Is anyone planning on going up to London next Sunday for the Remebrance Day Parade? I was thinking of getting up there (early obviously) and wondered if anyone else fancied meeting up let me know. I know from camera club members there are some great shots to be had from sorrow to joy and it could be a great day, and there's also more to be seen and photographed in London obviously if the weather is kind there's speakers corner later in the day or just the riverside, St Pauls etc.....So let me know if you fancy a day out in the smoke of the big city :tup:
Interested, but need to check on engineering works with the railway.
70 miles is a long way on a bus :uglystupid2: :(
be great if you could make it Andrew let me know be cool to do a group meet and maybe set a page up to show the shots from the day :tup:
I could well be up for this Keith, I should be about at the weekend, let me know later in the week!
Excellent Irv (be nice to see you again as well hopefully the weather will be a bit better than it was in feb ;))
I might be able to make Sunday, will let you know later in the week.
Sandy
Well, i have to disappoint again.
My local toc is running trains only as far as Ingatestone and then chucking you on a bus to Newbury Park, where you will be put on the underground to Liverpool St.
First train out is 07:30 ish - by the time i get there, i will need my own bouquet and remembrance day.
Even Speakers corner will have run out of things to say :tup:
Worse still, this is apparently going on until Xmas or just after. The are replacing all the overhead wires that run the trains - major project that i know can't be done over night :'(
However, i will keep checking in for any other excuses to join in a bring a camera party :-)
I usually attend my local service and take shots when I'm not working. Sadly, I'm working this year so can't go.
Haven't been up to Whitehall for a couple of years now and would loved to have joined you Keith and Irv, but I'm informed the family's coming round for lunch on Sunday.
Like Cathus I'll visit the local service just around the corner.
P.S. For what it's worth I've always found a good spot for 'people pics' is the back entrance to Horse Guards Parade, just through Admiralty Arch on the Mall, where the marchers congregate prior to the Cenotaph march past. You can't get onto the Horse Guards itself without a pass but there are plenty of be-medalled and grizzled old ex-servicemen filing through onto the parade square itself. You'll need to get there about 9.00.
No problems with taking pictures. Although it's a solemn occasion most marchers are meeting up with old mates and oppo's and a great deal of banter and bonhomie abounds.
It avoids all the crush down Whitehall and around Parliament Square.
Have a good one! :tup:
I have checked my trains and the first one gets into London about 0830 so this might be too late. I'm walking a lot better with my new knee however standing for an hour in one place could be a problems. I have just brought a new prime lens, its a limited 70mm F2.4 and Pentax of course and it would be great to try it out. I would like to do another Speakers Corner sometime. What were your actual plans for Sunday?
Sandy
I'm going to St James's Park for the day with another group, but we're finishing up in The Old Star at 4.00 if anyone's still around and fancies a beer! :beer:
I watched Bomber Boys on 5 last evening.
My late father was a WW2 bomber pilot, eventually rising to the rank of Wing Commander. Bomber command had the highest casualty rates of any service during the war, roughly 50%. The tours were 30 missions, which very few survived. My father flew 48 logged raids and a few 'black ops' which were not logged.
He also dropped supplies for the Warsaw uprising (2 sorties), which he said was the hardest thing he had ever done. Both the Germans and the Russians were shooting at them nearly all the way there and back.
Aged 80 he needed a hip replacement, but with a 2 year plus wait he had to mortgage his house to pay for private treatment. At 84 he had what the post mortem doctor called 'an easily operable tumour' that the NHS decided to treat with drugs instead. He died not long afterwards.
Makes you proud to be British, doesn't it?
A man to be admired Howard. I would think there are very few families not touched by war and the madness of it. In my book anyone that faced, or for that matter is still facing, the horrors and savagery of combat in what ever form is a hero.
Battlefield Grave
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQgUwjwGC4Y/TrqUOGeO6MI/AAAAAAAAASU/e-z08kY5Sl0/s640/W+Abercrombie+Grave.jpg)
Died Of Wounds Received in Action.
Left his widow with three children, my father aged 9, a daughter aged 8 and a baby girl aged 8 months whom he never saw.
Proud to be British, not 'arf!! :tup:
Indeed Alan, you're right.
