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1075-1078 Herman Bishop of Sherborne (1058–75) and of Ramsbury (1045–55 and 1058–75). Removed the two sees to Salisbury (Old Sarum) in 1075. Died in office.
1078 -1099 Saint Osmund. Died in office. Canonized by Pope Callixtus III in 1457.
1099-1102 See was vacant
1102-1139 Roger of Salisbury. Formerly Lord Chancellor. Died in office.
1140 Henry de Sully. Nominated by Henry of Blois, but was rejected by King Stephen. In compensation, Sully became abbot of Fécamp Abbey.
1140-1141 Philip de Harcourt Dean of Lincoln. Nominated by King Stephen, but Henry of Blois refused to consecrate. Harcourt appealed to Rome, but the nomination was quashed. Later became Bishop of Bayeux.
1142-1184 Josceline de BohonAlso recorded as Jocelin Bohon. Formerly Archdeacon of Winchester. Resigned in 1184 and became a Cistercian monk at Forde Abbey, Dorset.
1184-1189 The See was vacant
11891193 Hubert Walter. Formerly Dean of York. Translated to Canterbury
1194-1217 Herbert Poore. Formerly Archdeacon of Canterbury. Translated to Canterbury.
1217-1225 Richard Poore. Previously Dean of Salisbury (1197–1215) and translated from Chichester. Removed see to Salisbury.
1225- 1228 Richard Poore (cont.) Removed the see from Old Sarum. Translated to Durham.
1229-1246 Robert de Bingham, also recorded as Robert Bingham. Died in office.
1246-1256 William de York. Formerly Provost of Beverley. Died in office.
1256-1262 Giles of Bridport. Formerly Dean of Wells. Died in office.
1263-1271 Walter de la Wyle. Formerly Sub-chanter of Salisbury. Died in office.
1271-1284 Robert Wickhampton. Formerly Dean of Salisbury. Died in office.
1284-1286 Walter Scammel. Formerly Dean of Salisbury. Died in office.
1287-1288 Henry Brandeston. Formerly Dean of Salisbury. Died in office.
1288 Lawrence de Awkeburne. Elected but died before consecration.
1288-1291 William de la Corner. Formerly Archdeacon of Northumberland. Died in office.
1291-1297 Nicholas Longespee. Formerly a Prebendary of Salisbury. Died in office.
1297-1315 Simon of Ghent. Died in office.
1315-1330 Roger Martival. Formerly Dean of Lincoln. Died in office.
1330-1375 Robert Wyvil. Also recorded as Robert Wyville. Died in office.
1375-1388 Ralph Ergham. Translated to Bath & Wells.
1388-1395 John Waltham. Also Master of the Rolls and Lord Treasurer. Died in office.
1395-1407 Richard Mitford. Translated from Chichester. Died in office.
1407 Nicholas Bubwith. Also recorded as Nicholas Bubbewith. Translated from London. Afterwards translated to Bath & Wells.
1407-1417 Robert Hallam. Formerly Archdeacon of Canterbury and Chancellor of Oxford. Created a pseudo-cardinal by Antipope John XXIII in 1411, but Hallam did not accept the promotion. Died in office.
1417-1426 John Chandler. Also recorded as John Chaundler. Formerly Dean of Salisbury. Died in office.
1427-1438 Robert Neville. Also recorded as Robert Nevill. Formerly Provost of Beverley. Translated to Durham.
1438-1450 William Ayscough. Also recorded as William Aiscough. Murdered by an angry mob during Jack Cade’s rebellion.
1450-1481 Richard Beauchamp. Translated from Hereford. Died in office.
1482-1484 Lionel Woodville. Formerly Dean of Exeter and Chancellor of Oxford. Died in office.
1485-1493 Thomas Langton. Translated from St David's. Afterwards translated to Winchester.
1493-1499 John Blyth. Also recorded as John Blythe. Also Master of the Rolls and Chancellor of Cambridge. Died in office.
1501 Henry Deane. Translated from Bangor. Afterwards translated to Canterbury
1502-1524 Edmund Audley. Translated from Hereford. Died in office.
1524-1534 Lorenzo Campeggio Bishop of Bologna. Appointed Administrator of Salisbury. Deprived by Act of Parliament on the grounds of non-residence. Continued to be recognized as Administrator by the Vatican until July 1539.
During the Reformation Bishops of Salisbury
1535-1539 Nicholas Shaxton. Formerly Treasurer of Salisbury. Resigned due to non-subscription to the Six Articles.
1539-1557 John Capon. Also known as John Salcott. Translated from Bangor. Died in office.
1539-1542 Gasparo Contarini, Bishop of Belluno. Appointed apostolic administrator of Salisbury by Pope Paul III, but was not recognised by King Henry VIII.
"On 19th September 1521, Cardinal Lorenzo Campeggio who was Bishop of Salisbury, and England’s official advocate at the court of Rome, wrote to Cardinal Wolsey in London. In his letter, Campeggio said how delighted he was to read the ‘golden book’ that had been sent to him for presentation to the Pope. The book in question was Henry VIII’s own handiwork – his ‘Assertio septem sacramentorum contra M. Luther.’ It was a polemic against the reforming Augustinian Canon, Martin Luther, whose criticisms of the church were sending shockwaves around Europe. The actual authorship has been disputed – did Henry write it himself, or was it ghost written by Fisher, Bishop of Rochester or Thomas More? Henry certainly had both the intellectual capacity and the interest to write it himself. Theological argument was one of his favourite pastimes. Erasmus (whose word cannot entirely be relied on as he was always eager to flatter anyone who might send him money) said he believed Henry was the author. It doesn’t seem unreasonable to suppose that Henry developed the main arguments, perhaps in discussion with leading thinkers in the debating style that he often promoted. He was notorious for not actually enjoying writing, so he might have dictated the actual words, or perhaps he gave them an outline and then reviewed it. There are letters that refer to him being unavailable because he was working on the book." Tudor Times on facebook.
1543-1553 William Petow. Appointed by Pope Paul III, but was not recognised by King Henry VIII. Did not take possession on the accession of Queen Mary I in 1553.
1558 Francis Mallet. Dean of Lincoln (1555–1570). Nominated by Queen Mary but not consecrated, and set aside on her death.
Post-Reformation Bishops of Salisbury
1559-1571 John Jewel Died in office.
1571-1577 Edmund Gheast or Geeste Translated from Rochester. Also Lord High Almoner. Died in office.
1577-1589 John Piers. Translated from Rochester. Also Lord High Almoner. Afterwards translated to York
1589-1591 See vacant
1591-1596 John Coldwell. Formerly Dean of Rochester. Died in office.
1596-1598 See vacant
1598-1615 Henry Cotton. Formerly a Prebendary of Winchester. Died in office.
1615-1618 Robert Abbot. Formerly Master of Balliol College, Oxford. Died in office.
1618-1620 Martin Fotherby. Formerly a Prebendary of Canterbury. Died in office.
1620-1621 Robert Tounson. Also recorded as Robert Townson, Toulson, or Thompson. Formerly Dean of Westminster. Died in office.
1621-1641 John Davenant. Formerly President of Queens' College, Cambridge. Died in office.
1641-1646 Brian Duppa. Translated from Chichester. Deprived of the see when the episcopacy was abolished by Parliament.
1646-1660 See abolished during the Commonwealth and the Protectorate.
1660 Brian Duppa (restored) Reinstated on the restoration of the episcopacy. Afterwards translated to Winchester.
1660-1663 Humphrey Henchman. Formerly Precentor of Salisbury. Translated to London.
1663-1665 John Earle. Translated from Worcester. Died in office.
1665-1667 Alexander Hyde. Formerly Dean of Winchester. Died in office.
1667-1689 Seth Ward. Translated from Exeter. Died in office.
1689-1715 Gilbert Burnet. Formerly Preacher at the Rolls Chapel. Died in office.
1715-1721 William Talbot. Translated from Oxford. Afterwards translated to Durham.
1721-1723 Richard Willis. Translated from Gloucester. Afterwards translated to Winchester.
1723-1734 Benjamin Hoadly. Translated from Hereford. Afterwards translated to Winchester.
1734-1748 Thomas Sherlock. Translated from Bangor. Afterwards translated to London.
1748-1757John Gilbert. Translated from Llandaff. Afterwards translated to York.
1757-1761 John Thomas. Translated from Peterborough. Afterwards translated to Winchester
1761 Robert Hay Drummond. Translated from St Asaph. Afterwards translated to York.
1761-1766 John Thomas. Translated from Lincoln. Died in office.
1766-1782 John Hume. Translated from Oxford. Died in office.
1782-1791 Shute Barrington. Translated from Llandaff. Afterwards translated to Durham.
1791-1807 John Douglas. Translated from Carlisle. Died in office
1807-1825 John Fisher. Translated from Exeter. Died in office.
1825-1837Thomas Burgess. Translated from St David's. Died in office.
1837-1854 Edward Denison Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. Died in office.
1854-1869 Walter Kerr Hamilton. Formerly a Canon-resident and Precentor of Salisbury. Died in office.
1869-1885 George Moberly. Formerly a Canon of Chester. Died in office.
1885-1911John Wordsworth Oriel Professor of Divinity, Oxford. Founder of Bishop Wordsworth's School. Died in office.
1911-1921 Frederick Edward Ridgeway Translated from Kensington. Died in office.
1921-1935 St/Clair Donaldson. Translated from Brisbane. Died in office.
1936-1946 Neville Lovett. Translated from Portsmouth. Retired.
1946-1948 Geoffrey Lunt. Translated from Ripon. Died in office.
1949-1962 William Anderson. Translated from Portsmouth. Retired.
1963-1972Joseph Fison Died in office.
1973-1981 George Reindorp.Translated from Guildford. Retired.
1982-1993 John Baker. Retired.
1993-2010 David Stancliffe. Retired.
2011-2021 Nicholas Holtam
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
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It was built by the pious Anglo-Catholic, Emily Charlotte Meynell Ingram (sister of Charles Wood, 2nd Viscount Halifax) in memory of Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram who died in May 1871. The architects were George Frederick Bodley and Thomas Garner. Work started in 1872 and the church dedication took place on 22 April 1876.[1] Further extension and additions took place until the church achieved its present form in 1906.
John Betjeman described the church as "the masterpiece of its late Victorian architect G.F. Bodley" and "great architecture; original, well massed, well sited, well detailed; very English"
From 2008, the Church received alternative episcopal oversight from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, as the parish does not accept the ordination of women to the priesthood or episcopate. This oversight was transferred in 2023 to the Bishop of Oswestry.
ONCE UPON A TIME - "A Tale of Two Sisters" - A scared and confused Elsa finds herself in Storybrooke and, fearful of the intentions of its residents, creates a powerful snow monster for protection. With Robin Hood's wife, Marian, back in the picture, Regina wonders if her "happily ever after" with the former thief has been completely quashed; while on their honeymoon, Mr. Gold finds an intriguing object that makes him question whether or not he should officially give Belle control over the dagger that makes him The Dark One, and Hook is dismayed to discover that Emma seems to be avoiding him while she tries to help comfort Regina after being the one responsible for bringing Marian back from the past and into Storybrooke. Meanwhile, in Arendelle of the past, as Elsa's sister Anna's wedding to Kristoff nears, Anna discovers that their parents - who died on-ship during a violent storm - were heading to a mysterious destination in a quest that may have held the secret to containing Elsa's out of control Ice powers. And against Elsa's wishes, Anna wants to finish their journey to find out what they were looking for, on "Once Upon a Time," SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Katie Yu)
ELIZABETH LAIL
by P.Cob. Ottawa, A Onion Printshop, 2o17.
a proof copy of a proof copy (printed too low to be able to trim it properly), burned just to get rid of it but the persistence of Cob's name post-carbonation was entertaining in the light of the history of this print when it went up around town.
