. Bn had a good start for the attack. On advancing under barrage troops in a few instances moved to close and casualties were sustained a few also being by short shooting of some batteries.

Barrage generally was very good.

Troops gained objective at 6.50 am, very few casualties to this time had been caused.

With a few exceptions no general resistance was met with. Germans surrendering very freely, one party of enemy only holding a group of four concrete dugouts causing most trouble, but were cleared up by previously detailed mopping-up party. 2 M.G’s, 3M.T.M’s & 15 enemy being captured from these dugouts. Mopping up did not cause much trouble, dugouts and all other likely places were bombed. Mopping up platoons of all Coys reported mopping up completed & rejoined their Coys about 10 minutes after objective had been reached.

Direction was easily maintained, connecting files between Head of Column being of assistance beside direction being maintained from left Flank. 4th Bde. The Bn.guiding section was also of assistance.

 

Consolidation was not difficult, digging was easy though wet & not much trouble was caused by enemy shelling., M.G’s or snipers.

 

The Bn dug in by establishing a series of posts which were afterwards connected up making an almost a continuous trench of an average depth of 6ft, sandbags being used for making fire steps.

 

Strong posts were constructed one on each flank, Left flank being covered by 3 Vickers, 2 T.M’s, Right Flank by 1 T.M.

 

Retaliation on front line was not heavy until about a hour & a half after zero hour when RED LINE and area behind was fired on continuously by 5.9’s and 4.8’s and indirect M G fire. Snipers & M G fire by this time

Had become very consistent, and were causing a great deal of trouble to Front Line and Support Line.

 

As this Bn was holding RED LINE nothing very definite can be said, although counter-attacks were made on both flanks and S.O.S signals being sent up. Our artillery response was almost immediate.

 

Although effect of M.G. barrage could not be observed the barrage was very thick, well maintained, and sounded good.

 

All communications from front line to rear were done by runner, it being not practicable to use & maintain telephonic communication. Visual work was attempted but owing to no suitable cover it was impossible to work through from front line.

 

Communication to aeroplane from front line was done by lighting RED FLARES 20 minutes after objective had been gained. From Battalion H.Qrs to Bde the communication was mostly maintained by telephone, runners being used on special occasions. Two messages were dispatched from same place & time to same destination, one by pigeon and one by telephone. Phone message arrived two minutes before pigeon. This was the only message sent by pigeon.

 

R.A.P was established really too far away from the objective but owing to lack of suitable accomodation this was unavoidable, consequently long carries were necessary making evacuation of wounded slow & giving much extra work to Regimental StretcherBearers.

 

It is thought than an improvement in the medical arrangements would have been an addition of bearers from a Field Ambulance.

 

The Battalion was relieved by Coys from Battalions of 49th and 51st on the morning of 27th September 1917, relief being completed by 5.50 am.

 

The 50th Bn then moved to old front line, being relieved from there by 46th Bn at 10 pm on 27th Sept.1917.

 

Counter attack was attempted at 6.45 pm on this night. Attack was evidently made on a broad frontage, S.O.S signals going up from our two flanks. No S.O.S was fired from the Bde frontage and enemy was not seen on our front.

 

Our artillery S.O.S barrage was most intense and presumably attack did not develop but was dispersed by artillery.

 

Total Casualties from operations

 

4 Officers

174 Other ranks

Killed

 

35 Other Ranks

 

Wounded

 

4 Officers

139 Other Ranks.

 

Source: www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/AWM4/23/AWM4-23-67-15.pdf

 

Wednesday 26th September 1917 - Day 52

 

Rainfall 0.5mm

 

Today marks the start of the Battle for Polygon Wood, lasting until 3rd October.

 

Zero Hour was 5.50 am.

 

4th Australian Div

 

The Australians attacked at 6.45 am almost an hour after Zero Hour. Whether this was planned or not I don’t know.

