tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46017166145322916652024-03-13T18:27:05.185+00:00Suzy HendersonAuthor at Lowfell Writers Place.
www.suzyhenderson.comSuzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-21547914735559742042021-09-13T18:22:00.002+01:002021-09-13T18:22:49.233+01:00Geoffrey Wellum DFC - Battle of Britain Pilot<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/9gqlgr3Ejfo" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>This is an interview with the youngest pilot to take part in the Battle of Britain, Geoff Wellum, filmed in 2014 at Mullion Cove, Cornwall by dai4films.com. Hope you enjoy. Lest we forget.</div>Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-8756765235843614912021-04-09T14:31:00.005+01:002022-07-24T17:42:15.394+01:00<h1 style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #444340;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px;">Finding Nancy Wake</span></span></h1><p class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by Suzy Henderson, Author of Madame Fiocca.</span></p><p class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTz80UcQAddt18iExVrFzq6PeWyL5edYceg2xHrSIGWMPygCOuqQDVlpsxZ9INBKkY2c8nD_Uod_e1V0uen_iwXCf5s7MnUCbV5Eh40XL2HZAWYuSvkkolZxJmW2dP6XLepuG9_nmfo7stGOpLrIT78QcXmuQj7MgwuCBrwlkucFcCgIMVZiw46FK/s1600/_At%20ten%20o'clock%20we%20tramped%20across%20the%20grass%20to%20the%20waiting%20Liberator.%20I%20cast%20a%20glance%20at%20the%20full,%20gibbous%20moon%20which%20hung%20large%20and%20low%20in%20the%20east.%20The%20sweet%20smell%20of%20aviation%20fuel%20hung%20in%20the%20air%20...%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTz80UcQAddt18iExVrFzq6PeWyL5edYceg2xHrSIGWMPygCOuqQDVlpsxZ9INBKkY2c8nD_Uod_e1V0uen_iwXCf5s7MnUCbV5Eh40XL2HZAWYuSvkkolZxJmW2dP6XLepuG9_nmfo7stGOpLrIT78QcXmuQj7MgwuCBrwlkucFcCgIMVZiw46FK/s320/_At%20ten%20o'clock%20we%20tramped%20across%20the%20grass%20to%20the%20waiting%20Liberator.%20I%20cast%20a%20glance%20at%20the%20full,%20gibbous%20moon%20which%20hung%20large%20and%20low%20in%20the%20east.%20The%20sweet%20smell%20of%20aviation%20fuel%20hung%20in%20the%20air%20...%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I first read about Nancy Wake and her role in World War Two several years ago, while researching another story. I recall thinking how commendable, but I read on, discovering other heroines of SOE including the American, Virginia Hall, the first female operative in France. What is even more remarkable is that she had a prosthetic leg. While working with the Special Operations Executive in France, Virginia had to escape over the Pyrenees, quite literally at one-point crawling part of the way. It was an incredible achievement and so courageous.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One day I came across an article about Nancy Wake, and it mentioned her husband. That caught my interest, so I bought a biography of Wake written by Russel Braddon. Suddenly, Nancy was on my mind and I wanted to know more, such as where she grew up, and her life before France. Braddon’s book was wonderful, but it didn’t cover much of Nancy’s life in Australia. I then bought Nancy’s own biography, written at a later stage in her life. Once again, not much in there about Australia, so I decided to go digging on the internet, turning to genealogy sites as I looked for family ties. Well, after many hours of searching and triple checking the facts, I discovered her family tree, unearthing British, Maori and French roots.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I discovered through Nancy’s own words in her books and tv interviews, that her father had abandoned her and her family at an early age. And there was something else that stood out every time Nancy spoke of her war times. She vehemently denied ever being afraid, saying things such as she was far too busy to be scared. I found this interesting, because I’ve also heard of soldiers and airmen who have said exactly the same. And then I’ve heard dozens more state that any man who said he wasn’t afraid in war is a liar!</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The fact is, Nancy was the consummate actress, quite forward, openly flirtatious with German soldiers in order to bluff her way through check points for instance. She could probably do just about anything and so painting on a brave face was a simple task. Like a chameleon, Nancy was changeable and adaptable to any situation or environment.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The French men she fought with and led loved her. They thought she was amazing, and formidable. Nancy made many firm friends for life, and one of them, Henri Tardivat, once stated: “She is the most feminine woman I know, but when the fighting starts she is like five men.”</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Food for thought indeed. My take was that Nancy would have been afraid. Fear is a natural response after all, but Nancy had a strong spirit and the strength to push on, doing what she needed to do despite the risks.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There’s a lot to consider when writing about a real person, and the fear factor was important to me because I knew it existed, and I didn’t wish to write a person who was completely without it.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Re-reads of the biographies gave me more insight – it’s funny what you miss when reading something the first or even the second time. Piece by piece Nancy was emerging before my eyes.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Having gone from learning about a New Zealander, raised in Sydney, who became a guerrilla fighter with the Maquis in France – a great leader of some 7000 men, I was suddenly facing a woman who bore her own emotional scars, who did admit to feeling worried at times during the war, and who was a true lady with the heart of a lion. She was a born leader, involved in dangerous courier work for Resistance groups from the very beginning in France, and well before she joined the Special Operations Executive. It was during this time that the Germans became aware of a woman operating in southern France, and they dubbed her “The White Mouse”, offering a bounty for her capture.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Her real story reads like something out of Hollywood, and I was hooked, and I knew I had to write about her, to enable people to see the real Nancy. She was a wonderful human being, kind, incredibly generous, the greatest friend to have, and incredibly patriotic and brave.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nancy Augusta Wake began life with very little, and went on to marry a wealthy man, Henri Fiocca, living a millionaire’s life, only to lose it all through war. At the end of it all she had to start again. It’s a tragic story, but she eventually found happiness and perhaps some peace, later, when she met and fell in love with John Forward. They married and settled eventually in Australia.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nancy never got over the loss of Henri. He was, as she often remarked, the greatest love of her life, and his selfless sacrifice was her one regret from the war years.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Henri was arrested in May 1943 and tortured by the Germans, but he refused to give up his wife’s location. On October 16<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span>, 1943, Henri Fiocca was executed by firing squad. And to the end of her days, Nancy always declared that “the only good Nazi is a dead one”.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Nancy Grace Augusta Wake 30 August 1912 – 7 August 2011</span></p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Book Link</span>: <a href="http://Mybook.to/MadameFiocca">Mybook.to/MadameFiocca</a></p><div><br /></div>Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-60080675650139655592021-04-06T13:11:00.001+01:002021-04-06T13:11:13.000+01:00The Coffee Pot Book Club: We are so excited to be taking The Custard Corpses...<div>This sounds like a great new WW2 book & mystery. Worth checking out so do follow the link below:</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2021/04/we-are-so-excited-to-be-taking-custard.html?spref=bl">The Coffee Pot Book Club: We are so excited to be taking The Custard Corpses...</a>: Publication Date: March 25th 2021 Publisher: M J Publishing Genre: Historical Mystery A delicious 1940s mystery. Birmingham, England, 1943. ...Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-87957343856359436142020-06-07T17:09:00.000+01:002020-06-07T17:09:47.791+01:00The Forgotten History of the Radium Girls By Historical Fiction Author Samantha Wilcoxson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-P58v0Uvt42A8FgweyI7snYKFMDFAFMqlbFmSkEMy4sRwOEeDPUcqvahB_X-ldu6tANsfmAvtDHHs5ZAlXKu2Mcy52MnZ2jBxdegg_G1NkSUmfbmrkboYuBzMVuens4WxdW3DAsnn7U/s1600/Blog+Tour+June+1st+-13th.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-P58v0Uvt42A8FgweyI7snYKFMDFAFMqlbFmSkEMy4sRwOEeDPUcqvahB_X-ldu6tANsfmAvtDHHs5ZAlXKu2Mcy52MnZ2jBxdegg_G1NkSUmfbmrkboYuBzMVuens4WxdW3DAsnn7U/s400/Blog+Tour+June+1st+-13th.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I have loved reading about history for as long as I can remember. On more than one occasion, I was asked what class I was reading a book for and I had to admit that it was something I had selected to read for enjoyment. Yet, I was not familiar with the story of the “radium girls” until I listened to Kate Moore’s excellent book.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
It was one of those snippets of history that seems unbelievable. When you think things are changing for the better, something happens and everything gets worse. Then you realize that events just like it continue to occur to this very day.</div>
<div class="wp-block-image" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: table; margin: 0.8em auto;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2818" data-attachment-id="2818" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="rd-workers-2" data-large-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg?w=633" data-medium-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg?w=300" data-orig-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg" data-orig-size="633,465" data-permalink="https://suzyhendersonauthor.com/rd-workers-2/" sizes="(max-width: 633px) 100vw, 633px" src="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg?w=633" srcset="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg 633w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg?w=150 150w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/rd-workers-2.jpg?w=300 300w" style="box-sizing: inherit; display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></figure></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Called radium girls because of the luminescent paint they used to make watch and instrument dials glow in the dark, the young working-class women who were exposed to radium on a daily bases began sickening and dying in the years immediately following World War I. The companies they worked for denied liability, rejected the idea that radium was the cause of the women’s problems, and made any excuse at their disposal to avoid a decrease in profits.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The women had little help from the outside. Doctors, who had been using radium as a sort of miracle cure, were reluctant to admit that it might be dangerous. Most lawyers had no interest in taking on the case of women with little ability to pay fees and insufficient support to win their case. Worker’s compensation laws varied by state and often didn’t include the women’s situation. They were left at the mercy of the corporations that had caused their health to fail and then often fired them when they were unable to work.</div>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2819" data-attachment-id="2819" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="cds-bedside-hearing" data-large-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg?w=960" data-medium-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg?w=300" data-orig-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg" data-orig-size="960,674" data-permalink="https://suzyhendersonauthor.com/cds-bedside-hearing/" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg?w=960" srcset="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg 960w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg?w=150 150w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg?w=300 300w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/cds-bedside-hearing.jpg?w=768 768w" style="box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></figure><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
When women began to die of radium poisoning, the symptoms were attributed to all manner of diseases. Diphtheria, tuberculosis, and even syphilis were documented causes of death for some of the poor girls. Some of the results of radium poisoning, such as sarcoma and infections, were listed as the cause of death without an understanding of the underlying cause. Some doctors were in the pocket of the radium industry. Others simply didn’t know any better.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
In <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Luminous</em>, I have focused on the story of Catherine Donohue, an employee of Radium Dial in Ottawa, Illinois. Catherine was a typical small-town girl, who counted herself lucky to obtain a good-paying position at the dial studio until she developed a limp that never healed. Then she watched one of her friends collapse at work and another die of an infection that spread like wildfire. Catherine stood up for the Ottawa dial painters, even as her own health failed. <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Luminous</em> is her story, and I hope that it is one that inspires curiosity about the past as well as a hunger for justice in the present.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Samantha Wilcoxson</strong></div>
<div class="wp-block-image is-style-rounded" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: table; margin: 0.8em auto;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2817" data-attachment-id="2817" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.2","credit":"","camera":"iPhone 6","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1448639377","copyright":"","focal_length":"4.15","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.028571428571429","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="author-pic" data-large-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=1024" data-medium-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=300" data-orig-file="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg" data-orig-size="2308,2308" data-permalink="https://suzyhendersonauthor.com/author-pic/" height="459" sizes="(max-width: 459px) 100vw, 459px" src="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=1024" srcset="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=459 459w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=918 918w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=150 150w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=300 300w, https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/author-pic.jpg?w=768 768w" style="border-radius: 9999px; box-sizing: inherit; display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="459" /></figure></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Samantha Wilcoxson is a history enthusiast and avid traveller. Her published works include the Plantagenet Embers series with novels and novellas that explore the Wars of the Roses and early Tudor era. Luminous is her first foray into 20<span style="border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13.5px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> century American history, but she suspects that it will not be her last. Samantha enjoys exploring the personal side of historic events and creating emotive, inspiring stories.</div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">BUY YOUR COPY OF LUMINOUS HERE:</strong></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://mybook.to/luminous" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Universal Amazon Link for Luminous</a></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Discover more about Samantha here:</strong></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://samanthawilcoxson.blogspot.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Samantha’s Blog</a></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlantagenetEmbers/" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/carpe_librum" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/samantha_wilcoxson" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Instagram</a></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/samanthajw" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-4685062705477947452020-03-12T09:57:00.001+00:002020-03-12T09:57:19.419+00:00The Avid Reader: Blog Tour + Review + #Giveaway: Madame Fiocca by S...<a href="https://the-avidreader.blogspot.com/2020/03/11-blog-tour-review-giveaway-madame-fiocca-by-suzy-henderson-XBT.html?spref=bl">The Avid Reader: Blog Tour + Review + #Giveaway: Madame Fiocca by S...</a>Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-68300122924960838522020-03-09T14:09:00.002+00:002020-03-09T14:17:09.850+00:00On Tour with Madame Fiocca<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week I'm on tour with my latest release, Madame Fiocca. For those who don't know, it's about Nancy Wake, the infamous SOE heroine, journalist and French Resistance courier. Here's a piece I wrote for Viviana Mackade's fabulous book blog today. For the entire piece click the link below:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://viviana-mackade.blog/2020/03/09/on-tour-with-madame-fiocca-by-suzy-henderson-and-meet-the-author/comment-page-1/?unapproved=32162&moderation-hash=684d3ec31090c1487941ac2f9acc95e1#comment-32162">https://viviana-mackade.blog/2020/03/09/on-tour-with-madame-fiocca-by-suzy-henderson-and-meet-the-author/comment-page-1/?unapproved=32162&moderation-hash=684d3ec31090c1487941ac2f9acc95e1#comment-32162</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHbxoH1bxvPmAArZVQFVtXTmGIFGt-RHt2crFtCKSIo0Cbjvyop5Psncwg3t9jDpY4cAp3hm6NcAecRPFU6zRwEWLot-778xmZU5tny94bWCfbRQ445aPc2vNgU8p7XisxPid1dM2-Q0/s1600/81770610_2779359765440666_7136142184402649088_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHbxoH1bxvPmAArZVQFVtXTmGIFGt-RHt2crFtCKSIo0Cbjvyop5Psncwg3t9jDpY4cAp3hm6NcAecRPFU6zRwEWLot-778xmZU5tny94bWCfbRQ445aPc2vNgU8p7XisxPid1dM2-Q0/s640/81770610_2779359765440666_7136142184402649088_n.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Finding Nancy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">by Suzy Henderson, author of Madame Fiocca.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I first read about Nancy Wake and her role in World War Two several years ago, while researching another story. I recall thinking how commendable, but I read on, discovering other heroines of SOE including the American, Virginia Hall, the first female operative in France. What is even more remarkable is that she had a prosthetic leg. While working with the Special Operations Executive in France, Virginia had to escape over the Pyrenees, quite literally at one-point crawling part of the way. It was an incredible achievement and so courageous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">One day I came across an article about Nancy Wake, and it mentioned her husband. That caught my interest, so I bought a biography of Wake written by Russel Braddon. Suddenly, Nancy was on my mind and I wanted to know more, such as where she grew up, and her life before France. Braddon’s book was wonderful, but it didn’t cover much of Nancy’s life in Australia. I then bought Nancy’s own biography, written at a later stage in her life. Once again, not much in there about Australia, so I decided to go digging on the internet, turning to genealogy sites as I looked for family ties. Well, after many hours of searching and triple checking the facts, I discovered her family tree, unearthing British, Maori and French roots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I discovered through Nancy’s own words in her books and tv interviews, that her father had abandoned her and her family at an early age. And there was something else that stood out every time Nancy spoke of her war times. She vehemently denied ever being afraid, saying things such as she was far too busy to be scared. I found this interesting, because I’ve also heard of soldiers and airmen who have said exactly the same. And then I’ve heard dozens more state that any man who said he wasn’t afraid in war is a liar!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The fact is, Nancy was the consummate actress, quite forward, openly flirtatious with German soldiers in order to bluff her way through check points for instance. She could probably do just about anything and so painting on a brave face was a simple task. Like a chameleon, Nancy was changeable and adaptable to any situation or environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The French men she fought with and led loved her. They thought she was amazing, and formidable. Nancy made many firm friends for life, and one of them, Henri Tardivat, once stated: “She is the most feminine woman I know, but when the fighting starts she is like five men.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Food for thought indeed. My take was that Nancy would have been afraid. Fear is a natural response after all, but Nancy had a strong spirit and the strength to push on, doing what she needed to do despite the risks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">There’s a lot to consider when writing about a real person, and the fear factor was important to me because I knew it existed, and I didn’t wish to write a person who was completely without it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Re-reads of the biographies gave me more insight – it’s funny what you miss when reading something the first or even the second time. Piece by piece Nancy was emerging before my eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Having gone from learning about a New Zealander, raised in Sydney, who became a guerrilla fighter with the Maquis in France – a great leader of some 7000 men, I was suddenly facing a woman who bore her own emotional scars, who did admit to feeling worried at times during the war, and who was a true lady with the heart of a lion. She was a born leader, involved in dangerous courier work for Resistance groups from the very beginning in France, and well before she joined the Special Operations Executive. It was during this time that the Germans became aware of a woman operating in southern France, and they dubbed her “The White Mouse”, offering a bounty for her capture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Her real story reads like something out of Hollywood, and I was hooked, and I knew I had to write about her, to enable people to see the real Nancy. She was a wonderful human being, kind, incredibly generous, the greatest friend to have, and incredibly patriotic and brave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nancy Augusta Wake began life with very little, and went on to marry a wealthy man, Henri Fiocca, living a millionaire’s life, only to lose it all through war. At the end of it all she had to start again. It’s a tragic story, but she eventually found happiness and perhaps some peace later when she met and fell in love with John Forward. They married and settled eventually in Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nancy never got over the loss of Henri. He was, as she often remarked, the greatest love of her life, and his selfless sacrifice was her one regret from the war years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Henri was arrested in May 1943 and tortured by the Germans, but he refused to give up his wife’s location. On October 16<sup>th</sup>, 1943, Henri Fiocca was executed by firing squad. And to the end of her days, Nancy always declared that “the only good Nazi is a dead one”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Nancy Grace Augusta Wake 30 August 1912 – 7 August 2011<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Book Link: <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-1ny4l3l r-1ddef8g r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/BDzxm0ays2?amp=1" rel=" noopener noreferrer" role="link" style="background-color: #f5f8fa; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1b95e0; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline-style: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank" title="http://mybook.to/MadameFiocca">mybook.to/MadameFiocca</a><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: #f5f8fa; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #14171a; display: inline; font-family: , , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "ubuntu" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: #f5f8fa; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #14171a; display: inline; font-family: , , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "ubuntu" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="background-color: #f5f8fa; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #14171a; display: inline; font-family: , , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "ubuntu" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">From March 11th, the book will be available worldwide from all sellers including Kobo & Apple.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 22px; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-18718049039958847542020-01-24T14:21:00.000+00:002020-01-24T14:24:56.495+00:00Free Book Alert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
This weekend only: Grab a copy of Madame Fiocca FREE e-book until January 26th.<br />
<br />
Universal Link: <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-1ny4l3l r-1ddef8g r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://t.co/BDzxm0ays2?amp=1" rel=" noopener noreferrer" role="link" style="background-color: white; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1b95e0; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 23px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline-style: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank" title="http://mybook.to/MadameFiocca"><span aria-hidden="true" class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-hiw28u r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" style="border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; display: inline; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "ubuntu" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.3125; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; white-space: inherit;">http://</span>mybook.to/MadameFiocca</a><br />
<br />
Latest Review 5 Stars:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">From the first paragraph of this enthralling biography that reads like a memoir, my attention was firmly grabbed and it never once flagged, even when it looked like Nancy’s life would be all love and roses. I had never heard of Nancy Wake, the independent, adventurous woman who seized life with both hands, living fully, embracing all it had to offer. But I immediately fell under her spell, tagging along as she made her way into adulthood and headlong into some of the most tumultuous times our world has ever known.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It took no time for Nancy to land plum assignments in Europe, where her love of food and culture bloomed. She lived a dazzling life as she made her way across the continent, reporting news of the emerging monsters—Mussolini, Franco and Hitler—as they cut a swath of misery and destruction across Europe. And in the middle of all the turmoil, Nancy fell in love with a man whose heart she had captured at first sight.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I can see why author Suzy Henderson was drawn to Nancy Wake, and the woman she would become, Madame Fiocca. As far as personalities go, Nancy was indomitable. She didn’t think twice about jumping into the fight against Hitler with both feet, regardless of the fact that she was a woman and had only minimal time to train.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Nancy relinquished her own happiness to help others to safety, to take up the fight, putting all she held dear at risk. She used her intelligence, her righteous hatred of Hitler and his goon squads, and her ability to slip past the enemy using her unique mixture of femininity, cunning and skills to her advantage. But it was her refusal to ever give up—regardless of pain or exhaustion or heartache—that makes her such a fascinating character. I absolutely loved this incredible account of a legendary woman—Madame Fiocca.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcpJK2kFB86toPoo644FtauGzDqg27TbtwWXdcizfFIqVUDpNZmxGmCHlMHzcnKa2-T9x23MlgWs2LWPmyg4aY2sEv0NID9irNMwr3_TC_de90DfgTWklrJSJg-nBh3a0Bg20MeW2CqI/s1600/The+White+Mouse+Gestapo%2527s+Most+Wanted+%252815%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcpJK2kFB86toPoo644FtauGzDqg27TbtwWXdcizfFIqVUDpNZmxGmCHlMHzcnKa2-T9x23MlgWs2LWPmyg4aY2sEv0NID9irNMwr3_TC_de90DfgTWklrJSJg-nBh3a0Bg20MeW2CqI/s400/The+White+Mouse+Gestapo%2527s+Most+Wanted+%252815%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-67584750389086382312020-01-23T12:40:00.002+00:002020-01-23T12:40:24.942+00:00Book Review: The Evening Chorus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD8g92BxwGorPOf1fLdOGqLzntMtzPvfb4LtKlZU9D2i5YdaVpmUI_jakh_k_AvQsEE6n6UrH83jGmk1IIWj_Sne2t1drD5Qs4LFiGKoqKbEcbekjBs0tRBotO-xi6X28-sRFjcthVNU/s1600/20256751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD8g92BxwGorPOf1fLdOGqLzntMtzPvfb4LtKlZU9D2i5YdaVpmUI_jakh_k_AvQsEE6n6UrH83jGmk1IIWj_Sne2t1drD5Qs4LFiGKoqKbEcbekjBs0tRBotO-xi6X28-sRFjcthVNU/s320/20256751.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="row" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<b><span itemprop="bookFormat">Paperback</span>, <span itemprop="numberOfPages">304 pages</span></b></div>
<div class="row" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<b>Published February 3rd 2015 by Mariner Books <nobr class="greyText" style="color: #999999;">(first published January 26th 2015)</nobr></b></div>
<div class="row" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<nobr class="greyText" style="color: #999999;"><br /></nobr></div>
<b>Description:</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Downed during his first mission, James Hunter is taken captive as a German POW. To bide the time, he studies a nest of redstarts at the edge of camp. Some prisoners plot escape; some are shot. And then, one day, James is called to the Kommandant’s office.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Meanwhile, back home, James’s new wife, Rose, is on her own, free in a way she has never known. Then, James’s sister, Enid, loses everything during the Blitz and must seek shelter with Rose. In a cottage near Ashdown forest, the two women jealously guard secrets, but form a surprising friendship. Each of these characters will find unexpected freedom amid war’s privations and discover confinements that come with peace.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Review:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Well, it's no secret that I love WW2 books, although not all of them of course. But this book caught my attention, late in the day as it was published a few years ago. Still, there's nothing more wonderful than discovering a new book and I'm so glad I found this one. I'm still not completely certain how to sum it up in all honesty, except for what I write below and to say that it is a startlingly beautiful read.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">James Hunter is shot down on his first mission with the RAF. Having baled out of his aircraft, he's fished out of the sea by a German patrol. For him, the war is over. He is taken to a pow camp. Meanwhile, his new wife, Rose, is left alone in their cottage on the edge of the Ashdown Forest in Sussex. While James turns to birdwatching at the camp to pass the time, his letters home are filled with such talk, something Rose struggles to connect with, her husband becoming ever more distant. She develops a friendship with someone else and begins an affair. When Jame's sister Enid is bombed out and loses everything, it's Rose she turns to and comes to stay. Rose, desperate to continue seeing this other man, closely guards her secret.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">As James studies the birds - Redstarts, keeping a journal, his 'hobby' catches the attention of the camp Kommandant, a man who shares his passion.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">The story really pursues the three characters who are all imprisoned, James literally, and Rose and Enid figuratively. The story is beautifully written with almost meditative prose, poetic, and well-plotted. A truly enjoyable book and well recommended and I award it five stars.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">Available to buy from Amazon UK here: </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0544348699/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin_uk-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738">https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0544348699/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin_uk-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738</a><br />
<br />
Available also worldwide and in various online stores. </div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-68875826979118114342020-01-15T12:56:00.001+00:002020-01-15T12:56:47.137+00:00Nancy Wake- Codename 'The White Mouse'(1987) Part 2 of 6The next instalment and the inspiration behind my latest novel, Madame Fiocca: The Remarkable True Story of Nancy Wake.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B1oeM8sPdt8" width="459"></iframe>Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-64668280422747695182019-12-15T12:06:00.000+00:002019-12-15T12:06:06.636+00:00Nancy Wake- Codename 'The White Mouse'(1987) Part 1 of 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I hope you enjoy watching the first instalment of Nancy Wake, SOE heroine who helped hundreds of people flee the Germans in Nazi-occupied France while she lived in Marseille. In 1943, she became an evader, fleeing across the Pyrenees into Spain. From there, she travelled to Gibraltar and sailed to England where she eventually joined SOE. The rest, as they say, is history.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/36PtQ3TxZJI" width="459"></iframe></div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-20762411595499499832019-12-15T11:54:00.001+00:002019-12-15T11:54:14.047+00:00New Release: Madame Fiocca<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; display: grid; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; grid-template-columns: auto 57%; grid-template-rows: auto; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="wp-block-media-text__content" style="align-self: center; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; grid-area: 1 / 1 / auto / auto; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 25.1562px; vertical-align: baseline; word-break: break-word;">
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6PNokqhLtM8JBbWhE7vsSKMFVVKNIvHwiff3XUENsaln8PCiwXFqytUje04nAvKZCL9NlyB9bAlp2XdgNMiZhyS2Odp7oKPoiDgPwzNRvtt9iwlx95YCtBy4x56L1MY9li6e7_9QY1c/s1600/The+White+Mouse+Gestapo%2527s+Most+Wanted+%252810%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6PNokqhLtM8JBbWhE7vsSKMFVVKNIvHwiff3XUENsaln8PCiwXFqytUje04nAvKZCL9NlyB9bAlp2XdgNMiZhyS2Odp7oKPoiDgPwzNRvtt9iwlx95YCtBy4x56L1MY9li6e7_9QY1c/s400/The+White+Mouse+Gestapo%2527s+Most+Wanted+%252810%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
February 1933: Nancy Wake is a gregarious twenty-year-old looking for adventure. Having fled her unhappy family home in Sydney, she becomes a journalist and is thrilled when she is posted to Paris. The city is glamorous, brimming with journalists, artists, and a growing number of refugees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Later, in the French Riviera, she uncovers more than news following a chance encounter with wealthy industrialist, Henri Fiocca. Their relationship blossoms as Hitler makes waves across Europe. While on an assignment in Vienna in 1938, she witnesses Nazis whipping Jews on the street and she vows to fight for justice if ever the opportunity arises.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
When Henri is called to the Front to fight, Nancy, determined to help the war effort, joins the Red Cross as an ambulance driver. Every day she witnesses atrocities. When Paris falls, Nancy flees the German oppressors and returns to Marseille. France is a nation defeated; its people are in despair.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A chance encounter with a British officer draws Nancy into the heart of the Garrow escape network, despite Henri’s reservations. Armed with wealth and charm, she convinces Henri that the Germans will never suspect such a woman. But soon she finds herself caught up in a deadly game of espionage.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
As the iron fist of the enemy tightens, neighbours denounce neighbours. No one can be trusted. When the enemy closes in, Nancy and Henri face an impossible choice. Has she done more harm than good?</div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
Based on a true story of love and a gripping adventure, Madame Fiocca weaves an extraordinary tale of survival and redemption in wartime.</div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
Available from <a href="http://mybook.to/MadameFiocca" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #916411; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amazon</a> in e-book format. Read for free on KindleUnlimited.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxe8HJEyful3O1s3RN2X-4uH6XvNTaGTD4X2t76wt-vR9KwDRoeZOdE2Zgi5xKHHO4-MrfTwveBRKgpLUHLszqkQSF8wRycuQffVVRGtYmjQ3UiBXFdtITYDsVpNRod0c8i4whB3rEEU/s1600/dress-3250938_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxe8HJEyful3O1s3RN2X-4uH6XvNTaGTD4X2t76wt-vR9KwDRoeZOdE2Zgi5xKHHO4-MrfTwveBRKgpLUHLszqkQSF8wRycuQffVVRGtYmjQ3UiBXFdtITYDsVpNRod0c8i4whB3rEEU/s320/dress-3250938_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="has-text-align-center" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444340; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-50043672649138646552019-08-31T15:30:00.001+01:002019-08-31T15:30:02.188+01:00Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: Historical Fiction author, Suzy Henderson, is taki...<a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2019/08/historical-fiction-author-suzy.html?spref=bl">Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: Historical Fiction author, Suzy Henderson, is taki...</a>: Becoming acquainted with your character: Writing Historial Fiction By Suzy Henderson People often ask why I write h...Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-47290303949076293982019-02-11T09:58:00.001+00:002019-02-11T09:58:18.498+00:00Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: #CoverReveal — Madame Fiocca, by Suzy Henderson #H...<a href="https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2019/02/coverreveal-madame-fiocca-by-suzy.html?spref=bl">Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: #CoverReveal — Madame Fiocca, by Suzy Henderson #H...</a>: --> Madame Fiocca By Suzy Henderson Marseille, September 1939. War is coming. Nancy Wake is a gregarious twe...Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-69319524132634946392018-08-31T00:29:00.000+01:002018-08-31T00:29:32.844+01:00Nursing in The Great War<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDqvoEzE0VHMV_kXmoScgyWqA_F30CuteMBRiaK7mz065b9TY2R1hRWZV-W0dGXFJNHzJRDuDLq864KUzFeNyyBOCGoNj3bCAxUl3UBUbd9WGEcw8GHthJdBduuQj-DUvFaJ5J9gl4cg/s320/large_000000.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of copyright IWM (Art.IWM PST 0318)).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So often when we talk of war, we discuss the fighting, the aerial or sea battles and the men who fought so courageously for peace. What of the women? I've often read about the home front and of women who worked in munitions factories, or those drafted to work the land. But what of the bloody side of battle? What of the nurses and the thousands of women who went to nurse wounded soldiers overseas?<br />
<br />
The Great War would bring significant change in so many ways. It was widely anticipated that this war would be short. Wartime propaganda began with a kick and helped to spread patriotic fever far and wide. Thousands of young men answered Kitchener's call to arms, but their fever was to calm very quickly. Once placed in the heart of battle the weeks rolled into months and then a year and disillusionment stepped in as many realised that all seemed endless, hopeless.<br />
<br />
The wounded sustained injuries never seen before. What was worse was the lack of treatment available and the lack of expertise in treating specific injuries. It would become a time of pioneering treatment, a lengthy and innovative process which would continue throughout the years and into the next war. But aside from medical advancements and failings, what was life like for the thousands of women who answered the call to nursing?<br />
<br />
Florence Nightingale made waves during the Crimean war and implemented great change in nursing care and practice. She was a revolutionary in her field and caused a stir back then, but it was worth it. Her efforts improved practice and contributed to saving the lives of men who would undoubtedly have died without her. Times were changing....warfare was changing....women were changing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy057B7ylfOhLypOPJwyK3bg6NF5e1oVaLGhudDIyFWH_1wHQoweHN1j9py2RDZm9SZCaDLldOegpQw3PZIm-lIjzkaV4Nzhu_TNj47j4jdc7k8PAKPHlF_px7ylUuI7AD8taGJVCtXI/s1600/220px-VAD_poster.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy057B7ylfOhLypOPJwyK3bg6NF5e1oVaLGhudDIyFWH_1wHQoweHN1j9py2RDZm9SZCaDLldOegpQw3PZIm-lIjzkaV4Nzhu_TNj47j4jdc7k8PAKPHlF_px7ylUuI7AD8taGJVCtXI/s320/220px-VAD_poster.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Women have always nursed. At the beginning of WW1, nursing was unregulated which meant that anyone could call themselves a nurse and offer their services. However, in 1919, this changed.<br />
Life was very different back then. Women still did not have the vote. Few had jobs, but those who did or had to work would usually be employed in domestic service.<br />
<br />
When WW1 was declared, women were keen to do what they could for the war effort, for their men and their country. In the beginning, women were asked to wait at home and "keep the home fires burning." It was generally anticipated that the war would be short-lived. Women from all ranks stepped forward and volunteered to work alongside nurses as Voluntary Aid Detachments - VADs. The VAD organisation began in 1909, and by the beginning of WW1, many VADs were already serving.<br />
<br />
The war began brutally and continued, and by early spring 1915, both the government and military quickly realised the need for more workers and nurses. Women were then called upon to work in various roles, such as medics, farmers, teachers, munitions factories and VADs. The pristine, clinical image of the VAD dressed in her starched blue dress and white apron is almost a romanticised version of the reality they lived through. The work itself was rough, gruesome, dirty and undoubtedly shocking to many until they became accustomed to it. They were often exhausted, working long hours with little rest or time off. <br />
The regime itself could be harsh with rules and procedures to follow, and heaven help those who wandered from the rigidity of it all!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ogPxRr_9LW_ox9kZ4UcOT-SXDhkXwlTSGEJaSBfB_j6eIAasqKHzc4WnLkY_AekqYQvWHzdnzHRuGOj8We4BSvKrLgDj_otsRO9rG0KoywXyDdaO-7SZ_GbucQWvn0WL6QyxxEm-zdM/s1600/4-The-Red-Cross-Nurse-Artist-unknown-1918.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ogPxRr_9LW_ox9kZ4UcOT-SXDhkXwlTSGEJaSBfB_j6eIAasqKHzc4WnLkY_AekqYQvWHzdnzHRuGOj8We4BSvKrLgDj_otsRO9rG0KoywXyDdaO-7SZ_GbucQWvn0WL6QyxxEm-zdM/s320/4-The-Red-Cross-Nurse-Artist-unknown-1918.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The injuries the men endured had never been seen before - a consequence of changing warfare and of aerial battles. Medicine had not yet evolved well enough to cope with the severest of wound infections, and gangrene was rife. There were no antibiotics, and disinfectant was in short supply. As the war rolled on, medicines and dressings were running out too, especially in field hospitals at the front.<br />
<br />
Of the existing qualified and experienced nurses, some had already seen war and its effects, having worked through the first or second Boer War (1880-1881; 1899-1902). Many nurses were eager to go abroad and nurse the injured at the front. However, the British Medical Military Services viewed female nurses as unsuitable for the front, presuming them unable to cope with the ugly face of war and so they were reluctant to send nurses to field hospitals overseas.<br />
<br />
The British Red Cross formed the Joint War Committee with the Order of St John following the declaration of war on August 4th, 1914. The committee supplied services to the war effort while also organising nursing staff at home and abroad. It assumed control of the trained nurses and all VAD's and then proceeded to allocate them to the capable direction of Sarah Swift, the ex-matron of St Guy's Hospital.<br />
In 1916, Sarah set up the College of Nursing, later to become the Royal College of Nursing, the professional body that continues to this day. Sarah was made a dame in 1919 for her services to nursing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5J2CONNpGJSkG5nDhcHWhxyB6uMo_fbhz4dOrfxdoE4YC3hTjir-kD_-5sMTtYQjKpbmUGjHArG1NnmY0tC832OIx1YjhoHMIZZwDkTM_W-Ar9fNPiVatKl93-yeLmgi0bj4fLQpdlk/s1600/ww1+nursing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5J2CONNpGJSkG5nDhcHWhxyB6uMo_fbhz4dOrfxdoE4YC3hTjir-kD_-5sMTtYQjKpbmUGjHArG1NnmY0tC832OIx1YjhoHMIZZwDkTM_W-Ar9fNPiVatKl93-yeLmgi0bj4fLQpdlk/s1600/ww1+nursing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Between 1914 and 1918, around 90,000 male and female volunteers worked in Britain and abroad. The VADs carried out a range of duties from transport, organising rest stations, to patient care. They had to pass exams to achieve their first aid and home nursing certificates. The men were trained as first-aiders in the field and also worked as stretcher bearers.<br />
<br />
One nurse, Violet Gosset, kept a diary of her nursing time during the war, something that was strictly forbidden. When her diaries were discovered in an attic many years later, they revealed the grim truth of what she had witnessed. She writes, “We had a fearful lot of head cases about this time as the tin helmets were not in use. Imagine a ward full of men with their brains oozing out of bad head wounds.” She gave accounts of life-saving amputations performed without the proper equipment and talks of "stretchers packed like sardines everywhere." However, it was not just war and its injuries which posed a threat but diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and tetanus.<br />
<br />
Around 200 nurses were killed or died during the Great War.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXrH67K6Q5jcj4GSrJurq7ErKV898ikELEjYpbjOp4IaHuqCAShTZHXw-0neQrkVst6Pilw0iLvElIUDQa3aIIcWQFh4KRspLXhv-RvenGQ5nYA7Tt3rW06WtkAHIR0PxtPBcxcLvjvM/s1600/edith-cavell-facts-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXrH67K6Q5jcj4GSrJurq7ErKV898ikELEjYpbjOp4IaHuqCAShTZHXw-0neQrkVst6Pilw0iLvElIUDQa3aIIcWQFh4KRspLXhv-RvenGQ5nYA7Tt3rW06WtkAHIR0PxtPBcxcLvjvM/s320/edith-cavell-facts-4.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edith Cavell 1865-1915. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Notable voluntary aid detachment nurses who volunteered during the Great War :<br />
<ul>
<li>Agatha Christie – served as a VAD nurse at a hospital in Torquay. She said it was “one of the most rewarding professions that anyone can follow.” </li>
<li>Edith Cavell - <span class="st">She is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers from both sides without discrimination and aiding around 200 Allied soldiers to escape from German-occupied Belgium during the First World War, for which she was arrested. She was accused of treason, found guilty by a court-<wbr></wbr>martial and executed by a German firing squad on October 12th, 1915. </span></li>
<li>Vera Brittain – most famous for writing <i>Testament of youth: an autobiographical study of the years 1900–1925</i>. She became a VAD in 1915 and was posted to France in 1917.</li>
<li>Enid Bagnold – author of <i>National Velvet</i> and <i>The Chalk Garden. </i>She served in London as a VAD.</li>
<li>Clara Butt – superstar singer of the Victorian era, Dame Clara Butt lived in Bristol and was a legend in her lifetime, performing to packed concert halls all over the world. </li>
<li>Violet Jessop - British ocean liner stewardess, trained as a VAD nurse after the outbreak of World War I. She had been a stewardess aboard the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic" title="RMS Titanic">RMS <i>Titanic</i></a> when it sank in 1912 and was also aboard the hospital ship <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMHS_Britannic" title="HMHS Britannic">HMHS <i>Britannic</i></a> (the <i>Titanic'</i>s sister ship) as a Red Cross nurse when it sank in 1916.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRu68R-e4pgh8d38fCPnC8bAAZMIZGO7JEuZuihlTXxZ5qX0xL_-biA0X5h06MqL6aFLGUKy0INJrJF_dw_mPF1PZUwrF7yZ-CuB0hNE_YrmBmtcfEbbtvS9wB9jygFNWJku4CVoIsyo/s1600/agathanurse_3036990c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="460" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRu68R-e4pgh8d38fCPnC8bAAZMIZGO7JEuZuihlTXxZ5qX0xL_-biA0X5h06MqL6aFLGUKy0INJrJF_dw_mPF1PZUwrF7yZ-CuB0hNE_YrmBmtcfEbbtvS9wB9jygFNWJku4CVoIsyo/s320/agathanurse_3036990c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agatha Christie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJe54iKS5SZUcZeQJl7v1-qgjJGnKYx1LK4GTyC4KitsCcMvTVU_4J_cZT-t2vuU2a3fjnjwNMH2DxFKCiGvgFb2EC_9uZrCie6PKTapPOsjPqJnf3sXl5vC2HLzZXgzBu0BlP_uC92w/s1600/516EZQwOImL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJe54iKS5SZUcZeQJl7v1-qgjJGnKYx1LK4GTyC4KitsCcMvTVU_4J_cZT-t2vuU2a3fjnjwNMH2DxFKCiGvgFb2EC_9uZrCie6PKTapPOsjPqJnf3sXl5vC2HLzZXgzBu0BlP_uC92w/s1600/516EZQwOImL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jdrnEhorLUCXH1Kqi8C2Gd1xnGNCQxCsTSCWkT9Yk6Aui59FrLEtnwznd9BXcmCIlfn70KZtzZv8hq9cUr20p8d-pQzbMKLKsfFO78sktLQu-52d7TkY1gZ0MJkvVAdA_AR9bcTYDMQ/s1600/515AArP2aOL._AC_US218_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jdrnEhorLUCXH1Kqi8C2Gd1xnGNCQxCsTSCWkT9Yk6Aui59FrLEtnwznd9BXcmCIlfn70KZtzZv8hq9cUr20p8d-pQzbMKLKsfFO78sktLQu-52d7TkY1gZ0MJkvVAdA_AR9bcTYDMQ/s1600/515AArP2aOL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-58764758675467323972018-05-10T11:52:00.000+01:002018-05-10T11:52:02.212+01:00Free WW2 Fiction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
If you love WW2 fiction, you'll be able to grab a <b>Free</b> copy of my book, <i>The Beauty Shop</i>, which is based on real events, including the work of plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe and the Guinea Pig Club. This promotion runs from May 10th -14th. <br />
Click here to view: <a href="http://mybook.to/TheBeautyShop" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOwBmcPDdtEd2y2e8yjbT9tZe1sHnIZEyf9UrWdRRL15pCnthbR1LV_29_WhOSBe3Lc9z8J4r3yChhG2mAOALW8b5rMqJ3luK2xhFk9XMPu02H-lm1jFv1IvSH2yqEB77Ruk9aUDKtJI/s1600/Burned+in+a+tragic+accident%252C+Mac+loses+all+hope.+Can+the+Maestro+help+him_+m.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOwBmcPDdtEd2y2e8yjbT9tZe1sHnIZEyf9UrWdRRL15pCnthbR1LV_29_WhOSBe3Lc9z8J4r3yChhG2mAOALW8b5rMqJ3luK2xhFk9XMPu02H-lm1jFv1IvSH2yqEB77Ruk9aUDKtJI/s640/Burned+in+a+tragic+accident%252C+Mac+loses+all+hope.+Can+the+Maestro+help+him_+m.png" width="640" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></b></div>
<br /></div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-67507989508083145202018-04-02T16:49:00.000+01:002018-04-02T17:00:59.216+01:00Spring Into A Fantastic Book Giveaway This April<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;
mso-fareast-language:EN-CA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnWfcdsZRgx3o9zJ275rfgQzAcweWEfwk-DjppPgld51o19IaPa2apI-w1-yJqug57ipkp92ahSVvLgXa3YZMEsAfIiThoaj5tfsX1zFTbT6ciDppnixpt0-bBQOF54EjyZ4JR8IHKqw/s1600/April+2018+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnWfcdsZRgx3o9zJ275rfgQzAcweWEfwk-DjppPgld51o19IaPa2apI-w1-yJqug57ipkp92ahSVvLgXa3YZMEsAfIiThoaj5tfsX1zFTbT6ciDppnixpt0-bBQOF54EjyZ4JR8IHKqw/s320/April+2018+giveaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-CA">If you're looking for a great new book this spring, look no further. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">With so many wonderful authors and books
available, it's imperative to have a reliable and trustworthy place that can
help you choose what to read. It's even better when you get a chance to win
free books through a giveaway! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Every month, enter to win free books from
multiple authors via N. N. Light's Book Heaven. Several authors are offering
their books throughout the upcoming year in this innovative and collaborative
approach to building a new and immersive online reading community. Authors,
bloggers and book reviewers are partnering to share fantastic reads, quality
reviews and powerful connections all in one place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">My debut novel, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/BEAUTY-SHOP-Suzy-Henderson-ebook/dp/B01LXO5394/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522683900&sr=8-2&keywords=the+beauty+shop" target="_blank">The Beauty Shop</a></i>, is included this month so for your chance to win free e-books/paperbacks and other prizes, head on over to <a href="https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal" target="_blank">N.N. Light's Book Heaven</a> and enter the giveaway. See the links below. Good luck!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:EN-CA;
mso-fareast-language:EN-CA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><b>April Giveaway:</b> <a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775011/">https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db775011/</a>?
</span></div>
<span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Literary
Giveaway Portal:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span><a href="https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal">https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/literary-giveaway-portal</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-17731128143146880262018-03-23T20:54:00.000+00:002018-03-23T20:54:04.639+00:00What I'm Reading Now<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Right now I'm reading "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. Published in 2015, it won the Carnegie Medal for Fiction and the Pulitzer Prize in 2015.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx01ud2tlrFcyUfCYFLcQbFAIDWt-WwBpy65mAnQ9TpqpPEWLxv3muP6EHRmv2o3VDxqSas2W76c_gmZ7DqPiLznrMAf9uNTCHm7mSPrbOKQksKtsU0hqC-Cv5pHv-W0CmYNnuOE9AZvg/s1600/511qpsWcTyL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx01ud2tlrFcyUfCYFLcQbFAIDWt-WwBpy65mAnQ9TpqpPEWLxv3muP6EHRmv2o3VDxqSas2W76c_gmZ7DqPiLznrMAf9uNTCHm7mSPrbOKQksKtsU0hqC-Cv5pHv-W0CmYNnuOE9AZvg/s320/511qpsWcTyL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<b>Blurb</b>:<br />
<br />
<strong>A beautiful, stunningly ambitious novel about a blind French
girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try
to survive the devastation of World War II</strong><br />
‘Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.’<br />
For
Marie-Laure, blind since the age of six, the world is full of mazes.
The miniature of a Paris neighbourhood, made by her father to teach her
the way home. The microscopic layers within the invaluable diamond that
her father guards in the Museum of Natural History. The walled city by
the sea, where father and daughter take refuge when the Nazis invade
Paris. And a future which draws her ever closer to Werner, a German
orphan, destined to labour in the mines until a broken radio fills his
life with possibility and brings him to the notice of the Hitler Youth.<br />
In this magnificent, deeply moving novel, the stories of<br />Marie-Laure and Werner illuminate the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another.<br />
<br />
It's a tomb of a book and comprises a non-linear form, jumping back and forth in time up until a particular point in the story. There are multiple viewpoints from the main characters and it's written so eloquently to paint an epic story of war in 1940s France.<br />
<br />
<div dir="auto" id="iframeContent">
I'm also reading "Mademoiselle Chanel: A Novel" by C.W. Gortner, also published in 2015.<br />
<br />
<b>Blurb:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGFQhWaqKMWVECamYGuaVCDK-W4L-tWFN8jigvcxKw3JMKB4QRWIY2QtMNTxHfzo7OYsa8W6iEYTScLeTOqTJVtHpqrvx3XgYgX53BOroYo92RyRf0aa5A_ZJaZVBt3O2smPaf_ITB9M/s1600/51zZprms9RL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGFQhWaqKMWVECamYGuaVCDK-W4L-tWFN8jigvcxKw3JMKB4QRWIY2QtMNTxHfzo7OYsa8W6iEYTScLeTOqTJVtHpqrvx3XgYgX53BOroYo92RyRf0aa5A_ZJaZVBt3O2smPaf_ITB9M/s320/51zZprms9RL.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
For readers of <em>The Paris Wife</em> and <em>Z</em>
comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that
stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the
ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion,
built an international empire, and become one of the most influential
and controversial figures of the twentieth century.<br />
Born into
rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to orphanage
after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional
sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a
life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.<br />
Transforming
herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite
brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy
gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in
his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her
creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco
discovers her destiny.<br />
Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette
of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and
confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her
couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles
and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from
heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is
forced to make choices that will haunt her.<br />
An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, <em>Mademoiselle Chanel </em>explores
the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength,
passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.</div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-53573543691348953542017-10-19T00:30:00.000+01:002017-10-21T16:36:51.036+01:00The Betrayal by Award-Winning Author Anne Allen.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdofnu21FtLnBnr2jdcF08rN0joKKgmdQkSXPkoBQGuv9Y6c8qjn6nAiuJ3EAlb3Rowj6wqjJEIs5_75vGtaPzfArsFizMSvbfwBcyDJUlJvo-f7JZzlHMmZpAHTu-bx9PgrB7ZCypvgQ/s1600/New+ReleaseAnne+AllenThe+Betrayal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdofnu21FtLnBnr2jdcF08rN0joKKgmdQkSXPkoBQGuv9Y6c8qjn6nAiuJ3EAlb3Rowj6wqjJEIs5_75vGtaPzfArsFizMSvbfwBcyDJUlJvo-f7JZzlHMmZpAHTu-bx9PgrB7ZCypvgQ/s400/New+ReleaseAnne+AllenThe+Betrayal.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Blurb</b></h3>
<br />
Treachery and theft lead to death – and love<br />
1940. Teresa Bichard and her baby are sent by her beloved husband, Leo, to England as the Germans draw closer to Guernsey. Days later they invade…<br />
1942. Leo, of Jewish descent, is betrayed to the Germans and is sent to a concentration camp, never to return.<br />
1945. Teresa returns to find Leo did not survive and the family’s valuable art collection, including a Renoir, is missing. Heartbroken, she returns to England.<br />
2011. Nigel and his twin Fiona, buy a long-established antique shop in Guernsey and during a refit, find a hidden stash of paintings, including what appears to be a Renoir. Days later, Fiona finds Nigel dead, an apparent suicide. Refusing to accept the verdict, a distraught Fiona employs a detective to help her discover the truth…<br />
Searching for the rightful owner of the painting brings Fiona close to someone who opens a chink in her broken heart. Can she answer some crucial questions before laying her brother's ghost to rest?<br />
Who betrayed Leo?<br />
Who knew about the stolen Renoir?<br />
And are they prepared to kill – again?<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Review</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Source</b>: Advanced reader copy received from publisher. </span></h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jT5ZOuAIqe9nEbq6ja4s7FBq_2uA1oXEwOhjKhJ3hZTUyx31D5C_cjHQXGUPYG1d-VpnnA3Z_9lrMfdvjXK42zDB0Uo5KlJMyjEswfLcTREJRarskFPekZ2FC6RKP0wPI9KM07ZnilM/s1600/The+Betrayal+3D+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1352" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jT5ZOuAIqe9nEbq6ja4s7FBq_2uA1oXEwOhjKhJ3hZTUyx31D5C_cjHQXGUPYG1d-VpnnA3Z_9lrMfdvjXK42zDB0Uo5KlJMyjEswfLcTREJRarskFPekZ2FC6RKP0wPI9KM07ZnilM/s320/The+Betrayal+3D+Cover.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="reviewText mediumText description readable" itemprop="reviewBody">
Having read Anne’s last book, 'Echoes of Time', I couldn’t wait to read her latest, and I wasn’t disappointed. The novel alternates between WW2 and 2011 and is set on the beautiful island of Guernsey. 'The Betrayal' features twins, Fiona and Nigel, who discover a Renoir within the walls of their antique shop in 2011. When Nigel is found dead, and suicide is suspected, Fiona refuses to believe that her brother would end his own life and she sets out to uncover the truth. Unravelling the mystery will carry her on a journey back to 1940, and to the dark days of the German Occupation and the deportation of Jews.<br />
<br />
The story is well crafted with beautiful scenes of the island of Guernsey springing to life and all things WW2 perfectly portrayed. Historical facts are seamlessly interwoven into the story which is well paced with realistic, well-developed characters set within a fascinating plot with twists and turns. All in all, it’s an engrossing read and one that will sweep you away to war, mystery and romance. I can highly recommend it.</div>
<div class="reviewText mediumText description readable" itemprop="reviewBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/iphoto-for-email.jpg?w=200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Iphoto for email" border="0" class=" size-medium wp-image-1990 alignright" height="300" src="https://suzyhenderson.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/iphoto-for-email.jpg?w=200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
<strong>About Anne</strong></h3>
Anne Allen lives in Devon, by her beloved sea. She has three children, and her daughter and two grandchildren live nearby. Her restless spirit has meant a number of moves which included Spain for a couple of years. The longest stay was in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns.<br />
<br />
By profession, Anne was a psychotherapist, but long had the itch to write. Now a full-time writer, she has written The Guernsey Novels, five having been published and the sixth, 'The Betrayal', is out now in paperback and ebook format. Follow the universal buy link below.<br />
<br />
For all the latest book and writing news, be sure to follow Anne here:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.anneallen.co.uk/">Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anne-Allen-Author-176883759173475/">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/AnneAllen21">Twitter</a></div>
<strong>Universal Buy Link:</strong> <a href="http://mybook.to/TheBetrayal">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="reviewText mediumText description readable" itemprop="reviewBody">
</div>
<div id="review-like">
</div>
<div id="review-follow">
</div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-71729068953997344992017-08-16T23:44:00.000+01:002018-03-23T19:49:20.525+00:00My Tribute To Guinea Pig Club Member Jack Perry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm very sad to share the news that RAF veteran and member of the infamous Guinea Pig Club, Jack Perry passed away on August 7th, aged 92.<br />
<br />
He was an amazing man, a friend to so many, a husband, father and grandfather. His outlook on life, given his own horrific injuries sustained during WW2, was simply incredible. He was helped so much by the plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe and the men in the Guinea Pig Club whom he referred to as a 'band of brothers'. In return, Jack has given so much back, helping others similar to himself, suffering with life-changing injuries as a result of burns. Just as he was shown the pathway back to the living, he too has always tried to help others follow that path.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack left school at the young age of fourteen and joined the Air Training Corps at sixteen. At eighteen he volunteered as air crew but was chosen for pilot training initially, before training as a flight engineer. Jack was then seconded to 6 Bomber Group and flew with a Canadian crew.<br />
<br />
<br />
On 31 August 1944, Jack reported an issue with the fuel warning light on
the control panel to the pilot and the control tower. However, they were instructed to continue with their mission. As
the Halifax took off and climbed to 300 feet it exploded over RAF Topcliffe, North Yorkshire. Jack was thrown clear and when he came too, he returned to the burning wreckage to try and save the tailgunner, but his actions were in vain.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Z3-HSVBQxMGtwGoV-px3Ofuoqked5WWZpzjO3aTsSLS53_QIsLaTDiZFhSn23OpcWGwVogla_cLP0dGm55lQYoUcSsYWAHnpPeNrrtrJCC65g59-b98rOpn2qiiRncb-EcaIoeJ7zw/s1600/Halifax-mk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4Z3-HSVBQxMGtwGoV-px3Ofuoqked5WWZpzjO3aTsSLS53_QIsLaTDiZFhSn23OpcWGwVogla_cLP0dGm55lQYoUcSsYWAHnpPeNrrtrJCC65g59-b98rOpn2qiiRncb-EcaIoeJ7zw/s320/Halifax-mk3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halifax Bomber Image via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
He later discovered that the cause of the accident was a nut which had not been properly sealed on a fuel outlet pump.<br />
<br />
Of the eight crew members, the tail gunner was killed and several others, including 19-year-old Jack Perry were terribly injured. His hands were badly burned along with his face and ears and he would go on to have 31 operations and skin grafts over the years. <br />
<br />
<br />
Of his early treatment and recovery period, Jack once recalled how people reacted to him outside. "People coming towards you
saw your face and they couldn't stand it. They would either weep and
cry or walk on the other side of the road." But of McIndoe, he said, "McIndoe was a wonderful man and a
brilliant surgeon. He was very protective over us."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUYc7xbk1nWRcWd6UnMYgCucMQvNTiRBqoG0paWBWWeJGDOMYff0B8HaJaYqK7XXkDMk-qRTubV98Wu7pb1oeq5sEf0iaUCTWGFFq_RXbBRRUfm_Rw4OlAG0aK3kCC_9OVn0zxhkb5Tk/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUYc7xbk1nWRcWd6UnMYgCucMQvNTiRBqoG0paWBWWeJGDOMYff0B8HaJaYqK7XXkDMk-qRTubV98Wu7pb1oeq5sEf0iaUCTWGFFq_RXbBRRUfm_Rw4OlAG0aK3kCC_9OVn0zxhkb5Tk/s1600/download+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Archibald McIndoe with the 'Guinea Pigs'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jack and his fellow guinea pigs offered their support to modern-day
servicemen injured in the wars in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. His
club tie became quite shortened and frayed over the years because when ever he heard that
somebody he knew had been in a bad accident, he would snip off a piece and
post it to them.<br />
<br />
In a previous interview Jack said, "I am very proud to be a guinea pig and I try to help anybody I can. It means everything to me. I’m proud to be associated with
such a fine body of men and wonderful surgeons and nurses. I would do
everything again."<br />
<br />
"Being a Guinea Pig to me is something I've always cherished. It's been
my life for the last 45 years. We are a band of brothers!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="m_first-letter m_first-letter--flagged">Jack P</span>erry married after the war and went on to have a
successful career as a draughtsman. He and his wife Mary were married for over 66 years and
had three children, two grandchildren and a great grandchild.<br />
He worked tirelessly for the Guinea Pig Club and was the Social Secretary, organising many things including social functions. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGVaafP6eN_DYNCGhMzByhsGSQkxiDlPJZFKHna2S9yCRWa6RHOkP8P5mMo5rnGOWecVJRdE4Xc1Ofx10ivpEUD0lkSvFV6uz-bmCo0h_U_-or3tnLQUVCYDQmjIcCd3kFEXR4AdFdaM/s1600/DGyHp84XYAA2ghb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="933" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMGVaafP6eN_DYNCGhMzByhsGSQkxiDlPJZFKHna2S9yCRWa6RHOkP8P5mMo5rnGOWecVJRdE4Xc1Ofx10ivpEUD0lkSvFV6uz-bmCo0h_U_-or3tnLQUVCYDQmjIcCd3kFEXR4AdFdaM/s320/DGyHp84XYAA2ghb.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jack Perry</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for your service. Blue Skies, Sir. </b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-6ozmzd2Obk" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-4071915267960308712017-07-22T11:27:00.001+01:002017-07-22T11:37:17.120+01:00Dunkirk: Thank Grace, Chamberlain, And Hitler!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="375">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 2.4pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 14.4pt;">
<span style="color: #3e72cc; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.7pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="color: #120c0c;"></span></span></h1>
<br />
<b>In continuation of this epic Dunkirk week, please welcome author Jeremy Strozer who has written a fantastic guest post. Welcome Jeremy and thank you so much for being here. </b><br />
<br />
When the German tanks approached within a few miles of the almost empty and undefended port city of Dunkirk, they halted. General Rundstedt, in charge of the German forces in the area, ordered them to halt to resupply and rearm, and prepare for the next leap into France. Not satisfied with the pace at which he was advancing his army, German High Command ordered Rundstedt to attack. Hitler, asserting his authority over the General Staff, rescinded the attack order, demonstrating he, not the Generals, was in control of the German Army. Hitler’s need to demonstrate he was in charge was one factor in saving the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), as well as many of its allies, allowing them to escape through a soon to be defended and evacuated port of Dunkirk.<br />
<br />
What Hitler and his underlings did not expect is the will of the one they thought to be a dupe because of his actions in Munich less than two years earlier. Neville Chamberlain, still the head of Government in the UK until May 10, played a key role in both choosing Winston Churchill as the next Prime Minister, and deciding to evacuate the BEF from the Continent. When Chamberlain met with the King to provide his resignation, he advised the king to invite Churchill to become Prime Minister instead of Lord Halifax (the man already looking for a way to reach out to Italy for mediation with Germany). Then, in a momentous War Cabinet meeting on the night of May 28, Chamberlain sided with Churchill, against Halifax, as the key vote, to fight on, against the odds.<br />
<br />
These two actions, by the man history has tarred with the moniker “Appeaser” allowed Churchill to lead The British Empire and its Dominions through the dark years before The United Nations banded together to tear down The Third Reich, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan.<br />
<br />
Hitler did not believe the British could save their army. He was wrong.<br />
<br />
Hitler thought the British would sue for peace. They almost did, and would have, had it not been for Neville Chamberlain’s key vote on the 28th.<br />
<br />
Hitler failed in one key component of war: When you capture the enemy’s army, destroy it.<br />
<br />
Thank grace Hitler made that fateful error. Thank Chamberlain for laying the groundwork for Churchill. Thank Churchill for leading the Allies to Victory! (Oh, and thank The Soviet Union for ripping the guts out of the Germans, as most of the losses were on that front, lest we forget.)<br />
<br />
Early on the morning of June 5, 1940, two high-level officers from Germany’s Luftwaffe made their way along the broad, sandy beaches near the northern French port of Dunkirk. It was the morning after the last of an eclectic armada of naval and civilian vessels, large and small, from across England carried off the remnants of the British Expeditionary Force before the Germans captured Dunkirk.<br />
<br />
The two officers were General Hoffmann von Waldau of the Luftwaffe General Staff and General Erhard Milch, the administrator of the German air forces and the Inspector-General of the Luftwaffe, as well as deputy to its chief, Field Marshal Hermann Goring. That morning they met with Goring, convincing him that England needed to be invaded at once to take advantage of the low British morale and vulnerability from having left all its military equipment in France. Goring was convinced, but he was not the man who made the ultimate decision. The halting of the tanks before the capture of Dunkirk had made that very clear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 2.4pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-line-height-alt: 14.4pt;">
<span style="color: #3e72cc; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.7pt; text-transform: uppercase;"><span style="color: #120c0c;"></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="body entry-content" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1500717893519_240">
<div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12" data-layout-label="Post Body" data-type="item" data-updated-on="1500370178192" id="item-596dd3d2914e6b9e76215130">
<div class="row sqs-row" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1500717893519_239">
<div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1500717893519_238">
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" data-block-type="2" id="block-cd6904970258a78a42d6">
<div class="sqs-block-content" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1500717893519_771">
<i>What is below has been extracted from</i><i> </i><a href="https://jeremystrozer.com/new-books/"><i>Threads Of The War, Volume III</i><i> </i></a><i>by Jeremy Strozer. This is the third book in the </i><a href="https://jeremystrozer.com/new-books/">Threads of The War series</a><i>. The first two books in this series are on sale for $0.99 right now.</i><br />
<br />
<h1>
Debris</h1>
<b>I</b> squint my eyes to protect against the snowstorm of torn paper shreds and airborne stitches of discarded soiled clothing blowing in every direction by the brisk dawn breeze. I scan across the flotsam and jetsam of the defeat-littered beach.<br />
<br />
<i>They are literally naked now.</i><br />
<br />
Heavy guns, lines and lines of disabled trucks, hundreds of abandoned and broken bicycles, countless mounds of inoperable rifles just tossed onto piles, and thousands of discarded warn-out shoes are strewn across a beach touched at water’s edge by dozens of sunken ships and boats.<br />
<br />
<i>An army lost everything here.</i><br />
<br />
Vast piles of both consumed and untouched canned goods intermingle with haphazardly deposited eating utensils, trash, and rotting food. We approach a huge pile of empty wine and whiskey bottles, most likely taken from an officer’s mess and downed by the men desperately and impatiently awaiting rescue from calamity.<br />
<br />
“Here is the grave of British hopes in this war!” von Waldau declares as his polished boot, now covered in sand, kicks a bottle out of the pile.<br />
<br />
Fanning his right arm in an arc across our sightline of the bottle pile, he pronounces, “And these are the gravestones!”<br />
<br />
Shaking my head, I stare through the mist at wrecked British ships in the shallows and at evidence of the British Army’s disarray all around.<br />
<br />
<i>Is he mad? This is debris and discarded detritus of war, but there are few bodies here. They may be unarmed now, but that can change quickly.</i><br />
<br />
“They are not buried yet,” I declare in a soft voice before pausing for a moment. In an even softer voice, almost imperceptible to myself, I let escape, “We have no time to waste.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSAQhcEAv08-5aKI5YzBHWEt5Pdc-8u5gDimA8e0euNr4ixukQ9gTC1PvtxrOrnSeAvEvmBOSgy2blMJpa4qb2q2JCGiJ_yzkFPHfgK5wzKQDjCOHZziRbpPWGV9IxXZl9W0rQIfdocU/s1600/static1.squarespace.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="964" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSAQhcEAv08-5aKI5YzBHWEt5Pdc-8u5gDimA8e0euNr4ixukQ9gTC1PvtxrOrnSeAvEvmBOSgy2blMJpa4qb2q2JCGiJ_yzkFPHfgK5wzKQDjCOHZziRbpPWGV9IxXZl9W0rQIfdocU/s400/static1.squarespace.com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" data-block-type="2" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1500369849535_18825">
<div class="sqs-block-content">
British equipment left at Dunkirk<br />
<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2060969/Remembrance-Day-2011-Dunkirk-photos-German-soldiers-album-seen-1st-time.html">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2060969/Remembrance-Day-2011-Dunkirk-photos-German-soldiers-album-seen-1st-time.html</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5lqfDRyQf939ra3mXNJokwpsRIQGlslWXg-7awdpbHRABOUG0d2sNjNFn7sOwNce-8ErvZOZTeDN9OzVQvLbGQPtcb6bqMyl9JnjM6jUXIDtDr8T9GLriycApdgm-DfCKvJbPECQSX8/s1600/dunkirk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5lqfDRyQf939ra3mXNJokwpsRIQGlslWXg-7awdpbHRABOUG0d2sNjNFn7sOwNce-8ErvZOZTeDN9OzVQvLbGQPtcb6bqMyl9JnjM6jUXIDtDr8T9GLriycApdgm-DfCKvJbPECQSX8/s400/dunkirk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the opening of Christopher Nolan’s movie<i> Dunkirk </i>this Friday, I’m pleased to share with you the news of the <b>Dunkirk Week WWII Epic Book Sale</b>. From 7/21-27, more than 50 authors of the FB Second World War Club have joined together to offer you their WWII novels, most at 99c.<br />
<br />
Our novels range from military war tales, home front drama and sagas, harrowing accounts of the Holocaust, gripping spy thrillers, moving wartime romances, and much, much more. To see our great selection of WWII books, go to: <a href="http://www.alexakang.com/dunkirk-book-sale/">http://www.alexakang.com/dunkirk-book-sale/</a><br />
<br />
We’ve also got some great giveaway prizes, including the Grand Prize of a paperback copy of <i>Joshua Levine's Dunkirk: The History Behind the Motion Picture. </i>No purchases are necessary to enter the drawing. Come visit our <a href="http://www.alexakang.com/dunkirk-book-sale/">book sale page</a> to find out more details about our prizes and how to win.<br />
<br />
We’re also bringing to you:<br />
<br />
1. A two-part blog series about the Dunkirk. You can read the excellent blog posts to learn more about this historical event by two of our authors, Suzy Henderson (<i>The Beauty Shop</i>) and Jeremy Strozer (<i>Threads of War</i>), here: <a href="https://lowfellwritersplace.blogspot.co.uk/">https://lowfellwritersplace.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
2. Readings by The Book Speaks podcast of excerpts from <i>All My Love, Detrick</i> by Roberta Kagan plus another novel, both of which are part of the Dunkirk Week Book Sale: <a href="https://thebookspeakspodcast.wordpress.com/">https://thebookspeakspodcast.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<br />
3. Our authors’ pick of the Top 40 WWII Movies: <a href="http://alexakang.com/40-recommended-wwii-films-english/">http://alexakang.com/40-recommended-wwii-films-english/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jVUPymjP3SkuI6yF7ZXgeFOg_MTJj2ahhn3u-D_nU3V0GhJyXPDUF74WVmju6WZ0K6X4XZeN_9LNdphX3sYVuca8S0PpWk8ZC8d0m-EAp2jMpfMr7ZiSizxjeoOOln0zZvy5Ws4H-P4/s1600/static1.squarespace.com+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="300" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jVUPymjP3SkuI6yF7ZXgeFOg_MTJj2ahhn3u-D_nU3V0GhJyXPDUF74WVmju6WZ0K6X4XZeN_9LNdphX3sYVuca8S0PpWk8ZC8d0m-EAp2jMpfMr7ZiSizxjeoOOln0zZvy5Ws4H-P4/s400/static1.squarespace.com+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" data-block-type="2" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1500512097257_19638">
<div class="sqs-block-content">
The Second World War changed our world forever. In our stories, we strived to bring you a glimpse of what happened and how everything happened through the eyes of our characters and to let you share their feelings, emotions, fears, and hopes. We are thankful that director Christopher Nolan is bringing this important part of history to the attention of the wider public, and we will try to continue what he had done through the stories we tell.<br />
<br />
We hope you enjoy our books and this experience.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Jeremy
Strozer</span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Author
of: </span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Threads
of The War: Personal Truth-Inspired Flash-Fiction of The 20th Century's War,
Volumes 1-3</span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/cq0I_H" target="_blank">Receive a free copy of Threads of The War</a></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<footer id="yui_3_17_2_1_1500717893519_792"><div class="meta" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1500717893519_791">
<br /></div>
</footer></div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-47303109656305958432017-07-17T00:07:00.000+01:002017-07-17T00:07:37.649+01:00Dunkirk: The Wider Picture<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFjwJQuBPNn2JxIJ408kXqqFbIYOogX84BxFOVtkx2ILkt6W5fPjAyT51OP4OLHu6A_oY4Kdosx6l5cTpOeUtrpYrVvVYzl0u2B6hRA2cwNe2ENSYYoPgv-lQXAZAAjMGU7O_3-Io0-A/s1600/DDlKRdoWAAA43wa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1200" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFjwJQuBPNn2JxIJ408kXqqFbIYOogX84BxFOVtkx2ILkt6W5fPjAyT51OP4OLHu6A_oY4Kdosx6l5cTpOeUtrpYrVvVYzl0u2B6hRA2cwNe2ENSYYoPgv-lQXAZAAjMGU7O_3-Io0-A/s400/DDlKRdoWAAA43wa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Christopher Nolan’s epic new movie, ‘Dunkirk’ has created a buzz and looks set to be a box office hit, but what do we really know about Dunkirk? The biggest evacuation of military forces. The ‘little ships’ whose owners bravely volunteered to aid the rescue. The British Expeditionary Force returning home, dirty, exhausted, hungry and wounded. Relieved to be home, and yet worried that the public would brand them as cowards for running away, leaving the Germans to claim a fallen France as the victors. They need not have worried. Upon their arrival on English soil, the men of the BEF were surprised and relieved to receive a hero's welcome. But Dunkirk is far more than this – the wider picture extends beyond the beaches, beyond any physical evacuation and involved many sacrifices.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Hitler gave the order on May 9<sup>th,</sup> 1940 to invade France, Belgium, and Holland, the Blitzkrieg forces stormed through the front lines of the Belgian and French army and Holland capitulated. It soon became clear that the Germans had the upper hand, gaining ground, military targets and, ultimately, beating the men of the British Expeditionary Force into a harsh retreat towards the French coast, towards Dunkirk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, a mass exodus of civilians was on the march along rural roads and lanes, as people packed up their possessions and tried to flee the advancing German army. They clogged up roads and hampered the retreating BEF as the Luftwaffe swept overhead strafing and bombing indiscriminately, forcing people to dive into roadside ditches for cover. For some, it would become their final resting place. Chaos swirled all around and for the refugees and troops, it was hell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in England, from the streets of Dover, the sounds of warfare sailed on the breeze across the Channel, leaving people in no doubt about the barrage that was taking place less than forty miles away.<br />
For Churchill and his commanders, the situation was clear. This was not to be their victory and the only option was to rescue their men. Churchill knew that survival of the BEF was essential for the road to victory. And so on May 22nd, from the Dynamo room in the tunnels beneath Dover Castle, preparations to evacuate the troops were in progress. The man in charge was Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay and the codename for the rescue was “Operation Dynamo.”<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA3W-Kl4EpkZ7sqDYg5FDB_z9ERLYOjdnlrwsWssZ7U-_XAqkLvoJtcBPgKFshMffYe4fR177BkKUm9tl3csoJ_jO8bbu23576EGvMRNe9lkfgbRjNl-UHfXBR4P9Nlmb5K_Kcb0eCrs/s1600/sir-winston-churchill-396973__340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlA3W-Kl4EpkZ7sqDYg5FDB_z9ERLYOjdnlrwsWssZ7U-_XAqkLvoJtcBPgKFshMffYe4fR177BkKUm9tl3csoJ_jO8bbu23576EGvMRNe9lkfgbRjNl-UHfXBR4P9Nlmb5K_Kcb0eCrs/s320/sir-winston-churchill-396973__340.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill. Image courtesy of pixabay.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On May 23<sup>rd</sup>, the order was given to evacuate. Lord Gort, the Commander-in-Chief of the BEF, ordered the majority to retreat and make their way to Dunkirk for evacuation, retaining a number of units behind to hold the Germans back long enough to enable the rescue of the troops. The Belgian and the French army also continued the fight, assisting the BEF.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, on May 24<sup>th</sup>, Hitler made a surprising move, one that continues to thwart historians. He ordered the Panzer division to stand down, instructing them to “halt”, an order that was to give the BEF their best chance to retreat and evacuate. Despite this, the Luftwaffe continued to bomb and strafe the Allied forces, civilians, and the beaches. When the port of Calais fell on the 26<sup>th</sup>, Dunkirk became the only viable escape route.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Just before 7 pm on May 26<sup>th,</sup> 1940, Churchill gave the order for Operation Dynamo to begin. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the might of the German army and time upon them, Churchill and his commanders realised that the Royal Navy did not have the capacity to carry out the operation alone. Multiple trips would be required and they had to act quickly. Even though it had already been deduced that they would be lucky if they rescued around 40,000 men, the Admiralty reached out to civilians, asking for boats to aid the mission. Many answered the call, some allowing their small vessels to be requisitioned and manned by the Navy while others insisted on coming along themselves, willing to risk their lives to aid their fellow countrymen. The ‘little ships’ were around 900 in number and comprised of a mix of fishing boats, yachts, ferries and other vessels.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOO64ZjTI3Ho9VCN-CSTOYpmIHfmLI-isdprJfERnnJ1hzoGMebR46AHxh2CDOAuTDz3upOzk5r8uCbc64Z0IDR0Zmr2aDzN2VmPGJVmccmD_wFf4PxGBfz7Jo4m1_MSJEj3fLYN7_OU/s1600/Dunkirk_26-29_May_1940_NYP68075.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOO64ZjTI3Ho9VCN-CSTOYpmIHfmLI-isdprJfERnnJ1hzoGMebR46AHxh2CDOAuTDz3upOzk5r8uCbc64Z0IDR0Zmr2aDzN2VmPGJVmccmD_wFf4PxGBfz7Jo4m1_MSJEj3fLYN7_OU/s400/Dunkirk_26-29_May_1940_NYP68075.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British troops line up on the beach at Dunkirk to await evacuation.Image courtesy of the IWM, in the public domain. Source: http://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/37/332/large_000000.jpg</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
For the British Navy who surveyed the port from their ships, the scene was one of total carnage. Smoke billowed upward as fires raged and the small port glowed red while the Luftwaffe buzzed all around bombing and strafing. In the days that followed, a number of ships would be sunk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Luftwaffe attacked relentlessly, bombing the town and the docks, taking out the water and power supply and killing civilians in the process.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, a sea of khaki continued to stream across the dunes and beaches. Men formed orderly lines on the Dunkirk Mole – a long, stone and wooden jetty – enduring attack after attack by the Luftwaffe. There was no pushing or shoving, according to one eyewitness, and the men obeyed commands and maintained ranks. At this point, the majority of the BEF was still outside of Dunkirk.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgLgC8SHwT_2AgJRk7DeofE51Z8NHr3Yq5oP_Zn5eo-r2j5hdnXBQBkbeLQ5c6GMURnXScq1J-ZfMmK1CKLT5lr_1jmB63bYk23NVzKfOzdrcWAMMlmCfKTaja6-um68lPpGovucMzDQ/s1600/Dunkirk_and_the_Retreat_From_France_1940_HU104600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgLgC8SHwT_2AgJRk7DeofE51Z8NHr3Yq5oP_Zn5eo-r2j5hdnXBQBkbeLQ5c6GMURnXScq1J-ZfMmK1CKLT5lr_1jmB63bYk23NVzKfOzdrcWAMMlmCfKTaja6-um68lPpGovucMzDQ/s400/Dunkirk_and_the_Retreat_From_France_1940_HU104600.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British troops embarking onto ships during the evacuation from France, June 1940. Image source: Press Agency photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the beach, the dead and wounded troops lay all around amid dead and decaying horses and abandoned military vehicles and artillery. Many dug holes for shelter while waiting and for some, it would be their final resting place. Even as night fell, the Luftwaffe did not rest. Stukas screamed overhead, illuminating the night sky with flares to lead them to their prey, releasing their bombs and strafing the helpless troops. Hospital ships, easily identified with red crosses, were also prey, and, according to one eyewitness, after one ship had just boarded wounded men and set sail, it was attacked by six Stuka dive-bombers. Within seconds it was an inferno, and the screams of dying men could still be heard an hour later.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpdAxNFY8AASU0ZU6Yuu8VVRjjzLbirlXLz2QBSts36D6dWgQX_msy4FMsnV_kPuvkvs6GFlvxfxThLXG9OcWyXCQrhrLDUGtTeMBysHNIRGs0TjtjHrgTO-wJwXBVkUb6D55-L-4c0A/s1600/Dunkerque_retreat.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpdAxNFY8AASU0ZU6Yuu8VVRjjzLbirlXLz2QBSts36D6dWgQX_msy4FMsnV_kPuvkvs6GFlvxfxThLXG9OcWyXCQrhrLDUGtTeMBysHNIRGs0TjtjHrgTO-wJwXBVkUb6D55-L-4c0A/s320/Dunkerque_retreat.