8th September 2022 will always be the day the Queen passed away. But it was also my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary, a landmark not often reached. They received this card on Wednesday and are now the owners of quite possibly, one of the Queen's last celebratory messages.
I do not recommend appendicitis at all... just waiting to go into surgery for an appendectomy. The staff here at the hospital have been brilliant, regardless of the fact they are rushed off their feet. A real credit to the medical profession.
A poignant stop at Omaha Beach, where the Americans were inflicted with 2400 casualties just on D-Day. The sheer expanse of this site is bewildering and humbling.
Did something very exciting today! Pleased to announce that I've worked with
@findmypast
on a short film project around the Loos Battlefields. My first time being recorded for a project of this kind - cannot wait to share it with you all.
Thank you to FMP for this opportunity!
#Somme107
1st July 1916 - the mostly costly day in the history of the British Army. The reminders of that day, scattered across the battlefields in the form of cemeteries, memorials and physical scars continue to share their stories.
I reached 5000 followers yesterday, can't believe there's that many people who want to listen to what I have to say! Thank you all greatly for following and supporting!
Will be spending the day studying more D-Day content so more pics to follow; starting with Juno beach
I'm really getting into cricket this summer. The Hundred and T20 last year, plus the Hundred and the Ashes this year has really introduced me to the sport in a great way
A very happy Beth today as I undertake my 100th tour for
@AngliaTours
. Whilst the FWW battlefields are my usual spot, it's great to be undertaking this milestone in Normandy, the place where I first discovered my love of military history.
Alex has taken an horrific amount of abuse this weekend on multiple facets of her life. Its easy to say ignore them but it really can be so hard to do when it's personal.
Alex - focus on you and your friends. We've got your back and love you and who you are so very much ❤️
This weekend I posted a picture of a statue, some Christmas party content and some pictures from a museum.
I’ve been called a b***h
I’ve been called a c**t
Ive been criticised multiple times for not being white.
My dead dad is now taking a trashing
A nice guy who
It's amazing the difference an hour can make at the Menin Gate. Have come down early for the Last Post to spend some time on my own and there is hardly anyone around. Even with the cars occasionally driving through, it's still so peaceful.
On the way back home this morning after an amazing 8 days in Normandy. I truly feel so blessed to be able to work as a battlefield guide for
@AngliaTours
and can't wait for the adventures that will come my way working for them.
However, for now, it's time to go home! 🤣
Today is a day for celebration as its
@churchill_alex
's birthday! My soul sister, my best friend and my soul mate. She means the absolute world to me, and always will do.
I love you so much Alex. A very very very happy birthday to you my love ❤️😍🎉
It's back! For the first time in 18 months, I get to wear my
@AngliaTours
kit! I've missed it so much. Feeling getting a chance to wear it makes everything feel a bit more normal 🥰
I am so pleased this tweet went down so well. So well in fact that the BBC picked up on it and I will be talking on BBC News Channel about my grandparents at 7.30pm tonight! So if you'd like to hear and see me, make sure you tune in 😊
8th September 2022 will always be the day the Queen passed away. But it was also my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary, a landmark not often reached. They received this card on Wednesday and are now the owners of quite possibly, one of the Queen's last celebratory messages.
On my way home after spending the day in Manchester. What kind of military historian would I be if I didn't go and find the war memorials?! Two lovely ones at Manchester Piccadilly.
THREAD: 104 years ago on this day, the Battle of the Somme started. Whilst we often think of this day, the offensive continued for four and a half months and caused around a million casualties on all sides. (1/3)
#OTD
in 1918, Ordinary Seaman John Hill died of pneumonia and is buried in St Giles Churchyard, Rowley Regis. He had only joined the Navy 6 months earlier on 09/05/18; his 18th birthday. He was 5ft4.5in, had auburn hair and blue eyes.
His inscription reads 'He did what he could'
Drowning your sorrows is the only course of action when, whilst at your parents for Christmas, you receive a phone call from your husband who's at home telling you he's tested positive for COVID 🙄
Very much looking to spending 8 of the next 12 days out on the battlefields for
@AngliaTours
. I am so very blessed to call battlefield guiding not just my job, but my career and my passion.
Today is
#ArmisticeDay
, the day hostilities between the Allies and Germans ceased in 1918. We always remember all those who served, but today, I am remembering L/Cpl E Asquith, one of 910 men - of all nations - commemorated by
@CWGC
who died on Armistice Day
#WeWillRememberThem
Last time seeing the Menin Gate in all her glory before she undergoes her necessary work. Weird knowing the next time I'll be here she'll be covered in scaffolding. But it's only temporary, and vitally important in order to continue our remembrance. ❤️
The good people from Belgian bomb disposal are sharing these pics of the results when you pick up a century-old mustard gas shell. A timely warning!
#wwi
#ypres
#OTD
in 1923, the Brooding Soldier was unveiled. An entry in the competition for the National Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge and designed by Frederick Clemesha, it was instead chosen to commemorate the actions of the Canadian First Division during the 2nd Battle of Ypres.
More poppies on the Somme. This time from Ulster Tower looking towards Thiepval. It's scenes like this, and being on the battlefields generally, that give me so much clarity and really put things into perspective ❤️
Today has been another fantastic day of exploring the Italian Front. I particularly enjoyed exploring all the trenches hewn out of the rock, as the grin on my face clearly shows 🤣 looking forward to all the fun tomorrow!
3 years of insane busyness since Alex and I set up GWG - but I wouldn't have it any other way. I've gained a sister in Alex, so many friends for life, and knowledge from so many passionate people. Here's to the future of GWG and continuing the study of the First World War!
Three years ago to the day
@HistoryandMoore
and I woke up with hangovers to find we’d created the
@GreatWarGroup
& that we had 1000 followers on Twitter. We’ve questioned our sanity many times since, and we’re learning every day but none of the bitching, sniping & jealousy can
Two days after receiving my passport, I'm in Italy! Spending the next few days in and around Vittorio Veneto recceing battlefields. But first, prosecco!
'Memory drifts to scenes long past, time rolls on but memory lasts.'
A beautiful inscription to round off another lovely few days in the Ypres Salient with
@AngliaTours
Facebook memories has just reminded me of this. 7 years later, I'm preparing to meet with an Army group tomorrow and take them to the battlefields. My dream really did come true ❤️
I don't quite know how to put into words how much
@Trenchman1418
will be missed by everyone. A kind, generous and just all round wonderful man has been taken from us in one of the most cruel ways.
My heart is broken. We love you Rob
This delivery was a lovely surprise yesterday and I thought I would show it to you all now, as today is the anniversary of the death of Matilda - my contribution to this staggering piece of work. Thanks once again to
@churchill_alex
and
@IainDale
for including me! Out on 14/09!
I don't often tweet about Mr Beth but I couldn't let today pass without doing so. We've been together 10 years today and I truly mean it when I say my life is so much better for having him in it. We've grown up together and I'm so proud of how far we've both come. Love you ❤️
I have been in my absolute element today. Its been very cold, very wet and very windy- but that hasn't stopped me clamberling over shell holes, concrete and cemeteries. I really do love visiting battlefields and am so lucky to say I get to visit some of these places for work ❤️
Had a great day at
@IWMDuxford
yesterday. Didn't get to do all of the hangers before closing time so definitely need to go back but what we did see was phenomenal.
I almost missed joining the
@GreatWarGroup
inaugural Polar Bear Club, but I got down to the beach just in time! Thanks to
@Giesabrek
and
@SteveMarsdin
for going back in the sea with me! 🤣
Guiding for 2023 has finally come to a close and it has been my busiest year yet with 26 tours undertaken, plus some personal trips. Looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings my way!
Signing off on the guiding with some of my favourite pictures I've taken this year.
🧵: 2023 has certainly had some downs that I'm ready to leave behind, including starting the year in hospital!
Am very ready to move forward into 2024, but for now, I'll remember fondly the good parts of the year: Friends! (1/5)
@Doug_581
@kejamieson_
Thread: A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to finally visit the Loos Battlefields. This was an especially poignant visit as I'd been desperate to visit the Hohenzollern Redoubt since picking up studying 46th Div in 2020 and getting to know the men of the division so well. (1/3)