 

13 Bde

 

13 Bde attacked with the 50th Bn, supported by 49th and 51st Bns. On their way to the Green Line the 50th captured 2 machine guns and 19 prisoners. They then advanced to the Blue Line . 51st Bn moved up and captured the Brick Yard in Zonnebeke, in touch with 3rd Div. At 4 pm and 6 pm , German troops massing for a counterattack were dispersed with artillery.

forum.irishmilitaryonline.com/showthread.php?t=11535&...

 

www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8080/showPerson?pid=152718

 

William Henry Jewson (Major)…………………4th Norfolks

 

Name: JEWSON, WILLIAM HENRY

Rank: Major Regiment/Service: Norfolk Regiment Unit Text: 4th Bn.

Age: 42 Date of Death: 19/04/1917

Additional information: Son of George and Mary Jewson, of Tower House, Bracondale, Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: Panels 12 to 15. Memorial: JERUSALEM MEMORIAL

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=1645790

 

There is a picture of Major Jewson on Norlink

norlink.norfolk.gov.uk/02_Catalogue/02_013_PictureTitleIn...

 

The accompanying notes read:-

Major Jewson was the eldest son of Alderman George Jewson of Norwich. He was killed in action 18th April 1917

(Note - this date is different to CWGC by a day)

 

The 1911 census has a Henry Jewson, born Tombland Norwich and recorded in Norwich, born circa 1876. The same individual doesn’t appear to be on the 1901 or 1891 or 1881 census.

 

On the 1901 census his parents are listed at 10 Cotman Road, Thorpe St Andrews. His father George is a timber merchant from Hertfordshire, his mother Mary. J from Norwich. The Jewsons have these children living with them:-

Dorothea………………..aged 16.………………..born Norwich

John C…………………..aged 11.………………..born Norwich

Kathleen S T……………aged 13.………………..born Norwich

 

As well as two live in servants. Which raises the question of where was Henry. If he was at boarding school, was it outside England and Wales, and why send a child away at the age of 4/5. If the Jewson’s had their children public school educated, why was John at home.

 

Oh the joys of the internet - some of the missing period is accounted for by the Roll of Honour site for the former pupils of The Leys School, Cambridge.

 

Jewson was born in 1876. Son of George and Mary Jewson, of Tower House, Bracondale, Norwich. He came to The Leys in 1891 at the age of 15 and went into School House.

On leaving school, Jewson worked for the family timber business in Norwich and was well known for his religious and philanthropic commitments. He founded and led a Boys Brigade Company and held a commission in the Territorial Army.

At the outbreak of war, Jewson re-joined the Norfolk Regiment, serving with distinction in the Dardanelles, Egypt and Palestine. He was killed in action during the Battle of Gaza on 19 April 1917. He was aged 42 and had reached the rank of Major.

Source: www.roll-of-honour.com/Cambridgeshire/CambridgeLeysSchool...

 

The history of the 1/4th and 1/5th Territorial Battalions in the Great War is so closely connected that it is possible and desirable to avoid repetition by dealing with both in the same section. They were together in the same brigade during the whole of the operations in which they took part in Gallipoli, Egypt, and Palestine, and even for a few days were amalgamated in a composite battalion.

The order for mobilization reached both battalions on the evening of August 4, 1914, a few hours before the formal declaration of war. Next morning the 1/4th Battalion assembled at the Drill Hall in Chapel Field, Norwich, and was billeted in the City of Norwich Schools on the Newmarket Road.On August 11th, the 1/4th Battalion left by special train for Ingatestone in Essex.

 

Listed amongst its officers at the time of mobilisation was Captain W H Jewson.

Source: user.online.be/~snelders/sand.htm

 

19th April 1917 During the 2nd Battle of Gaza,

 

Facing the Tank Redoubt was the 161st Brigade of the 54th Division. To their right were the two Australian battalions (1st and 3rd) of the Imperial Camel Corps Brigade who had dismounted about 4,000 yards from their objective. As the infantry went in to attack at 7.30am they were joined by a single tank called "The Nutty" which attracted a lot of shell fire. The tank followed a wayward path towards the redoubt on the summit of a knoll where it was fired on point blank by four field guns until it was stopped and set alight in the middle of the position.

