Latest news with #WW2
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
‘He used to scream in the night' – Scottish WW2 veterans return to scene of one of worst military tragedies
NORMANDY RETURN 'He used to scream in the night' – Scottish WW2 veterans return to scene of one of worst military tragedies Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VETERANS returned to the scene of one of Scotland's worst military tragedies this week - 85 years after 10,000 men were either killed or captured in WW2. The Black Watch paid an emotional visit to St Valery-en-Caux in Normandy to commemorate the ill-fated defence of the region by the 51st Highland Division. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Black Watch Commemorative Visit to Normandy in France. Credit: ©Perthshire Picture Agency. NO SYNDICATION. REMAINS WITH PERTHSHIRE PICTURE AGENCY 4 Lt Col Bill Bradford of The Black Watch whilst serving as a Captain. Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency. NO SYNDICATION. REMAINS WITH PERTHSHIRE PICTURE AGENCY 4 Private Cameron Walker who was hidden by the Hubert family for four years - pictured with his mother after returning. Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency. NO SYNDICATION. REMAINS WITH PERTHSHIRE PICTURE AGENCY 4 Infantry of 51st Highland Division are carried into battle aboard Sherman tanks. Credit: Alamy It was an equally sombre event for grateful locals who remembered the men that gave their lives for strangers and saved their ancestors. Retired Brigadier Alastair Aitken, Chairman of The Black Watch Association, said: 'People talk about the Auld Alliance but what they are thinking of is a few beers at Murrayfield with some French rugby supporters. 'But actually, here in Normandy is the real Auld Alliance because here we had Scottish soldiers who died not just in France, but for France, and that is unique in recent British history. 'This is a story of Scotland's best who fought bravely for France as they died for Scotland. They would have fought to the last man and the last round. That has created a unique bond with the communities of Normandy. We won't find it anywhere else in France. 'This is not even a Scottish story – it is a Highlands story – and The Black Watch is part of that. 'It is all about the people. And it is their individual stories that keep their names alive. These are the stories that inspire current and future generations.' Mayor of St Valery-en-Caux, Jean-Francois Ouvry, added: 'I once watched an old soldier stand at the 51st Highland Division monument on the clifftop above St Valery as a tear trickled down his cheek and I realised I also had a tear in my eye. 'Perhaps future generations will not be so aware of our mutual history but hopefully St Valery will never forget. 'The monument stands strong; the graves are tended and the soldiers of Scotland rest here forever. They are in our hearts and we will take care of them.' The heroic soldiers remained behind, under French command, in a last gasp attempt to halt the German advance. But the onslaught proved too strong and 51st Highland Divisional commander Major General Victor Fortune reluctantly followed orders to call a ceasefire and surrender when all hope of naval evacuation had gone. Mistakes were made but we fought with honour – hero Scots soldiers remembered 20 years after Iraq Troops were vastly outnumbered and rapidly running out of ammunition, food and fresh clothing, as well as having no aerial or heavy artillery support. French families played their own in part in trying to save those left behind - taking in stricken Scots and shielding them from the Germans. Private Cameron Walker, a blacksmith's son from Forteviot in Perthshire, remained hidden with a family for four years – helping on the farm and hiding in a specially-made niche between the chimneys whenever enemy soldiers made their frequent searches. His host Hamilton Hubert later 'adopted' Cameron as an extra son and the last surviving daughter – 80-year-old Ghislaine Pegard – told of the love the family had for the young Scotsman. She said: 'I never met him – I wasn't born. But my parents talked about Cameron often. I feel very proud of them and what they did. 'Cameron was a part of the family and The Black Watch became part of our family too. My grandchildren now know of what my parents went through to keep Cameron safe and they will tell their children and grandchildren.' Meanwhile, retired Black Watch Colonel Ronnie Bradford, 67, from Aberdeenshire, is still in awe of the legends told about his famous father - Captain Bill Bradford He was taken prisoner following the surrender of British and French commanders but managed to escape on six separate occasions. The hero spent 367 days trying to reach safety. He walked more than 620 miles, cycled over 500 miles, travelled 2,216 miles by train, 469 miles by ship and around 700 miles by small boat to reach British soil. Ronnie said: 'He never spoke of those times but I know they scarred him deeply. He used to scream in the night. 