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British ships rescuing the Allied troops under German Stuka fire at Dunkirk (France, 1940). Image Source: <a class="external text" href="http://www.archive.org/download/Dividean1943_4/Dividean1943_4.mpeg" rel="nofollow">Divide and Conquer</a> (Why We Fight #3), directed by Frank Capra. Public Domain (U.S. War Department): <a class="external free" href="http://www.archive.org/details/DivideAndConquer" rel="nofollow">http://www.archive.org/details/DivideAndConquer</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beyond the beaches, Lord Gort’s troops were selflessly fighting, determined to hold back the Germans for long as possible. The 2<sup>nd</sup> Royal Norfolk’s HQ was at Cornet Farm, one mile north of Le Paradis. Across the road, men of the 1<sup>st</sup> Royal Scots hunkered down to fight alongside them. Cut off from the rest of their units, they had already been informed that they were on their own. They held out as long as they could against the 14<sup>th</sup> Company, 1<sup>st</sup> Battalion of the 2<sup>nd</sup> SS Infantry Regiment. By late afternoon, however, they were out of ammunition. The farmhouse had been destroyed in the heavy bombardment and the Royal Norfolk’s were forced to flee to a cowshed. The German commander of the Totenkopf Division’s third regiment was killed in the battle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By now there were only 99 men left alive and Major Lisle Ryder, the commanding officer of the 2<sup>nd</sup> Norfolk’s, ordered his men to surrender. As they filed out of the cowshed waving a white flag, the Royal Scots did the same, but from their position on the other side of the road, they surrendered to the Wehrmacht and were taken as prisoners. The Norfolk’s, meanwhile, surrendered to the SS. The Deputy Commander, SS-Hauptsturmfuhrer (Captain) Fritz Knochlein ordered his men to strip the British of their weapons after which they were marched to another barn. Two machine guns were set up as the British were lined up against the wall. The Germans opened fire and any survivors were subsequently bayoneted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miraculously, two men survived. Shot in the arm, William O’Callaghan played dead and so avoided being bayoneted. Albert Pooley was also alive although he had a shattered leg. O’Callaghan helped Pooley away where they survived for three days in a pig sty, eating raw potatoes and drinking muddy water before the farm owners found them. They were offered shelter and help but when the Wehrmacht later arrived, they were discovered and taken prisoner. Pooley was repatriated in 1943, after having his leg amputated in a Paris hospital. Both men survived the war.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hFVIWp-ST5WiBa_4wBPOxukYaO-fCC_mCGx7VKaNyvjGjuX0c9BHo5D6vpfuPlb664LLMEyFt6MA4zi-uftZysuVW_6y7KTDeDGW2jL_VOQyWPWIewmqSax-WwJz7MM5KaKzU_WlfjE/s1600/2204730492.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="490" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hFVIWp-ST5WiBa_4wBPOxukYaO-fCC_mCGx7VKaNyvjGjuX0c9BHo5D6vpfuPlb664LLMEyFt6MA4zi-uftZysuVW_6y7KTDeDGW2jL_VOQyWPWIewmqSax-WwJz7MM5KaKzU_WlfjE/s320/2204730492.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William O’Callaghan and Albert Pooley arrive at war crimes tribunal in Hamburg after the war. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When Pooley returned home, he told authorities what had happened, but was not believed. It was only in 1946 when he visited Le Paradis and was interviewed by the <i>Nord Éclair</i>, a local newspaper, that the British took note and investigated. Knochlein was eventually found, put on trial and found guilty. On January 28<sup>th</sup>, 1949, he was hanged. Tragically, this was not the only massacre during the Dunkirk evacuation, or indeed the war.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWH6PuXpcU2Ct5prPK2ktHlE7zC5vtNBCCjwa0lFoceb860tjGy7d7368rp_G8TFgqH9g7UC81QE1S1YAE8UZz0OWbNlHx5Ei5EsbEdv-MpCzeq_2TKiarTy2dNDYATN64Ku8B22eQFQ/s1600/DSC_0213.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWH6PuXpcU2Ct5prPK2ktHlE7zC5vtNBCCjwa0lFoceb860tjGy7d7368rp_G8TFgqH9g7UC81QE1S1YAE8UZz0OWbNlHx5Ei5EsbEdv-MpCzeq_2TKiarTy2dNDYATN64Ku8B22eQFQ/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of <span class="_Tgc">BH Photography. Spitfire </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc">©2015, Barry Henderson. All Rights Reserved.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the BEF evacuated, the RAF was ordered to protect them, and over the nine days of Operation Dynamo, they flew around 3500 sorties, fighting vehemently to deny the Luftwaffe complete air supremacy and thus ensure the success of the evacuation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They claimed 262 enemy aircraft and lost 106 aircraft and around 80 pilots were KIA, losses that were far greater than during the later Battle of Britain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The RAF’s part in the operation has often been unrecognised, underestimated and perhaps even unappreciated by many of the troops on the ground. However, Churchill at least attempted to correct any oversight in his speech on June 4th, remarking, “Wars are not won by evacuations. But there was a victory inside this deliverance, which should be noted. It was gained by the Air Force. Many of our soldiers coming back have not seen the Air Force at work; they saw only the bombers which escaped its protective attack. They underrate its achievements. I have heard much talk of this; this is why I go out of my way to say this.” He hailed the fighter pilots as "noble knights", and referred to Operation Dynamo as a “miracle of deliverance.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While we recognise the selfless sacrifice of the troops who stayed behind and the RAF's role, we will remember the Royal Navy and civilian sailors, moored at sea for hours each day and night amidst a hail of bombardments while troops boarded. They valiantly carried on even when attacked, and ships sank, and men died. Even the journey back to England was perilous as mines and enemy U-boats lurked in the Channel. For those manning the "little ships", it was a trying, harrowing journey. Some boats refused to return after the first crossing, but many returned, making multiple voyages until the last of the men were safe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg775-9j4XLkVbs2NC363XUVrAyz3wR3JJLjnWfykv-dWV2UQLF6_pFpUWBFUg2Btwwkg6z2acGy-Z5aDCvb7Tqjazc1Wsa0eOFgPWR8KpZJ5Do5t-nOEJitP9SimkIwfZU_Ry8bt-2LLI/s1600/Dunkirk_Beaches%252C_1940_Art.IWMARTLD2277.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg775-9j4XLkVbs2NC363XUVrAyz3wR3JJLjnWfykv-dWV2UQLF6_pFpUWBFUg2Btwwkg6z2acGy-Z5aDCvb7Tqjazc1Wsa0eOFgPWR8KpZJ5Do5t-nOEJitP9SimkIwfZU_Ry8bt-2LLI/s400/Dunkirk_Beaches%252C_1940_Art.IWMARTLD2277.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy of the IWM & in the public domain. Source: <a class="external free" href="http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//142/media-142189/large.jpg" rel="nofollow" style="color: #bb6633; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.3px; padding-right: 13px; text-align: start; word-wrap: break-word;">http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//142/media-142189/large.jpg</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only around 7,500 men were taken off the beach on the 27<sup>th</sup> May, as a result of the heavy aerial bombardment that day, but numbers would increase steadily until around 338,000 men had been rescued, ending Operation Dynamo on June 4<sup>th,</sup> 1940. Some of the troops ordered to stay behind and fight were either killed in action or surrendered, only to be brutally murdered in cold blood. Some managed to escape and evade, but the majority became prisoners of war.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Operation Dynamo was a combined effort involving the land, air and sea forces. Without it, and without the selfless sacrifice of some of Lord Gort’s troops who remained behind, the BEF would never have been able to escape, leaving Britain to face an even darker future, her history irrevocably altered. This was the wider picture.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J-J0c63B6DVNkEHO8sJlB61V4pmPEH2pBlj4iuLpCNFbjFQEc8RiOXaPLfuHlHoIYwFjlR6HthFzeSzjuu52P0nGj9u1WS_ZM-SrgK3L_7ymIMyaN8KYZRBNHnWjGKopRdLDGeGbXd0/s1600/Troops_evacuated_from_Dunkirk_enjoying_tea_and_other_refreshments_at_Addison_Road_station_in_London%252C_31_May_1940._H1632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="800" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J-J0c63B6DVNkEHO8sJlB61V4pmPEH2pBlj4iuLpCNFbjFQEc8RiOXaPLfuHlHoIYwFjlR6HthFzeSzjuu52P0nGj9u1WS_ZM-SrgK3L_7ymIMyaN8KYZRBNHnWjGKopRdLDGeGbXd0/s400/Troops_evacuated_from_Dunkirk_enjoying_tea_and_other_refreshments_at_Addison_Road_station_in_London%252C_31_May_1940._H1632.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Troops evacuated from Dunkirk enjoying tea and other refreshments at Addison Road station in London, 31 May 1940.</span></span></h1>
By Saidman (Mr), War Office official photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlie Waite, a greengrocer from Essex said in an interview some years ago that he was sent to France in April 1940, having barely received any training. He was captured at Dunkirk and spent the rest of the war in captivity, returning to England finally in 1945. He spoke of his comrades after they returned home, saying, “It was humiliating for them. After the war, they suffered a sense of failure, and didn’t feel they’d shared in the great victory over Nazism.” Charlie was on the thousand-mile forced march in the harsh winter of 1944 during which a number of men perished.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil93tz1kUO7Ry6mlaDo2CpvEv7qM29ytU4PwwizHw-6M6XNewzDCasSzBSv-7IuFVa6EbLvZYrIhToEIOWS13yrispQ2eOw_k7l4ZIfAUU3lRynDOD92Q7QG7WQeXpzXFb-y4QrYfCW-w/s1600/Dunkirk_1940_memorial%252C_Dover%252C_England.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil93tz1kUO7Ry6mlaDo2CpvEv7qM29ytU4PwwizHw-6M6XNewzDCasSzBSv-7IuFVa6EbLvZYrIhToEIOWS13yrispQ2eOw_k7l4ZIfAUU3lRynDOD92Q7QG7WQeXpzXFb-y4QrYfCW-w/s400/Dunkirk_1940_memorial%252C_Dover%252C_England.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunkirk Memorial at Dover. Image source: Eluveitie (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
When Dunkirk fell, around 40,000 French troops were taken prisoner. In the town of Dunkirk, around 1,000 locals were killed during the air raids while 126 merchant seamen lost their lives in the operation.<br />
Around 40,000 men of the BEF were captured and marched away as prisoners of war, sent to camps and forced to work in the harshest of conditions with very little food and water. Some died there and many of those who returned home suffered psychologically for various reasons, including being largely forgotten by the British public and by a government who sent them to war. Their contribution should always be remembered, along with all those who gave their lives to assure our freedom today. <br />
<br />
<br />
Hitler’s decision at Dunkirk undoubtedly set the course for the rest of the war which would ultimately result in Germany’s downfall. The majority of the BEF was saved. Britain was not lost and she would continue to defend her shores and be ready to fight another day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t6LEUScKQpQNCkRpL82HPnndKa34ZdZURnBzqg32EVnQod66IBhazAFVvAF3UG7eD5FbBdBmeVCnooxYS2uOxBC19OUo2m8toZidUQacOBJmAOYLIE6lNtDN7hrT3K3YM91CSGakVs4/s1600/DDlKRdoWAAA43wa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1200" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t6LEUScKQpQNCkRpL82HPnndKa34ZdZURnBzqg32EVnQod66IBhazAFVvAF3UG7eD5FbBdBmeVCnooxYS2uOxBC19OUo2m8toZidUQacOBJmAOYLIE6lNtDN7hrT3K3YM91CSGakVs4/s400/DDlKRdoWAAA43wa.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA-AjSU0pkgv-qi5NXicduL6eFkU-z-BqbSf2VaQ8Y_RLC5vhM-9Qpg4LnDTcGASiObAqKNXAsX17zvqru7MRveZbw_eWl7zUjuDxd0nEI4UI7YwMVyJyX0UOv7F5dCCNQzKesCuMPAU/s1600/DC3sIG6VYAAFqgP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA-AjSU0pkgv-qi5NXicduL6eFkU-z-BqbSf2VaQ8Y_RLC5vhM-9Qpg4LnDTcGASiObAqKNXAsX17zvqru7MRveZbw_eWl7zUjuDxd0nEI4UI7YwMVyJyX0UOv7F5dCCNQzKesCuMPAU/s320/DC3sIG6VYAAFqgP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<span class="defanged1-font"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span class="defanged1-1"><span style="transition-delay: 0s, 0s, 0s; transition-duration: 0.05s, 0s, 0s; transition-property: border, background, color; transition-timing-function: ease-in-out, ease, ease;"><span style="color: #0073aa;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="defanged1-">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="defanged1-colour"><span style="color: #202429;">While we all anticipate the upcoming release of director Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster movie “Dunkirk", the authors of the Facebook Second World War Club have joined together to offer you more tales of WWII beyond Dunkirk.</span></span><span class="defanged1-apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #202429;"> </span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="defanged1-">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div class="defanged1-">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ShvFWxPfXYcna7joS0HVuDMGjm5MOaKQ8xSnZ51ZIkQj1rN25T8NKHJNWzCsS3gLzCLEMicLCo_IV7iyb_XnrPqeO8i50kukCJ08UWfHZH6RYNnydDQ981h4KjM1il-j54vHJpfHrEw/s1600/The+Beauty+Shop+Cover+LARGE+EBOOK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ShvFWxPfXYcna7joS0HVuDMGjm5MOaKQ8xSnZ51ZIkQj1rN25T8NKHJNWzCsS3gLzCLEMicLCo_IV7iyb_XnrPqeO8i50kukCJ08UWfHZH6RYNnydDQ981h4KjM1il-j54vHJpfHrEw/s320/The+Beauty+Shop+Cover+LARGE+EBOOK.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="defanged1-size"><span style="color: #202429;">From 7/21 to 7/27, more than 50 WWII fiction authors will discount their books to 99c to bring you back in time to witness the harrowing experience, as well as stories of courage, bravery, and sacrifices, in a war that impacted the entire world. This also includes my WW2 novel, <i>The</i> <i>Beauty Shop. </i></span></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="defanged1-">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="defanged1-colour"><span style="color: #202429; font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Don’t miss this chance! Visit</span>:</b> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://alexakang.com/dunkirk-book-sale/" target="_blank"><span class="defanged1-1"><span style="transition: border 0.05s ease-in-out 0s, background 0s ease 0s, color 0s ease 0s;"><span style="color: #0073aa;">http://alexakang.com/</span></span></span><span class="defanged1-colour"><span style="color: #0073aa;">dunkirk-book-sale</span></span><span class="defanged1-1"><span style="transition: border 0.05s ease-in-out 0s, background 0s ease 0s, color 0s ease 0s;"><span style="color: #0073aa;">/ </span></span></span></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;"><span class="defanged1-1"><span style="transition: border 0.05s ease-in-out 0s, background 0s ease 0s, color 0s ease 0s;"><span style="color: #0073aa;"><span style="color: black;">Also, if you'd like the chance to win a signed paperback, click on the link for details of the giveaway - there are only two days left to enter so don't delay.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="color: #0073aa;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;"><span class="defanged1-1"><span style="transition: border 0.05s ease-in-out 0s, background 0s ease 0s, color 0s ease 0s;"><span style="color: #0073aa;"><a href="http://kummerow.info/dunkirk-sale" target="_blank">http://kummerow.info/dunkirk-sale</a> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;"><span class="defanged1-1"><span style="transition: border 0.05s ease-in-out 0s, background 0s ease 0s, color 0s ease 0s;"><span style="color: #0073aa;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-39566232145405090692017-05-27T16:50:00.000+01:002017-05-27T16:50:01.742+01:00Dunkirk - Praying for a Miracle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force took place between May 26th and June 4th, 1940. It was a miracle that around 338,000 men were rescued and brought back to Britain. It is a miracle they made it off the beach at all, given the fact that they were cornered, and stuck with nowhere to go, right in the midst of hell. While Hitler had ordered the elite Panzers to stand down, the Germans continued to shell the men on the beach and the Luftwaffe bombed and strafed from the air. It was chaos, everywhere you looked.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8uysvx2DKe4" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
A sea of khaki engulfed the beach as tens of thousands of soldiers milled around with nowhere to go. All just waiting amidst the confusion, amidst the bombs, while friends and comrades fell all around them, either dead or wounded. Commanding officers had no idea what was happening and struggled to find out. For the rest of the men, it seemed hopeless. They could almost see England, lying across the Channel - home. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One eyewitness recalls the sight that met him when his battalion finally arrived on Bray-Dunes. Looking out to sea, columns of soldiers were four-deep, wading out into the sea, only stopping once the water was shoulder-height. They were waiting for the little boats to come and take them out to the awaiting ships further out. Their lines wriggled rhythmically with every rolling wave.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the beach, the dead and wounded lay all around. Those fatally wounded lay dying, either quietly, or crying out for their mothers, their fear and pain engulfing them as they waited for the inevitable. The medics had done their best, but it was hopeless.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Throughout it all, the Stukas returned, defiant and determined, their attacks relentless as they dived screaming from the sky like a host of angry hornets to release their bombs before swiftly climbing away. Aircraft then machine-gunned the beach, cutting through the lines of men in the water and on the mole - the Dunkirk jetty. More men fell, either killed or wounded, and the dead floated in the water, gently pushed aside by those in the line who were waiting, always waiting, sometimes for many hours. One soldier later recalled counting three tides while waiting in the water before he boarded a ship.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Many of the boys on the beach were a sorry sight. They were not all well-trained, experienced soldiers. Many were simply young lads, eager to do their bit. One such private recalled how his training amounted to firing about ten rounds on Salisbury Plain, prior to being shipped to France. Another recalled being given a rifle, but no ammunition. They were all so poorly equipped. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As night fell and darkness closed in all around, still the Stukas came, firstly dropping parachute flares, illuminating the sky before dropping their bombs and strafing the helpless troops.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After one Stuka raid, men stood on the beach crying while others sank to their knees and prayed. Some dug holes in the dunes, desperate to have shelter from the bombs. When one soldier found two young privates sheltering in his foxhole, he told them they could stay and he went elsewhere. They were later killed when a mortar landed beside them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But even though the Luftwaffe seemed intent on finishing off all those men on the beach, the fact that the Panzers had halted, and the fact that some of the BEF along with the French were still fighting rear guard action against the Germans, gave the BEF a greater chance of being rescued. It bought time and now today, on the 27th May 1940, men were boarding ships. Unfortunately, only around 7,500 men would be successfully evacuated today as a result of the heavy aerial bombardment by the Luftwaffe.<br />
