Saturday, January 19, 2013

WW1 Described In Terms As A Bar Fight


Germany, Austria and Italy are standing together in the
middle of the bar-room, when Serbia bumps into Austria,
and spills Austria's pint.Austria demands Serbia buy it a
complete new suit, because there are splashes on its trouser
leg. Germany expresses its support for Austria's point of view.
Britain recommends that everyone calm down a bit.Serbia points
out that it can't afford a whole suit, but offers to pay for cleaning
Austria's trousers.Russia and Serbia look at Austria. Austria asks
Serbia who it's looking at.Russia suggests that Austria should leave
its little brother alone. Austria inquires as to whose army will assist
Russia in compelling it to do so.Germany appeals to Britain that
France has been looking at it, and that this is sufficiently out of
order that Britain should not intervene.Britain replies that France
can look at who it wants to, that Britain is looking at Germany too,
and what is Germany going to do about it? Germany tells Russia
to stop looking at Austria, or Germany will render Russia incapable
of such action.Britain and France ask Germany whether it's looking
at Belgium. Turkey and Germany go off into a corner and whisper.
When they come back,Turkey makes a show of not looking at
anyone.Germany rolls up its sleeves, looks at France, and
punches Belgium.France and Britain punch Germany. Austria
punches Russia.Germany punches Britain and France with one
hand and Russia with the other. Russia throws a punch at
Germany, but misses and nearly falls over. Japan calls over from
the other side of the room that it's on Britain's side, but stays there.
Italy surprises everyone by punching Austria.Australia punches
Turkey,and gets punched back. There are no hard feelings,
because Britain made Australia do it.France gets thrown through
a plate glass window,but gets back up and carries on fighting.
Russia gets thrown through another one, gets knocked out, suffers
brain damage, and wakes up with a complete personality change.
Italy throws a punch at Austria and misses, but Austria falls over
anyway.Italy raises both fists in the air and runs round the room
chanting.America waits till Germany is about to fall over, then walks
over,waves a fist at Germany while Britain knocks it out, then
pretends it won the fight all by itself. By now all the chairs are
broken, and the big mirror over the bar is shattered.Britain, France
and America agree that Germany threw the first punch,so the
whole thing is Germany's fault.While Germany is still unconscious,
they go through its pockets,steal its wallet, and buy drinks for all
their friends.

Nobody comes out of it looking particularly good.

The Quar

Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Gothic Line




Synopsis
BOOK TWO in theCanadian Battle Series Stretching like an armour-toothed belt across Italy's upper thigh, the Gothic Line was the most fortified and fiercely defended position the German army had yet thrown in the path of the advancing Allied forces. On August 25, 1944, it fell to I Canadian Corps to spearhead the famed Eighth Army's major offensive, intended to rip through the Gothic Line. Never had the Germans in Italy brought so much artillery to bear or deployed such a great number of tanks. For twenty-eight days, the battle raged as the Canadians, with British and Polish troops advancing on their flanks, slugged into the German defences. On September 22 the Canadians finally won, opening the way for the next phase of the Allied advance. The price was high-the greatest toll in casualties suffered during the long years of the Italian campaign. The Gothic Line: Canada's Month of Hell in World War II Italybrings the story of what renowned military historian Jack Granatstein hails as Canada's most momentous World War II battle to vivid life by telling the story through the eyes of the soldiers. It is a suspenseful, dramatic book that gives back to Canadians a forgotten and neglected part of their historical heritage.

For four dreadful weeks under Italy's summer sun, the soldiers of the 1st Canadian Infantry and 5th Canadian Armoured divisions struggled against the Gothic Line-a vast network of fortifications spanning the width of the nation along the spine of the Apennines.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Tanker's Tuesday: The American Char B

The American Char B (M3 Grant/Lee) or where to put your heavy
gun without a turret big enough to take one.
Some real life photos, always liked the far east camouflage used on the Lee shown.

Also of interest is this was the basis for the Ram-Kangaroo APC http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=249

Friday, January 4, 2013

Airfix 1/72nd Scale WWII Coastal Defense Fort



I just ordered one of these after many years of wanting
one! Not even sure exactly how or where I'll use it but
something will come to me I'm sure!



I got this item from the very fine people at Toy Soldier Depot
(hat tip Bunkermaster)
www.toysoldiersdepot.com/

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Friday, December 28, 2012

RIP 'Stormin' Norman'

 
 
Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr.
Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf was a United States Army general who, while he served as Commander of U.S. Central Command, was commander of coalition forces in the Gulf War.
 
Born: August 22, 1934, Trenton NJ
Died: December 27, 2012, Tampa Fla
Spouse: Brenda Holsinger (m. 1968–2012)
Parents: Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., Ruth Alice
Education: University of Southern California, United States Military Academy, U.S. Army War College
Awards: Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Commendation Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal
 
"Barbara and I mourn the loss of a true American patriot and one of the great military leaders of his generation. A distinguished member of that 'Long Gray Line' hailing from West Point, Gen. Norm Schwarzkopf, to me, epitomized the 'duty, service, country' creed that has defended our freedom and seen this great nation through our most trying international crises. More than that, he was a good and decent man — and a dear friend. Barbara and I send our condolences to his wife, Brenda, and his wonderful family." — former President George H.W. Bush.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Tanker's Tuesday!



concept tanks: XMAS greeting tank by Marco Caradonna: Nothing says Merry Christmas like some good tank art:) Happy Holidays. Keywords: concept tank digital merry christmas holiday festive sa...