The infantry and the 1st Camel Battalion, having suffered heavy casualties on their approach, now made a bayonet charge against the trenches. About 30 "Camels" and 20 of the British infantry (soldiers of the 5th (territorial Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment) reached the redoubt, then occupied by around 600 Turks who immediately broke and fled towards their second line of defences to the rear.

The British and Australians held on unsupported for about two hours by which time most had been wounded. With no reinforcements at hand and a Turkish counter-attack imminent, the survivors endeavoured to escape back to their own lines.

To the right (west) of Tank Redoubt, the 3rd Camel Battalion, advancing in the gap between two redoubts, actually made the furthest advance of the battle, crossing the Gaza-Beersheba Road and occupying a pair of low hills (dubbed "Jack" and "Jill"). As the advances on their flanks faltered, the "Camels" were forced to retreat to avoid being isolated.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

 

More than a thousand one hundred of the men of the 54th posted killed wounded or missing were from the two Norfolk regiment battalions, equating to 75% of their strength. Eastern Daily Press "Sunday" section May 5, 2007

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Battle_of_Gaza

 

John King……………………………….............1st Lincs

 

Name: KING, JOHN

Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Lincolnshire Regiment Unit Text: 1st Bn.

Age: 19 Date of Death: 09/06/1918 Service No: 51970

Additional information: Son of E. Charles and Matilda King, of 11, Long's Yard, Fishergate, Norwich.

Grave/Memorial Reference: XVII. F. 17. Cemetery: TERLINCTHUN BRITISH CEMETERY, WIMILLE

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=4026031

 

The first rest camps for Commonwealth forces were established near Terlincthun in August 1914 and during the whole of the First World War, Boulogne and Wimereux housed numerous hospitals and other medical establishments. The cemetery at Terlincthun was begun in June 1918 when the space available for service burials in the civil cemeteries of Boulogne and Wimereux was exhausted. It was used chiefly for burials from the base hospitals, but Plot IV Row C contains the graves of 46 RAF personnel killed at Marquise in September 1918 in a bombing raid by German aircraft. In July 1920, the cemetery contained more than 3,300 burials, but for many years Terlincthun remained an 'open' cemetery and graves continued to be brought into it from isolated sites and other burials grounds throughout France where maintenance could not be assured.

CWGC www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=202753...

 

No match on Norlink

 

The 1 year old John, born Wroxham, is recorded on the 1901 census at 5, Baileys Yard, Norwich, in the Parish of St Pauls. This is the household of his parents, Edward Chas, (aged 27 and a basket maker from Limpenhoe, Norfolk), and Matilda, (aged 22 and from Stalham). The Kings also have a daughter, Annie Lama, aged 3 and born Belaugh.

 

The 1st Lincs were part of the 21st Division. According to the Regimental Warpath web-site, the Division includes amongst its battle honours

Battle of the Aisne. 27 May-7 Jun 1918, including the attack on Bligny and Bois des Buttes.

www.warpath.orbat.com/divs/21_div.htm

The German attack succeeded in pushing the Allies across the Aisne and down as far as the Marne at Chateau Thierry, capturing the towns of Soissons and La Fere-en-Tardenois as they did so.

www.1914-1918.net/bat24.htm

Absolutely fascinating thread here about the battle, although 1st Lincs only get mentioned in passing

1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44335

 

By late May the battalion was holding positions in the Romigny sector when it was warned at 8:00pm on the 26th to expect a German assault the following morning. For the next three days the 1st Lincolns withheld repeated attacks by large numbers of German troops. When the battalion was ordered to fall back on the 29th at 7:00pm only 8 officers and 42 men remained unwounded and with the battalion

Source: www.21stdivision1914-18.org/georgewilliamboyall.htm

 

Arthur Leeste……………………………….......2/4th Norfolks

 

No surname Leeste or Leest or Leste on the CWGC database

No Leeste on the Great War Roll of Honour

No match on Norlink

No match for this surname on the 1901 or 1911 census or common variants. There is a surname Least, but they seem to live almost entirely in the North East.