'It was only after my brother stopped Dad burning his diaries just before he died that his story came to light. 'He was a kind and tolerant father. I just wish we'd known his war story before so that I could have talked to him about it. 'I've been thinking of him and all the other soldiers who fought here in Normandy and to walk where they walked and see where his friends and comrades fell is a really emotional journey.' King Charles passed on his wishes to those who made the trip to pay their respects. And general Fortune's grandson, actor Jack Fortune, from Galloway, believes people could learn a lot from the soldier's commitment to his men. He proudly said: 'While in prison in Poland after capture at St Valery, he suffered a stroke and refused to be repatriated, saying he would stay with his men of the 51st Highland Division until the end.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
A glossy new period drama based on a real life scandalous family starts tonight
Based on a real life family of six sisters, who caused quite the scandal in the 1930s, Outrageous on U&Drama is an addictive period drama With Bridgerton and Sex Education stars, glossy period drama Outrageous, about the real life Mitford sisters - 'the Kardashians of their generation' - is your next binge. Based on Mary Lovell's book The Mitford Girls, this scandalous family saga (tonight June 19, U&Drama, 9pm) is inspired by six aristocratic sisters who refused to play by the rules. Sweeping through the turbulent backdrop of 1930s Britain, this addictive six parter follows the betrayal, romance and radicalisation of these gloriously rebellious socialites. Their controversial antics, including marrying a fascist and being imprisoned during WW2, saw the family splashed all over the press. Also starring Anna Chancellor and James Purefoy, Bridgerton's Bessie Carter (Imelda Staunton's daughter) plays eldest daughter Nancy, who narrates events with an air of Lady Whistledown. Her foreboding voice explains: 'Surely within the decade we'd all have married well and be quietly breeding the next generation of British aristocrats. Unfortunately it didn't quite turn out like that. Instead, within a few years we would have gone entirely off the rails.' Nancy is desperate for her long-term boyfriend Hamish to propose, but he says marriage seems 'so very much not fun.' Diana (Joanna Vanderham) is married to one of the richest men in London - but is seduced by fascist politician Oswald Mosley (Joshua Sasse), while Unity (Shannon Watson) becomes 'the most hated woman in Britain' for defending Hitler. From the start, there's a growing sense of tension that everything is about to unravel. Wonderfully camp and wickedly funny, this is no stuffy period drama - it's an irreverent tale about sisters who followed their passions, to hell with the consequences. Outrageous is airing on U&Drama tonight at 9pm, with all six episodes available to stream There's plenty more on TV tonight - here's the best of the rest.. PUSHERS, CHANNEL 4, 10pm Comedian Rosie Jones is having her moment in the sun - a firm favourite on comedy panel shows, she has now co-created this fresh new series. She plays Emily, who's terminally single, stuck living with her sad dad, and can only find voluntary work. And now her disability benefits have been cut. At her lowest ebb, she bumps into her dodgy old school friend, Ewen (Ryan McParland), who spots an opportunity. If Emily needs money, perhaps she could deliver a parcel for him. 'It seems a bit dodgy,' she says… at first. You can guess where this is going. Who would ever suspect that this nice young disabled charity worker was a drug dealer? But everything soon spirals as Emily begins to get a thrill out of drug dealing. There are plenty of laughs, but it also makes a political point. Rosie says: 'We wanted to show what it's like to be working class and disabled right now - because it's s*** for a lot of people.' MURDER MOST PUZZLING, 5, 8pm Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan stars as Cora Felton, the eponymous Puzzle Lady, in this latest murder mystery series to hit our screens. Based on the best-selling books by American author Parnell Hall, it begins when a strange murder takes place in the sleepy market town of Bakerbury. Local police are baffled by a crossword puzzle left on the body, so they turn to Cora, whose fame as an excellent puzzler, suggests she can help. But Cora isn't who she claims to be, and as she throws herself into the case, she starts to attract allies and enemies in equal measure. Quirky, light-hearted and easy-viewing, this has all the hallmarks of a wholesome whodunit - sleepy village, random murders, interfering amateur detectives and gossipy secrets. Phyllis says: 'It's a bit like Murder She Wrote meets Miss Marple on steroids. It's a police procedural, but not as we know it and it's full