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A Polish Corporal’s Journey to Monte Cassino – Christopher Cytera.
The despoilation of Poland, and a young soldier’s extraordinary journey to join the Allies and General Anders Army in Italy. Ludwik Cytera was born on 16th July 1913 in Rudka, 80km north of Lwów in pre-war Poland, now western Ukraine. Ludwik Cytera – Polish II Corps – 22nd March 1943 He was…
Read MoreWhy We Remember Remembrance – – – Ian Reed
A brief look at the history, symbols and the relevance of Remembrance and why it is still important today. Version francais cliquez ici: francais Stopping the Cycle of War In 1859 Austria invaded Sardinia and fought against France (11 weeks), in 1864 Prussia and Austria invaded Denmark (9 months), in 1866 Prussia…
Read MorePlumetot 1944 – Return of the Polish Air Force to Europe – Richard Kornicki
(In English and en francais). Restablishment of the Polish Air Force within the RAF and their return to the continent of Europe – 1944. The Return of the Polish Air Force to the Mainland of Europe By Richard Kornicki CBE, DL, Chairman, Polish Air Force Memorial Committee (Traduction en français à la fin de…
Read MoreWW1 – On the Balkan Trail 1917 – Lt. H.W. Brekke
Discovery of a superb wartime sketchbook from a century ago – personal insights – but who was the artist? The Balkan Trail – 1917 The khaki coloured sketchbook measuring 10” x 7” (26cm x 18cm), containing good quality velum drawing paper, looks as one would imagine such a book would be which had…
Read More1944 / 1945 – a soldier’s perspective – D.H. Reed
On the ground, war is different – as the British and US armies push on into Germany towards the Russians. Historical Note: “Special Forces” including Glider and Parachute regiments of the British Army and Royal Marine Commandos of the Royal Navy were highly specialized trained troops often held back and used for specific missions;…
Read MoreA Letter from Paris 1944 – Mme Hélène Sergejew
Recently discovered letter from Occupied France – How civilians risked their lives protecting allied servicemen – in her own words. A Letter from Paris – 1944. Recently discovered letter by a brave Russian lady and her family who saved a young British airmen from enemy hands at the risk of their own safety. …
Read MoreResearching Trouan’s Lancasters – Jean Oddou & Pascal Pierre
Another deadly night for Bomber Command – two Frenchmen search for two of the 42 Lancasters lost over their town on one night. On the night of 3/4 May 1944 two RAF bombers were shot down and crashed at the village of Trouan le Petit in the Department of Aube, France. The aircraft were…
Read MoreThe Battle of Britain – 80th Anniversary – Never has so much been owed…
The Battle of Britain Speech by Ian Reed at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Paris on 15 September 2020. Guests included: the Ambassadors of Britain, Belgium, New Zealand and Ireland; Chief of Staff of the French Air Force and senior diplomatic representatives from Poland, Canada, Slovakia, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Eire, U.S.A., France, Czech…
Read MoreHampden Crash 1940 – Twin Ceremonies in Brittany 2020
Looking for crew relatives of HP Hampden L4194, “ZN-B” of 106 Sqdn, Finningley for the 80th anniversary in France. Two commemoration are being planned at Vannes and at Pluneret in Brittany on Sunday 22nd November 2020 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the deaths of 4 British airmen who were flying Handley Page…
Read MoreS.O.E. “Special Duties” Westland Lysander – Paris, January 1946
Presentation of a “Special Duties” Westland Lysander to France at the Hôtel des Invalides, Paris on 26th January 1946. New Project: In August 2020 plans were first conceived to re-enact the special commemorative event which took place in 1946, but has remained on hold due to the pandemic. The idea however is still very…
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