7 sites were printed with this, probably the least textually offensive of the selection of 21 texts printed. only one of the sites lasted longer than a coupla days & it's now gone, too.
what izzit about the notion of a liason between Kennedy & Cob that requires such immediate quashing? while some of the sites were garishly public & their removal not particularly surprising, the complete eradication of them strikes an oddly conspiratorial note (given that one of the 4 texts about Cob's sperm in Anne Frank's vagina is still extant after more than 15 years).
while i've preserved the proof copy, it seemed appropriate that the proof-for-the-proof should follow the previous public prints into oblivion.
Item No.22
Heard. The learned counsel represented for the applicant . This is an application filed for the renewal of regular permit of S/C KL 44 A 8699 on the route Aluva Kanthalloor Via South Vazhakkulam, Perumbavoor, Kothamangalam, Adimaly, Anachal, Munnar and Marayoor as LSOS for 5 Years from 22/09/2016 to 21/09/2021.The regular permit of S/C KL 44 A 8699 was valid upto-21/09/2016 as FP.
On 22/09/2016 the permit holder applied for variation of permit as LSOS and for a temporary permit as per G.O(ms) 45/2015/Trans dated 20/08/2015 and at present the temporary permit issued to the S/C KL 44 A 8699 is valid upto-21/01/2019 in the light of the interim order of Hon.Highcourt of Kerala in WP(c) No.16452/2017(F) dated
16/05/2017 in which Hon.Court directing Sec.RTA Idukki that status quo with regards to the reissue of Temporary Permit application should be maintained untrammeled by G.O(P) No.6/2017/Tran dated 15/03/2017. In the light of the several judgment of Honarable High Court of Kerala( quashing the clause (4) of the modified scheme, 8/2017 dated 23/03/2017) there is no legal impediment to renew this regular permit since it is issued prior to 09-05-2006 . There is no need for any concurrence from sister RTAs for renewal of permit. Hence Renewal of permit granted subject to clearance of Government dues and NOC from the financier if applicable.
ROMA ARCHEOLOGICA & RESTAURO ARCHITETTURA 2023. Magistrato Paolo Giorgio Ferri, “…Gli Americani…Ladri di Dèi”, in: Rai TV (2010) & NYT (2004 & 2020); S.v., "$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S."; in: NYT (23/01/2023) [Nel testo completo Italiano / English]; anche: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023) & Senatrice Margherita Corrado - Senato della Repubblica (11/08/2022). wp.me/pbMWvy-3Hr
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: NYT (23/01/2023).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646904288
1). ROME / ITALY - $20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S. - The authorities of the two countries have worked together to round up statues, vases and bronzes, some of which had appeared in American museums. The New York Times (24/01/2023) [In complete text / Nel testo completo].
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Foto: Magistrato Paolo Giorgio Ferri; in: Aggiornare: ‘Petrolio – Ladri di bellezza 2018/2022’; Gli studiosi italiani: “Musei negli USA – Restituisci quello che hai rubato!”; in: RAI 1 HD / VIDEO (2018)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52280154224
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ROME — Taken together, the five dozen ancient artifacts displayed at Italy’s culture ministry on Monday would have made a fine archaeological centerpiece for any museum.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646686229
The items, dating from the seventh century B.C. to the first century A.D., included well-preserved marble statues, red-figure vases, a silver drinking bowl, even rare bronzes. The artifacts, worth more than $20 million, according to the Italian Culture Ministry, were back on Italian soil after having been seized in the United States by American officials over the past 14 months.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “Priceless’ Italian artifacts return home from U.S.”; in: Reuters News / Twitter & You-Tube (23/01/2023).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646426951
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ROME / ITALY - "Priceless' Italian artifacts return home from U.S."; in: Reuters News / Twitter & You-Tube (23/01/2023).
Italy is celebrating the return of 60 looted archaeological artifacts worth more than $20 million, many of which had been on display at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art before their illicit origin was discovered.
Fonte / source: Video & Foto; in:
--- Reuters News / Twitter & You-Tube (23/01/2023).
twitter.com/Reuters/status/1617626978009374722
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Twenty-one of the works had been on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as in private homes and auction houses, before being recovered by American officials, who acted on evidence that they had been illegally looted from archaeological sites in Italy.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646686149
Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s culture minister, said Monday during a celebratory news conference that the recovered artifacts were the “fruit of a collaboration,” between Italian and American law enforcement officials, that would not end with these 60 works.
Italy has fought for decades to quash the trade in illicitly excavated artifacts, and strenuous negotiations forged deals for the return of dozens of works with several American museums, notably the Met, and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Its efforts have picked up steam in recent years thanks to developments in technology, including easily consulted online databases and improved collaboration with American officials, and in particular the Manhattan’s district attorney’s office.
Culture ministry officials presented two works on Monday: a marble head of Athena, dated circa 200 B.C. and valued at $3 million, and a white-ground terra-cotta kylix, or drinking cup, attributed to the Villa Giulia Painter, dating to the fifth century B.C. and valued at $1.5 million. According to a search warrant, the artifacts were seized last July from the Metropolitan Museum along with 19 other works, many on show Monday.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646904393
At the time of the seizure, the museum said in a statement that it had fully cooperated with the district attorney’s investigation and that its acquisition reviews have become more rigorous over the years.
“The norms of collecting have changed significantly in recent decades,” the museum said, “and The Met’s policies and procedures in this regard have been under constant review over the past 20 years.”
Among the items returned was a fresco depicting the infant Hercules strangling a snake, which dates to the first century. It is believed to have been looted from Herculaneum, a settlement buried in the Vesuvian eruption of 79 A.D., and decades ago was tracked by investigators to the apartment of Michael H. Steinhardt, a prominent New York venture capitalist and a major ancient art collector. In 2021, after investigators seized 180 stolen antiquities valued at $70 million from Mr. Steinhardt, he agreed to a lifetime ban on acquiring antiquities.
“The old laws only benefit bad guys,” he said. “The bad guys operate at the speed of bandwidth, and we have to do the same that’s why we operate outside the civil negotiating legal bureaucratic process.”
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646904428
Mr. Bogdanos said that under his watch, officials had executed 75 raids involving Italian antiquities and recovered some 500 artifacts valued at more than $55 million.
Also included in the returned pieces was a piece called “Bronze Bust of Man,” dating to the first century B.C., that Mr. Bogdanos said was seized from the collection of Shelby White, a philanthropist, Met trustee and board member. The Art Newspaper reported the seizure in December.
Now that they have been returned to Italy, several of the artifacts will join other repatriated works in an exhibit at a new museum dedicated to recovered art that opened in Rome last summer.
Then they will be relocated to museums near the ancient sites they are believed to have been looted from, “because their identity is linked to that of their community,” said Gen. Vincenzo Molinese, the head of the Italy’s carabinieri art theft squad.
Fonte / source:
--- The New York Times (24/01/2023).
www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/world/europe/italy-art-stolen-...
Fonte / source:
--- Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twitter (23/01/2023).
twitter.com/AmbasciataUSA/status/1617577396911362048
--- Gennaro Sangiuliano / Twitter (23/01/2023).
twitter.com/g_sangiuliano/status/1617808085283926018
Foto: ROMA / ITALIA – Restituiti all’Italia 60 opere d’arte e reperti archeologici trafugati: valgono 20 milioni / foto: 1 di 32; in: Sky Tg24 (23/01/2023).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646686289
2). ROMA / ITALIA - Restituiti all'Italia 60 opere d'arte e reperti archeologici trafugati: valgono 20 milioni / foto: 1 di 32; in: Sky Tg24 (23/01/2023).
Hanno una datazione compresa tra il settimo e il primo secolo dopo Cristo, erano stati rubati da trafficanti internazionali e sono stati recuperati negli Stati Uniti grazie a un'operazione congiunta tra i Carabinieri per la Tutela del patrimonio culturale e il New York County District attorney's office. Tra le opere rimpatriate, l'affresco pompeiano 'Ercole fanciullo con serpente' del I secocolo d.C.
Fonte / source:
--- Sky Tg24 (23/01/2023).
tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2023/01/23/opere-arte-reperti-archeol...
Foto: Senatrice & Archeologa Margherita Corrado / FB (11/08/2022); s.v., Foto: “Petrolio Ladri di bellezza”; in: RAI 1 HD (08/12/2018).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52280154054
3). RARA 2022. ITALIA / USA – Aggiornare: ‘Petrolio – Ladri di bellezza 2018/2022’; Gli studiosi italiani: “Musei negli USA – Restituisci quello che hai rubato!”; in: RAI 1 HD / VIDEO (2018) & Senatrice & Archeologa Margherita Corrado / Fb (08/2022) = “Il Getty Museum di Los Angeles restituirà all’Italia un antico gruppo scultoreo”; in: ARTRIBUNE & LOS ANGELES TIMES, USA (11/08/2022) [Italiano & English]. wp.me/pbMWvy-337
Steampunk Star Wars. Footage taken at MCM Birmingham Comic Con, November, 2019.
Please ask permission, before posting elsewhere.
I have uploaded here, as YouTube have turned their backs on independent filmakers and now actively seek to punish/quash anything not compliant with their ridiculous draconian rules.
Mordecai Johnson was the president of Howard University in Washington, D.C. from 1926-1960, recruiting top quality faculty and turning the school into the pre-eminent African American university in the country. He is shown here in a photograph circa 1930.
After completing the elementary grades, Johnson left Paris, Tennessee to attend Roger Williams University in Nashville. Upon graduating from Atlanta Baptist College (later Morehouse College) in 1911, his oratorical ability won him critical acclaim. In 1922 Johnson delivered a commencement speech during his graduation from Harvard University Divinity School, titled “The Faith of the American Negro.” He also received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary Atlanta, Georgia.
On June 26, 1926, at the age of thirty-six, Johnson was unanimously elected the eleventh president of Howard University in Washington, D.C., becoming the first African American to serve as the permanent head of that institution. Prior to his appointment, Johnson had served as professor of economics and history at Morehouse. He had also served earlier as pastor of the First Baptist Church in Charleston, West Virginia.
During his tenure at Howard, Johnson appointed a number of people who became prominent scholars including Alain Locke, Ralph Bunche, Charles Drew, Percy Julian, Sterling Brown and Charles Hamilton Houston.
When Houston was appointed dean of the Howard University Law School he began producing a generation of great civil rights lawyers, including future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Houston himself was the architect of the strategy that dismantled the Jim Crow laws and laid the groundwork for the famous Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 by the United States Supreme Court.
Johnson was committed to the civil rights struggle, but was conflicted internally in how best Howard could serve that end.
In 1931 he was accused of being a communist and some trustees threatened to fire him. In 1933, he came under attack from southern Democratic members of Congress also for being a communist who threatened to cut off Howard’s federal funding.
Johnson weathered the storm, but he made the decision then to place the well being of the institution above any individual fight.
In 1934 when 30 Howard students challenged Jim Crow at the U.S. Capitol restaurants during the first organized ongoing sit-ins in the city, Johnson brought them before the faculty disciplinary committee for expulsion or suspension.
The committee chair Ralph Bunche prevailed in his recommendation of no discipline, but student activism at that time was quashed.
Similarly, a 1943-44 campaign by Howard students to end Jim Crow at Washington, D.C. restaurants using the sit-in tactic was halted by Johnson just as it appeared on the verge of victory.
Johnson dramatically expanded the campus with no buildings and increased enrollment from 2,000 in 1926 to 10,000 when he retired in 1960.
In Johnson’s last year, Howard students seized on the Greensboro, N.C. sit-in to stage their own desegregation sit-ins in the Washington, D.C. suburbs of Arlington, Va. and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland.
For a detailed blog post on the fight against Jim Crow at the U.S. Capitol’s restaurants, see washingtonspark.wordpress.com/2018/02/26/origins-of-the-c...
For related images, see flic.kr/s/aHsmcArGZz
Photo by Addison Scurlock. The image is a Scurlock Studio photograph courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History: Archives Center.