My family was a little more fortunate in WW1. My grandfather was a torpedo officer on a destroyer. Although he served at Jutland he was never sunk. My father's brother (WW2), however, was sunk 3 times. That's minesweepers for you :doh:
Quote from: Hinfrance on November 11, 2011, 12:17:18 PM
My father's brother (WW2), however, was sunk 3 times. That's minesweepers for you :doh:
So you're related to Del Boy, that would be Uncle Albert would it? ;)
This time next week we'll all be millwyonairs Rodders :tup:
That's a very evocative photo Alan thanks for showing it.
Howard I don't think anyone who didn't serve in the two wars could ever experience the emotions that your father and many many other went through. I completed two tours of NI and I bet that didn't even come close to what they went through for all those years and the country still can't see them right!
I haven't heard from Keith about any arrangements yet but thanks Abers for your suggested spot and hopefully we'll see you for a swift one later in the day Del :beer:
Quote from: irv_b on November 11, 2011, 06:27:04 PM
Howard I don't think anyone who didn't serve in the two wars could ever experience the emotions that your father and many many other went through. I completed two tours of NI and I bet that didn't even come close to what they went through for all those years and the country still can't see them right!
I don't think Northern Ireland was a picknick either. :o
Quote from: Oldboy on November 11, 2011, 06:40:39 PM
Quote from: irv_b on November 11, 2011, 06:27:04 PM
Howard I don't think anyone who didn't serve in the two wars could ever experience the emotions that your father and many many other went through. I completed two tours of NI and I bet that didn't even come close to what they went through for all those years and the country still can't see them right!
I don't think Northern Ireland was a picknick either. :o
Maybe not but I think it's a case of apples and oranges OB. The only thing which differentiates, I think is that you had
more chance in getting through the conflict (physically ) unscathed!
Irv, you have my utmost and unreserved respect for your service.
All wars are ghastly things, it's just that some go on for longer than others.
Hope you get your pint with Del.
I found out after he died that my father had been 'blackballed' by his CO after being recommended for a DFC. My dad was a bit of a rebel if the truth be told, and the powers that be were not always on side, shall we say . .
My dad:
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/normal_Tribute_Wing_Commander_WCT_Worf_OBE_IMGP3454.jpg) (http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1956&fullsize=1)
As an aside, my son-in-law is just being demobbed from the USAF after half a dozen or so tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He says that mostly it was tedious and dusty. He lost friends too . .
Alan, amazing pic - can never really get a handle on that sort of thing - and it's still going on.
Irv, if you've done 2 tours of NI, Mrs B has several respectful comments for you, as the 'wife of a solder serving out there in the 70's and 80's'
As for physical wounds, i think they are easier to manage than the psychological ones. Mrs B still won't return to NI, and has no intention of, and she wasn't even serving. Too many check points from all sides and wondering who if any were going to make it home. Too many close calls with her ex who was at several infamous incidents as Red Caps were.
As for me, i can always remember doing a weeks residential with a guy from Belfast in the early 90's up Stirling. We were going to fit 5 of us in a car to go to a local pub and he couldn't get in cos it would arouse suspicion. What was amusing was that apart from us 2, the other 3 were all members of the armed forces!
Mrs B has friends that she was based around various parts of the globe with, who have lost sons to Afghanistan. She is struggling to come to terms with getting news that a child she baby sat and watched grow up will never return.
I see nothing good about war, but the fact is, it is a necessary evil to stop global bullies.
If a waring Europe can finally resolves its problems and create a harmonious life side by side, there is hope for the rest of the world, and global peace like we have in Europe may one day be possible.
In the mean time, let us not forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for that aim.
I just wish our troops were allowed to go around in their uniform with pride for what they do...
SORRY!!! Been ill went to bed as soon as I got in from work on Thursday....and had an early night last night as well....so not been online
So my plans are get into Waterloo hopefully around 7:30-8:00ish will probably go with Alans suggestion (if I can work out where that is :-[) for Horseguards...Irv let me know where you want to meet (maybe around the London Eye or something??)
Alan I'm at horseguards on whitehall where they normally are on the horses and all the tourists are making a fuss of the horses etc where do I go from there?