 

2/4th Battalion

Formed in Norwich in September 1914 as a Second Line Battalion. Disbanded in UK in June 1918.

www.1914-1918.net/norfolks.htm

  

How to Get Liquid Gold Skin: The Glow-Boosting Complexion Trick For Brown Skin:

If you're tapped into the beauty community, you know glass skin has been a buzzy trend for some time. The hydrating skin technique has influenced how some of our favorite MUAs and estheticians approach skin and inspired countless products. Achieving radiant, reflective skin is possible no matter your skin tone, but a new trend has emerged specifically for Brown skin: liquid gold skin.

How Can Liquid Gold Skin be Achieved?

Instead of an eight-step routine, our experts have something more sustainable in mind. "You've got to have beauty hacks instead of a bunch of steps," Grover says. "Often, we're told we need 45 minutes to an hour to create a glass skin look for Brown skin, which I don't think is realistic. Liquid gold skin breaks down into a couple of things. The skin has to be smooth and firm. It has to be even."

I love her complexion, she is waiting for her alpaca hairs to get here and then she will be complete.

Four girls, four seasons: autumn.

 

Enjoying the warmth of the autumn sun she seemed perfectly at one with the countryside - her hair and complexion in harmony the colours of the evening sun and fruit trees.

 

Daniella was staying with us over the summer and loved being able to sunbathe in this secluded part of our garden – she was happy to be photograhed but didn't want nude photos of her posted on the net so we have to be content with this portrait.

 

Oct. 2022 – chosen as the cover photo for the

"PEOPLE ENJOYING NATURE" group.

Gent

 

The Geraard de Duivelsteen ("Geraard the Devil Castle") is a 13th-century gothic architecture building, which served as defense of the Portus Ganda, the city's port.

 

The building was built in the 13th century and was named after the knight Geraard Vilain (1210-1270), second son of the fifteenth viscount of Ghent, Zeger III of Ghent. Vilain's nickname was "Geraard de Duivel" ("Gerard the Devil"), which was based on his dark complexion and hair color.

 

In the 14th century, the building became city property. Over the course of centuries, it was used for various functions; gatherings of knights, as an armory, a monastery, a school, the seminary for the diocese of Ghent, an insane asylum and a prison. In 1775, the Rasphuis near the Coupure channel became the new prison. In 1830, the Geraard de Duivelsteen became a fire station. Near the end of the 19th century, it was bought by the Belgian state to serve as a national archive. For this purpose, a new wing was built.

________________________________________________

 

Ghent (Dutch: Gent) is a city in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is the capital and with a population of 272,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city of the province of East Flanders, and the third largest in the country, after Brussels and Antwerp.

 

The history of Ghent begins in the year 630 when St Amandus chose the site of the confluence (or ‘Ganda’) of the two rivers, the Lys and the Scheldt to construct an abbey. From the year 1000 to around 1550, Ghent was one of the most important cities in Europe. With 60,000 inhabitants, it was bigger than London and second only to Paris in size.

 

Until the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302, the city was ruled by a number of rich merchant families, who mostly chose the side of the French king against the Count of Flanders. As the trades and guilds gained more political power in the 14th century, Ghent came to acquire a more democratic government.

 

Because England blocked the import of raw materials for the vitally important textile industry, Ghent was forced, by sheer necessity, to take England’s side (1338-1345) during the Hundred Years’ War. Jacob van Artevelde, a rich cloth merchant, led the uprising against Count Louis de Nevers, the vassal of the French king. In 1345, this ‘wise man’ was murdered by his fellow citizens. His importance is shown by the fact that Ghent is still called the ‘City of Artevelde’.