Sorry about the title but a rumour was going around today that Qantas was to change it's iconic logo to that of a koala. But a freshly new painted 747 landed into Sydney airport last night to quash that rumour as it was carrying a new revised (and FATTER) kangaroo on the side in the familiar red and white.
This shot above was taken at Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo which I believe is fast becoming a new icon for Australia in itself and is a MUST DO for any visitor to this island continent.
Oh... and for the record... I am glad Qantas kept to the logo they've been using since 1984.
Thanks to petroleum jelly, helping this poor little puddy tat was a painless and quick escape from this tin of empty cat food.
Please remember to quash all tins before putting them in the garbage/rubbish/refuse, and to dispose of the ends safely - they are an accident waiting to happen
I pushed the petroleum jelly down into the crevace between the cat and the can from both inside and outside of the tin. From the inside I worked the jelly with a blunt knife as far as I could, and from the outside I used my index finger to wiggle in as much of it as I could.
The poor cat couldn't make a sound or attempt to bite me because his jaws were stuck !!! His claws, and the rest of his body were wrapped up in two thick towels so as that I could grip him.
It's a sorry sight to see a cat with it's head immersed in a tin leaping wildly into the air without a clue where or why it is going in any direction.
As soon as I rugby tackled the tinned cat, my housekeeper came to the resue with a tin opener to remove the bottom of the tin so as that the cat did not suffocate. I don' t know how long the cat had been stuck, but it wouldn't have lasted long until it did suffocate.
Look what my dear friend WYLKAT found:
www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22857512-501...
An injured Palestinian prisoner reaches for help after being trapped in the rubble of the central security headquarters and prison, known as the Saraya, after it was hit in an Israeli missile strike, in Gaza City, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. Some 280 Palestinians have been killed and 600 people wounded since Israel's campaign to quash rocket barrages from Gaza began midday Saturday, a Gaza health official said. Most of the dead were Hamas police.
Wanda Dobberstein, IOE Undergraduate Advisor, greets a prospective IOE student at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
Now a popular Bieber sighting location, the canyon has a long celebrity history.
From the LA Times:
In 1919, Carman Runyon, a wealthy coal merchant from the East Coast, bought the canyon for a riding and hunting retreat.
With his salary from the 1929 talkie "Song O' My Heart," famed Irish tenor John McCormack bought the canyon from Runyon, built a mansion he dubbed San Patrizio (St. Patrick with a pinch of Mediterranean spice) and added gardens, a reservoir, a pool and tennis courts.
In 1942, George Huntington Hartford II, heir to the A & P Grocery fortune, purchased the estate and renamed it "The Pines." He enlisted Frank Lloyd Wright and his son Lloyd Wright to design a hotel and country club but the project was quashed by neighborhood opposition.
Lloyd Wright succeeded in building a pool house and a few studio apartments for the Huntington Hartford Foundation colony for artists, writers and composers.
Errol Flynn resided in Hartford's pool house in 1957 and '58 after forfeiting his Mulholland Drive home for back alimony, which accounts for the popular legend that the canyon was Flynn's estate.
Mayor Sam Yorty refused to accept the canyon as a gift from Hartford in 1963 and in 1972, a fire ravaged the canyon leaving only stone foundations and dirt access roads.
Fujica ST705w 35mm SLR on expired Fuji Neopan SS 100 film.
Myanmar Muslims living in Malaysia shouted against the killing of Muslims in Myanmar during a protest in Kuala Lumpur March 25, 2013. Protested sectarian clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in Meikhtila Myanmar’s heartland villages, undermining government efforts to quash the violence that has killed dozens of people and displaced thousands of Burmese. Photo by Samsul Said
Parkside Road, Hillsborough, Sheffield.
The Sheffield Memorial to the Hillsborough Disaster of 15th April 1989.
On 19 December 2012 the original 'accidental death' verdicts were quashed in the High Court.
On 26 April 2016 a jury found 96 Liverpool fans who were crushed to death in the Hillsborough stadium tragedy were 'unlawfully killed'.
1948 Progressive Party presidential candidate Henry A. Wallace is shown while Secretary of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. in 1939.
Wallace served as the head of the agriculture department from 1933-41 where he earned a reputation as an advocate on behalf of African Americans and of federal intervention on behalf of the poor.
President Franklin Roosevelt nominated him for vice-president at the 1940 Democratic Convention and southern and conservative Democrats rebelled. The rebellion was quashed after Roosevelt threatened to quit the race if the delegates did not accept Wallace.
During his term as vice president during World War II from 1941-45, he remained a fervent “New Deal” Democrat and advocated a cooperative relationship with the Soviet Union after the war. This position further inflamed the conservative wing of the party.
During the 1944 Democratic Convention, the conservatives were able to nominate Harry Truman for vice president under Roosevelt. Roosevelt kept Wallace on as Secretary of Commerce, but the longest serving President died three months after he took office in 1945 and Truman took over the office.
Wallace served as the head of Commerce until September 1946 when he was fired by Truman over disputes about relations with the Soviet Union.
Wallace decided to run for President in the 1948 elections on the Progressive Party ticket and campaigned with Idaho Sen. Glen Taylor as his vice presidential candidate. When he announced, observers believed he could win at least several states, possibly throwing the election into the U.S. House of Representatives.
He ran on a platform favoring labor, civil rights, universal health care and peaceful relations with the Soviet Union. He notably refused to appear in segregated halls and appeared side-by-side with African American candidates of the party.
Truman’s advisor Clark Clifford ran a campaign of “dirty tricks” designed to undercut Wallace’s support—mainly by painting him as bumbling tool of the communists. The effort succeeded and whether Clifford personally organized them or not, Wallace was greeted by pickets, eggs and tomatoes at many campaign appearances, particularly in the south.
When the election came, Wallace received about 1.2 million votes, finishing fourth behind segregationist Strom Thurmond and didn’t win a single state. Truman defeated Thomas Dewey largely by marginalizing the Wallace vote.
In 1950, Wallace broke with earlier positions and came out in favor of U.S. intervention in Korea. He later amended his earlier positions on the Soviet Union saying he had been duped and became an anti-communist.
For an article on a local Washington, D.C. incident of suppression of the Progressive Party campaign, see washingtonspark.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/dc-police-raid-1...
For more images related to the Washington, D.C. incident, see flic.kr/s/aHsjEfcJey
Photo by Harris & Ewing. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction number LC-DIG-hec-26883 (digital file from original negative)
Old Fisherman's Grotto - This is what I had for lunch. Sea Bass topped with a pan fried crab cake served with fresh vegetables including mango, bok choy, green beans, green onions, tomato, lemon & carrot. Also served with a side of butter squash au gratin. It was also very good. I think the sauce was a bernaise sauce. The people sitting next to us kept looking at my dish, hoping I'd offer a bite. All mine!
I came across Dhananjay Nenes blog post" Free to Blog but Accountable You Are "
while I was posting an article from Flickr to Indiblogger , though there is no love lost between me and Renie of Indiblogger , Renie firmly believes Flickr is not a blog site..he refuses to acknowledge my Flickr link..on his site.
Well I digress I saw Dhananjays article on the recent libel for blog content issue, I sought his permission to copy his post which he consented..I share it with all of you...
dhananjay.nene.in/2009/02/free-to-blog-but-accountable-yo...
Free to blog but accountable you are. The Supreme Court of India weighs in on blogging and online expression.
By Dhananjay Nene ⋅ February 25, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment
Yesterday, the Supreme Court of India in an important ruling refused to shield a 19 year old blogger from a responsibility to face the charges in a different state than the one of his residence. A few important implications stem from this which should be noted.
One important aspect which is perhaps easy to lose sight of in this debate is that the Supreme Court did not weigh in on the guilt or lack of it in this case, but on the fact that the person could not shy away from the responsibility to face the charges in a court. What should also be noted is that the underlying case is a criminal case and not for civil liability or libel, and seems to stem from an alleged death threat that was issued in the forum as per this article from The Telegraph.
The implications are relevant to bloggers, site maintainers, forum administrators, group moderators and perhaps even small commercial internet services dealing in opinions and expressions flow. In interest of brevity I use the word blogger below to be freely substitutable by any of these.
Note: I am not a lawyer and this is not a legal opinion, it is an expression of my personal understanding.
Is a blogger accountable for the online content including those made by others on the site ?
The Hindu offered a brief summary of the underlying issue in the case as follows.
Ajith D, a Kerala-based computer student had approached the apex court for quashing of the criminal case registered against him at Thane Police Station for allegedly hurting public sentiment by starting an online community in Orkut with an intention to launch an anti-Shiva Sena campaign.
I think this verdict does go to some extent towards suggesting that he does though I am not sure if it is a blanket conclusion one can draw at this stage. The court in its comments said :
You should not have indulged in such activity. You are a student of IT. You are doing something on internet and you should know about it.
This is a clear and unambiguous message which suggests that the constitutional rights do not cover a netizen from a responsibility to face any charges that may crop up as a result of any of his / her online expressions or facilitation of other’s online expressions. In this case many of the offensive comments were made by anonymous contributors and not by defendant himself. Thus such a person cannot shy away from having to face charges and defend himself even when the vehicle of expression he provides is used by others to express themselves.
Thats like holding the public transportation and public telephony organisations responsible since their offerings were used to conduct an activity that is now under criminal investigation. That obviously does not make sense. But allow me to introduce a hypothetical premise here. What if the public transportation and public telephony organisations used their discretion from time to time to decide who can use their services and who can’t, and what if they knew the the broad intentions of the user in using their services (either upfront or post facto). Would they now have a responsibility in this case ? That does make the situation a bit cloudy.
The equivalent situation in this case is when an online forum / site / group / blog is moderated. I am also going to assume for a moment (since I don’t know the facts) that the said orkut group allowed the group maintainer to moderate the content and the group maintainer might have used his privileges to say knock off spam on the group. This would imply that all expressions are not automatic and hence there is perhaps a case for the court to have made the moderator responsible to face charges for all the content in the group. However I would find it a little surprising if the group maintainer did not have any privileges to moderate the content or exercise his right to do so.
Should the blogger be required to face charges in any jurisdiction ?
While terribly inconvenient and perhaps with a lot of nuisance potential, the court opined very very clearly.
If a case is filed in a foreign country go and face it. You should know what you are doing on internet.
This is going to be really an issue for a lot of bloggers. In traditional (non internet) offerings, the service provider often has some kind of presence in the places where his services are consumed. Not so in the case of internet. You can reach the world without leaving your house. Also traditional service provision, requires some infrastructure or facilities investment or leasing, not so in case of blogging. The blogger often may have limited access to resources, may often have no revenues whatsoever. Yet he could be made responsible to defend himself in the furthest corners of the world. So herein lies the issue - Given the potential minimal resources and perhaps no revenue at his disposal, the blogger may have to face charges from any corner of the globe. The resultant investment in time and money alone may now seem like a punishment even if the blogger was to be eventually successful in defending himself in a court.
While the internet has delivered asymmetric capabilities to the blogger (maximum reach at minimum cost), the legal infrastructure has placed him at the receiving end of that asymmetry (maximum potential costs of defending himself while working off minimal / zero revenues). There is something clearly uncomfortable about this but I am not sure whats the right solution.
An interesting angle that will need to be looked at here is also the implication for internet based individual or small company commercial services (which often operate on a rather shoestring budget and headcount). Would this opinion lead to a negative business climate for such offerings ? Coule it be detrimental to their offerings, since often the primary commodity they deal in is information, precisely the currency whose use could expose them to (threats of) legal action.
I do think this is an issue which will perhaps need a different resolution in times to come. And especially since the Supreme Court has already weighed in on the issue, it might be the time for legislature to take a look at its implications especially by considering its implications on the business climate of small internet services as well.
Is this an attack on freedom of expression ?
In this case the charges are criminal in nature and seem to be stemming off a death threat. These expressions if made orally would’ve made the person who made such an expression equally inconvenienced, and I cannot imagine why online expression should be granted any more freedom or privileges than oral expressions. If at all, online expressions because of their reach and ability to persist, need to have more accountability. So confusing this with freedom of expression and speech is just being plain facetious. So in my opinion the answer is NO.