Then depending on the morning et al maybe a spot of lunch somewhere then if the weather is holding out on to Speakers Corner for some shots up there failing that maybe some shots of the swampcreatures at St Pauls (although I know they are supposed to be moving for Remembrance Sunday aren't they) then maybe a swift half in a pub somewhere before heading off home
Quote from: krennon on November 12, 2011, 10:27:16 AM
Alan I'm at horseguards on whitehall where they normally are on the horses and all the tourists are making a fuss of the horses etc where do I go from there?
Go up to Trafalgar Sq. Admiralty Arch is at the beginning of the Mall go through the left hand side about 50 metres nd the back entrance to the Parade is on the left. Just follow all the old soldiers.
Good luck :tup:
As we prepare for Remembrance Sunday it's nice to know that the government and MOD are thinking of our wounded soldiers. >:(
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15703997
The seemingly endless cuts to the services bring to mind a phrase from Aliens:
"What are we supposed to use man, harsh language?"
We had a great day out today!It was quite emotional being among the old soldiers and a quick review of the shots, shows a few that I'm glad to have taken. Thanks Keith for the idea.
Also it was real good to meet with Del afterwards for a interesting chinwag over a swift beer :tup:
It was an amazing day - I had no idea that it would be such a roller-coaster of emotion. Nobody said anything about needing a box of hankies to get through the day! Great to meet Keith and Irv in the pub - always nice to put a face to the names!
I was at the Rememberance service at Dartmouth Park West Bromwich and have posted some of the images below.
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6341564217_c23b087814.jpg?v=0) (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6341564217_c23b087814_b.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6341564229_138e5c9af1.jpg?v=0) (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6341564229_138e5c9af1_b.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6341564227_e211e31655.jpg?v=0) (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6341564227_e211e31655_b.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6341564233_776b99cdb6.jpg?v=0) (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6341564233_776b99cdb6_b.jpg)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6341564279_8026effa3d.jpg?v=0) (http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6341564279_8026effa3d_b.jpg)
Click for bigger sizes.
Irv and I had a GREAT DAY out, horseguards parade where we got to hang about on the wrong side of the barrier before we were asked to move behind it by a copper which we did without any fuss (we had had a good run) then we went on to Hyde Park and Speakers Corner (Abers Diane said hello ;)) then as Irv has already said on to the pub for a swift one to meet up with Del before heading home tired but happy...Here are just 3 of mine with minimum editing just to get them posted this morning before heading to work....
1/Checking the Cap Fits
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10041/Checking_the_cap_fits.jpg)
2/A Kiss for an Old Soldier
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10041/A_Kiss_for_an_Old_Soldier.jpg)
3/Chelsea Pensioner Smile
(http://cameracraniums.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10041/Chelsea_Pensioner_Smile.jpg)
Sounds as though you had an enjoyable and emotional time. Hope you gave Dianne a kiss for me Keith! :-*
it really was a great day out, more shots to be posted soon. A day of emotion (Horseguards) and humour (Hyde Park)....Abers some of the usual faces (I'll try and get some shots up later this week) and some not so familiar....last couple of times I've been up there I haven't seen Lenin wonder if he's still about...our Canadian Preacher was there but had just packed up when we arrived, Diane obviously on her usual form....and haven't seen our Socialist Worker friend for a while either...a good day was had especially as the sun was shining and it was a lovely day weather wise :)
upset that i missed it, but don't suppose NXEA are to bothered...
Went to the local service here in Southampton, both on Armistice day and on Sunday. Very moving; tears in my eyes.
Both my parents survived the Japanese camps in, what is now, Indonesia; mother was a skeleton and wouldn't have lasted much longer. She always spoke with heartfelt gratitude about 'The English' who liberated her camp. The Gurkha's being favourite!
I still feel the same gratitude to all those who served and still serve.
PS. Maybe I should explain, that for my mother's generation, everything British, was English.
If you're interested, here's a little photographic tribute I did of our local service a couple of years ago, done in memory of my late father-in-law who served in WWII and died a few weeks previously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAqWt7DChNA
Quote from: Cathus on November 15, 2011, 02:54:07 AM
If you're interested, here's a little photographic tribute I did of our local service a couple of years ago, done in memory of my late father-in-law who served in WWII and died a few weeks previously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAqWt7DChNA
Thank you!