UK: WWI Royal Navy Ship Needs Re-Homing, Towing & Repairing! (14.7.2026)

Obviously, the ship mentioned in this article (HMS Saxifrage) is NOT the “HMP President” my relative served aboard (as it arrived on the scene a little too late) – but it is curious that until yesterday – this ship was unknown to me despite all the research I have carried–out concerning this matter. HMS Saxifrage was a “Q-Ship” ( or “Queenstown-Ship”) as it was made in Ireland which was then still part of the British Empire. A “Q-Ship” was designed to look like an unarmed merchant vessel so as to attract the Imperial German U-Boats. However, these innocuous-looking ships were in fact heavily-armed and manned by specially trained Royal Navy crews – whose job it was to “sink” these enemy U-Boats using deception. It was not until 1921, that “HMS Saxifrage” became “HMS President”. I do feel a comradeship with this vessel, however, as it inherited the name of a ship my relative proudly served upon. I hope the funds and expertise can be found to save this ship as it is an important part of our nation’s heritage.

harpo marx ussr 1933 newsreel8479978633138039816.

USSR: Groucho Marx & Harpo Marx [1933] Newsreel Footage! (18.6.2026)

Although I have read about this in Western sources, and I assume it to be true, I have never found any evidence (as yet) in the Soviet Archives. I am, however, assured that these events did take place. The camera angle for the Harpo clip is incredibly limited – as if the camera-operator was not permitted to film anyone else – or the original clip has been edited. I suppose at the time the Soviets were suspicious of the US intentions. After-all, Roosevelt was forced to pass a disclosure law in 1940 which saw the Communist Party of the US “withdraw” from the “Third Communist International” – a huge blow to World Communism at the time and a major contributing factor to the Third International being dissolved in 1943 (as half the world was trying to destroy the USSR at the time). When faced with the continuous barrier of bourgeois lies and deception – we must advance our own proletariat research inch by inch. I find it interesting that the Marx family was good friends with Charlie Chaplain – which might give you a hint of their political leanings (the US government expelled Charlie Chaplain and stole $20 million of his own money in 1952 – because he was far-left – and a personal friend of Ho Chi Minh).

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wu Wei)

Laos: Mexico “World Cup” Opening Ceremony! (17.6.2026)

The professional aspect in those days was really about learning to survive outside the UK in unfamiliar circumstances, and still manage to win games under very different local conditions. As this was a difficult task – the players received a small wage whilst their travel and board was paid (I think by the English Football Association). Obviously, within the UK a support network already existed with most players already holding-down full-time jobs in other industries (football would be played after work – in the evenings and at weekends). WWI and WWII destroyed endless generations of talented footballers in England so our standard has dropped to “average” at world level – and foreigners have been able to better us – whilst we still seek to recover our naturally dominant style as a country. Another issue has been the “capitalisation” of football so that everyone is encouraged to play for greed – and are rewarded for greed. This is what FIFA is all about. Although England won the 1966 World Cup – we need to routinely dominate it so that football can be shifted back to its intended art-form – and away from the cesspit of racism and greed it is today. The US should be facing War Crimes Trials – and not being rewaded by FIFA.

Originally opened in 1920, Croydon Airport played a pivotal role in advancing aviation in the aftermath of World War 1.

UK: Croydon Aerodrome Open as Museum! (11.6.2026)

As far as I am aware, this place was originally called the “Croydon Aerodrome” – and only later became an “Airport”. As it is located just outside Sutton (in Purley Way) – I have seen it described as “Sutton Airport”. I also have a dim memory that the area was used in WWI by the Royal Flying Corps – and possibly a place for launching Airships and/or Balloons – although this information is missing in this article (although I have linked the museum above). The single comment left below states that the museum has been open since 2000 – but this is news to me and I live near this area. I thought it served as a hotel and perhaps part of it still does. I know that the UK’s last Hangman – Albert Pierrepoint – used Croydon Airport when travelling around London gaols plying his deadly trade (probably in 1953). It was very rare for ordinary working-class people to use air travel prior to the 1970s (the Beatles did in the 1960s onward – as they were mega-rich and famous by then) – but Albert Pierrepoint’s travel was paid for him by the Home Office – his employer.

Lenin Leads the Way!

Surrey: Mobile Workmen’s Home! (29.5.2026)

This seems to be an early caravan – although much larger – affixed upon an army carriage dating back to WWI (although the Beatles were playing on the interior radio when we visited). I thought it might have travelled on rails – and think it could travel on a number of different surfaces (the wheels look rail-based – but I might be wrong). Basically, workmen tasked with building or clearing, etc, in remote areas – could live in these types of devices for extended periods – between shifts. This was when labour Unions ruled the roost and this type of relative luxury was demanded! I suspect for many workers this temporary accommodation might be better than the places they actually lived in! It reminded me of the carriage Lenin spoke from when he declared the end of capitalist exploitation in 1917! A left-leaning Labour government improved the lives of millions in 1948!

Royal Army Veternary Corps

Surrey: Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) – Horse Ambulance (Mark II – Converted Bullock-Cart)! (29.5.2026)

When horses were hurt (and not automatically shot) they were transported in the type of conveyance pictured above – but I think this might have been rare (new horses were acquired quicker than wounded horses could heal). At the end of WWI, many thousands of conscripted horses were gathered on the beaches of France – after serving the UK loyally (even participating in cavalry charges against machine-guns) – and instead of being shipped back to England and discharged to their owners, the UK government (probably Churchill) ordered them “shot”. The bullet was cheaper than the shipping and compensation owned. Of course, although some horses were used in WWII (1939-1945) – technology had improved dramatically and horses were not required as they were two-decades previously. From a compassionate perspective it would be good to think that all British horses had access to above level of care – but reality is not built upon fairy-tales. Only the lucky few (probably the horses of high-up Officers) were subject to this kind of care. This British Army Ambulance appears to have the battle honour of “Normandy”!

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