of great characters.' EMMERDALE, ITV1, 7.30pm Sarah goes for her procedure and is elated when Dr Knapp reveals they managed to retrieve a good number of eggs to test for viability. Later, Charity answers a call on Sarah's phone from the hospital and is horrified by what she hears. Sarah feels caught out when Charity reveals she's found out about her cancer diagnosis. Mandy persuades Paddy to confront his worries for his dad head on, but Paddy is surprised to discover that Bear and his motorbike are missing. EASTENDERS, BBC1, 7.30pm Kat is trying to talk to Alfie about her fears for Tommy, but things go from bad to worse when Alfie tells her she needs to visit Spencer in Australia as he's in turmoil. Tommy tries to avoid Joel, but is shaken when Vicki collars him and warns that she'll implicate him in what happened to Isla if he doesn't keep his mouth shut. Elaine wakes up with a vicious hangover and refuses to engage with Linda, who is still furious.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Five crucial jobs that will not be conscripted in the UK if WW3 begins
If WW3 breaks out, there may be some key workers deemed too vital to national security to be made to fight - so these key vocations could be spared conscription to the front lines or the war effort The prospect of World War Three is a deeply unsettling thought, but with the escalating attacks between Iran and Israel this week -and Iran aligning itself with China and Russia - the world feels closer to a global conflict than it has in a long time. Yet, in the grim eventuality that WW3 erupts, some professions could be considered too critical for national security to conscript – potentially saving those in pivotal roles from being drafted into combat or wartime duties. While the modern form of conscription remains uncertain, lessons can be learnt from the past. During WW2, key workers who were crucial to keeping things running were excused from conscription - bakers, farmers, doctors, nurses and engineers. At the time, Brits who morally objected to fighting, referred to as 'conscientious objectors', faced tribunals and, rather than serving on the battlefield, contributed through non-combatant roles still aiding the war effort. Back in WW2, men aged 20 to 22 were first called up for conscription in 1939, up to six months before the war actually broke out, reports Yorkshire Live. The UK Parliament website explains: "During the spring of 1939 the deteriorating international situation forced the British government under Neville Chamberlain to consider preparations for a possible war against Nazi Germany." "Plans for limited conscription applying to single men aged between 20 and 22 were given parliamentary approval in the Military Training Act in May 1939. This required men to undertake six months' military training, and some 240,000 registered for service." However, when war was declared, the age range was immediately expanded to include any man aged 18 to 41. It continues: "On the day Britain declared war on Germany, 3 September 1939, Parliament immediately passed a more wide-reaching measure. "The National Service (Armed Forces) Act imposed conscription on all males aged between 18 and 41 who had to register for service. Those medically unfit were exempted, as were others in key industries and jobs such as baking, farming, medicine, and engineering." By the end of 1941, women and 'all childless widows' between the ages of 20 and 30 were called up, while men aged up to 51 were also called upon for military service. Even those aged 52 to 60 were required to take part in 'some form of military service'. It added: "The main reason was that there were not enough men volunteering for police and civilian defence work, or women for the auxiliary units of the armed forces." On modern day conscription, Mike Martin, an Afghanistan veteran and the MP for Tunbridge Wells, told the Express: "There's a significant chance that it [war with Russia] might happen so we must be prepared." The Liberal Democrat issued a stark warning: "Obviously, if we get involved in a general war with Russia, we'll be conscripting the population - there's no question about that," but emphasised the importance of strength as a deterrent. "Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war]. The whole point about building the military up is it decreases the likelihood of this happening. I think that's an important caveat. I've fought in wars, I'm not a warmonger. But I recognise that you've got to [pursue] peace through strength."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Life in the 'death zone': Locals in Sheerness SHOULD be worried about living next to shipwrecked WW2 boat filled with bombs, experts say