<br />
For the men still waiting, still praying for a miracle, it must have seemed impossible. For the fortunate number who made it aboard a ship that day, the relief they felt was immense but yet they worried about how they would be received back home. They felt they were running away from the enemy - they were cowards and surely the people back home would see them as such.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e7MEbSgcEfA" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOBZcFXn16k" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-90241819132384830212017-05-26T22:02:00.000+01:002017-05-27T13:14:25.932+01:00The Miracle of Dunkirk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9UrQ4VvFO-c" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The long-awaited movie, <i>Dunkirk</i>, by Christopher Nolan, which tells the story of Operation Dynamo, will be released in July 2017. Today, May 26th 2017, marks the 77th anniversary of Dunkirk, the daring rescue mission Britain launched to bring as many of the British Expeditionary Troops home as possible. Why? Well, the German army had them cornered in a small pocket of northern France and to leave them was not an option. Not only was it a humanitarian mission, but equally a military one, as without those men, Britain would be severely depleted of ground forces, leaving Britain wide open to a German invasion, her military might severely depleted.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">n early May 1940, the German army swept across northern France and Belgium, heralding a brutal end to the "Phoney War". They had the upper hand, moving with such a might that pushed the British Expeditionary Force back into a retreat towards the coast of northern France. Alongside the British, the French army fought fiercely, but it was no use. The German army at this time was a far greater force, with a superior fire power, greater number of men and the elite Panzer Tank Division.</span></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;">In a final</span><span style="color: #333333;"> desperate act, the French called on General Gort, the British commander, to advance south and join them in one last stand, but he refused, realising this could result in the loss of all his men. The BEF were surrounded, beaten into a corner of France, and all seemed hopeless. </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">On May 22nd, preparations to evacuate the BEF were in full swing, led by Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The codename f</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or the Dunkirk evacuation was "Operation Dynamo", named after the Dynamo room in the tunnels beneath Dover Castle, where their naval operation HQ was based.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; text-align: center;">"Nothing but a miracle can save the BEF now," said General Alan Brooke.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15a_1-K2yR8NZrnWBWrTPUaLPLxDTlZCc0C4Tru23U0HSr7M4A14VYmP6O8IjsMsgXq-wIucrxKQ1EFjo4wqiNM2N_SqptyTF7kjACBmcw6rhx6WJSQGhDnsXfN3MngHA-lLPrv7WXgo/s1600/article-1394968-0C70498C00000578-534_964x636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="964" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15a_1-K2yR8NZrnWBWrTPUaLPLxDTlZCc0C4Tru23U0HSr7M4A14VYmP6O8IjsMsgXq-wIucrxKQ1EFjo4wqiNM2N_SqptyTF7kjACBmcw6rhx6WJSQGhDnsXfN3MngHA-lLPrv7WXgo/s320/article-1394968-0C70498C00000578-534_964x636.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill with Vice-Admiral Ramsay at naval HQ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">On the 23rd May 1940, Churchill ordered Gort to withdraw and the troops then made their way to the port of Dunkirk.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The BEF still had to fight as they headed to the coast, and do their utmost to hold the Germans back long enough for the evacuation to take place. As the army convoy made their way along roads, they encountered fleeing refugees - mothers pushing prams, children and elderly. Then the Luftwaffe attacked, diving low in their Stukas, often firing and bombing the civilians as opposed to the BEF, something which both surprised and horrified the troops. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">On May 24th, Hitler issued an order to "halt" stopping the Panzer tanks in their tracks. The reasons behind Hitler's actions remain unknown although military historians have their theories. However, this gave the BEF their best chance of retreat and evacuation back to Britain. All was not yet lost. The Luftwaffe continued, bombing the British destroyers, bombing the men on the beach, bombing those still fleeing. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">Calais fell on May 26th.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Just before 7pm on May 26th, Churchill gave the order for Operation Dynamo to begin.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">On the eve of the operation, King George VI attended a special service at Westminster Abbey as a national day of prayer had been declared and services were held all around the country.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">While Britain sent ships to evacuate her men from Dunkirk, it seemed unlikely they would be able to evacuate all of the troops. At best they estimated they would rescue some forty-five thousand men over a forty-eight-hour period. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The admiralty had already put a request out to all civilians, asking for boats to aid the evacuation. M<span style="background-color: transparent;">any vessels were requisitioned by the navy who also took a number of boats whose owners could not be contacted. Local fisherman and private boat owners answered the call, including some from as far as the Isle of Man. There were fishing boats, fire ships, private yachts, barges and paddle steamers, many of which were captained by their civilian owners. One of the boats used was captained by the former second officer of the Titanic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGjGdksK37Y" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">On May 27th, 1940, a flotilla of ships like no other set sail; a mix of fishing boats, yachts, ferries, motorboats and more flowed from the Thames and out into the English Channel, setting sail for Dunkirk. As the French coast came into view, smoke and flames filled the sky as the small port glowed red.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">The beaches were filled with men and</span></span> littered with equipment and vehicles such as command cars, ambulances, and tanks, abandoned and sabotaged by the troops. The scene was one of absolute carnage and chaos. There were wounded and dead. The Germans were now close enough to shell the beach while Stukas and Messerschmitts bombed and fired from above. The RAF provided air cover, and did their best to fight the Luftwaffe and hold them at bay while the troops waited on the beach.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWEY1JKJOKvrnqqDjC2spKo1QxepRMxB-V4EghwRkM3lwb7T1u1bzuUn1ulJw6NlgbJmy_i463AHipS5ZxgF__eOTf-EUKTZ9uJVxTbsJLghp3pqLQMgWkTDaAn1h-KZDeYol13LydUA/s320/Dunkirk-Break.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little boats sailing up the Thames</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-top: 1.467em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">Lines of men tumbled along the jetty to reach awaiting ships while others waded out into the sea, struggling in the deep water which lapped over their heads as they tried to reach the smaller vessels. As the boats took men aboard, the men in the lines moved forward, while hordes more made their way over the dunes and across the beach, forming new lines, awaiting their turn to board. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the distance, troops from the 51st (Highland) Division fought rearguard actions, trying to keep the Germans at bay in order to give the rest of the BEF their best chance of evacuation. Many would become prisoners of war, while some would successfully evade, fleeing to Marseilles. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first day of the evacuation did not go as planned and only around 7,500 men were rescued, due to heavy attacks by the Germans who launched a massive aerial raid on Dunkirk, killing around a third of the remaining civilians. The noise was infernal, continuous, and compounded by the roar of aircraft with firepower from the air. As ships were bombed, fires erupted, and flames raged across the water as leaking oil burned. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGjHC7w7Qhfle-SSRv343gldENoST0fH13bTC88-iqQIMFA9aTqfcIw65bUQfwgclOyNGYc3hEspzV90OAUHWfd0WoomLJi9vAON94ftWzbvrvKLPlBKINaA-MhsZOX42GLHgrjSARuY/s1600/499304117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="612" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGjHC7w7Qhfle-SSRv343gldENoST0fH13bTC88-iqQIMFA9aTqfcIw65bUQfwgclOyNGYc3hEspzV90OAUHWfd0WoomLJi9vAON94ftWzbvrvKLPlBKINaA-MhsZOX42GLHgrjSARuY/s320/499304117.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuka bombers attack. Image courtesy of Getty Images.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A British destroyer rested on the beach, bombed and burning and the harbour was partially blocked by sunken ships. The small boats would fill up with the men waiting in the water and ferry them out to the larger British ships further out before turning around and returning for more. Lines of weary soldiers continued to trudge down to the shore and out into the sea like a swarm of bedraggled ants. Shells whistled overhead and bombs exploded all around, throwing shrapnel in all directions. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were around 900 little boats that took part in the evacuation, often with only one or two crew aboard. The men waited patiently in orderly lines on the 'Dunkirk Mole' - a long stone and wooden jetty - while under constant attack from the Luftwaffe above. Signaller Alfred Baldwin said "they looked as if they were waiting for a bus. There was no pushing or shoving." These men had been deprived of sleep, food, and water, and yet still they obeyed commands and maintained ranks.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the 4th June, the last of the men were rescued from the French port.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Around 338,000 men in total were evacuated, making this the largest military evacuation in history. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Around 40,000 men were left behind, which included all those who were dead. Some evaded while the majority were taken prisoner and marched off to slave labour camps in Germany and Poland where they spent the rest of the war. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Churchill hailed the operation a "miracle of deliverance" but he also warned the nation that "wars are not won by evacuations." He went on to deliver one of his most famous speeches in the House of Commons on the 4th June 1940, where he declared, "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!" </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Churchill also paid a special tribute to the RAF for their role in Operation Dynamo, in providing some protection to the waiting ships and soldiers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">The miracle of Dunkirk afforded Britain time to re-group and to build up her defences.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<li style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></li>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TpsgQMV5L0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #333333;">Interesting Facts</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the evacuation lorries were lashed together in the sea to construct makeshift jetties to help get soldiers aboard boats.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Medway Queen, a paddle steamer, made seven round trips to Dunkirk, rescuing 7000 men in total.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">The RAF flew 3,500 sorties over Dunkirk. 145 RAF aircraft were lost while the Luftwaffe lost 156.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The destroyer Wakeful was torpedoed and sunk on May 29th, with the loss of 600 lives. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In all, it's estimated that 3,500 British were killed on the beaches or at sea while more than 1,000 civilians lost their lives in Dunkirk air raids.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the little ships, 'The Crested Eagle' was bombed after picking up 600 men. 300 died in the flames while the Luftwaffe fired at those trying to escape. The remains of the wreck can be seen at low tide.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-4758246242352406822017-05-16T22:56:00.001+01:002018-05-16T00:09:36.549+01:00The Dambusters: Operation Chastise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ArPVAlflF1-P4RDBRmKL1eh_NuKPshvCw83UkDvs9rfSzNJKx4wTYqD1OHKQylMJigjKJHUP9c-Qba7n_w9dfJZWAsrZo7TK2fjddzDHP326VaB0PrHkntidP7zzItNMRhahq_b8ne8/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="164" data-original-width="307" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ArPVAlflF1-P4RDBRmKL1eh_NuKPshvCw83UkDvs9rfSzNJKx4wTYqD1OHKQylMJigjKJHUP9c-Qba7n_w9dfJZWAsrZo7TK2fjddzDHP326VaB0PrHkntidP7zzItNMRhahq_b8ne8/s400/index.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today heralds 75 years since the Dambusters Squadron (617) embarked upon their daring raid of the Ruhr dams in Germany. The mission, codenamed Operation Chastise, took off from RAF Scampton, Lincolnshire on the evening of the 16th May 1943, with Wing Commander, Guy Gibson as the leader.<br />
<br />
The Air Ministry had identified the dams in the Ruhr Valley as potential targets as early as 1937. Operation Chastise had its origins in a meeting of the RAF Bombing Committee way back in 1938 when potential weak spots were identified in Germany's industry. The reservoirs were key - they provided water and power to industry and to sever the supply would slow up German's war machine. It was decided that by destroying the Mohne dam, enormous volumes of water would be lost, water which was necessary for the industries in the Ruhr Valley. By destroying the smaller dams, there would be a loss of electrical power and much disruption, not to mention the destruction caused by the subsequent flooding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJPb4Yt1hyneXAPuE3-RebsWrI_qNFxAk3E5Lqa9QlIEd4mFXvR28vhlKroh7nnWo4RWo7hL-0ByBr09jAUgSNIZhaIQpHNU5X9REcJWIpwiUMD0_MNtOlTjMjk-btXGCiq77rFieJ6s/s1600/BarnesWallis5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJPb4Yt1hyneXAPuE3-RebsWrI_qNFxAk3E5Lqa9QlIEd4mFXvR28vhlKroh7nnWo4RWo7hL-0ByBr09jAUgSNIZhaIQpHNU5X9REcJWIpwiUMD0_MNtOlTjMjk-btXGCiq77rFieJ6s/s320/BarnesWallis5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barnes Wallis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Barnes Wallis was an engineer and an aircraft designer. When WW2 was declared, he immediately began to think of what he could do to help shorten the war.<br />
<br />
In 1941, it was concluded that less than ten percent of bombs were falling within a five-mile radius of their target. Wallis began to focus his attention on particular targets, including the dams of the Ruhr Valley. He quickly realised that the available weaponry was no match for the construction of the dams. No, something special was required. Not only was he going to have to design a suitable bomb, but he also realised that he would have to consider the aircraft used and look at necessary adaptations.<br />
<br />
He experimented with bouncing marbles across a water tub in his garden at home and immediately realised he had something. After some time and a great number of experiments, he came up with the idea of a bomb that could potentially be released upstream of the dam, and bounce upon the water a few times before hitting its target.<br />
<br />
Using a modified Wellington bomber, experiments were carried out over Chesil Beach in September 1942, using a spherical-shaped bomb. Following the tests, officials gave the go-ahead for further testing, which eventually led to the developments of two bombs, a larger version of the bouncing bomb, codenamed 'Upkeep' and a smaller variant, codenamed 'Highball', for use on Mosquitoes when attacking ships such as the Tirpitz.<br />
<br />
'Upkeep' was a cylindrical mine designed to explode approximately thirty feet below the surface. It was just under five feet long and a little over four feet in diameter. This 'bouncing bomb' was designed to act like a skipping stone, to avoid hitting torpedo.<br />