However the case does raise interesting possibilities about non threatening or non criminal charges. How would the Supreme Court opine in such a situation. Well we wouldn’t know until such a case reached them, but let us for a moment assume that the opinion continued to be similar. Even in such a hypothetical situation, I believe it would still not impinge on freedom of expression. All that the court has said is that one cannot escape from being accountable for expressions and thus present themselves to defend themselves. Thats perfectly reasonable. However it could indirectly hurt freedom of expression due to the burden it places in terms of defense. Defending oneself in a remote state can be an act of punishment itself which could dilute the very strengths the constitutional rights sought to promote. That part does worry me.
So what can be done about it ?
For starters I think the legislature while continuing to make people accountable for their expressions should pursue mechanisms by which the cost of implementing such accountability could be reduced. How that could be done is beyond my capabilities and understanding of the legal system. Moreover the judiciary could in the cases it handles, continue to be very proactive in ensuring that the freedom of expression is strongly defended in the cases that come to it for redressal. It should also figure out a way to deal strongly and with penalties on any frivolous use of force to clamp down on expression.
Update : I am surprised with myself for having forgot this recent tweet of mine (post the NDTV / Chaitanya kunte episode). Quite simply it says :
Right to express is inalienable from accountability of expression. Civil liberties are strengthened by responsible civility
The House
Restoration House as we see it today is the amalgamation of two medieval buildings which were combined in the late 16th or early 17th century to create a mansion house just outside the south east corner of the city wall of Rochester. It was neither a town house nor a country seat but shared features of both, not least being the political seat of its creator and first owner Henry Clerke. Henry Clerke and his son Francis, both ambitious lawyers, were both elected several times as Royalist members of Parliament for Rochester.
The Civil War during the 1640’s led to this property, which was central to their political effectiveness, being sequestered and occupied by Colonel Gibbon, Cromwell’s commander in the South East. However with the death of Cromwell in 1658 and the weakness of his son, Royalist forces began plotting to restore the deposed King’s son, Charles Stuart, exiled in France and Holland, back onto the throne.
From early 1660 plans were advancing and Rochester being the only crossing of the Medway on the road from Dover to London was a strategic consideration, more so with a large part of the nation’s fleet, much expanded under Cromwell, being moored at Chatham Dockyard nearby.
The mansion in the ownership of Royalist Francis Clerke and presumably with the cooperation of Colonel Gibbon, was fitted up to receive the young Charles and to act as his overnight base in Rochester, an important stage on his progress to London. With Charles were his two younger brothers the Dukes of York and Gloucester.
Over the past ten years the present owners of Restoration House have uncovered various parts of the decorative scheme which they believe were “run up” for the occasion. These provide fascinating examples of fashionable mid-17th century Continental taste seen through provincial eyes at a time when such innovations had been quashed by Cromwell. Thus the use of ‘French Grey’ paint, of paint effect ‘marbling’ and ‘japanning’, of the opening up of rooms through ‘French doors’ cut into earlier partitions were not only introduced for Charles’ reception but have miraculously survived under later layers to be now once more revealed.
File name: 06_10_021087
Title: "Rest Haven" for the aged, 1224 Quash Street -- Hampton, Virginia, United Order of Tents
Created/Published: Tichnor Quality Views, Reg. U. S. Pat. Off. Made Only by Tichnor Bros., Inc., Boston, Mass.
Date issued: 1930 - 1945 (approximate)
Physical description: 1 print (postcard) : linen texture, color ; 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.
Genre: Postcards
Subject: Commercial facilities
Notes: Title from item.
Collection: The Tichnor Brothers Collection
Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department
Rights: No known restrictions
Corinne Beemer, CoE First-Year Student, speaks with Kelly Ogiesoba, Electrical Engineering BSE Student, about the Engineering Global Leadership - Honors Program at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
Absolutely my favourite new Matchbox casting of 2020 and typically it never made it to the UK in single form so my usual duplicate buying of this gorgeous 1971 MGB GT was quashed big time! Happily it does now feature in a nine pack which recently turned up at Tesco.
Predictably my custom skills don't stretch to replicate 1970's Polyurethane bumpers so a black Sharpie had to do instead. I know these often derided "rubber bumpers" aren't accurate for a 1971 MGB but controversially I actually prefer them to the chrome ones! Mint and boxed.
Some of you may have noticed that, unfortunately, owing to the fact that a certain person who sells truck photos on eBay commercially has been lifting my images from this album and selling them I have had to remove 2300 photos that didn't have a watermark. I have now run around 1700 through Lightroom and added a watermark with the intention of bulk uploading them again. Rather than watermark the existing (hidden) files in Flickr one at a time it will be easier to do it this way. I definitely won’t be adding individual tags with the make and model of each vehicle I will just add generic transport tags. Each photo is named after the vehicle and reg in any case. For anyone new to these images there is a chapter and verse explanation below. It is staggering how many times I get asked questions that a quick scan would answer or just as likely I can’t possibly answer – I didn’t take them, but, just to clarify-I do own the copyright- and I do pursue copyright theft.
This is a collection of scanned prints from a collection of photographs taken by the late Jim Taylor A number of years ago I was offered a large number of photographs taken by Jim Taylor, a transport photographer based in Huddersfield. The collection, 30,000 prints, 20,000 negatives – and copyright! – had been offered to me and one of the national transport magazines previously by a friend of Jim's, on behalf of Jim's wife. I initially turned them down, already having over 30,000 of my own prints filed away and taking space up. Several months later the prints were still for sale – at what was, apparently, the going rate. It was a lot of money and I deliberated for quite a while before deciding to buy them. I did however buy them directly from Jim’s wife and she delivered them personally – just to quash the occasional rumour from people who can’t mind their own business. Although some prints were sold elsewhere, particularly the popular big fleet stuff, I should have the negatives, unfortunately they came to me in a random mix, 1200 to a box, without any sort of indexing and as such it would be impossible to match negatives to prints, or, to even find a print of any particular vehicle. I have only ever looked at a handful myself unless I am scanning them. The prints are generally in excellent condition and I initially stored them in a bedroom without ever looking at any of them. In 2006 I built an extension and they had to be well protected from dust and moved a few times. Ultimately my former 6x7 box room office has become their (and my own work’s) permanent home.
I hope to avoid posting images that Jim had not taken his self, however should I inadvertently infringe another photographers copyright, please inform me by email and I will resolve the issue immediately. There are copyright issues with some of the photographs that were sold to me. A Flickr member from Scotland drew my attention to some of his own work amongst the first uploads of Jim’s work. I had a quick look through some of the 30 boxes of prints and decided that for the time being the safest thing for me to do was withdraw the majority of the earlier uploaded scans and deal with the problem – which I did. whilst the vast majority of the prints are Jims, there is a problem defining copyright of some of them, this is something that the seller did not make clear at the time. I am reasonably confident that I have since been successful in identifying Jims own work. His early work consists of many thousands of lustre 6x4 prints which are difficult to scan well, later work is almost entirely 7x5 glossy, much easier to scan. Not all of the prints are pin sharp but I can generally print successfully to A4 from a scan.
You may notice photographs being duplicated in this Album, unfortunately there are multiple copies of many prints (for swapping) and as I have to have a system of archiving and backing up I can only guess - using memory - if I have scanned a print before. The bigger fleets have so many similar vehicles and registration numbers that it is impossible to get it right all of the time. It is easier to scan and process a print than check my files - on three different PC’s - for duplicates. There has not been, nor will there ever be, any intention to knowingly breach anyone else's copyright. I have presented the Jim Taylor collection as exactly that-The Jim Taylor Collection- his work not mine, my own work is quite obviously mine.
Unfortunately, many truck spotters have swapped and traded their work without copyright marking it as theirs. These people never anticipated the ease with which images would be shared online in the future. I would guess that having swapped and traded photos for many years that it is almost impossible to control their future use. Anyone wanting to control the future use of their work would have been well advised to copyright mark their work (as many did) and would be well advised not to post them on photo sharing sites without a watermark as the whole point of these sites is to share the image, it is very easy for those that wish, to lift any image, despite security settings, indeed, Flickr itself, warns you that this is the case. It was this abuse and theft of my material that led me to watermark all of my later uploads. I may yet withdraw non-watermarked photos, I haven’t decided yet. (I did in the end)
To anyone reading the above it will be quite obvious that I can’t provide information regarding specific photos or potential future uploads – I didn’t take them! There are many vehicles that were well known to me as Jim only lived down the road from me (although I didn’t know him), however scanning, titling, tagging and uploading is laborious and time consuming enough, I do however provide a fair amount of information with my own transport (and other) photos. I am aware that there are requests from other Flickr users that are unanswered, I stumble across them months or years after they were posted, this isn’t deliberate. Some weekends one or two “enthusiasts” can add many hundreds of photos as favourites, this pushes requests that are in the comments section ten or twenty pages out of sight and I miss them. I also have notifications switched off, I receive around 50 emails a day through work and I don’t want even more from Flickr. Other requests, like many other things, I just plain forget – no excuses! Uploads of Jim’s photos will be infrequent as it is a boring pastime and I would much rather work on my own output.
Groove, a high energy percussion student group, performs at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
Neil Syal, ME BSE Student, rushes to hug Kelly Ogiesoba, EE BSE Student, at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
Some of you may have noticed that, unfortunately, owing to the fact that a certain person who sells truck photos on eBay commercially has been lifting my images from this album and selling them I have had to remove 2300 photos that didn't have a watermark. I have now run around 1700 through Lightroom and added a watermark with the intention of bulk uploading them again. Rather than watermark the existing (hidden) files in Flickr one at a time it will be easier to do it this way. I definitely won’t be adding individual tags with the make and model of each vehicle I will just add generic transport tags. Each photo is named after the vehicle and reg in any case. For anyone new to these images there is a chapter and verse explanation below. It is staggering how many times I get asked questions that a quick scan would answer or just as likely I can’t possibly answer – I didn’t take them, but, just to clarify-I do own the copyright- and I do pursue copyright theft.
This is a collection of scanned prints from a collection of photographs taken by the late Jim Taylor A number of years ago I was offered a large number of photographs taken by Jim Taylor, a transport photographer based in Huddersfield. The collection, 30,000 prints, 20,000 negatives – and copyright! – had been offered to me and one of the national transport magazines previously by a friend of Jim's, on behalf of Jim's wife. I initially turned them down, already having over 30,000 of my own prints filed away and taking space up. Several months later the prints were still for sale – at what was, apparently, the going rate. It was a lot of money and I deliberated for quite a while before deciding to buy them. I did however buy them directly from Jim’s wife and she delivered them personally – just to quash the occasional rumour from people who can’t mind their own business. Although some prints were sold elsewhere, particularly the popular big fleet stuff, I should have the negatives, unfortunately they came to me in a random mix, 1200 to a box, without any sort of indexing and as such it would be impossible to match negatives to prints, or, to even find a print of any particular vehicle. I have only ever looked at a handful myself unless I am scanning them. The prints are generally in excellent condition and I initially stored them in a bedroom without ever looking at any of them. In 2006 I built an extension and they had to be well protected from dust and moved a few times. Ultimately my former 6x7 box room office has become their (and my own work’s) permanent home.
I hope to avoid posting images that Jim had not taken his self, however should I inadvertently infringe another photographers copyright, please inform me by email and I will resolve the issue immediately. There are copyright issues with some of the photographs that were sold to me. A Flickr member from Scotland drew my attention to some of his own work amongst the first uploads of Jim’s work. I had a quick look through some of the 30 boxes of prints and decided that for the time being the safest thing for me to do was withdraw the majority of the earlier uploaded scans and deal with the problem – which I did. whilst the vast majority of the prints are Jims, there is a problem defining copyright of some of them, this is something that the seller did not make clear at the time. I am reasonably confident that I have since been successful in identifying Jims own work. His early work consists of many thousands of lustre 6x4 prints which are difficult to scan well, later work is almost entirely 7x5 glossy, much easier to scan. Not all of the prints are pin sharp but I can generally print successfully to A4 from a scan.