 

Ghent had to give up its ties with England and embrace the king of France. In 1407 the seat of the Council of Flanders, the highest judicial body in the county, was moved from Bruges to the Castle of the Counts. Since then Dutch became the official language.

 

The economic situation gradually worsened. The city lost its passage to the sea and the population decreased by half. Only in the second half of the 18th century was there an economic revival. In 1816, under Dutch administration, Ghent acquired its own university. As a commemoration, a statue of king William I of the Netherlands, founder of the University, was unveiled on Reep. Ten years later the city again became a sea port thanks to the Ghent-Terneuzen canal.

 

Nevertheless, Ghent still continued to sail against the tide: during Belgium’s independence struggle many inhabitants remained loyal to the Dutch House of Orange. Ghent later became the continent’s first large industrial centre. As a result, it was here that the socialist movement and the first trade union associations appeared.

 

In 1913, Ghent showed its best side during the World Exhibition. Because it suffered little bomb damage during the two world wars, Ghent’s historical heritage has remained largely intact right up to the present.

This attractive young woman was working in a market near Radauti, Romania. her skin complexion matches her hair

 

ift.tt/2D2crrH

Young woman sitting in bathroom and applying facepack. Beautiful female in front of mirror applying facial mask.

(After Taste Venue Pictured)

 

On a serene Friday evening with not much happening in the real world, I decided to immerse myself in Second Life for some fashion-forward exploration. White often poses a challenge for me in photos, tending to blend a bit too much with my complexion. Yet, the latest outfit from Hilly Haalan was a splendid exception. This chic pant suit, tailored to accentuate my curves precisely, delivered a look that was both enticing and elegantly sophisticated. The fabric's graceful flow and the outfit's thoughtful design transformed it from mere attire into a bold fashion statement.

 

I decided to pair it with my favorite piece from Kunglers and this elegant cuff set from Yummy because there is no greater crime than failing to accessorize.

 

What's worse is that I was all dolled up with no place to go. Fortunately, a friend recommended a house music venue called After-Taste Spa. The place exudes chic sophistication, and the vibe shifts depending on the time you visit. Its decor brings to mind the stylish venues I've experienced in Miami, adorned with tropical foliage, brass accents, and eclectic pieces. The residents tend toward the naughtier side, so be forewarned—it's a space where private chats blend with spicy areas for random encounters. While that's not my usual scene, I found the people-watching absolutely enthralling.

 

Read more on my blog: deepdishdivasofsl.blogspot.com/

  

✨🌿 Details 🌿✨

White Pant Suit: (Hilly Haalan - Didi Set)

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hillywood/125/157/26

 

Necklace: (Kunglers - Stella Necklace )

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Accidentally%20Inlove/165/...

 

Bracelet and Cuff Set: (Yummy - Evelyn set)

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tableau/165/108/23

 

Check out After-Taste Spa:

maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/AfterTaste/216/111/23

First cabinet card acquired in a long time. Lad of 5 or 6 dressed in fancy attire with lace and large bow. His hair is in curls and sports a bow.

 

There is writing on back of the card likely written shortly after this was taken. Some of what I can make out says light blue eyes, fair complexion, white ribbon in hair.

Though Equestrienne Superstar Barbie has Superstar face mold, she does not have the typical Superstar complexion: she has a lighter one, similar to those of Equestrienne Barbie mod face. And she's the only Superstar doll with bangs

Fortunately the treatments worked fine and she now has a nice complexion

To the glory of God

In honoured memory of the men of this parish

Who fell in the Great War of

1914 - 1918

 

17274 Private James Carver, 7th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 1883 at Intwood, Norfolk, the son of John and Harriet Carver of Scott's Terrace, Mulbarton, husband of Cicely Elizabeth.

Resident during his life of Mulbarton, Swardeston and Newton Flotman and employed as a market gardener.

Died 13th. October 1915.

No known grave, commemorated on Panel 30 of the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais, France and on the war memorial at Newton Flotman, Norfolk.

Uncle of Robert George Carver.

