When I prepared a two months’ journey through Great Britain, I thought it was a good opportunity to meet some forum members with which I have been in contact during my time here. All of them agreed, and it was a good idea indeed. Several hours talking about our hobby, the world and other things is quite different from (and even better as) posting here and exchanging private messages. And as we all think this forum is a great place, we also agreed on sharing some photos of our meetings. Idler: Two long evenings, the second one with his wife, on WW II and other things. A jack of all trades, able to add a bit or considerably more to any WW II topic. Gary Kennedy: Discussing my more global accessing the British War Establishment system. He is always very detailed and deep into his special research projects. Mike “Trux”, the wise old man: And I thought I had many books and models … And though not in my focus, and out of topic here: A really impressive collection of painted figures from the Napoleonic era. And of course, the War Establishments again. Three very fine members. Glad to have met you here and in reality. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with me.
Aixman Glad you made it back safely - was beginning to wonder. Hope you got to tick everything off on your itinerary. The story behind the photo (more or less): I: "So, have you seen the Fens yet?" A: "Yes. But it is not a very interesting fence. We have those, too." I: "No - the Fens. Behind the fence." Of course, 'fen' had to have Germanic roots. Thank you for a couple of entertaining evenings, and the sneak peek at the spreadsheet. And Ashikin has just about forgiven you for being able to speak pretty much every language except hers!
Idler, yes, everything ticked - and more. Was just back and away again for the weekend and a family reunion. Yesterday, I arrived "home" finally. Should add that we have a similar thing (marsh, bog, swamp) like the Fens here: Hohes Venn, Hautes Fagnes, Hooge Venen. High Fens - Wikipedia By the way: Shikin's fruit cake was great!
Now that Aixman is safely back home I have to say that he is a most interesting person and very easy to talk to on many subjects. He arrived with me at 11am and left about 5pm and I honestly had no idea it was so late. Mike PS. I have been without a computer for the last week so have only just seen the photographs.
Just over a year since we last saw them , we are back to the same apartment block after seeing Juha & his wife again. If any members has any questions on Finnish military history, ask him.
This year's motorbike tour with my friends took us to Normandy. There I made an appointment with member Northumbrian, who some time ago explained to me the connection between the unique Unit Mobilization Serial Number for each battalion, company, platoon, depending on the unit (5-digits code) and the colour coding of the units on G-1098 material. Although I am somewhat familiar with unit codes, I had never heard of their use for labelling unit material until then. The last two digits are used for a colour code of three bars. Two bars in the colour for the penultimate digit enclose a bar with the colour for the last digit. For a description of the Unit Mobilization Serial Number by member Michel Sabarly see here: What was a unit serial number? Northumbrian collects British material from the Second World War and also trades in it under the ‘company name’ ‘Le Tommy’.
I had the pleasure of meeting Idler at "We have ways Fest" last month. It's a very civilised event, albeit rather expensive for the paying punter. Incredibly, he recognised me in all my BEF kit but failed to claim his five pounds ! I believe he took a double-selfie but he hasn't shared it yet.