You may notice photographs being duplicated in this Album, unfortunately there are multiple copies of many prints (for swapping) and as I have to have a system of archiving and backing up I can only guess - using memory - if I have scanned a print before. The bigger fleets have so many similar vehicles and registration numbers that it is impossible to get it right all of the time. It is easier to scan and process a print than check my files - on three different PC’s - for duplicates. There has not been, nor will there ever be, any intention to knowingly breach anyone else's copyright. I have presented the Jim Taylor collection as exactly that-The Jim Taylor Collection- his work not mine, my own work is quite obviously mine.
Unfortunately, many truck spotters have swapped and traded their work without copyright marking it as theirs. These people never anticipated the ease with which images would be shared online in the future. I would guess that having swapped and traded photos for many years that it is almost impossible to control their future use. Anyone wanting to control the future use of their work would have been well advised to copyright mark their work (as many did) and would be well advised not to post them on photo sharing sites without a watermark as the whole point of these sites is to share the image, it is very easy for those that wish, to lift any image, despite security settings, indeed, Flickr itself, warns you that this is the case. It was this abuse and theft of my material that led me to watermark all of my later uploads. I may yet withdraw non-watermarked photos, I haven’t decided yet. (I did in the end)
To anyone reading the above it will be quite obvious that I can’t provide information regarding specific photos or potential future uploads – I didn’t take them! There are many vehicles that were well known to me as Jim only lived down the road from me (although I didn’t know him), however scanning, titling, tagging and uploading is laborious and time consuming enough, I do however provide a fair amount of information with my own transport (and other) photos. I am aware that there are requests from other Flickr users that are unanswered, I stumble across them months or years after they were posted, this isn’t deliberate. Some weekends one or two “enthusiasts” can add many hundreds of photos as favourites, this pushes requests that are in the comments section ten or twenty pages out of sight and I miss them. I also have notifications switched off, I receive around 50 emails a day through work and I don’t want even more from Flickr. Other requests, like many other things, I just plain forget – no excuses! Uploads of Jim’s photos will be infrequent as it is a boring pastime and I would much rather work on my own output.
Vinny Sheu, LS&A Student, leads Groove, a high energy percussion student group, in performance at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
Some of you may have noticed that, unfortunately, owing to the fact that a certain person who sells truck photos on eBay commercially has been lifting my images from this album and selling them I have had to remove 2300 photos that didn't have a watermark. I have now run around 1700 through Lightroom and added a watermark with the intention of bulk uploading them again. Rather than watermark the existing (hidden) files in Flickr one at a time it will be easier to do it this way. I definitely won’t be adding individual tags with the make and model of each vehicle I will just add generic transport tags. Each photo is named after the vehicle and reg in any case. For anyone new to these images there is a chapter and verse explanation below. It is staggering how many times I get asked questions that a quick scan would answer or just as likely I can’t possibly answer – I didn’t take them, but, just to clarify-I do own the copyright- and I do pursue copyright theft.
This is a collection of scanned prints from a collection of photographs taken by the late Jim Taylor A number of years ago I was offered a large number of photographs taken by Jim Taylor, a transport photographer based in Huddersfield. The collection, 30,000 prints, 20,000 negatives – and copyright! – had been offered to me and one of the national transport magazines previously by a friend of Jim's, on behalf of Jim's wife. I initially turned them down, already having over 30,000 of my own prints filed away and taking space up. Several months later the prints were still for sale – at what was, apparently, the going rate. It was a lot of money and I deliberated for quite a while before deciding to buy them. I did however buy them directly from Jim’s wife and she delivered them personally – just to quash the occasional rumour from people who can’t mind their own business. Although some prints were sold elsewhere, particularly the popular big fleet stuff, I should have the negatives, unfortunately they came to me in a random mix, 1200 to a box, without any sort of indexing and as such it would be impossible to match negatives to prints, or, to even find a print of any particular vehicle. I have only ever looked at a handful myself unless I am scanning them. The prints are generally in excellent condition and I initially stored them in a bedroom without ever looking at any of them. In 2006 I built an extension and they had to be well protected from dust and moved a few times. Ultimately my former 6x7 box room office has become their (and my own work’s) permanent home.
I hope to avoid posting images that Jim had not taken his self, however should I inadvertently infringe another photographers copyright, please inform me by email and I will resolve the issue immediately. There are copyright issues with some of the photographs that were sold to me. A Flickr member from Scotland drew my attention to some of his own work amongst the first uploads of Jim’s work. I had a quick look through some of the 30 boxes of prints and decided that for the time being the safest thing for me to do was withdraw the majority of the earlier uploaded scans and deal with the problem – which I did. whilst the vast majority of the prints are Jims, there is a problem defining copyright of some of them, this is something that the seller did not make clear at the time. I am reasonably confident that I have since been successful in identifying Jims own work. His early work consists of many thousands of lustre 6x4 prints which are difficult to scan well, later work is almost entirely 7x5 glossy, much easier to scan. Not all of the prints are pin sharp but I can generally print successfully to A4 from a scan.
You may notice photographs being duplicated in this Album, unfortunately there are multiple copies of many prints (for swapping) and as I have to have a system of archiving and backing up I can only guess - using memory - if I have scanned a print before. The bigger fleets have so many similar vehicles and registration numbers that it is impossible to get it right all of the time. It is easier to scan and process a print than check my files - on three different PC’s - for duplicates. There has not been, nor will there ever be, any intention to knowingly breach anyone else's copyright. I have presented the Jim Taylor collection as exactly that-The Jim Taylor Collection- his work not mine, my own work is quite obviously mine.
Unfortunately, many truck spotters have swapped and traded their work without copyright marking it as theirs. These people never anticipated the ease with which images would be shared online in the future. I would guess that having swapped and traded photos for many years that it is almost impossible to control their future use. Anyone wanting to control the future use of their work would have been well advised to copyright mark their work (as many did) and would be well advised not to post them on photo sharing sites without a watermark as the whole point of these sites is to share the image, it is very easy for those that wish, to lift any image, despite security settings, indeed, Flickr itself, warns you that this is the case. It was this abuse and theft of my material that led me to watermark all of my later uploads. I may yet withdraw non-watermarked photos, I haven’t decided yet. (I did in the end)
To anyone reading the above it will be quite obvious that I can’t provide information regarding specific photos or potential future uploads – I didn’t take them! There are many vehicles that were well known to me as Jim only lived down the road from me (although I didn’t know him), however scanning, titling, tagging and uploading is laborious and time consuming enough, I do however provide a fair amount of information with my own transport (and other) photos. I am aware that there are requests from other Flickr users that are unanswered, I stumble across them months or years after they were posted, this isn’t deliberate. Some weekends one or two “enthusiasts” can add many hundreds of photos as favourites, this pushes requests that are in the comments section ten or twenty pages out of sight and I miss them. I also have notifications switched off, I receive around 50 emails a day through work and I don’t want even more from Flickr. Other requests, like many other things, I just plain forget – no excuses! Uploads of Jim’s photos will be infrequent as it is a boring pastime and I would much rather work on my own output.
Holt 2008, 300 pages, index, notes, ISBN 978-0-8050-9087-1, trade paperback
An important addition to the literature of the Vietnam War, this analysis examines the man who was the president’s national security advisor from 1961 to 1966. For three decades afterward, Goldstein relates, McGeorge Bundy declined to write a memoir about his role in the decisions that plunged America into that war, but he changed his mind when Robert McNamara published his mea culpa In Retrospect (1995). Unfortunately, Bundy died before the project made much progress; posthumously, Goldstein pulled together a manuscript, but, he reports, Bundy’s widow quashed its publication and decreed its deposition in the archives of the JFK library. Therefore, this work does not derive from Bundy’s memoir; it is Goldstein’s negatively critical consideration of Bundy’s role on Vietnam. Flavored with anecdotes of Goldstein’s interactions with Bundy as his research assistant, the narrative conveys Bundy’s hawkish recommendations to JFK and LBJ, expresses Goldstein’s belief that the former would not have escalated the war as Johnson did, and hints that Bundy before his death might have been preparing a recantation on Vietnam. A vital volume for Vietnam War collections.
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was built by the pious Anglo-Catholic, Emily Charlotte Meynell Ingram (sister of Charles Wood, 2nd Viscount Halifax) in memory of Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram who died in May 1871. The architects were George Frederick Bodley and Thomas Garner. Work started in 1872 and the church dedication took place on 22 April 1876.[1] Further extension and additions took place until the church achieved its present form in 1906.
John Betjeman described the church as "the masterpiece of its late Victorian architect G.F. Bodley" and "great architecture; original, well massed, well sited, well detailed; very English"
From 2008, the Church received alternative episcopal oversight from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, as the parish does not accept the ordination of women to the priesthood or episcopate. This oversight was transferred in 2023 to the Bishop of Oswestry.
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Built of warm-toned sandstone, medieval St Michael's elegant spire is seen above the trees, in rolling wooded countryside, where the boundaries of four counties meet. Nearby are earthworks of former settlements, but now only a few scattered houses remain.
With late eighteenth-century box pews and other fittings, but with no major Victorian restoration, it is an uncommon survival of a medieval church where time has stood still. There are good bosses in the roof and a fine incised alabaster slab.
www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/st-michaels-c...
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Most of the fabric in the church dates from the 14th century. The tower was added in the 15th century, and the clerestory in the following century. More alterations were made in the following three centuries. The spire was rebuilt in 1889, and in 1911 a restoration was carried out by Christopher Spalding.[3] After it was declared redundant, the church was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust.
The church is constructed in local sandstone.[3] Its plan consists of a nave with a north aisle and a south porch, a chancel, and a west tower. The tower is in two stages. In the lower stage is a west Perpendicular window, and the upper stage contains a single-light bell opening on each side. The parapet is battlemented, and on top of the tower is a recessed spire. The nave has a plain parapet and its arched windows have been divided by central mullions. The five windows in the clerestory are square-headed, and are also divided into two lights by mullions. The north aisle has windows, some of which are blocked, and a doorway, also blocked, under a Tudor arch. The chancel has a battlemented parapet with pinnacles, and a Perpendicular five-light east window.
Between the nave and the north aisle is a three-bay arcade. In the wall of the aisle are the remnants of a tomb recess with pinnacles. The church is floored with square brick tiles. All the windows contain leaded lights.[1] The timber roof has bosses and carved grotesque figures.[4] The chancel arch appears to be made of stone, but it is in fact wooden and covered with stucco, giving it the appearance of stone.[3][4] The church contains a full set of 18th-century box pews, and a chancel rail with turned balusters from the same period. The font dates from about 1662.[1] The memorials include a carved alabaster grave slab to Richard Savage who died in 1489, and his wife, Agnes.[4] There is a brass tablet giving thanks for the fact that eleven men from the Parish went to the Great War of 1914 to 1918 and all eleven returned making Stretton en le Field one of the Thankful Villages.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Michael%27s_Church,_Stretton_en_...
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
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Built of warm-toned sandstone, medieval St Michael's elegant spire is seen above the trees, in rolling wooded countryside, where the boundaries of four counties meet. Nearby are earthworks of former settlements, but now only a few scattered houses remain.
With late eighteenth-century box pews and other fittings, but with no major Victorian restoration, it is an uncommon survival of a medieval church where time has stood still. There are good bosses in the roof and a fine incised alabaster slab.
www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/st-michaels-c...
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Most of the fabric in the church dates from the 14th century. The tower was added in the 15th century, and the clerestory in the following century. More alterations were made in the following three centuries. The spire was rebuilt in 1889, and in 1911 a restoration was carried out by Christopher Spalding.[3] After it was declared redundant, the church was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust.