 

14891 Privat Robert G. Carver, 9th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 18th. February 1896, the son of William & Rachael Carver of Mulbarton, later of Lodden, Norfolk.

Employed as an agricultural labourer.

Enlisted on 5th. September 1914, sent to France 30th. August 1915.

Service record states he was almost 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) tall, grey eyes, brown hair and a fresh complexion.

Killed in action on 21st. September 1916, aged 20.

Buried in Grave: B. 20. 54. in St. Sever Cemetery, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France.

Returned to his next-of-kin in 1917 were his disc, letters, photos, New Testament, comb, matchbox case and a cotton bag.

Nephew of Robert Carver.

 

12483 Private Albert Dawson, 7th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 1895, the son of Mr. & Mrs. James A. Dawson of Mulbarton.

Enlisted on 28th. August 1914, sent to France on 30th. May 1915.

Died on 31st. July 1915, aged 20.

Buried in Grave: II. C. 3. at Rifle House Cemetery, Comines-Warneton, Hainaut, Belgium.

Younger brother of George Dawson.

 

George Frederick Dawson.

Born in 1884, the son of James & Elizabeth Dawson of Mulbarton.

Baptised in Mulbarton 1884, married to Rose, c.1910, resident of Wymondham, Norfolk, 1911.

Elder brother of Albert Dawson.

 

20829 Private Henry 'Harry' Percy Doubleday, 11th. Battalion, Essex Regiment, formally of the Norfolk Regiment.

Army records suggests he may have spent time in the Balkans.

Born at Lakenham, Norwich in 1891, the son of William & Sarah Doubleday.

Inhabitant of Milbarton in 1911.

Died on 15th. September 1916. Buried in Grave: VI. A. 19. at Combles Community Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.

 

23055 Corporal Ernest Albert Huggins, 7th Battalion, Border Regiment, formally of the Norfolk Regiment.

Son of Edward and Louisa Huggins of Mulbarton, married Lily Florence Goldsmith of Norwich Road, Mulbarton, in 1908,

Employed as a farm labourer.

Enlisted in August 1914

Acting Corporal November 1915, confirmed as Corporal early 1917.

Died on 23rd. April 1917, aged 33.

No known grave, commemorated on Bay 6 of the Arras Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.

 

14915 Private Joseph Alfred Larter, 9th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 1887 at Swardeston, Norfolk, the eldest son of William & Sophia Jane Larter of Swainsthorpe, Norfolk.

Employed as a farm labourer.

Died on 15th. September 1916, aged 28.

No known grave, commemorated on Pier and Face 1 C and 1 D. of the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

 

3/10386 Private Albert Lincoln, 9th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 1879, the son of William Ellis and Susanna Lincoln of Saxlingham, Norfolk. Married Alice Atkins in 1909.

Albert worked for a coal merchant.

Died on 15th. November 1915, aged 36.

Buried in Grave: C. 14. at La Brique Military Cemetery No.1, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

29832 Private Cecil Frederick Muskett, 'A' Company, 1st. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born in 1897 at Kirby Bedon, Norfolk, the son of Frederick and Alice C. Muskett of Hill House, Mulbarton.

Employed in the family's market garden business.

Died on 9th. October 1917, aged 20.

Buried in Grave: XII. H. 9. at Hooge Crater Cemetery, Ypres, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

7314 Corporal Ronald Priest, 98 Squadron, RAF, formally Royal Flying Corp.

Born in 1883 in Hull, the son of Cornelius and Elizabeth Priest, husband of Maria Elizabeth Priest, father of 3 children.

A watch maker by trade, Ronald was a resident during his life of Leeds, Norwich, Wroxham and Gt. Yarmouth. In 1918 Ronald was on the Absent Voters List for Mulbarton.

Died on 28th. November 1918, aged 38, in hospital in France of 'flu 'aggravated by exposure while on active military service'.

Buried in Grave: LI. D. 2. of Etaples Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.

