28/02/2017
by steve
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It’s been a hectic few weeks on the military history front. Beginning with the deeply affecting service in Norwich Cathedral commemorating the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, it has involved interviewing two inspirational veterans – one a nonagenerian … Continue reading
30/01/2017
by steve
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Maybe it’s a sign of advancing age, but it’s strange how often these days that a new project seems to stir memories of past encounters. Take my latest venture: an article for Britain at War Magazine to mark the 75th … Continue reading
05/01/2017
by steve
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In keeping with the spirit of New Year, I have resolved to revive my blog with the aim of producing a weekly jotting on the subjects and projects closest to my heart. 2017 promises to be another busy year, crammed … Continue reading
05/08/2013
by steve
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I can’t be sure precisely when I first read of Arthur Aaron’s extraordinary self-sacrifice. I can, however, remember the book his story featured in. It was Strike Hard, Strike Sure, by Ralph Barker, a former RAF officer turned Daily Express … Continue reading
18/05/2013
by steve
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Life throws up some strange surprises; unlikely associations that seem to come together by some weird osmosis. Such is my connection to a man who deserves to be counted among the ‘bravest of the brave’. His name is Bhanbhagta Gurung … Continue reading
30/03/2013
by steve
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It remains an abiding memory of an unforgettable brief encounter with Fred Harris. We’d spent a couple of hours together; he reminiscing and me listening and taking notes for my book on his old comrade, Eric ‘Doc’ Harden VC. Although … Continue reading
04/03/2013
by steve
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I’ve just been writing an extraordinary story about an extraordinary man on a day that’s turned out be an extraordinary one for my family. My eldest daughter, Katie, has just given birth to a beautiful baby daughter called Pippin, or … Continue reading
13/02/2013
by steve
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‘Since any story has to start somewhere, this one begins during the worst year of the great world depression, when there came to our school a young student teacher, perhaps no more than 18 years old…’ Such are the opening … Continue reading
31/01/2013
by steve
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Memories of the late, great Tom Eaton came flooding back to me the other day in a rather unlikely setting. I was sitting in the front room of Sir Reginald Harland’s rather splendid Georgian house in the centre of Bury … Continue reading
15/01/2013
by steve
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Maybe it’s the wintry weather. Maybe it’s simply the knowledge that another milestone anniversary is fast approaching, but I find myself increasingly thinking of the terrible times 60 years ago when vast tracts of Norfolk’s coastal territory was inundated by … Continue reading