The church is constructed in local sandstone.[3] Its plan consists of a nave with a north aisle and a south porch, a chancel, and a west tower. The tower is in two stages. In the lower stage is a west Perpendicular window, and the upper stage contains a single-light bell opening on each side. The parapet is battlemented, and on top of the tower is a recessed spire. The nave has a plain parapet and its arched windows have been divided by central mullions. The five windows in the clerestory are square-headed, and are also divided into two lights by mullions. The north aisle has windows, some of which are blocked, and a doorway, also blocked, under a Tudor arch. The chancel has a battlemented parapet with pinnacles, and a Perpendicular five-light east window.
Between the nave and the north aisle is a three-bay arcade. In the wall of the aisle are the remnants of a tomb recess with pinnacles. The church is floored with square brick tiles. All the windows contain leaded lights.[1] The timber roof has bosses and carved grotesque figures.[4] The chancel arch appears to be made of stone, but it is in fact wooden and covered with stucco, giving it the appearance of stone.[3][4] The church contains a full set of 18th-century box pews, and a chancel rail with turned balusters from the same period. The font dates from about 1662.[1] The memorials include a carved alabaster grave slab to Richard Savage who died in 1489, and his wife, Agnes.[4] There is a brass tablet giving thanks for the fact that eleven men from the Parish went to the Great War of 1914 to 1918 and all eleven returned making Stretton en le Field one of the Thankful Villages.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Michael%27s_Church,_Stretton_en_...
“4me4you” visits Lazarides Gallery showcasing Karim Zeriahen: “It’s Taken Me All of My Life to Find You”
Lazarides Gallery.>>” It's Taken Me All of My Life to Find You” breaks free from the confines of film, to which Zeriahen previously limited his artistic output. Instead the works in his debut exhibition utilise light, lines and shapes to show movement and emotion in a quest to uncover the creative impetus inside, a force the artist sees quashed by the commercial art world in an exchange for an admiration of the idolatry of branded individuals.
Portraits of five women side by side of different ages, backgrounds and origins displaying strength, originality and freedom. These muses - La Contessa Cristiana Brandolini d'Adda, Julia Peyton Jones, Cecilia Bengolea, Victoire de Pourtales, Marie Donnelly - are selected upon the artist's admiration for their lifetime achievement, both personally and professionally. Inspired by their individuality, Zeriahen highlights the leader inherent in each and everyone one of his viewers.
Some of you may have noticed that, unfortunately, owing to the fact that a certain person who sells truck photos on eBay commercially has been lifting my images from this album and selling them I have had to remove 2300 photos that didn't have a watermark. I have now run around 1700 through Lightroom and added a watermark with the intention of bulk uploading them again. Rather than watermark the existing (hidden) files in Flickr one at a time it will be easier to do it this way. I definitely won’t be adding individual tags with the make and model of each vehicle I will just add generic transport tags. Each photo is named after the vehicle and reg in any case. For anyone new to these images there is a chapter and verse explanation below. It is staggering how many times I get asked questions that a quick scan would answer or just as likely I can’t possibly answer – I didn’t take them, but, just to clarify-I do own the copyright- and I do pursue copyright theft.
This is a collection of scanned prints from a collection of photographs taken by the late Jim Taylor A number of years ago I was offered a large number of photographs taken by Jim Taylor, a transport photographer based in Huddersfield. The collection, 30,000 prints, 20,000 negatives – and copyright! – had been offered to me and one of the national transport magazines previously by a friend of Jim's, on behalf of Jim's wife. I initially turned them down, already having over 30,000 of my own prints filed away and taking space up. Several months later the prints were still for sale – at what was, apparently, the going rate. It was a lot of money and I deliberated for quite a while before deciding to buy them. I did however buy them directly from Jim’s wife and she delivered them personally – just to quash the occasional rumour from people who can’t mind their own business. Although some prints were sold elsewhere, particularly the popular big fleet stuff, I should have the negatives, unfortunately they came to me in a random mix, 1200 to a box, without any sort of indexing and as such it would be impossible to match negatives to prints, or, to even find a print of any particular vehicle. I have only ever looked at a handful myself unless I am scanning them. The prints are generally in excellent condition and I initially stored them in a bedroom without ever looking at any of them. In 2006 I built an extension and they had to be well protected from dust and moved a few times. Ultimately my former 6x7 box room office has become their (and my own work’s) permanent home.
I hope to avoid posting images that Jim had not taken his self, however should I inadvertently infringe another photographers copyright, please inform me by email and I will resolve the issue immediately. There are copyright issues with some of the photographs that were sold to me. A Flickr member from Scotland drew my attention to some of his own work amongst the first uploads of Jim’s work. I had a quick look through some of the 30 boxes of prints and decided that for the time being the safest thing for me to do was withdraw the majority of the earlier uploaded scans and deal with the problem – which I did. whilst the vast majority of the prints are Jims, there is a problem defining copyright of some of them, this is something that the seller did not make clear at the time. I am reasonably confident that I have since been successful in identifying Jims own work. His early work consists of many thousands of lustre 6x4 prints which are difficult to scan well, later work is almost entirely 7x5 glossy, much easier to scan. Not all of the prints are pin sharp but I can generally print successfully to A4 from a scan.
You may notice photographs being duplicated in this Album, unfortunately there are multiple copies of many prints (for swapping) and as I have to have a system of archiving and backing up I can only guess - using memory - if I have scanned a print before. The bigger fleets have so many similar vehicles and registration numbers that it is impossible to get it right all of the time. It is easier to scan and process a print than check my files - on three different PC’s - for duplicates. There has not been, nor will there ever be, any intention to knowingly breach anyone else's copyright. I have presented the Jim Taylor collection as exactly that-The Jim Taylor Collection- his work not mine, my own work is quite obviously mine.
Unfortunately, many truck spotters have swapped and traded their work without copyright marking it as theirs. These people never anticipated the ease with which images would be shared online in the future. I would guess that having swapped and traded photos for many years that it is almost impossible to control their future use. Anyone wanting to control the future use of their work would have been well advised to copyright mark their work (as many did) and would be well advised not to post them on photo sharing sites without a watermark as the whole point of these sites is to share the image, it is very easy for those that wish, to lift any image, despite security settings, indeed, Flickr itself, warns you that this is the case. It was this abuse and theft of my material that led me to watermark all of my later uploads. I may yet withdraw non-watermarked photos, I haven’t decided yet. (I did in the end)
To anyone reading the above it will be quite obvious that I can’t provide information regarding specific photos or potential future uploads – I didn’t take them! There are many vehicles that were well known to me as Jim only lived down the road from me (although I didn’t know him), however scanning, titling, tagging and uploading is laborious and time consuming enough, I do however provide a fair amount of information with my own transport (and other) photos. I am aware that there are requests from other Flickr users that are unanswered, I stumble across them months or years after they were posted, this isn’t deliberate. Some weekends one or two “enthusiasts” can add many hundreds of photos as favourites, this pushes requests that are in the comments section ten or twenty pages out of sight and I miss them. I also have notifications switched off, I receive around 50 emails a day through work and I don’t want even more from Flickr. Other requests, like many other things, I just plain forget – no excuses! Uploads of Jim’s photos will be infrequent as it is a boring pastime and I would much rather work on my own output.
Years ago in the deep south there was a law in writing that African Americans had to sit in the back seats of buses to segregate themselves from whites on December 1 1955 Rosa Parks found it demeaning to give her seat to a white person because of her colour,she was charged for breaking the law now this led to a boycott of the bus service in Alabama she initiated the Civil Right Movement in the United States and on November 16 1956 the supreme court ruled that the law segregating African Americans from whites on buses was unconstitutional and the ruling was quashed.
Interim University Director for the CUNY Black Male Initiative, Jonathan Quash, speaking at the seventeenth (CUNY) Annual Black Male Initiative (BMI) Conference at Citifield.
All skeptics, unbelievers and conspiracy theorists, please read this and be sure had there been no Jinnah, there would have been no Pakistan:
"We never failed to discuss the unexpected findings of our research with Lord Louis (Mountbatten). One day we showed him a report of our meeting the Indian doctor who, in 1947, had treated the founder of Pakistan, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Reading it made him blanch suddenly.
'I can't believe it!' he gasped. 'Good God'.
When he looked up again, the blue eyes that were usually so calm were shrinking with intense emotion. He swiped the air several times with our sheets of paper. 'If I had only known all this at the time, the course of history would have been different. I would have delayed the granting of independence for several months. There would have been no Pakistan. Pakistan would not have existed. India would have remained united. Three wars would have been avoided....'
Lord Louis was astounded.
The report described in detail a chest X-ray we had discovered with Jinnah's doctor. The plate confirmed the advanced stages of tuberculosis. In the spring of 1947, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the inflexible Muslim leader who had quashed all Mountbatten's efforts to preserve India's unity knew that he had only a few months left to live."
~ Glimpses of an unforgettable research, foreword to Freedom at Midnight, Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, seventh imprint, 2009, Vikas Publishing House, New Dehli, pp. xvii-xviii
A student reviews a course plan with a Mechanical Engineering Advisor at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
CoE students decide their majors during their sophomore years.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was built by the pious Anglo-Catholic, Emily Charlotte Meynell Ingram (sister of Charles Wood, 2nd Viscount Halifax) in memory of Hugo Francis Meynell Ingram who died in May 1871. The architects were George Frederick Bodley and Thomas Garner. Work started in 1872 and the church dedication took place on 22 April 1876.[1] Further extension and additions took place until the church achieved its present form in 1906.
John Betjeman described the church as "the masterpiece of its late Victorian architect G.F. Bodley" and "great architecture; original, well massed, well sited, well detailed; very English"
From 2008, the Church received alternative episcopal oversight from the Bishop of Ebbsfleet, as the parish does not accept the ordination of women to the priesthood or episcopate. This oversight was transferred in 2023 to the Bishop of Oswestry.
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Built of warm-toned sandstone, medieval St Michael's elegant spire is seen above the trees, in rolling wooded countryside, where the boundaries of four counties meet. Nearby are earthworks of former settlements, but now only a few scattered houses remain.
With late eighteenth-century box pews and other fittings, but with no major Victorian restoration, it is an uncommon survival of a medieval church where time has stood still. There are good bosses in the roof and a fine incised alabaster slab.
www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/st-michaels-c...
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Most of the fabric in the church dates from the 14th century. The tower was added in the 15th century, and the clerestory in the following century. More alterations were made in the following three centuries. The spire was rebuilt in 1889, and in 1911 a restoration was carried out by Christopher Spalding.[3] After it was declared redundant, the church was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust.
The church is constructed in local sandstone.[3] Its plan consists of a nave with a north aisle and a south porch, a chancel, and a west tower. The tower is in two stages. In the lower stage is a west Perpendicular window, and the upper stage contains a single-light bell opening on each side. The parapet is battlemented, and on top of the tower is a recessed spire. The nave has a plain parapet and its arched windows have been divided by central mullions. The five windows in the clerestory are square-headed, and are also divided into two lights by mullions. The north aisle has windows, some of which are blocked, and a doorway, also blocked, under a Tudor arch. The chancel has a battlemented parapet with pinnacles, and a Perpendicular five-light east window.
Between the nave and the north aisle is a three-bay arcade. In the wall of the aisle are the remnants of a tomb recess with pinnacles. The church is floored with square brick tiles. All the windows contain leaded lights.[1] The timber roof has bosses and carved grotesque figures.[4] The chancel arch appears to be made of stone, but it is in fact wooden and covered with stucco, giving it the appearance of stone.[3][4] The church contains a full set of 18th-century box pews, and a chancel rail with turned balusters from the same period. The font dates from about 1662.[1] The memorials include a carved alabaster grave slab to Richard Savage who died in 1489, and his wife, Agnes.[4] There is a brass tablet giving thanks for the fact that eleven men from the Parish went to the Great War of 1914 to 1918 and all eleven returned making Stretton en le Field one of the Thankful Villages.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Michael%27s_Church,_Stretton_en_...
A student writes down a piece for other students as part of a wall of advice by the U-M Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) program at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
CAPS is increasing its distribution of mental health services across schools and colleges, creating separate counseling for college of engineering students this year.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The church dates from the 14th century. The spire, nicknamed Lullington Spud,[2] was rebuilt in 1776.
It was restored between 1861 and 1862 under the supervision of the architect John West Hugall and the contractor Elliott and Lilley. The main addition was a new south aisle. The gallery which blocked the tower was removed, and the tower arch opened up. The seating in the nave and choir stalls were renewed. The floor was laid with Minton tiles, with those in the sanctuary containing evangelistic symbols. A reredos was made from the alabaster slab which formed the old altar, and was inlaid with a centre cross of Rouge royal marble and Derbyshire Blue John, and four smaller Maltese crosses. The font was made of a bowl of Devonshire granite supported on five shafts of St Mary Church Torquay marble, raised on three steps of Mansfield stone. The restoration work cost £2,000 (equivalent to £235,735 in 2023)[3] and the church reopened on 23 September 1862.[4]
I woke at six after a fairly good night's sleep. Had a shower, got dressed and went down for breakfast, hoping to meet more old colleagues.
There are at least three and a half thousand current and former RAF Armourers, so the chance of meeting more I knew during the day seemed high.
As it was, there was just one other person in the semi-dark restaurant. And although there was food, it was limp and barely warm. Still, it was included in the cost of the room, so I filled by boots with fruit, yogurt, sausage and bacon, and a croissant with one of the four cups of coffee I had.
We were due to meet at half twelve, meaning I had maybe three hours to fill.
With churches.
The Church Conservation Trust is a great organisation, and their churches, although redundant, are open ten to four daily.
There was one less than ten miles away, so it was there I drove first. Out of Burton, going against the heavy traffic which tailed back some two miles over the series of roundabouts and traffic lights.
Back into the country, and down another dead end lane to Streeton-en-le-Field.
A heavy dew lay on the ground, and parkland stretched back towards Burton. Trees stood still against the blue sky, again their foliage, though mostly green, was turning golden brown at the edges of their leaves.
I walk through the churchyard, into the porch and pushed the door. It opened though I was twenty minutes early, but that was because the door had been forced and the lock broken.
Sigh.
Though no damage had been done, at least to my eyes, it is a shame that people treat our historic buildings thus.
I take my shots of the building. It must have been quite ruinous at some point recently, as windows had been blocked up, and the chancel arch rebuilt too using the same simple stones.
Functional, but not pretty.
Once done, I went back to the car and programmed the National Memorial Arboretum, 12 miles away, and set off.
At least I was lead across country. Maybe, I thought, I might pass a church or two on the way.
The road wiggled through the countryside, but came in time to a leafy village called Lullington. The handsome church overlooked the village green, the phone box now a library of sorts.
I parked and went to try the church door. It was locked, but on the board there was a named keyholder, so I called and Mrs Cooper said I could have the key, she lived in the long white building opposite.
It was almost a mansion, and her handyman was tending her flower beds. I went to knock, but he asked me what I wanted, and when I explained he went inside to pick up the key and hand it to me.
The church, although handsome, held no great treasures, though is obviously loved, with knitted flowers woven into garlands over the lychgate arch and the arch of the porch. It was only when close could I see the flowers were knitted.
When I returned the key, the bloke asked what I did (with the photos).
I explained, and then told me in a broad Midlands accent two double barrelled named churches nearby that were good. I didn't catch their real name, but a third sounded easy enough: Haw Cross.
But it wasn't Haw Cross or Hawcross.
Nor was it Haugh Cross.
It was Hoar Cross.
I found that on the sat nav and set off back in the general direction of Burton. Which was perfect.
I was lead across the Wolds, along at one point a narrow lane that went straight as an arrow for five miles, over a series of blind summits, through woods until it came to a junction, just shy of Hoar Cross.
Into Hoar Cross, past the pub on the crossroads with the finest pre-warboys finger post I have ever seen, though I didn't stop for shots as I was in a hurry: it was five past eleven and I hadn't found the church.
I went north, east and west out of the village and saw no sign of a church or a church lane.
And then, on the hill overlooking the village, I saw a tower. Modern, well, 20th century perhaps, but a church, and just a hundred yards beyond where I had turned round.
Holy Angels sits beside what counts as the main road in those parts, what little traffic there is motors past. But beyond a Boston Ivy overed wall and brick lychgate, the church rises, impressive in the autumn sunshine.
Inside it is stunning. Grade I listed, beloved by Betjeman and the highest of high Anglican churches.
I only had a matter of minutes, but this is a seriously impressive church: full of light, he smell of incense lingering, stations of the cross on all outside walls, and as a whole church, is nearly as impressive as Cheadle.
Nearly.
I hated to leave, but I had twenty minutes before I was due to be at the Arboretum.
Down the main street, onto an A road, doubling back towards Burton, then picking up signs directing the way, over a main road and railway, across some marshes and there it was.
Packed.
The parking ticket I bought had said sternly not to arrive before your allotted time. Many knew better and ignored this, so the main car park was full, so had to use the overflow beside the landfill site, then walk back.
Inside the main building a table had been set up for those attending. I signed in, and received a program and small token. I looked around.
No one I knew.
Still.
I bought a drink, sat outside and dozens of people around me and more arriving had our trade tie on, or the waistcoat. Some in uniform too, still serving.
But no one I knew.
I ambled down to the site of the ceremony, more folks milling around. Still no one I knew.
I took shots and enjoyed the moment.
I spied one person I know, another Ian, so I went and we shook hands. He also knew few folks. We chatted and caught up on a decade and a half's news since we last met in Lincoln.
Mark arrived.
He was nervous, as he was the play The Last Post (Taps) prior to the two minute's silence, so he went off to practice quietly, if quiet is a thing you do to a bugle.
One more person I know, though many others knew dozens of other attendees.
A serving Sergeant saw my camera and asked if I would supply him with shots for BFBS, so I did my best. But there were so many people getting a clear view was impossible.
At one, half an hour late, the ceremony began, with a former CO of mine doing the introductions before an Air Commodore, ex-Armourer, read the dedication covering a history of the trade and how family-like our trade is:
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends, It’s a real privilege to speak to you today about a group of professionals whose contribution to the Royal Air Force has been, AND REMAINS, vital and that is the Royal Air Force Armourer. Versatile, ingenious and relentlessly loyal, the Armourer is a strange creature! From the forward edge of the battle line disposing of bombs and munitions, to the comfortable warmth of the armoury and bay, through the enduring domination of the line hut amongst the lesser trades to the demands of the bomb dump, we are unique and ferociously proud bunch.
From the earliest days of the RAF in 1918, through two world wars, the Cold War, and across every conflict through to the 21st century, Armourers have stood at the sharp end of conflict —enabling decisive and battle winning Air Power and combat effect when called upon.
That history is marked around us today, in this most important and impressive National Memorial Arboretum. And it is against this backdrop that I felt it worth taking a moment to
reflect on our history, highlight our evolution, and celebrate the critical role armourers continues to play in the modern RAF.
The story of the RAF Armourer begins even before the Royal Air Force itself. In the First World War, the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service employed men trained to handle and maintain machine guns, bombs, and ammunition fitted to fragile biplanes.
When the RAF was founded in April 1918, as the world’s first independent air force, the need for dedicated tradesmen to manage weapons was clear. Early aircraft such as the Sopwith Camel carried Lewis or Vickers guns, with bombs literally dropped by hand in some cases. Armourers were the ones who kept those weapons firing, safe, and effective. More importantly it was the crafty and ingenious armourer who created new and novel ways to win the fight.
They weren’t just technicians; they were pioneers in a new form of warfare.
They had to innovate, often under fire, solving problems that had never been faced before in aviation history.
By the time of the Second World War, the role of Armourers had grown enormously. The RAF’s bomber fleets—Wellingtons, Lancasters, Halifax’s—and its fighters—Spitfires, Hurricanes, and later Tempests and Typhoons—all relied on Armourers.
It was the Armourers who loaded the .303 Browning machine guns on the Battle of Britain’s fighters, often working under pressure, at night, and in all weather. It was the Armourers who fitted the bombs, sometimes Grand Slam and Blockbuster bombs into the belly of the heavy bombers before raids over occupied Europe. And it was Armourers who adapted quickly to new technology, such as rockets and early guided weapons.
Perhaps what is most striking from this era is the relentless pace. A returning Lancaster would land, the aircrew would debrief, and the Armourers would already be preparing it for the next mission. They worked under blackout conditions, often with little rest, knowing that the success of the next sortie depended on their skill and dedication.
After 1945, as Britain entered the nuclear age, the Armourer’s trade evolved again. The RAF was now responsible for weapons of unprecedented destructive power. Armourers were trained to handle and prepare nuclear bombs such as Blue Danube and WE.177, as well as conventional ordnance.
The Cold War also saw the introduction of jet aircraft like the Vulcan, Lightning, and later the Tornado. With these came new weapons—air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and
electronic countermeasures. Armourers had to adapt constantly, mastering advanced technologies while never losing sight of the basics: safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
This period also saw the RAF Armourer community establish a reputation for professionalism around the world. Whether on Quick Reaction Alert at home, deployed in Germany, or stationed further afield, Armourers were essential to Britain’s ability to project power and deter threats.
And let us not forget the Falklands War, whether embarked on HMS Hermes and Invincible with the Harrier Force, preparing the Black Buck raids for their critical and strategic attack on Stanley or on the ground in the most austere and extremely dangerous conditions clearing air delivered munitions, the RAF Armourer once again demonstrated their professionalism and utility.
The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of conflict. From the Gulf War in 1991 through to operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently in the Middle East, RAF Armourers have remained on the front line. Many of you here today served and fought in those campaigns.
The armourer of today handles weapons which are far more sophisticated than their predecessors: precision-guided bombs, next generation missiles, cruise missiles, and more.
But the essence of the job remains the same, ensuring that when aircrew press the button, the weapon performs as intended.
On operations, Armourers are the bridge between engineering and combat. They work long hours in heat, dust, or freezing conditions to prepare aircraft at short notice. They are also problem solvers—often improvising solutions to keep aircraft mission-ready in austere conditions. Not to mention often establishing the first bar in Theatre!
So, what does an Armourer do today? In the modern RAF, they are trained across a wide spectrum. Like those who came before them, they handle conventional bombs and missiles,
aircraft gun systems, countermeasures like flares and chaff, and ejection seats.
On the ground, they serve in expeditionary support roles, providing the capability to deploy weapons and aircraft anywhere in the world. On operations, they are part of integrated teams that keep the RAF’s fast jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft ready for action. At the heart of
modern Agile Combat Employment. And just to quash the rumour, we may even still have some Airfield EOD cutting about, perhaps one for a chat for over a beer…..
Today’s Armourers are not just weapons technicians—they are ambassadors of RAF professionalism. They deploy alongside allies, often sharing their expertise and learning from
others. They bring a blend of tradition and modern skill, embodying both the heritage of the trade and its future. And much like those early armourers behind the WW1 trenches in Europe, they are also at the heart of prototype warfare, ensuring we can continue to destroy our
adversaries wherever they may be in new and innovative ways.
If there’s one thing that connects the Armourers of 1918 with those serving today, it is a sense of responsibility. Handling live ordnance demands absolute precision, discipline, and integrity.
There is no room for error.
But there’s also a deep camaraderie within the trade. Anyone who has worked alongside Armourers will tell you about their humour, resilience, and pride. They may joke about being the
“last to let you down”— a nod to their role with ejection seats — but behind that humour lies a serious commitment to keeping aircrew safe and the mission successful.
Our history is full of untold stories: people working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that the RAF can deliver air power when it matters most.
The RAF Armourer’s trade has evolved over more than a century, from fitting Lewis guns to biplanes, to loading smart weapons onto the Typhoon and F-35 Lightning. Through every era of RAF history, they have adapted, innovated, and excelled.
