August 2011
4 posts
2000 years in the Front Line
Coast of Conflict looks principally at the south Kent coast from Napoleonic times until WW1. But our martial history stretches much further back.
Desribed by English Heritage as the most significant Roman site in Britain, Richborough Fort tells the story of the entire 500 years of Roman occupation.
My Seat
When I retired last February, my colleagues gave me some wonderful farewell presents. These included a psychedelic deck chair.
To show that I have been using it, between the showers, here it is……
As a Car Seat
In the Hot Seat….
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BBC Radio 4 Open Country
A month ago I was standing on Hythe beach with Helen Mark, presenter of Open Country on Radio 4. We were discussing the creation of the first Ordnance Survey map, published in 1801, and known as the Mudge Map. With the threat of invasion from France, and the beaches of Kent the most likely landing grounds, military planners need a decent map of the county to prepare the country’s defences.
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Interested in Art? Have a peek at the Gallery...
July 2011
1 post
Events this Month
There is an Exhibition of the Unknown Warrior at The Grand on Folkestone’s Leas this month. Entry is free.
An evocative stained glass window is the centrepiece, with information provided on large panels, and a print of Lutyens’ original design for the Cenotaph.
The Exhibition is sponsored by The Grand and Step Short, Folkestone’s WW1 project...
March 2011
1 post
Picture of the Month
The image below needs no explanation. I have added colour to the doll to emphasise the all-consuming bleakness of battle ravaged France and Belgium during the Great War.
February 2011
9 posts
1 tag
Musketry - new content
I have added some material to the Musketry pages today.
A Ghost Story - Smugglers' Haunt
Some years a ago I wrote a ghost story for the magazine of the Sandgate Society. In it, I mention our dog, Honey. We lost Honey last year and, as a tribute to her and to faithful pets everywhere, I have pleasure in presenting the ghost story to you. Click HERE
HONEY
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Snowdrops!!!
At this time of year, the Snowdrops provide both a reminder of winter and a promise of spring. Have a look at some photos from Goodnestone Gardens, Kent, taken last weekend.
Soon be time for Daffodils and Bluebells. I’ll try and get some pics and add them here. After all, even the Coast of Conflict has its peaceful side!!
New content on the Musketry page
Click on the Musketry page to see more images relating to Hythe School of Musketry, later renamed the Small Arms School.
1 tag
Coming soon!!
SPIES AND SPYMASTERS
The coast of Kent has an intriguing history, not only for its obvious military and naval contributions to the defence of the country, but also for its covert contributions. During the Napoleonic Wars, espionage was rife and often involved the use of Smugglers to obtain information during their illicit activities in France.
During the Great War, Folkestone was a key base for...
The Diary of Frank Kemsley
A new page has been added which links to the diary of a WW1 Canadian soldier, Frank Kemsley. He was stationed in the military camps around Folkestone before being sent to France.
This is a unique opportunity to follow a day-by-day account of one of the many thousands of Canadian troops who came to Shorncliffe during the war. Click on the ‘Franks...
Museum to visit in Dover
In the grounds of the Castle, but sometimes overlooked with all of the other attractions, the museum of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and the Queen’s Regiment is well worth a visit. Tracing the history of the Regiments with excellent displays and information, do find half an hour to walk round the exhibition.
Here are a couple of pics of the WW1 section. Very atmospheric!!!!
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New pics on the Napoleonic Pages!!
I hope you will enjoy the pictures of Napoleonic re-enactments, especially as they bring back memories of hot Summer days!!!
January 2011
4 posts
Boulogne
Nearly one hundred years ago, Boulogne was ‘invaded’ by many thousands of British and Allied troops heading for the Western Front. A century before the town was at the centre of Napoleon’s plans to invade Britain. Have a look at our Napoleonic War pages for a glimpse of ‘Boney’s’ plans for the Kent coast.
The picture above depicts the...
The Story of Gipsy Lee
Acts of heroism often take place in situations of conflict. The story featured here did not. In 1897 Ambrose Lee, a Gypsy (spelled Gipsy in the records) from Folkestone, tried to save the life of a drowning boy. Click here to read more.
3 tags
Step Short in Folkestone
This WW1 project is one to watch. Visit the website here
Also have a look at The Grand’s website where there is also some info, here
These are photos of WW1 training trenches near to Shorncliffe Camp
Up and running!
At last, I’m getting the hang of adding content to this site. Having just retired, I hope to be able to keep up the momentum.
Today’s pictures are of a Royal Naval Air Service airships at RNAS Capel-le-Ferne, between Folkestone and Dover. The top one attributed to one of the pilots there during WW1, Lt Goddard, who later became an Air Vice Marshall. The bottom is attributed to Louis...