How did a few Japanese planes destroy a British fleet

"The Depths of December offers a concise yet impactful exploration of one of the most significant naval battles in World War II. This 12,000-word account details the confrontation between the British Far East Fleet and the Mitsubishi Bombers from the 22nd Flotilla of the Imperial Japanese Air Service, taking place off the coasts of Singapore and Malaya. The narrative is delivered with vigor and authority by the accomplished author.

For years, Britain and Japan had adopted contrasting military strategies: the former relied on powerful artillery, while the latter focused on the efficacy of aerial strikes. On December 10, 1941—shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor—the true effectiveness of these strategies was put to the test. This work exemplifies Stuart Lloyd's signature storytelling style by incorporating firsthand accounts from those directly engaged in the heat of battle, thereby propelling the narrative forward.

Readers are positioned as virtual spectators in the waters near Kuantan, Malaya. The intensity of the experience can be gauged through the words of Seaman Matthews: “The vibration and speed of Repulse was truly unbelievable. Our skipper had us falling over everywhere in his attempts to evade the incoming torpedoes.… I began to notice that the bombers were starting to fly directly overhead after they’d dropped their torpedoes. It was as if they were taunting us. I could even see the pilots’ faces quite clearly.”

Ian Hay, involved in the chaotic scene, recalls his harrowing task as an ammunition bearer, running between storage areas and exposed gun mounts. “The run back along the deck was terrifying. It had now claimed the lives of three of our delivery party, all by machine gun fire. It was like playing some crazy game of dare.” In this audiobook, Stuart Lloyd demonstrates his prowess as a storyteller, immersing listeners in a momentous episode from history."

Order your copy from Amazon Audible 

New AI naval drone from UK

 

The Kraken3 Scout Medium is a British-designed, AI-powered unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that can carry various payloads, including drones like Switchblade 600 and 300, and is capable of both autonomous and human-controlled operations, according to the company. It uses a navigation system that relies on sky polarization, celestial tracking, and satellite positioning for accuracy, the company says. 

A message from Kerry O'Brien, ABC legend

With your indulgence, I'd like to share a few thoughts as the election grinds on around us against a backdrop of anxiety and consternation

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With your indulgence, I'd like to share a few thoughts as the election grinds on around us against a backdrop of anxiety and consternation that's ripping through the democratic world we have known all our lives and largely taken for granted. Here in Australia, our governments have often left us frustrated, even angry, but I think largely we've just always assumed that the fundamental principles underpinning our democracy and protecting our way of life would remain sound. The ABC has always been there for us as a part of that bedrock. We've seen it attacked time and again, particularly since the Howard years, but although it's been knocked around, and suffered savage funding cuts it's always emerged to repair and rebuild. In these crazy times we can't assume that any more. In Trump's America we're watching an unprecedented savage assault on mainstream media including public broadcasting, along with the judicial system and other democratic institutions. In our country, when the role of strong public broadcasting in this age of misinformation and political manipulation is demonstrably more important than at any other time in our history, the ABC is under attack again. We can no longer make any assumptions about its long-term survival. The ABC has never been able to count on bi-partisan political support, and those conservatives who irrationally see the ABC as their enemy are lining up again. There's talk of more "efficiency" inquiries and more funding cuts. Again. And the Murdoch media is also on the attack in lockstep. Again. That's why we're launching our biggest grassroots campaign of support in ABC history, targeting key election battlegrounds, putting the pressure on all political candidates to declare their position on the ABC. The election is now in full swing. The clock is ticking. Your donation today will help protect and preserve Australia's most trusted public institution. I cannot imagine Australia without the ABC. Your practical support right now will help guarantee that the unthinkable doesn't happen here. I've recorded a short video to explain why this fight matters so much - please take a moment to watch it.   In Solidarity Kerry O'Brien Please donate   ABC Friends https://www.abcfriends.net.au/

The capture of German Tiger 131 in Tunisia

The capture of German Tiger tank 131 in North Africa is a fascinating story. In April 1943, during the Tunisian campaign of World War II, the tank was part of the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 504, a German heavy tank battalion.

The fascinating history of Taxi Cabs

The first taxi was launched in 1907 by businessman Harry N. Allen through his company, New York Taxicab Company. These were the first fleet of gasoline-powered cabs. The taxis were imported from France and equipped with “taximeters” to charge fees based on mileage. Drivers dressed like West Point cadets manned the taxis, which were originally painted red and green.

The First Yellow Taxi Company

A Chicago entrepreneur John Hertz, in 1915, opened the first Yellow Cab Company in his city. While choosing the best colour for the cabs, Hertz commissioned a local university study by the students of the University of Chicago to “scientifically ascertain which colour would stand out strongest at a distance,” per his biographer—and yellow won. To date, colour researchers agree that yellow is the most visible colour, though some have suggested that it’s chartreuse that the eye most easily detects. Thus, the first-ever yellow taxi emerged, and the idea stuck from then on.

1925 Yellow Cab

This story ignores the fact that yellow taxis had already appeared in various American cities before 1915. Businessman Albert Rockwell was operating a fleet of yellow cabs since 1909, as Yellow Taxicab Co. in NYC. Legend has it that Rockwell was merely appeasing his wife, Nettie, who preferred the colour.

Now, according to the law, all medallion cabs must be yellow, and any other vehicles for hire can be any colour besides yellow.

Cabs Around the World

In some cities, like London for example, cabs have always been historically black, and that has not changed since the 17th century when they used a horse and carriage. The iconic history of these cabs makes them stand out without having to be bright yellow!

So now the next time you see a taxi, you will know where its color came from!

1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test [video]

 

The 1946 Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test, codenamed Operation Crossroads, was a pivotal event in history. It was a series of two nuclear tests conducted by the United States at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The tests aimed to assess the effects of nuclear explosions on naval ships and to demonstrate the power of atomic bombs. The Two Tests: - Able: The first test took place on July 1, 1946. A nuclear bomb was dropped from an aircraft, detonating 520 feet above the target fleet. Although it sank only five ships, the test provided valuable insights into the effects of nuclear explosions on naval vessels. - Baker: The second test occurred on July 25, 1946. This time, a nuclear bomb was detonated underwater, sinking eight ships. The Baker test created a massive condensation cloud and contaminated the surrounding ships with radioactive water, making them unusable for further testing The Operation Crossroads tests marked the beginning of a series of nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, which continued until 1958. These tests had a profound impact on the environment, the local population, and the world's understanding of nuclear power.

Why do people collect diecast toy cars?

 

Collecting diecast miniature cars and vehicles has been a popular hobby for many decades, and its appeal can be attributed to several factors. Here are some of the main attractions: