General Mark Clark survives ‘friendly fire’
28 January 1944: General Mark Clark survives 'friendly fire'Until that moment I had managed to get out of the wind by sitting on a stool beside the skipper, where the bridge of the boat gave me some...
View ArticleGeorge Cross following munitions factory explosion
22 February 1944: George Cross following munitions factory explosionAt 8.30 am that morning, one fuze exploded, immediately detonating the whole tray. The girl working on that tray was killed outright...
View ArticleTwo G.C.’s after Soham Railway Disaster
2 June 1944:Two G.C.'s after Soham Railway DisasterGimbert and Nightall were fully aware of the contents of the wagon which was on fire and displayed outstanding courage and resource in endeavouring to...
View ArticleUS bombers prepare the ground for Operation Cobra
24 July 1944: US heavy bombers prepare the ground for Operation CobraIt was impossible to give help as long as the air raid lasted. Several companies of the 5th Para Division who tried to withdraw to...
View ArticleMalfunction leads to the tragic loss of Spitfire pilot
5 January 1944: Small malfunction leads to the tragic loss of Spitfire pilotNo. 152 (Hyderabad) Squadron RAF were a very experienced unit, having been flying Spitfires since they were on the front line...
View ArticleDisaster at Bethnal Green Underground station
3rd March 1943: Disaster at Bethnal Green Underground station There were nearly 2000 in the shelter, including several hundred who had arrived after the Alert, when a middle-aged woman, burdened with a...
View ArticleSurviving an aircraft crash in the desert
15th November 1942: Surviving an aircraft crash in the desert I was out of there very quickly. We all got out alive, but some of the passengers were injured. The ones who weren't hurt soon had some tea...
View ArticleHMS Duchess sunk in collision with HMS Barham
Barham impacted the Duchess, cutting her in half. There were only 23 survivors of the 160 crew.
View ArticleHMS Oxley is sunk … by HMS Triton
" I then ordered the challenge to be made as soon as my sights were on and I knew the armament was ready, and the signalman made it slowly. No reply was received. After about 20 seconds I ordered the...
View ArticleThe first British pilots are shot down in the 'Battle of Barking Creek'
Twelve Spitfire aircraft (6 of 'A' flt and 6 of 'B' flt) ordered to intercept enemy air raid which turned out to be a friendly formation of Hurricanes of No. 56 Squadron, North Weald. P/O BYRNE and a...
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