9 Apr 1917, led by Lt-General Julian Byng (1862-1935), Canadian Corps take strategically important Vimy Ridge on first day of Battle of Arras. Seen by many as a coming of age moment for the Canadian nation. Photo is unveiling of memorial by Edward VIII on 26 July 1936. #WW1 #OTD

Throwback Thursday!

We've had a very generous donation offer for our playground appeal - if we can reach £8,750, someone has offered to donate the remaining £1250 to get us to our £10,000 goal. Can you help us get there? Find out more and donate here: localgiving.org/appeal/Help-Ma…

Crikey. That's bad. Not even a Horsa!

This has dragged on far too long, let's hope it is sorted in April for all those in limbo including RSP Manston & all those that protect, preserve & educate abouts its important heritage such as RAF Manston Museum telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/ma…

#OnThisDay 1907 Royal Navy begin issue of Cap Ribbons & bedding and ready-made uniforms instead of material to make them yourself. Today all ratings still get all their uniform as loan clothing. Officers get No. 4 working uniform and safety essential kit free but pay for the rest

1 Mar 1909, Lt Cdr Eugene Esmonde DSO, born to Irish family. May 1941, led successful attack on Bismark. Died 12 Feb 1942, leading Operation Fuller, in which 6 aged Fleet Air Arm torpedo bombers attacked important German ships in Channel. Awarded posthumous Victoria Cross. #WW2

#OnThisDay 1633 Samuel Pepys was born. The diarist had many roles but as Chief Secretary to the Admiralty was instrumental in transforming a corrupt and inefficient Royal Navy in to a powerful fighting force.
Samuel Pepys

The UK's premier attack helicopter..

...and an Apache.

Today instructors from #825NAS visited RAF Shawbury to give students there an insight into the #WildcatHMAMk2 .

#NihilObstat #FlyNavy

The Army Air Corps RNAS Yeovilton

Thanks to Finchley Now for including us in their roundup of Finchley’s finest park cafes. Opening times are 9am-4pm weekdays and 10am-4pm weekends.

Our QHIs have been teaching formation flying this week. A skill used to navigate multiple helicopters as one unit, tactically for pair attacks or even as part of display flying.

#FormationFlying
#WildcatHMA

15 Feb 1942, after Japanese assault, British Lt Gen Percival, who'd been handed a poisoned chalice no one could've defended, surrenders Singapore. 80,000 Indian, UK & Australian soldiers become PoWs. Churchill said 'worst disaster & largest capitulation in British history”. #WW2

12 Feb 1942, Operation Fuller, 6 slow, aged Fairey Swordfish Fleet Air Arm torpedo bombers attack German battleships Scharnhorst & Gneisenau & heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen in Channel. All shot down. Only 5 of 18 aircrew survive. Lt Cdr Esmond received posthumous Victoria Cross. #WW2

#OnThisDay 80 years ago in 1944 the SS Khedive Ismail is lost on a convoy from Kenya to Ceylon, 1220 men and 77 women were lost after she was attacked by a Japanese sub. 3rd largest Allied shipping loss in WW2 & largest loss of servicewomen in the history of the Commonwealth

Feb 12th 1942, the RN attempted to stop a breakout by the core of Hitler's Navy from Brest to Germany - the 'Channel Dash', a date which has entered Fleet Air Arm & 825 NAS history.

“One of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty the war had ever witnessed”

Revd Nicholas Pye Dr Peter Caddick-Adams #StandwithUkraine John Harris Malcolm C Godfrey Antoine Vanner Dr Alexander Clarke Margaret #FBPE 🇪🇺 💙 Giles MacDonogh Pirate Irwin Derick Norton 2024WonderWomanOnTarget Memory eternal…

Revd Nicholas Pye Dr Peter Caddick-Adams #StandwithUkraine Malcolm C Godfrey Antoine Vanner Dr Alexander Clarke Margaret #FBPE 🇪🇺 💙 Giles MacDonogh Pirate Irwin Derick Norton 2024WonderWomanOnTarget He is buried in Gillingham (Woodlands) Cemetery.

12 Feb 1942, Lt Cdr Eugene Esmonde, died, aged 32. Posthumously awarded Victoria Cross while leading Fleet Air Arm bombers in 'Channel Dash'. Born nr. Barnsley. 1928, enlisted in RAF. 1934, joined Imperial Airways. Start of #WW2 , returned to forces. Took part in Bismarck attack.

Ceremonies at Ramsgate and Dover respectfully carried out. Excellent turn out at both events. Thank you to RNA Ramsgate and RBL White Cliffs for continuing these important acts of Remembrance.

Cheltonian Revd Nicholas Pye Dr Peter Caddick-Adams #StandwithUkraine 2024WonderWomanOnTarget Dr Alexander Clarke Antoine Vanner Margaret #FBPE 🇪🇺 💙 Derick Norton Giles MacDonogh Pirate Irwin Simon Harley And a lot of heroes doing the work of, and sacrificing their lives for, those with 'red faces' Not just RN but many failings by RAF high command in not providing support to @825nas Errors compounded at every stage leading further loss of life in HMS Worcester #Heros