Monday 23 April 2018

Suez Canal Postcard from the 1930s?

Pre-WW2 (?) postcard of the Suez Canal - a journey many British and Commonwealth servicemen took on their way to participate in the North African campaign in WW2. This example was picked up at a charity shop in the UK for a nominal amount.


This particular card probably dates from the 1930s, when Royal Navy ships had postcards produced relating to their peacetime cruises around the ports of the Empire - 'showing the flag'. These were, to a degree, public relations exercises to impress on both the citizens of the Empire, and also the people of foreign countries (both Allies and potential enemies), the strength of the Royal Navy.

The footage below shows a British Pathe clip filmed in South Africa - Showing the Flag at the Cape (1938).

Monday 9 October 2017

Air Raid on Bangkok 2nd January 1944 - 40th Bomb Group USAAF

The photo below shows the impact of bombs landing close to the Rama VI Bridge in Bangkok. The photograph was probably taken from a B-29 of the 40th Bomb Group, however the date appears to be incorrect as the Group did not arrive in the area until later in 1944.

The 40th Bomb Group carried out a number of raids targeting the Rama VI Bridge during 1944-1945, flying from their base at Chakulia in India.

The paddyfields in the photographs below are long gone, as you can see in the modern Google maps version of the same shot, although the Wat Soi Thong temple complex which appears to be north of the bridge is still there. The explosions detailed in the middle photo are approximately where the modern map shows King Mongkut's University. Note that the photo is actually showing the view South-to-North, so it is upside down.



1944 photo showing Rama VI Bridge and surrounding area
Detail of exploding bombs close to tributary flowing into the Chao Phraya River

Modern day image of the same view as the first photo. The countryside has been extensively built over, but the Chao Phraya River, Rama VI Bridge and Wat Soi Thong remain.



Unidentified Russian Lieutenant


Photograph of an unidentified Russian Lieutenant, undated. 
The medal is possibly the USSR Victory Medal, or the Combat Merit Medal - thanks to @ArmyHRLviv and @Webinfused for the suggestions. Photo purchased at a collectors fair in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in 2016.