Tag: May

PLA Fishing Boats Liberate Hainan!

China: Revolutionary Campaign to Liberate Hainan Island [1950] – How did PLA Soldiers Overcome Difficulties with Clever Strategies? (14.7.2026)

The PLA soldiers either died fighting, were wounded and captured, or died of lack of resources, etc. Just six-months later – the CPC was reading to try again with an army of over 100,000 men. This time the plan worked, and Hainan was liberated (men were told to move off the beaches quickly into the hinterland and not gather as a target for the advanced US weapons the Nationalists possessed). The PLA suffered over 4,500 casualties (killed and wounded) whilst the Nationalists lost 33,000 (killed and wounded). The PLA possessed NO combat boats. Instead, every fishing boat was commandeered – even those with holes (which were quickly repaired). The idea was to move massive numbers across the sea before the US warplanes could destroy them with aerial bombing. The liberation of Hainan was a remarkable feat of arms hardly noticed in the West. It led to virtually all the islands controlled by the Nationalists being recovered – except for Taiwan and one or two irrelevant coastal places in Fujian and Zhejiang. A few months later the Chinese Peoples Volunteers would be in direct action against the US troops in Korea – inflicting tremendous defeats!

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The Spinning Jenny - Weaving machine

Surrey: Visiting Farnham Museum! (27.5.2026)

These former workers adopted the mannerisms, culture, and dress of their social betters (the “aristocracy”) and were even able to “purchase” an education for their children. This new bourgeoisie (the “Merchants”) were even able to stand for election in Parliament. After purchasing weapons and raising armies – the bourgeoisie eventually seized control of the means of production (following the English Civil Wars). They now comprise one of the most conservative strands in UK society – and certainly maintain this air of elitism in Farnham. A local book-dealer even tried to sell me Das Kapital Vols I, II, & III (printed in the USSR in hardback) for £100 – claiming they were “rare”. In fact, a full set is usually four volumes and I often find them on the bottom shelves of old book-shops – usually attracting dust – as no one cares for their content. I do collect them and usually spend around £5 per copy. Imagine that – a bookseller in Farnham attempted to reduce Marx’s critique of capitalism to yet another vehicle of that capitalism! But that is the way capitalism works and is exactly how Farnham has attracted its wealth and conservativism. Florence Nightingale gets a mention – Gee trained as a Midwife at St Thomas Hospital (London) – which maintains a Museum recording the life of Florence Nightingale. Indeed, Gee is designated as a “Florence Nightingale Midwife”.

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Dressing to Impress!

Surrey: Visiting “Jane Austen’s House”! (26.5.2026)

Indeed, Jane was only 42-years old when she died (despite never marrying or having children of her own) – but she lived through the heady days of French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon, and the Battle of Waterloo. Despite the political class of Britain opposing the French Revolution (and opposing all the Socialist developments that arose from it) – many middle-class, literate British individuals found the times to be inspiring. Although I do not know for certain with regards Jane Austen – she was one of those literate British women who trailblazed in a man’s world via her written works (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, etc) – which are still best sellers today. Many of her works are performed as plays, and have been adapted for TV and the big screen. Whatever the case, on Tuesday May 26th, we headed out up the road to a nearby place called “Chawton” – where one of the houses owned by the Austen family is located.

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Local Tilford History!

Surrey: Tilford Local History – Village Hall & Medieval Bridge! (25.5.2026)

The temperature rose to 32 degrees today – and I believe this is the highest recorded temperature for May on record for the UK. It is said that when the Romans occupied Britain – 1st century BCE-5th century CE – it was much hotter in Southern England than it is today. Indeed, so hot was it that the Romans regularly cultivated grapes. Since those heady days – the temperatures have cooled in the UK – and 32 would be more usually experienced for a few days in mid-August – not late May. We waited to late afternoon to take the dogs to a nearby woods near Tilford village – so as to not overheat their paws on the overly hot ground. We stayed in the shade – but I did get photographs and footage of a village hall built in the 19th century – and an old bridge – which looks medieval to me! Cricket was being play on the Green – and I like a good game of cricket. It is complicated and very Confucian in nature!

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Mei-An Kai-Lin & Gee!

Hampshire East: Visiting the Wonderful Bird World! (24.5.2026)

Yes – we drove from Tilford in deepest darkest Surrey – and entered an entirely different area of England. We passed white-clad cricketers playing on the village green (I love cricket – as my fther taught me the rules when young) – meandered down leafy country-lanes and emerged in Hampshire. These areas are very affluent and the Local Council charge high taxes and spend the money to keep tourism to a trickle and ensure a high standard of living for their citizens. Although London is nearby – these “Home Counties” protect their conservative culture and actively work against mass immigration and multiculturalism. Obviously, this type of social engineering does not extend to birds – which tend to have no respect for conservative political views. Birds evolved from Dinosaurs and can fly anywhere and everywhere.

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On Retreat for A Week!

Tilford: A “Red-Week” in a Country Retreat! (22.5.2026)

It is a quaint area free off the stresses of the city – and a big sign reads “No Flags on the Exterior of the Building” – so in-doors it is! Even rebelling must be measured and inaccordance with circumstances. There is a nearby river and families of ducks wandering around. My Taijiquan practice will be particularly enhanced in this environment. Thank you to my mother – Diane Wyles! Gee has just driven to the next village to purchase some chips for our supper! We have basically infiltrated the conservative rump of the Home Counties. We are the enemy within – and the Reds Under the Beds – except we have paid to also lie in these beds. The capitalist railroaders are happy – so we let them continue to think that way.

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