<br />
In early 1943, it was suggested that the optimum time to launch a raid on the dams was after they were filled to capacity following the spring rainfall. In February, the go-ahead was given, and twenty-three Lancaster bombers were allocated to be modified to carry Upkeep. Having been initially a spherical shape, it had since been changed to a cylindrical shape following further testing.<br />
<br />
The aircraft had their mid-upper gun turrets removed, along with the bomb-bay doors. Adaptations were made to hold the bombs in position. Twin spotlights were fitted along with VHF radiotelephones which would allow the crews to communicate with each aircraft.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, crews for the mission had to be sought. Squadron X was formed at RAF Scampton on March 21st, 1943. The men chosen for the operation were all made aware of the seriousness ahead and of the risks, being directly informed that the chances of returning were slim.<br />
The Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur 'Bomber' Harris appointed Wing Commander Guy Gibson to lead the squadron and not even he was privy to the top secret information of the planned mission. His role was to train the men.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQNrCCOqsChcGUnTs_hgMyLhiSa0iIhm6LTuCDqcY3D4bchogDT1VApWfSROrCsWxkmaBUtc3JlBdOz7PG4AjDFCqrw22wmuCFtObuhBdUcLyrndT400DzncUi9FhN3xZbOBWlozEYTc/s1600/download+%25288%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQNrCCOqsChcGUnTs_hgMyLhiSa0iIhm6LTuCDqcY3D4bchogDT1VApWfSROrCsWxkmaBUtc3JlBdOz7PG4AjDFCqrw22wmuCFtObuhBdUcLyrndT400DzncUi9FhN3xZbOBWlozEYTc/s1600/download+%25288%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wing Commander Guy Gibson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some very experienced pilots and crew volunteered to serve under Gibson, men he already knew. However, not all were experienced, with some having flown less than ten missions, and for some of the flight engineers, this was to be their first sortie.<br />
<br />
On March 31st training commenced. This consisted of low-level flying and navigating at zero feet. They then trained over water, which caused problems for the pilots who struggled to judge their height over the water.<br />
<br />
On the 16th May 1943, the night of a full moon, the final briefing began at 6 pm. Guy Gibson introduced Barnes Wallis to the crews, and full details of the mission ahead were finally revealed. At 21:28 hours the first wave of Lancaster bombers roared to life beneath the setting sun as they prepared for take-off.<br />
<br />
The mission was divided into three waves of attack, each wave following a different route, to their individual targets. The first wave comprised of nine aircraft and was tasked with attacking the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams. Wing Commander Gibson led this wave, along with Martin, Hopgood, Young, Shannon, Maudsley, Astell, Knight and Maltby.<br />
<br />
The second wave, which took off first as they had a longer route, comprised of five aircraft, piloted by Barlow, Munro, Rice, Byers and McCarthy.<br />
<br />
The third wave had five aircraft piloted by Ottley, Burpee, Brown, Anderson and Townsend.<br />
Their routes were flown at a very low level to avoid defences. After crossing the Dutch coast, all navigation was done by map reading and dead reckoning, and it must have been nerve-wracking considering they were flying extremely low in the dark, with only the light of the moon.<br />
<br />
Amazingly, some of the aircraft were flown below power cables while others followed roads, flying below tree-top level. Byers aircraft strayed off course and was shot down over the island of Vlieland with the loss of all on board. Munro's plane also flew over Vlieland and was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, forcing them to return to Scampton.<br />
<br />
When Rice's Lancaster hit the surface of the sea, the Upkeep bomb was ripped free, and the back of the aircraft was flooded. Luckily, they made it back to Scampton.<br />
Barlow's aircraft hit power lines and is thought to have possibly been hit with flak first, and it crashed with the loss of all on board. By now, four out of five of the aircraft from the second wave had either been downed or forced to abort.<br />
<br />
The Mohne was the first dam to be attacked. Gibson led his formation directly to it, and while they circled out of range of the flak, he made a single pass over the dam before informing the others of his intention to attack. He flew down to skim the water at the height of sixty feet, so low in fact the bomb-aimer yelled they were about to hit trees. The navigator flicked on the spotlights, and the bomb-aimer waited for the precise moment to release the mine. Flak rained down all around them while the front-gunner fired back. Gibson later confessed to being afraid as his brightly lit aircraft became the prime target, but he retained his composure to do his job and lined his Lancaster up, maintaining a height of sixty feet while the flight engineer adjusted their speed. At 00:28 hours, they released Upkeep, which bounced three times but sank short of the wall. It detonated, and a vast plume of water surged up and over the dam wall. After it had subsided, they could see that the wall was still intact.<br />
<br />
Gibson then called Hopgood in to make his attack. The Germans, now prepared, fired relentlessly, hitting Hopgood's aircraft several times. The bomb-aimer, unhappy with the approach, was about to order another run when they were hit once more. Hopgood ordered the release, which was actioned, and the bomb was dropped late. It bounced up over the dam and exploded, destroying the main powerhouse. Fire now raged through the aircraft and Hopgood ordered the crew to bale out. The aircraft then exploded. Only the rear gunner and the bomb-aimer managed to bale out. The others were killed.<br />
<br />
Martin attacked next, and Gibson flew alongside to distract the gunners. Their bomb exploded about twenty yards from the dam. Next up was Young who made the perfect approach and their bomb hit the dam wall centre. The dam wall still seemed to be intact when Maltby made his run and noticed the wall was now crumbling. They dropped their bomb which was a direct hit, and millions of gallons of water surged through the breach and down through the valley. Gibson had ordered Shannon to attack next, but now he cancelled the order and instructed him to follow him on to the Eder dam, along with Maudslay, Young and Knight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_R8YJD8rBbrl6m1f1LwK6_a9hPYI6_IN8DwqklJmLE2dAvyNLDrY7f46RQ1Td-XApKTgK18FHYTqHwFxMz54TwnGfUGG7UqCZrLT0531TcRRTim1GzlrJCJzulkUHhyO3FcIWWJCEQ/s1600/HU_004594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_R8YJD8rBbrl6m1f1LwK6_a9hPYI6_IN8DwqklJmLE2dAvyNLDrY7f46RQ1Td-XApKTgK18FHYTqHwFxMz54TwnGfUGG7UqCZrLT0531TcRRTim1GzlrJCJzulkUHhyO3FcIWWJCEQ/s320/HU_004594.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In conclusion, of the nineteen aircraft that had left Scampton, eleven had attacked the dams, the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe.<br />
On the return trip, two more aircraft would be shot down. In all, eight aircraft were lost in the raid, equating to fifty-three men killed and three more became POWs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjVBdGMpX5a6eVd_5562f9vE2sQkBmsXFlpDC6A9OX_1npbgW08RxYYf4nUAiu2sUk7ImRJyW5oNL7izqk3i1pMedmI5NbZz6ZpHD7Yc-hBTp1KWFEzsz_nGGZP2NNXX21y2cFkwf3TQ/s1600/article-2591409-0233F112000005DC-838_964x721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjVBdGMpX5a6eVd_5562f9vE2sQkBmsXFlpDC6A9OX_1npbgW08RxYYf4nUAiu2sUk7ImRJyW5oNL7izqk3i1pMedmI5NbZz6ZpHD7Yc-hBTp1KWFEzsz_nGGZP2NNXX21y2cFkwf3TQ/s320/article-2591409-0233F112000005DC-838_964x721.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">617 Squadron after the mission</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The results were significant, with industry badly affected, many areas flooded and the loss of power. Thousands of men were drafted in by the Germans to help rebuild the dams, taking them away from the Atlantic Wall defences they were building. This was to aid the Allied invasion on D-Day in June 1944. Thirteen hundred civilians were killed, including around five-hundred Ukranian slave labourers when the dam ruptured, causing mass flooding.<br />
<br />
Goebbels later said the attack was "an act of war against the state, but one to be admired, for the English had navigated and planned so thoroughly."<br />
<br />
The Dambusters raid was a huge boost to morale mid-war when nothing was certain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8DXb1HiUPYaovM_dzDZiYKOAp5GSGpIgHNbKt26tiGFxyJnBXUU_3PJryxsObD1210e9zk-eMLxrqhTUkQbWIpNQTr5wqAogzdOvU9nHfFizCcedQLWsZZflIjuJLMNiXlL_EbHQpsc/s1600/download+%25287%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8DXb1HiUPYaovM_dzDZiYKOAp5GSGpIgHNbKt26tiGFxyJnBXUU_3PJryxsObD1210e9zk-eMLxrqhTUkQbWIpNQTr5wqAogzdOvU9nHfFizCcedQLWsZZflIjuJLMNiXlL_EbHQpsc/s1600/download+%25287%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fred Sutherland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today, there are only two surviving veterans of the former Dambusters. George 'Johnny' Johnson is the last remaining British survivor of that squadron, and Canadian front gunner Fred Sutherland is the last surviving Canadian crew member of the raid.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3rxWY8cL10OCmVTyx_DY_1aE3OtA1G9dh2NxR5uKB0HU6wgovOtY_qDBiquVs5ApvdE_tqHfnNUUg009du0Okq-NoCGZGq8WTo8INpKJv2Z9ChW8_zvefaYxSqEjtN65p_m_Qp_30Fw/s1600/download+%25286%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3rxWY8cL10OCmVTyx_DY_1aE3OtA1G9dh2NxR5uKB0HU6wgovOtY_qDBiquVs5ApvdE_tqHfnNUUg009du0Okq-NoCGZGq8WTo8INpKJv2Z9ChW8_zvefaYxSqEjtN65p_m_Qp_30Fw/s1600/download+%25286%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George 'Johnny' Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bravery and the sacrifice of the young men involved will always be recognised and honoured.<br />
The mission was top secret and extremely dangerous. Flying at such low levels left the bombers extremely exposed, and the loss of life was tragic on both sides.<br />
<br />
I had the honour of meeting Johnny Johnson, and the daughter of Barnes Wallace a short while ago, and she explained how her father never got over the loss of life on that mission, a burden that remained with him for the rest of his days.<br />
<br />
Remember them all this evening. Think of those brave few as they left England to embark upon the daring raid to the Ruhr Valley. Remember those who never returned and those who did, only to tragically lose their lives later in the war, as was the fate of Guy Gibson. Please, spare a moment to remember them all on this 75th anniversary of Operation Chastise.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnlaHcG32V6wFDLd0SS_djpc7qwOzEX-RyJWuoiC8F4Jc2nPShYUJP_FocpFxinDgllnWC6nEiCXBVd6FdfmPZml2pXS32qqBQuKFoAoZnnsOiTryqfStnsZmUlbeIKuUzLboW4_HVDM/s1600/CH_018005.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnlaHcG32V6wFDLd0SS_djpc7qwOzEX-RyJWuoiC8F4Jc2nPShYUJP_FocpFxinDgllnWC6nEiCXBVd6FdfmPZml2pXS32qqBQuKFoAoZnnsOiTryqfStnsZmUlbeIKuUzLboW4_HVDM/s320/CH_018005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guy Gibson & crew preparing for take-off. Operation Chastise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601716614532291665.post-46378612370075376462017-05-13T12:20:00.001+01:002017-05-13T12:20:18.471+01:00Farewell Sir, Blue Skies: My Tribute to Veteran Des O'Connell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm so sad to hear the news that veteran and Guinea Pig Club member, Des O'Connell has passed away at the age of 97.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsopMCYEZEECaF-e7Y8t8njYFRdZh8Z9hZli7rTBv4QvSMY_GNcEZ4CeiXbDX-B6emo0Eaa6XH6AqZtvV-unYRud-U8IZl31NmdngB5MgWAJasTtk_PchlYlcrOgD3KT4enuqp82XGGH8/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsopMCYEZEECaF-e7Y8t8njYFRdZh8Z9hZli7rTBv4QvSMY_GNcEZ4CeiXbDX-B6emo0Eaa6XH6AqZtvV-unYRud-U8IZl31NmdngB5MgWAJasTtk_PchlYlcrOgD3KT4enuqp82XGGH8/s1600/download+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Des O'Connell<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On April 27th, 1941, Flying Officer Desmond O'Connell was an observer on a bombing mission to sink the Bismarck. His aircraft, an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley bomber took off overladen with fuel and bombs, struggled to gain height and crashed into a hillside where it burst into flames. From his position at the rear of the aircraft, Des crawled out through the damaged fuselage and was doused in aviation fuel. Unfortunately, the grass outside was already blazing and he became engulfed in flames.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Vg85YABNLtHsAJ9kMgk6nhe5VQXzHWzw9VtPhdCwR76zd66_P5pt8jrP0QExDOzXO8DKpn8xZWmZkPNlmr31MQIU2N4re1E0crOm57qCZ7Hh9nvR2T45TcYO4SY7iYFETLTXrhyIbro/s1600/Young+Des+O%2527Connell+WEB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Vg85YABNLtHsAJ9kMgk6nhe5VQXzHWzw9VtPhdCwR76zd66_P5pt8jrP0QExDOzXO8DKpn8xZWmZkPNlmr31MQIU2N4re1E0crOm57qCZ7Hh9nvR2T45TcYO4SY7iYFETLTXrhyIbro/s320/Young+Des+O%2527Connell+WEB.jpeg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Des O'Connell before the accident</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Des suffered 50% burns. He once said in an interview that he recalled looking down and thinking how his gloves had melted when it fact it was the skin shredding from his hands. He was taken to the nearest cottage hospital where staff feared the worst.<br />
<br />
Des was so badly burned that his commanding officer asked his mother where she wished her son to be buried, a conversation sadly overheard by Des himself. He was twenty-one years old and I can only try to imagine the suffering and the fear he must have gone through back then. Fortunately, his mother demanded that he be moved to a specialist unit and so he was transferred to RAF Halton, and while there he was spotted by the pioneering plastic surgeon, Archibald McIndoe.<br />
<br />
McIndoe assessed him and decided that he could almost certainly help this young airman and arranged for him to be transferred to his unit at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. Once there, like many of the young men on Archie's ward, he was to endure multiple operations and skin grafts which took more than two years. He needed a new chin, eyelids, ear tips and skin grafts to both legs.<br />
<br />
The men in McIndoe's care, including Des, formed a club in July 1941, and they called it the Guinea Pig Club, for that is exactly what they were - guinea pigs for Maestro to experiment on. Maestro was, of course, the nickname for Archie. Some of the men also referred to their hospital ward as the 'beauty shop', the place you were sent to be made up. They had such strength, humour and spirit despite their horrific and often life-changing injuries.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv5S1VpEYm8C4FqmViilIrO1f5uyG7ttlmQCKagWVfY86zSQnmaHJ4gvZ55EarD3ge13ih8VkG_NmNwGb5jKSY4PBNP8OAfvmPBadLOS5XV3xlte8kSs-tzbwVJs2FUYHTVrAt3mmn2E/s1600/Archie+with+his+boys2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqv5S1VpEYm8C4FqmViilIrO1f5uyG7ttlmQCKagWVfY86zSQnmaHJ4gvZ55EarD3ge13ih8VkG_NmNwGb5jKSY4PBNP8OAfvmPBadLOS5XV3xlte8kSs-tzbwVJs2FUYHTVrAt3mmn2E/s1600/Archie+with+his+boys2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archie McIndoe (far right) with some of the servicemen he treated</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And so it was that Des became inaugurated into this wonderful club after his baptism by fire. Over time the club gathered 649 members and Des was to be an active supporter of the club his whole life. Below is a video of Des talking briefly about his life-changing accident and the beauty of the Guinea Pig Club.<br />
In the video, Des mentions how he'd like the Guinea Pig Club to be remembered for being good. The fact is, the club was a godsend and it was a brilliant idea generated on the lawn outside Ward 3 (Archie's ward) on a glorious summer's day in July 1941. Back then, of course, they had no idea just how beneficial the club would be.<br />
<br />
I'm certain his words shall live on and we shall remember the brave few who suffered so for our freedom today. The club continues with the few remaining members and it shall be remembered in history, along with the brilliance of Sir Archibald McIndoe, plastic surgeon and philanthropist.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-UmWYdzmCo" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you for your service. Blue skies, Sir. Rest well.</b></div>
<br />
There is a beautiful memorial plaque within the Queen Victoria Hospital at East Grinstead which lists all the names of the men treated there during the war - all members of the Guinea Pig Club.<br />
<br />
You can find more articles about the Guinea Pig Club and the work of Sir Archibald McIndoe here by following the links below:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lowfellwritersplace.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/sir-archibald-mcindoe-part-one-early.html" target="_blank">Who Was Sir Archibald McIndoe?</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lowfellwritersplace.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/the-guinea-pig-club-sir-archibald.html" target="_blank">75th Anniversary of the Guinea Pig Club & Sir Archibald McIndoe</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://lowfellwritersplace.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/my-tribute-to-veteran-guinea-pig-dr.html" target="_blank">My Tribute to Veteran & Guinea Pig, Dr Sandy Saunders</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="story-body__introduction" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: Helmet, Freesans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.375; margin-top: 28px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzy Hendersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422821411216220911noreply@blogger.com5