 

266296 Private Cecil Jesse Randell, 8th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born in 1887 at Mulbarton, the son of William and Mary Ann Randell, husband of Beatrice Emma Maria Randell.

Employed in 1911 as a butcher's assistant in Shotesham, Norfolk.

Enlisted with the Norfolk Regiment at Wroxham in October 1916. Embarked for France on 7th. August 1917. Posted first to Hertfordshire Regiment but shortly rejoined the 8th Battalion of the Norfolk Regiment.

Killed near Ypres on 22nd. October 1917, aged 30.

No known grave, commemorated on Panel 34 to 35. of the Tyne Cot Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

1679 Private William Stackyard, 1st/4th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born in 1894, the son of Walter and Alice Jane Stackyard of The Rosery, Mulbarton.

Helped in his father's market garden business, then went to work at Lodge Farm.

Joining the Norfolk Regiment in March 1912, he was assigned to 4th Battalion.

The day after war broke out, he signed forms stating his willingness to serve abroad. He embarked for Mediterranean on HMS Aquitania 29th.July 1915 and was killed shortly after landing at Gallipoli on 12th. August 1915, aged 21.

No known grave, commemorated on Panel 43 to 45 of the Helles Memorial, Turkey. (including Gallipoli)

 

12896 Frederick William Stubbing, 8th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 1895, the son of George William and Rebecca Stubbing, of 54 Elizabeth Fry Road, Norwich.

Resident at Scott's Terrace, Mulbarton in 1911, employed as a farm labourer.

Enlisted on 2nd. September 1914 and sent to Colchester, Essex for training. Sent to France on 25th. July 1915.

Died 19 July 1916, aged 19.

Buried in Grave: VII. L. 5. at Serre Road Cemetery No.2, Somme, France.

 

76305 Gunner Bertie Tooke, 247th. Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.

Born 1893 at Forncett St. Peter, Norfolk, the son of Samuel and Betsy Tooke who moved to Mulbarton by 1901.

Employed as a farm labourer.

Enlisted at Attleborough, Norfolk on 28th. February 1916 and mobilised in April, joining 157th. Siege Battery in June.

Embarked for France in November 1916. Wounded in June 1917 and treated in field hospital and sent to base. When fit again posted to 247th. Siege Battery at the end of August. Had 2 weeks home leave March 1918. Wounded again in June and admitted to hospital on 15th. June 1918 with head, neck and arm injuries and a fractured right leg. Sent to hospital near Genoa, Italy where he died on 15th. July 1918, aged 25.

Buried in Grave: I. B. 30. at Staglieno Cemetary, Genoa, Italy.

 

13662 Private George Bertie Wharton, 8th. Battalion, Norfolk Regiment.

Born 1895, the eldest child of George Henry and Harriett Wharton of The Wood, Swardeston, Norfolk, but in the parish of Mulbarton.

Employed as a farm labourer.

Died 1st. July 1916, aged 21.

No known grave, commemorated on Pier and Face 1C and 1D of the Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France.

 

9670 Private Percy Harold Woolterton, 1st. Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment.

Born 1895 at Norwich, the son of Mr. A. Woolterton, 4 Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich.

Resident of Long Stratton, Norfolk in 1911, other records relate him to Mulbarton.

Employed as a groom.

Enlisted in Dorchester in February 1914. Various misdemeanours are recorded after he joined up.

Sent to France in December 1915.

Died from the result of gas poisoning on 2nd.May 1915, aged 20.

No known grave, commemorated on Panel 37 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.

 

153649 Gunner Frank Cecil Barrett, Royal Horse Artillery

Born in Mulbarton on 4th. August 1897, the son of Mary Ann Barrett.

Employed as a telegraph messenger boy after leaving school and by 1915 he was working as a nurseryman.

Enlisted in February 1916, his service record states that he was 5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) tall, of fair complexion with light brown hair and brown eyes.

Mobilised in August, Frank served with the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France from 1916 to 1919.

