Monthly Archives: May 2015

Rutland of Jutland and a day that will live in infamy

Posted on May 29, 2015 by ActonBooks

When English First World War hero and flying ace, “Rutland of Jutland”, became an advisor to the Japanese military on naval aviation in the 1920s, no-one seemed to have thought much more of it. After all, Japan was an ally … Continue reading →

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Asylum seekers or economic migrants stealing jobs?

Posted on May 14, 2015 by ActonBooks

Research is like rummaging through your dead grandad’s belongings, only to discover some never-told secret. I wasn’t looking for information on Jewish East European immigration; my interest was in Octavius Morgan and his views, as demonstrated by his speeches in … Continue reading →

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‘Heart and mind’ by Edith Sitwell

Posted on May 12, 2015 by ActonBooks
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Really pining for the fjords

Posted on May 11, 2015 by ActonBooks

If you had visited the magnificent Crystal Palace in the summer of 1887 the attractions awaiting you were many and varied. There were cycle races pitting men against racehorses, balloon ascents pitting man against the birds and a Japanese acrobat … Continue reading →

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A Bad Day (and Night) at the Office at Waterloo

Posted on May 5, 2015 by ActonBooks

If you visit the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, you’l find there a florid Baroque monument to a dead scion of an English aristocratic family, The Ponsonbys. William Ponsonby, or to give him his titles, Sir William Ponsonby … Continue reading →

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