Spasm

Moi? I have a very innocent looking face I'll have you know. I was pretending to look at the steam train just outside, obviously all fired up ready to zoom the Pres out of harms way at a moments notice. I thought they were US police given the batman belts they had on. One was carrying a mirror on a stick - obviously looking in crevices and such like.

I had a bit of a walk into town today with the intention of having a look round an exhibition about Bristol's people during WW1. As i arrived a red carpet was being rolled outside the main entrance, over which I naturally walked asking the workmen how they knew I was coming. I was promptly ejected from the foyer being told that the museum was closed due to the President of Singapore arriving at any time. I was then swept up by the Police doing a shoulder to shoulder search along the Quay front and ushered into the upper floors of the museum. They obviously didn't know who I was either (phew). So i was stuck looking round the stuff about Slavery and how Bristol grew from an ant farm into the centre of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's greatest achievements. Civil Engineers all get a bit big for their boots I think especially seeing as he was 4 feet 6 inches tall including his top hat. Any old end up, I came across this in a case and thought some of you may be interested. I have no idea what or age as i couldn't be bothered to try to read another minuscule info sheet in a trendily moody and very dark museum. I expect I'll go back soon to see the WW1 stuff and I suppose i could walk back upstairs to check the details.

Sanya13, thanks very much, a wartime one, nice. Not bad for a swap then. I must do more swaps like this. Ta very muchly all, see you at the swap stand

All of them a bit closer

WW1 Austrian I believe. No idea why some are smaller, I took the line that they'd be lighter but not that helpful if running around a lot and wanting to have a chug a lug. (even though they were heavy we carried as much as possible, these little ones wouldn't have been much use at all). Maybe they were for something else like wine or spirits. One of the larger ones is marked H&C.A.-G. (or it could be an R or a B) and 1916. Complete with a little leather strap and cork.

Really nice seeing them all together. They all are pretty excellent Colin, I think I say for everyone that it's an impressive talent/hobby and hopefully you'll continue to impress us with it. Gold stars all round and many pats on the back for the prizes. Well done and well deserved.

Thanks Alex, I'm pleased its not a fake. So thanks

Thanks Chris

Had to add the EKII

Better photos, any good?

Dave Yes sorry you are correct, I was thinking that El Alamein was his biggest command. 21st Army Group was bigger (I went and looked) but still nowhere near the size of Haig's command of somewhere close to 4,000,000 men. I think Monty was disappointed not to get overall command (is this when he got his Field Marshal promotion from Churchill?) but the right choice was made in that Dwight bloke. Haig reported directly to the politicians rather than to another commander. Haig also had to deal with a complete change in stance when the PM changed from Asquith to Lloyd George. I don't think Monty would have handled the political needs.

Having just read a few bits and bobs about Monty for the helmet, I'm not convinced he would have been any improvement over Haig. In fact I think it would have been a lot worse for Britain. Monty never had to handle the politics, as he always had a screen between him and them. He wasn't the best at being diplomatic (that bet with Gen Smith over the B17 for one example) and he never commanded as great amount of men as Haig. He was well respected by his men and had a few great lines. On his promotion in Africa he remarked that "After having an easy war, things have now got much more difficult." A colleague is supposed to have told him to cheer up – at which point Montgomery said "I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about Rommel!" and "I have cancelled the plan for withdrawal", he told his officers at the first meeting he held with them in the desert. "If we are attacked, then there will be no retreat. If we cannot stay here alive, then we will stay here dead. Monty ensured he had overwhelming resources before he attacked at El Alamein and were the Afrikakorps only then running on fumes? He was in charge of the land forces on D Day but the D+3 Caen never happened. Market Garden, a whole Airborne Div lost? Haig commanded a whole army of 60+ Divisions, I think Monty only ever commanded 11.

Damn, can't find any tubes whatsoever but I did find an umbrella bag. It doesn't work with one of those and now I can't get it back onto the umbrella. Pringles will be on the shopping list tomorrow. Does it matter what flavour? Cheers Brian.

James Thanks very much Robin Here ya go, your hussar

Nice tribute, a little old and hopefully not seen on here before,

Thanks Gents. The Admin staff said she thought it was Colonel Gaddafi when I showed it to her. Pfft. Robin - I did your Hussar Attila but don't tell anyone. Cheers Steve

Very pretty indeed. I'm assuming they are originals. Any signatures, labels or details from the auction?

Thanks Gents. Still under construction but I'm quite pleased with Monty's portrait. Black & white ones are easier but I thought I'd try getting into colour. As Van Gogh said - "I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it." Long way away from that sort of stature yet but on the path.

Works in progress, and as its raining.....

Ceramic poppies (each one representing a commonwealth casualty) from the tower of London. Yours to keep forever with proceeds going to the soldier charities https://poppies.hrp.org.uk/buy-a-poppy/

Agreed, very well done Dan. And nice to see you back.

Fantastic. I bet you were pleased. A great exhibition to raise awareness and interest in the period. Rounds of applause from me, very well done.

Alex Fine work indeed. That last one would be good for the next caption competition.....send it to Mervyn

These sketches are taking a bit longer

Ah yes, well known things these. They are hand held stitchers for burlap, leather etc. Here's one for sale on ebay and worth erm... $10