Just put my father’s story up onto the Normandy Memorial Trust site in preparation for the 80th commemorations. He was KIA on the night of 30th June whilst commanding the First Battalion, Welsh Guards outside of Caen and following Operation EPSOM.

The British Normandy Memorial have invited me to enter a piece about my father’s journey into the Battle for Normandy in June 1944. He was KIA on the night of the 30th June outside Cheux. As the 15th (Scottish) Division retreated and the Panzer force advanced. Read all about it.

HELP WANTED! Started project investigating the role of the Royal Ordnance Depot at Weedon Bec in the Napoleonic wars. Need records/data of Transport and Ordnance boards 1894-1815. Any advice gratefully received!

The ability to turn out 250,00 sailing blocks PA by machine was a strategic advantage over the French who could make only c. 250 each week. Marc Brunel’s invention of the world’s first ever in-line production line at Portsmouth was a world beater. Read all about it.

Very good news….Kindle edition of “Napoleon@bay, exile & death, 1815-1821” now available at Amazon UK. Not before time but onwards and upwards.

More…..Such good news! My book about ex-emperor Napoleon’s exile and death on St Helena now available on Kindle. “Napoleon@bay, exile & death, 1815-1821” tells the story of his time at Longwood & his relationship with Governor Lowe. Read all about it !

As the 80th of D-Day approaches my mind turns to my dear father, Lt.-Col. John Fass, COSSAC planner at Norfolk House, KIA June 44, whilst commanding First Battalion, Welsh Guards, on the night of the 30th June at the Cheux crossroads. Buried beside his guardsmen at St Manvieu.

I have decided that on the 80th anniversary of D-Day next Thursday, 6th June, my wife and I will go to Runnymede and visit the Magna Carta memorial. Signed on 18th June 1215. Magna Carta is the foundation of all our liberties for which my father died in Normandy 44.

Countdown to D-Day. My father had spent over a year at COSSAC, as GI, Operations & Intelligence Liaison. Moved to Scotland in April to explain to the Polish Forces their role in the upcoming battle. Rejoined his Regiment in April and crossed to Normandy in June. KIA on 30th.

Countdown to D-Day. Montgomery returned to London and declared the COSSAC plan “useless”. Typical! Apart from the Chiefs of Staff allowing one extra assault division and some US landing craft destined for the Far East, the plan for OVERLORD was unchanged. Read all about it.

When my father arrived off the beaches, he was stunned by the extent of MULBERRY which covered 1400 acres of the coast. Moved into laager before being sent up the line. KIA on 30th June. Lies at St Manvieu side by side of his guardsmen he admired so much killed at the same time.

Countdown to D-Day. My father always said that the 82nd and 101st were the crème de la creme of the US forces in Europe. Commanded by a New York stock-broker with extraordinary qualities. My father had worked with US staff at COSSAC in Norfolk House & admired them greatly.

“We’ll rant and we’ll roar like true British sailors”. Listen to the chansons du jour of the Napoleonic era as the ex-emperor is carried down to St Helena on HMS Northumberland. Visit napoleonsworld.co.uk Then chapter about HM 66th Foot (Berkshire) and Soldiers Ditties.

Help! Help! Help! Can anyone recommend literature about the history of Canada from the end of the American War of Independence and 1815.

I think that I remember reading that for every pound invested by the State, 30 pence benefit is gained compared to private sector investment is at a pound for a pound. Can someone check this out for me?

The story of one man’s journey into the heart of the battle for Normandy.

Listen to the chansons du jour on napoleonsworld.co.uk

“Salute Me When You See Me” is the poignant memoire about a father by his son, who he never met. Michael John was born eight days before his father’s death. Lt. Col. Johnny Fass was killed in action in Normandy whist in command of the First Battalion, Welsh Guards.

Napoleonsworld.co.uk Hear the songs du jour including “Over the hills and far away”. Remembering HM 66th (Berkshire) at the Battle of Albuera.

I have my grandfather’s photo album of his service in the RNAS/F in 1915 leading an anti-Zeppelin detachment as a CPO in East Anglia, Lowestoft, Kings Lynn, Canterbury, etc. Will post to anyone interested.