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Doug581
@doug581.bsky.social
610 followers 400 following 88 posts
Be welcoming,
Be enthusiastic,
Be ready to learn.
Retired, now Independent Company, Time Team, CVHF, SOFOtrust, WWW2TV, & the wonderful GreatWarGroup
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Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Kipling's uncompromising 'Message' was printed by the thousands by WH Smith to advertise war bonds.
September 16, 2026 at 5:03 PM
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alexchurchill.bsky.social
Still at it #filming
September 16, 2026 at 10:33 AM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Happy Birthday Agatha Christie! Queen of Mysteries! Sold more than 100 million copies in over 100 languages. Already published when WW1 broke out, she immediately volunteered as a Nurse and later served as an Apothecary Assistant. She served until September 1918.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Black and white photo of Agatha Christie in a library holding part of a manuscript. She's looking up. Wearing pearls around her neck. Books and bookcase behind her. Some sort of table or desk in front of her.
September 15, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Today in 1916, the Italians, commanded by recent birthday boy Luigi Cadorna, try for the 7th time to beak the Austria-Hungary line along the Isonzo River. After capturing Gorizia during the 6th Battle, they attacked on a narrow front. They took San Grado di Merna but little else.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Upper Left: Black & White Photo of a machine gun crew in action. In the background are soldier with rifles firing. The position is amongst rocks with a mountain in the far background. Upper Right: Black and white photo of a single soldier behind a rock wall overlooking a valley and a small settlement underneath snowy mountains. Bottom Left: Black and white photo of fully laden troops marching up a path among cannon blasted trees and desolate landscape toward a white church on a small hill. Mountains in the background. Bottom Right: A group of soldiers in a trench built into a steep mountainside. Beyond them is a covered shelter against the hillside. They are looking down below them. In the background are misty mountain ranges.
September 14, 2026 at 4:33 PM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
We all have different definitions of icon, hero, or defining figures.

Who is it that inspires or interests you the most?

#WW1 #WarHistory #GreatWarGroup
September 13, 2026 at 7:45 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Happy Birthday Maurice Chevalier! Already known in 1914, WW1 started while he fulfilled his national service. Wounded and captured during a German attack, he learned English in POW Camp. Acquitted of collaboration in WW2. Persecuted by the McCarthy Committee in the US.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Black and white head shot of Chevalier in his classic Boater Hat (white with a broad black ribbon) and Tuxedo. Smiling looking askance.
September 12, 2026 at 5:08 PM
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alexchurchill.bsky.social
🚨🚨🎉

@pikegrey1418.bsky.social and I are delighted to have come second for Military History Book of the Year! Thank you to everyone who voted and congrats also to my chum @peterhart.bsky.social for third!
September 10, 2026 at 7:51 AM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
The Daily Mail offered their readers free insurance against the potential death and destruction caused by German Zeppelin raids in 1915.

It was primarily a means of growing readership.

#ww1 #WarHistory #Zeppelin #VintagePosters #GreatWar
September 9, 2026 at 6:34 PM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Hospitals like this one at Purbrook Lodge, Waterlooville were more a homely and less crowded place to convalesce than a large military hospital.
September 7, 2026 at 6:45 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Do you have a niche history interest?

What takes your fancy?

#WW1 #WarHistory #greatwargroup
September 6, 2026 at 7:00 AM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Today in 1914 the French and British stop retreating, stand firm, and cobble together enough troops to launch an attack on the German flank. The Miracle on the Marne (Miracle de la Marne) drives back the Germans to the Aisne River. The Germans lose their best chance to win WW1.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Upper Left: Color Map of the German Advance at the beginning of WW1. Plus the retreat of the French and British and finally the famous counterattack on the Marne. Upper Right: Black and white photo of French artillery in action. A couple of cannons on a small hill overlooking and firing over some trees toward a small village. Smoke in the background from landing shells. Bottom Left: Black and white photo of British soldiers run for cover from enemy fire. One soldier already crouching in a small depression along a dirt road. Another soldier running toward the depression. On the road a horse drawn wagon moving along. A small stand of trees in the background. Bottom Right: Black and white of German infantry awaiting an allied assault. Machine gun in the foreground, followed by men with rifles resting on the parapet. They have taken cover in a hastily constructed trench or perhaps a stream bed.
September 5, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
September 5, 2026 at 11:21 AM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Born today the Italian General Luigi Cadorna! Famous for matching wits (or lack thereof) with his Austrian-Hungarian counterpart. A strict disciplinarian, he launched 11 assaults on the Isonzo Front that led to slaughter, shortages, soldier discontent, and little progress.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Black and white photo of Luigi Cadorna in his uniform with sash diagonally across his chest and medals all over his chest. Wearing his formal hat with eagle and crown on it. Wearing his usual whitish mustache.
September 4, 2026 at 5:38 PM
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alexchurchill.bsky.social
Come and meet nearly two million Frenchmen who found themselves rounded up by the enemy on the fall of France… achurchill.substack.com/p/article-th... 🇫🇷
September 4, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
The SS River Clyde was WW1's very own Trojan Horse. With 2,000 troops onboard it was planned she would be beached and allow for a quick deployment.