In February 1919 he was in Esch, Germany. In May he was sent to a Dispersal Centre, to a RHA Depot in June and moved to the 'W' Battery, 6th. Brigade later that month. In January 1920 he was transferred to 'G' Battery. In March 1920 he was discharged from the Army and returned to Mulbarton.

Later in 1920 Frank was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital where he died

on 28th. August, aged 23, from Subacute Infective Endocarditis and Cerebral Embolism which was attributed to his war service.

He is buried in the churchyard at Mulbarton, to the north of St. Mary Magdalen church.

 

"Greater love hath no man than this that

A man lays down his life for his friends."

 

1939 - 1945

 

EC/2984 Major Bernard John Burfield, 7th. Battalion, 2nd.Punjab Regiment, Indian Army.

Born in 1912, the son of Joseph and Mary Burfield of Kenningham Hall, Norfolk

Died on 13th. February 1944 in Burma, now Myanmar.

Buried in Grave:5. A. 4. in Taukkyan War Cemetery, Yangon, Myanmar

Mistakenly listed as 'Bernard S' on the memorial.

 

5776378 Private Clifford Arthur Kedge, 4th. Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, 18th. Infantry Division.

The son of Richard and Eliza Kedge of Mulbarton and husband of Clara Flint of Bracon Ash, Norfolk.

Taken prisoner of war on 15th. February 1942 by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore.

He was interned in Changi Prison Camp until the 21st. October 1942 when he left by train for a POW camp in Thailand, to work on Burma Railway, known as the 'Death Railway'. On the 15th. August 1943 he was transported to the second barracks of the POW camp in Thailand.

He fell ill on the 2nd. September 1943 and was admitted to the 2nd. POW Hospital in the camp at Chung Kai Village, Kanchanaburi County, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. At 12:10 pm on the Saturday 13th. October 1943 Clifford died of malaria, aged 24.

Buried in Grave: 9.D.9 at Chung Kai Cemetery.

This cemetery is located on the same spot as the Chung Kai POW camp used during the construction of the railway.

 

1331926 Sergeant Arthur William Lake, W.Op/Air Gunner, 191 Squadron, RAFVR

Born in 1921, the son of William and Blanche Mary Lake of Mulbarton, husband of Myrtle Christina Lake of Fundenhall, Norfolk.

Died on 3rd. October 1943, aged 22, when the Consolidated Catalina IB flying boat FP 117 crashed on take-off.

Buried in Grave: 9. A. 16. at Karachi War Cemetery, Pakistan.

 

2074495 Sapper Geoffrey Alfred Frederick Middleton, 248 Field Company Royal Engineers.

The son of Frederick William and Rose Ellen Middleton of Mulbarton, husband of Audrey Helen Middleton of Mulbarton.

Died on 28th. May 1940, aged 34.

No known grave, commemorated on Column 26. of the Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France.

Geoffrey's father was the village postmaster and also a keen bellringer. The family donated a bell to the Mulbarton church tower in his memory. It is inscribed

'Given by his parents

In memory of

Geoffrey Alfred Frederick Middleton

Sapper, Royal Engineers

Killed in action at Dunkirk

May 28. 1940.'

 

George Parker.

Born in 1910, he was a carpenter.

Register as living with the Barrett family in Long Lane, Mulbarton.

 

14546956 Gunner Jonathan Charles Reynolds, Royal Artillery, attached to 301 Field Regiment, East African Artillery.

The son of Leonard and Harriet Reynolds, husband of Betty Reynolds of Tullington, Norfolk.

Died on 12th. February 1944, aged 30.

Commemorated on Column 6. of the East African Memorial, Nairobi War Cemetery, Kenya.

 

C/MX.623410 Ordnance Artificer 4th. Class George Anthony Rowbottom, Illustrious-class aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable, British Pacific Fleet, Royal Navy.

The son of George and Marion Rowbottom of Mulbarton.

Died on 23rd. June 1945, aged 24.

Buried in Grave: 2W. D. 5. at Sydney War Cemetery, Australia.