The Churchill “Bobbin” was a specialized variant of the Churchill tank developed under General Hobart as part of his “Funnies” for the Normandy landings. It carried a large spool of reinforced matting that could be unrolled in front of the tank to create a stable path over soft sand, mud, or other difficult terrain. This allowed following vehicles to cross ground that would otherwise bog them down, particularly on the beaches of D-Day. Simple in concept but highly effective, the Bobbin helped solve one of the key problems of amphibious assault — getting off the beach and moving inland. 🪖
"Si vis pacem, para bellum." — Vegetius
"Do not hurry to the sound of the guns without knowing why they are firing." — British maxim
"In war, the simplest things are difficult." — Clausewitz
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." — Moltke
"The side that can most quickly exploit success is the side that will win." — Guderian
Some days you’re the hammer, some days you’re the nail. 🪖🎲
Looking for a game? Challenge me here:
Recently liberated POWs sitting on the steps of an ambulance having a cuppa and reading the news in Singapore following their release from captivity in Sumatra. The man holding the newspaper is Sgt. Jack King RM, formerly of HMS Prince of Wales, while standing next to him (with the distinctive chest tattoo) is Private Tom Wardrobe of 2nd Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
"Si vis pacem, para bellum." — Vegetius
"Do not hurry to the sound of the guns without knowing why they are firing." — British maxim
"In war, the simplest things are difficult." — Clausewitz
"No plan survives first contact with the enemy." — Moltke
"The side that can most quickly exploit success is the side that will win." — Guderian
Some days you’re the hammer, some days you’re the nail. 🪖🎲
Looking for a game? Challenge me here:
Men of the 2nd battalion, Middlesex regiment, training with a Vickers machine gun near Lille, France.