They are a vital link in the chain of air power—a chain that connects the engineer on the line, the pilot in the cockpit, and the strategic effect delivered on operations.
As we look to the future—with the growth of uncrewed systems, directed energy weapons, and ever more complex technology—one thing is certain: the RAF will continue to rely on the professionalism and expertise of its Armourers.
So today, let us not only recognise their history, but also celebrate their ongoing role in defending our nation.
In closing, I would also like to take a moment to thank Squadron Leader Mick Haygarth and the team, alongside all of those that contributed to bring this memorial to life, as a symbol of commemoration and also as a celebration of everything this proud trade continues to deliver for
the RAF and Defence.
As many of you know, the father of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Lord Trenchard, held the trade in exceptionally high regard, exemplifying his vision of a highly trained technical workforce, who could keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And perhaps it was this that
led him to famously state that “Without Armament, there is no need for an Air Force” or perhaps words to that effect……
Ladies and Gentleman, when my grandfather and armourer, Chief Technician Bill Michie, inspired me to join the Royal Air Force as an Armourer, I was privileged to become part of a
wider family which revelled in its history, accomplishments and kinship. While my career has moved on, I will always remain an Armourer and it is with that in mind that I am hugely moved
and proud to join with you here today to unveil this memorial and celebration of our family, our kin and our future, The Royal Air Force Armourer.
Thank you."
No Thank you, Air Commodore Jamie Thompson.
Mark sounded the bugle, the standards were lowered, and a silence fell on the place. We stood to remember those we have lost over the years.
One final prayer, then the Lord's Prayer, and it was over.
I looked around, still just three people I knew. Should I stay for the evening's get together in the local 'Spoons, or go home early and be home this evening?
I worked out the route and timings, and thought I would miss rush hour's in the local area, get past Cambridge by about half four and be on the M25 by half five, and be home by half six-ish.
So I drive to the hotel, checked out, grabbed my stuff from the room and threw it in the back of the car.
I programmed the sat nav for home, and it guided me south out of town until I joined the M6 Toll, then south on the M6 before turning off on the A14 again.
A glorious day for driving, and the road was fairly clear until about ten miles shy of the A1 junction, but beyond that it was three lane roads and driving at the speed limit as I pressed on to Cambridge then down the M11.
No hold ups, no jams certainly, even turning onto the M25 wasn't the stressful event it usually is. I made it to Dartford by five, the sun now low in the west, it was in golden light as I reached the midway point of the bridge and entered The Garden of England again.
I stopped off at Burger King in town for supper. I had their Wagyu burger, the most expensive take away burger in UK history, as I had seen a few folks on Facebook try it.
I got Jools a spicy chicken burger, as well as onion rings, cheesy chilli bites, and BBQ chicken fingers.
No fries.
Back home to eat and catch up.
How was the £11 burger?
It was OK.
Just OK.
I had unpacking to do, and then sort my pictures out and begin to write all about it. Whilst listening to football.
But I was back home.
ROMA ARCHEOLOGICA & RESTAURO ARCHITETTURA 2023. Magistrato Paolo Giorgio Ferri, “…Gli Americani…Ladri di Dèi”, in: Rai TV (2010) & NYT (2004 & 2020); S.v., "$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S."; in: NYT (23/01/2023) [Nel testo completo Italiano / English]; anche: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023) & Senatrice Margherita Corrado - Senato della Repubblica (11/08/2022). wp.me/pbMWvy-3Hr
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: NYT (23/01/2023).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646904288
1). ROME / ITALY - $20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S. - The authorities of the two countries have worked together to round up statues, vases and bronzes, some of which had appeared in American museums. The New York Times (24/01/2023) [In complete text / Nel testo completo].
____
Foto: Magistrato Paolo Giorgio Ferri; in: Aggiornare: ‘Petrolio – Ladri di bellezza 2018/2022’; Gli studiosi italiani: “Musei negli USA – Restituisci quello che hai rubato!”; in: RAI 1 HD / VIDEO (2018)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52280154224
____
ROME — Taken together, the five dozen ancient artifacts displayed at Italy’s culture ministry on Monday would have made a fine archaeological centerpiece for any museum.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646686229
The items, dating from the seventh century B.C. to the first century A.D., included well-preserved marble statues, red-figure vases, a silver drinking bowl, even rare bronzes. The artifacts, worth more than $20 million, according to the Italian Culture Ministry, were back on Italian soil after having been seized in the United States by American officials over the past 14 months.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “Priceless’ Italian artifacts return home from U.S.”; in: Reuters News / Twitter & You-Tube (23/01/2023).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646426951
____
ROME / ITALY - "Priceless' Italian artifacts return home from U.S."; in: Reuters News / Twitter & You-Tube (23/01/2023).
Italy is celebrating the return of 60 looted archaeological artifacts worth more than $20 million, many of which had been on display at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art before their illicit origin was discovered.
Fonte / source: Video & Foto; in:
--- Reuters News / Twitter & You-Tube (23/01/2023).
twitter.com/Reuters/status/1617626978009374722
____
Twenty-one of the works had been on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, as well as in private homes and auction houses, before being recovered by American officials, who acted on evidence that they had been illegally looted from archaeological sites in Italy.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646686149
Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s culture minister, said Monday during a celebratory news conference that the recovered artifacts were the “fruit of a collaboration,” between Italian and American law enforcement officials, that would not end with these 60 works.
Italy has fought for decades to quash the trade in illicitly excavated artifacts, and strenuous negotiations forged deals for the return of dozens of works with several American museums, notably the Met, and the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Its efforts have picked up steam in recent years thanks to developments in technology, including easily consulted online databases and improved collaboration with American officials, and in particular the Manhattan’s district attorney’s office.
Culture ministry officials presented two works on Monday: a marble head of Athena, dated circa 200 B.C. and valued at $3 million, and a white-ground terra-cotta kylix, or drinking cup, attributed to the Villa Giulia Painter, dating to the fifth century B.C. and valued at $1.5 million. According to a search warrant, the artifacts were seized last July from the Metropolitan Museum along with 19 other works, many on show Monday.
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646904393
At the time of the seizure, the museum said in a statement that it had fully cooperated with the district attorney’s investigation and that its acquisition reviews have become more rigorous over the years.
“The norms of collecting have changed significantly in recent decades,” the museum said, “and The Met’s policies and procedures in this regard have been under constant review over the past 20 years.”
Among the items returned was a fresco depicting the infant Hercules strangling a snake, which dates to the first century. It is believed to have been looted from Herculaneum, a settlement buried in the Vesuvian eruption of 79 A.D., and decades ago was tracked by investigators to the apartment of Michael H. Steinhardt, a prominent New York venture capitalist and a major ancient art collector. In 2021, after investigators seized 180 stolen antiquities valued at $70 million from Mr. Steinhardt, he agreed to a lifetime ban on acquiring antiquities.
“The old laws only benefit bad guys,” he said. “The bad guys operate at the speed of bandwidth, and we have to do the same that’s why we operate outside the civil negotiating legal bureaucratic process.”
Foto: ROME / ITALY – “$20 Million Worth of Looted Art Returns to Italy From the U.S.”, in: Gennaro Sangiuliano & Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twt (23/01/2023)
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646904428
Mr. Bogdanos said that under his watch, officials had executed 75 raids involving Italian antiquities and recovered some 500 artifacts valued at more than $55 million.
Also included in the returned pieces was a piece called “Bronze Bust of Man,” dating to the first century B.C., that Mr. Bogdanos said was seized from the collection of Shelby White, a philanthropist, Met trustee and board member. The Art Newspaper reported the seizure in December.
Now that they have been returned to Italy, several of the artifacts will join other repatriated works in an exhibit at a new museum dedicated to recovered art that opened in Rome last summer.
Then they will be relocated to museums near the ancient sites they are believed to have been looted from, “because their identity is linked to that of their community,” said Gen. Vincenzo Molinese, the head of the Italy’s carabinieri art theft squad.
Fonte / source:
--- The New York Times (24/01/2023).
www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/world/europe/italy-art-stolen-...
Fonte / source:
--- Ambasciata U.S.A. / Twitter (23/01/2023).
twitter.com/AmbasciataUSA/status/1617577396911362048
--- Gennaro Sangiuliano / Twitter (23/01/2023).
twitter.com/g_sangiuliano/status/1617808085283926018
Foto: ROMA / ITALIA – Restituiti all’Italia 60 opere d’arte e reperti archeologici trafugati: valgono 20 milioni / foto: 1 di 32; in: Sky Tg24 (23/01/2023).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52646686289
2). ROMA / ITALIA - Restituiti all'Italia 60 opere d'arte e reperti archeologici trafugati: valgono 20 milioni / foto: 1 di 32; in: Sky Tg24 (23/01/2023).
Hanno una datazione compresa tra il settimo e il primo secolo dopo Cristo, erano stati rubati da trafficanti internazionali e sono stati recuperati negli Stati Uniti grazie a un'operazione congiunta tra i Carabinieri per la Tutela del patrimonio culturale e il New York County District attorney's office. Tra le opere rimpatriate, l'affresco pompeiano 'Ercole fanciullo con serpente' del I secocolo d.C.
Fonte / source:
--- Sky Tg24 (23/01/2023).
tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2023/01/23/opere-arte-reperti-archeol...
Foto: Senatrice & Archeologa Margherita Corrado / FB (11/08/2022); s.v., Foto: “Petrolio Ladri di bellezza”; in: RAI 1 HD (08/12/2018).
www.flickr.com/photos/imperial_fora_of_rome/52280154054
3). RARA 2022. ITALIA / USA – Aggiornare: ‘Petrolio – Ladri di bellezza 2018/2022’; Gli studiosi italiani: “Musei negli USA – Restituisci quello che hai rubato!”; in: RAI 1 HD / VIDEO (2018) & Senatrice & Archeologa Margherita Corrado / Fb (08/2022) = “Il Getty Museum di Los Angeles restituirà all’Italia un antico gruppo scultoreo”; in: ARTRIBUNE & LOS ANGELES TIMES, USA (11/08/2022) [Italiano & English]. wp.me/pbMWvy-337
Yen Sid is a powerful sorcerer and teacher of Mickey Mouse, who first appeared in The Sorcerer's Apprentice, a segment of the 1940 hybrid film Fantasia. In both the Kingdom Hearts series and Epic Mickey, his voice is provided by Corey Burton.
Though he was amongst the most obscure Disney characters of all time for over 65 years, Yen Sid has recently become a recurring character, making quite a few appearances in media raging from video games to the Disney theme parks, most notably after his introduction into the Kingdom Hearts series.
Being rather mysterious, not too much is known about the sorcerer. He is wise, practical and most often seen with a serious tone in such a way that it often quashes Mickey's playful nature into obedience. Most who encounter Yen Sid often can be bound to be intimidated by his appearance but underneath his fierce look lies a heart of gold. Surprisingly, he is very forgiving and actually has a sense of humor. He is more than aware of Mickey's mischief and willing to deal with this; putting it aside to teach his apprentice. Underneath his harsh exterior is a man who strongly believes in his apprentices, no matter what mischief they may get into.
His past is never looked upon with the exception of the Kingdom Hearts continuity. Years before Sora, the sorcerer was a Keyblade wielder but eventually retired or as he puts it "doffed that mantle."
Coming in on the ground floor i was prepared, as rumor had it, for the place to be totaly stripped out. However as i rose up the first set of stairs and two of these babys came into view and all doubts were quashed!
Mark Brehob, CSE Lecturer, speaks to a prospective CSE student at the annual Engineering Advising Center (EAC) Welcome Day event on the North Campus Diag on September 2, 2014.
With welcome week effectively truncated to a welcome weekend by the university, there were worries about attendance of the event. These worries were eventually quashed by a large turnout as freshmen and other undergraduates stopped between classes to speak with various organizations, eat ice cream, and enjoy performances by student groups.