For 81 years, the small coastal town of Sheerness has waited with baited breath. In that time, multiple generations of islanders have lived, died and thrived in the deprived town never dwelling on the looming danger a few miles off their sparkling coastline. But the threat which lurks beneath the waves just a few yards from their island community has been ever present and experts fear time could soon be running out. The threat which haunts the plucky residents of Sheerness isn't an existential one, it's terrifyingly real and would have an almost apocalyptic impact on the town. To put it quite simply, if the WW2 vessel the SS Montgomery, which sank off the coast in 1944 carrying an estimated 1,4000 tonnes of explosives, is disturbed or decays enough to detonate, it could wipe the town off the face of the earth. Experts and doomsday critics have long hypothesized precisely what the impact on the Kentish town would be, with some drawing up blast radius maps and before and after pictures. All of them agree on one thing though, the impact would be catastrophic. In the event of a detonation it is thought that debris from the wreck would be hurled up to 1.8 miles into the air with the resulting shockwave damaging buildings for miles around. Sheerness would be levelled by this wave and then drowned under a tsunami which experts fear could be 30-40ft high. A smaller tsunami could also barrel its way up the Thames towards London, destroying everything in its path. The stakes then, couldn't be higher, and as time moves on and the wreck's condition further deteriorates, locals on Sheerness dread to hear any updates at all from the stricken ship - the masts of which are clearly visible from the shoreline at low tide. This week, an ominous new survey of the 'doomsday wreck' revealed that the wreckage was edging closer to collapse prompting the government to introduce a stricter no fly-zone around the site. The wreckage has long been subject to a strict maritime exclusion zone enforced by the Ministry of Defence. The new order has been made to stop aircraft flying within one nautical mile of the sunken remains of the vessel or fly lower than 13,100ft in the restricted airspace. The DfT said following expert advice, work continues on the project to reduce the height the ship's three steel masts over fears they could become unstable and fall onto the wreck. This is expected to be in place within the next year, with works to follow as soon as possible. The DfT says it has responded to this by implementing the Restriction of Flying (RoF). However locals living in what has come to be known as 'the death zone' are demanding more answers and a permanent solution to the issue of the wreck, which prominent defence experts believe is one of the gravest threats to UK security. The people of Sheerness, which has a population of just 25,000 are a hardy folk who none could accuse of lacking a sense of humour. The town even boasts a mural which depicts a mermaid sitting in front of the masts protruding from the sea – saying: 'Welcome to Sheerness. You'll have a blast.' However when MailOnline visited the town this week in the wake of the latest news, we found a population living on a knife edge. Hannah Dixon, 38, who works in a popular seaside cafe revealed: 'It's frightening. Years ago I watched a documentary that's said basically only Minster on the other side of the island would be left if it went kaboom. 'It's a subconscious fear, because it has been there for years and nothing has happened, but I do worry about it. 'They have put in this no fly zone which I don't really understand, I didn't think anything flew over there, but I suppose it's to do with the masts. 'Basically if the masts fall they could set it off. I just think they should leave it alone to be honest. 'Not only are they putting the workers lives at risk, they're putting all our lives at risk.' Grey Scott, 39, a former soldier who now runs a tattoo parlour on the island said: 'I don't fear it, given my background, but it's not something I would tell my kids about because I know it will make them worry. 'It is scary, of course, if it went off the whole high street would be flooded, so it is a worry. 'There have been talks of doing something about the masts in the past but nothing ever happens. 'I also think with that things could go wrong and could cause a bigger problem - it's a risk. 'It's definitely not something I want my kids to learn about, there are enough scary things in the world.' Andreea Pachciarek, 24, who has a one year old son, said: 'I've lived here for 10 years, and I only started worrying about it after I had my kid. 'Before I never really thought about it but now, especially with the no fly zone, it makes me think about moving off the island. 'I don't have sleepless nights but it is a fear because it would be so bad if it went off. I'm more worried about how close ships seem to be getting to it. 'There's the buoys around it but there's one out there at the moment that looks so close to the wreck. 