Defenders kept heavy fire on her throughout the day causing many casualties of those who tried to disembark.

#ww1 #gallipoli #warhistory #history
September 2, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Gallows humour and satire were a coping mechanism for many in the trenches
September 1, 2026 at 7:00 AM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Born this day in 1853, the greatest Russian General, AA Brusilov. HIs offensive using new tactics in 1916 almost knocked Austria-Hungary out of the war. Fired in 1917 for failing to duplicate his 1916 success. During the Russian Civil War he helped organize the Red Army. #WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Black and white photo of Gen Brusilov, architect of the offensive. In uniform with medals and his familiar white mustache.
August 31, 2026 at 4:33 PM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
To learn more about Michael Tierney and the last casualties of the Great War go to www.cwgc.org/our-work/blo...
(with thanks to Gareth Davies)
August 31, 2026 at 11:09 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Today in 1916 the Ottoman Empire declares war on Romania days after Romania entered the war after declaring war on Austria-Hungary and launching an assault toward the end of the great Brusilov offensive.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Upper Left: Ottoman Flag in WW1. Solid red with a white crescent and star. Upper Right: Black and white photo of Ottoman Cavalry on the move. Small village in the background. Riding on a dirt road. Bottom Left: Old Postcard of Istanbul in 1914. Bosphorus in the foreground dominated by the Hagia Sophia. Below the mosque the old spice markets. Small rafts and boats on the water. Bottom Right: Colorized photo of Ottoman infantry on the move. Soldiers are marching in line with rifles shouldered. Passing a building with stained glass windows on front and side.
August 30, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Today in 1914 Austria-Hungary declares war on Belgium. Because, well, their partner Germany already invaded them so, why not?

Interestingly, Austria-Hungary never declares war on England or France, even fights directly against them at times! But they declare war on Belgium.

#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Upper Left: Austrian Imperial Standard used in 1914. (Interestingly, the Austrian-Hungarian Empire had no official flag. There you see many variations.) This one is gold yellow background with red, yellow, and black triangular border. In the middle is the double headed imperial eagle with the flags of the various states of the empire. Around the eagles are small crowns. Upper Right: The old Imperial Palace with the main entrance and large cupola with two smaller cupolas flanking it. Overcast sky above. Fountain with statue in the foreground. Green bushes surround the fountain, as well as blowing flowers low to the ground. Bottom Left: Idyllic scene of the Austrian mountains near Salzburg. Blue sky with wispy white clouds above. Then a row of jagged and rocky mountain peaks. Down the mountain you see the green of forests. And then below you see an alpine meadow dotted with trees and some houses. Bottom Right: Emperor Franz Joseph in light blue uniform adorned with medals across his chest. Gray background. He has his impressive full white imperial beard.
August 28, 2026 at 5:38 PM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Today in 1916 Romania, after 2 years of neutrality, decides to take advantage of Russian gains from the Brusilov offensive and declare war on Austria-Hungary and attack their flank and rear. Romania hopes to re-secure Transylvania. Spoiler: This will not end well for Romania.
#WW1
#FWW
#GreatWar
Upper Left: Romanian Imperial Flag. Three Horizontal stripes: Blue, Yellow, and Red. With the imperials seal in the middle with a crown above. The seal includes 2 golden horses holding a coat of arms with a crown. White garland encircles most of the coat of arms. Upper Right: Black and white photo of Romanian soldiers running up a road surrounded by a forest, headed for action. Bottom Left: Black and white photo of Romanian soldiers crossing a precarious set of planks across a river. Mountain in the background. Bottom Right: King Ferdinand of Romania in full uniform chatting with Romanian officers. The officers are saluting the monarch.
August 28, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by Doug581
alexchurchill.bsky.social
It’s here! Your chance to explore the life of Winston Churchill as a VIP yourself in the capable hands of a national treasure!

www.istoriatravel.org/wchurchill
August 27, 2026 at 7:03 PM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
🚨 TIME IS RUNNING OUT! 🚨

Join us in Leeds either for a bumper weekend of #WW1 history this October!

Day ticket/weekend package options at:

greatwargroup.com/shop/?produc...
August 27, 2026 at 4:21 PM
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thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
🚨 LAST CHANCE!!! 🚨

The draw for our online raffle winner takes place on 🚨 MONDAY! 🚨

To win a weekend package AND hotel including breakfast for just £5 a ticket go to:

greatwargroup.com/product/raff...

If you're in the UK, we'll even take care of your train ticket!
August 27, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Reposted by Doug581
thegreatwargroup.bsky.social
Private William Austin of 2 KOYLI died of exhaustion at a German work camp on 17th October 1918. So near and yet so far.
August 26, 2026 at 6:15 AM