Dad’s Army

Well, this will stop Donald.

The German Armed Forces are sending 13 soldiers to Greenland.
The team, along with other European nations, will spend three days exploring the framework for potential military contributions to support Denmark.
More deployments could follow soon.
 
I thought about joining the reserves a few years ago, but found the age limit was 43. I might be over 10years too old, but I bet I'm fitter and stronger than most applicants.
 
I'll protect my family, and my property. My obligations to this country now extend only as far as abiding by its laws, as far as I'm concerned. I served it once, I won't do it again.
Sometimes people (especially on here) think that being "lefty" means you're pacifist. Truth couldn't be further... There's plenty of causes I'd fight for - and possibly more willing to fight certain enemies. But monarchy, country or prime minister- nah mate, more self respect than that.
 
It has been noted there are many roles that older fellows can do other than engage on foot with rifle. Consider this, should the offensive go wrong or support elements get bombed or shelled losing vehicles just how do you expect older fellows in the less than prime of life and condition manage to return to a position further to the rear? Could be miles. I can still walk about 8 miles with a light load say 30lbs. Could I manage 26 miles as I was able to in my 30's no not even if rabid crocodiles were in pursuit.
 
I've a pillowcase I can provide? Because if the Tory Government - Thatcher - didn't trust me with a self-loading rifle in 1988 then, hell, don't expecrt me to carry one to defend their successors now.

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Can't, alas, now cut a stick for it since the Tory Party (yes, them again) when last in government banned me from being out and about with my Opinel No3 and its safety locking band.
 
I've a pillowcase I can provide? Because if the Tory Government - Thatcher - didn't trust me with a self-loading rifle in 1988 then, hell, don't expecrt me to carry one to defend their successors now.

View attachment 456574

Can't, alas, now cut a stick for it since the Tory Party (yes, them again) when last in government banned me from being out and about with my Opinel No3 and its safety locking band.
Propellant, explosives, steel - materiel we no longer produce. Best we try diplomacy - a hot air industry, but with some chance of results

 
Still not to worry. We have our defence systems in place. Call Centres. That's what we now excel in.

We'll ask the Russians to dial 0800 SUR NDER and put them through to a call centre.

"Please select Option 1 if you are an occupying power". "Option 2 if you are an invading power", "Option 3 if you are planning a nuclear attack".

Then "You have selected Option 2. You are an invading power. If this is correct press 1. If not correct press 2"

"You have pressed 1. Please hold while we connect you with an agent so that we can offer our surrender. You are number 1 in the queue. Please hold. Select Option 1 if you prefer silence when waiting, or press 2 if you prefer music when waiting. Note that all calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. "

"You have pressed 2. Please select from 1 the Star Spangled Banner or 2 the Gosudarstvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii or 3 the March of the Volunteers"

"You have pressed 2 the Russian National Anthem. Please hold why we try to connect you to an agent"

Then after thirty minutes, finally, this "We are sorry lines have now closed for today, please call back during our opening hours. Or if you prefer please visist our website on www.weneglectedourdefencesatourperil.co.uk"

And with luck they'll just give up and go elsewhere.
 
Down the internet rabbit hole brought this. HMS Illustrious 1952. Wadkin of Leicester woodworking machinery too. I remember visiting HMS Belfast and thinking that if the thing had ever been torpedoed that down in the bowels, the engine room, you were likely pretty much doomed to drowning. From an early look I think the You Tube "author" has posted a few other good watches.

 
Down the internet rabbit hole brought this. HMS Illustrious 1952. I remember visiting HMS Belfast and thinking that if the thing had ever been torpedoed that down in the bowels, the engine room, you were likely pretty much doomed to drowning.


Welcome to my world and day job :tiphat:

For a current example, the majority of JR accommodation and the ship’s medical centre on QEC carriers are on 6 deck, well below the waterline. Warship design focusses on meeting speed, systems, endurance weapons, sensors requirements and only then is real consideration given to where the people live. Don’t then get me started on why JR are down in the bowels, SR on or about the waterline and officers well above - I’m not sure this will stand proper scrutiny in the event of a major loss. Only radical designs like catamarans mean that all crew are above the waterline. Sadly, traditional monohull V-designs will always incur this risk.
 
Welcome to my world and day job :tiphat:

For a current example, the majority of JR accommodation and the ship’s medical centre on QEC carriers are on 6 deck, well below the waterline. Warship design focusses on meeting speed, systems, endurance weapons, sensors requirements and only then is real consideration given to where the people live. Don’t then get me started on why JR are down in the bowels, SR on or about the waterline and officers well above - I’m not sure this will stand proper scrutiny in the event of a major loss. Only radical designs like catamarans mean that all crew are above the waterline. Sadly, traditional monohull V-designs will always incur this risk.
My friend's son was in HMS Lancaster but I think now he is in the POW. He and his friend both come over from St. Vincent and did HMS Raleigh and then got their ships.
 
Down the internet rabbit hole brought this. HMS Illustrious 1952. Wadkin of Leicester woodworking machinery too. I remember visiting HMS Belfast and thinking that if the thing had ever been torpedoed that down in the bowels, the engine room, you were likely pretty much doomed to drowning. From an early look I think the You Tube "author" has posted a few other good watches.


An analysis of WWII losses I did revealed the vast majority of torpedo casualties sank within ) minutes. Undex remains the most significant catastrophic risk to surface ships and frankly, unless you are lucky enough to be immediately alongside clear access to fresh air, your chances are not looking good!
 
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