'It definitely is scary.' Earlier last week, terrified residents watched from the shoreline as a huge cargo ship was seen terrifyingly close to the wreckage. The islander who took the picture told KentOnline at the time it was like 'looking at doomsday' - though it was later confirmed the boat did not breach the strict exclusion zone. Ron O'Beray, 78, who has lived in Sheerness for 70 years told MailOnline: 'They say if it goes off the whole island will be covered in water and every window will break. 'If that happened obviously it would be devastating but I am not sure it will. It's been here all the time I have, seven decades, and it has never happened. Surely by now the bombs will be corroded?' Sadly, the cargo of the Montgomery is anything but docile, numerous experts fear. Prior to the fateful day in 1944, the 7,200-tonne American vessel had safely crossed the Atlantic on convoy HX-301 without incident and was ordered to anchor off Sheerness. It was carrying some 7,000 tonnes of munitions and it was due to carry on to Cherbourg to unload its cargo. Then, on August 20, 1944, the Montgomery dragged her anchor and ran aground on a sandbank around 250 yards from the Medway Approach Channel eventually sinking with her full cargo. On the day she sank, the Montgomery was likely carrying a terrifying array of US bombs including 286 giant 2,000lb 'blockbuster' bombs, 4,439 explosive devices and over 2,500 cluster bombs. These concern security experts the most, as because they are transported with their fuses attached they are more prone to detonation. Speaking to the MailOnline, former British Army intelligence officer Colonel Phillip Ingram revealed that whilst the wreck is safe from a 'fanatic with a sniper', it remained a point of weakness for the UK against hostile foreign states. He explained: 'The real threat is that a hostile state wants to do something about it. They could do it under water from afar with a submersible bomb. 'The blast damage it would cause would be phenomenal. It would be a hell of a big bang - but would it really achieve anything? People in Sheerness are living on the edge, every window in the town would be devastated. 'It is clear that the authorities are becoming increasingly concerned about this. The latest report on it hasn't yet been made available to the public yet, which makes me think that they don't want us to know how risky this is. 'Nobody knows what to do with it. Going anywhere near it to remove them could potentially become a suicide mission.' These thoughts are shared by Professor David Alexander, an expert in risk management and emergency planning, who this week told LBC that the wreck was a 'reckless sitting duck' and a 'ready-made target.' He said: 'The Montgomery is not inert – it is at risk. It's sat just 2.4km from Sheerness and 200 metres from a shipping lane used by LNG carriers and giant container vessels. In today's environment, that's reckless.' MailOnline has approached the Ministry of Defence and Department for Transport for further comment. What's the latest on the wreck's condition? A new survey of the ship has revealed the hull itself is deteriorating, with several alarming changes detected in the year since the last survey. One problem flagged up by the survey is that the front half of the ship – which broke in two as it sank – is slowly tipping over, tilting half a metre further eastward in two years. More decay was observed in the second cargo hold, where the upper port side has cracked, and the lower starboard side has become 'significantly buckled'. This has caused part of the deck above to start collapsing into the hold, with the hatch supports in this area dropping by up to 17cm in a year. All told, it looks like 'the forward part of the wreck is splitting in two,' the new report states. The back end of the wreck is in similar trouble. The survey says: 'Like the forward section, the rear section is hogging and potentially breaking in two about halfway along its length.' Further deterioration was detected where the front and back of the wreck split apart. 'This area was left unsupported when the ship broke in two back in 1944,' the report says. 'Consequently, it has been badly affected by wave and current action and is steadily collapsing and falling into the gap between the two halves of the vessel.' If the seabed is anything to go by, the worst is yet to come. The report warns: 'The degree to which the bow and stern may be being undercut as the supporting sediment is eroded away is a potential concern.' One area of seabed close to the wreck was found to have dipped by 1.6m in a year. The front of the ship has now been 'undercut to the degree where it has started to move', according to the findings. A 1970 report from the Royal Military College of Science predicted what would happen if the whole explosive cache detonated at once. It would unleash a column of water and debris 3,000 metres high, and a five-metre tsunami, engulfing nearby Sheerness, the report said. Also in the firing line is Southend, which lies some five miles north of the wreck site. Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, is looking for answers. He said: 'According to the experts, the wreck of the Montgomery remains stable. 'So I understand that the no-fly zone that's been put in is a precautionary measure. 'But we are seeking further clarity around the long term plans for the wreck. 'What we'd like more than anything is clarity, to understand what the long-term plans are.' The Department for Transport, the ministry responsible for the wreck, said the no-fly zone had been implemented on expert advice and would remain in place until further notice. A spokesperson said: 'Our priority will always be to ensure the safety of the public and to reduce any risk posed by the SS Richard Montgomery. 'The condition of the wreck remains stable, and experts are continuing to monitor the site. 'As part of their ongoing monitoring, they have updated advice on how authorities can further minimise risk. 'They have recommended that pilots and operators do not fly in a limited area around and above the site as specified by the Civil Aviation Authority.' What is the SS Montgomery and why is it dangerous? The SS Richard Montgomery was a US Liberty Ship built in 1943 to transport cargo across the Atlantic The 7,200-tonne vessel safely crossed the Atlantic on convoy HX-301 without incident and was ordered to anchor off Sheerness. The vessel was carrying some 7,000 tonnes of munitions and it was due to carry on to Cherbourg to unload its cargo. However, on August 20, 1944, the Montgomery dragged her anchor and ran aground on a sandbank around 250 yards from the Medway Approach Channel. A major salvage operation was launched to unload the vessel's deadly cargo although, within 24 hours cracks began appearing across the hull and the forward areas began flooding. By September 25, the salvage operation had to be abandoned after the entire vessel flooded. The Richard Montgomery was one of 2,700 Liberty ships built during the war.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump sparks outrage with rambling Russia remarks, critics say he's showing signs of cognitive decline
Donald Trump's mental health is questioned again after he gave a confusing defense of Russia. Trump appeared to wrongly say that Vladimir Putin fought for Russia in World War II, even though Putin was born 7 years after the war ended. People accuse Trump of " cognitive collapse " because of his strange remarks about Russia and Putin's role in WWII, as per reports. Trump said he talked with French President Emmanuel Macron about WWII commemorations before making his confusing speech about Putin. Trump said, "I happened to speak to President Putin at the time. Now in all fairness to him, he lost 51 million people and he did fight." Trump made a historical mistake because Putin was born in 1952, and World War II ended in 1945, so he couldn't have fought in it. Trump said, "It's kind of interesting, he fought with us in WWII and everyone hates him, but Germany and Japan are fine. One day someone will explain that. I like Germany and Japan too," as reported by the Irish Star. Trump and wrong facts Trump said Putin doesn't understand why people dislike Russia, even though they were allies in WWII and lost many lives. But reports say Trump didn't seem to know it was the Soviet Union, not just Russia, that fought in the war. The Soviet Union had 15 countries, like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The modern Russian Federation was created only in 1991 after the Soviet Union broke up. Trump also gave wrong numbers. Live Events According to the Irish Star, the National WWII Museum says the Soviet Union lost around 24 million people in WWII, not 51 million as Trump claimed. Many people online made fun of Trump's comments. One person wrote, "Someone should tell him that Russia now attacks democracies, while Germany and Japan are peaceful friends." Another said, "There was no Russia during WW2." A third questioned, "Putin fought WWII? How old is he then?" Someone else said Trump's brain 'didn't develop normally' and called him 'very ignorant,' as reported by the Irish Star. Another person even said Trump should be arrested for treason, writing, 'Putin was born in 1952... Being friendly with a war criminal isn't foreign policy, it's betrayal.' Critics said Trump's remarks showed signs of "cognitive collapse" and questioned his ability to lead, "Age limits for the presidency FFS. One user wrote, "This old clown mumbling about WW2 is not good." Another said, "Dementia Donnie is rambling again." Someone else called the comments "delusional" and said the room went completely silent, according to the report by Irish Star. FAQs Q1. What's the buzz about Trump and Putin in WWII? Because Trump wrongly said Putin fought in World War II, even though he was born after the war ended. Q2. What is the "cognitive collapse" people mention about Trump? It means people think Trump's thinking and memory may be getting worse due to his confusing comments.
