THE BRITISH POWER BOAT COMPANY - 'The Boatyard Legacy' by Stan - World War Two - Hythe, Southampton
They were known as the 'Spitfires of the sea' and formed a crucial part of the Allied war effort. (Mail Reporter, 9 February 2010)
Now two of the last remaining fully operational World War II motor boats have been saved thanks to a £580,000 grant.
The high-speed boats, which were the fastest of their type, proved vital to Britain's wartime sea campaign.
HSL 102 and MGB 81
One, a MGB 81, is an example of the vessel which was active during the U.S. landing at Omaha beach during D-Day.
MGBs - Motor Gun Boats - were small in size and their high speed made them difficult targets for German E-boats. They were used extensively in the Mediterranean to sink German and Italian ships.
The other boat, a HSL 102, is the only surviving example of the 100 class high-speed launch which was used at RAF Calshot, near Southampton, to retrieve shot-down airmen from the sea.
During the war, the HSL vessels saved a total of 10,000 airmen of various nationalities.
The saved HSL 102 also featured in the film Enigma with Kate Winslet in 2001.
Now the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has provided the money to enable the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust (PNBPT) to purchase the two boats.
MGB 81
The MGB 81 is an example of the vessel which was active during the U.S. landing at Omaha beach during D-Day
Despite an original life expectancy of 20 years, they have both been restored and are on display at Gunwharf Quays Marina in Portsmouth.
It is hoped that one of the boats will be available for charter to enable the public to experience their power.
Peter Goodship, chief executive of the PNBPT, said: 'These unique craft are a legacy to the heroism of those who crewed them during World War Two.
'Both boats made significant contributions to the war effort and saved the lives of many sailors and airmen.
'The Trust is grateful to all those who contributed, especially the National Heritage Memorial Fund, without which this would not have been possible.'
Crewing the boats, which were built at Hythe, near Southampton, was said to be like riding on a massive petrol bomb, as they held 3,000 gallons of fuel and would simply explode if they were shot.
MGB 81
Lieutenant James Shadbolt, a veteran of Royal Navy's 8th Motor Gunboat Flotilla, said: 'I'm delighted these two motorboats will now be safeguarded.
'Organisations like the National Heritage Memorial Fund and other generous donors play such a vital role in protecting our precious heritage and those of us who particularly cherish these boats are very grateful.
'It's wonderful to know that future generations will be able to experience first-hand these extremely exciting machines, just as we did as young men during the war.'
Bob Bewley, director of operations at NHMF, said: 'The purchase of these boats is an important part of a continuing success story and just what the NHMF was set up to do - to defend the most outstanding parts of our national heritage at risk as a memorial to those who have died for the UK.
'These gunboats are so integral to our rich seafaring history.
'They can now join other great British naval achievements, such as Nelson's HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, which have been saved thanks to the unique ability of the NHMF to act quickly as the fund of last resort over the past 30 years.'
The boats were designed and built by the British Powerboat Company, which later went on to build the famous Supermarine Spitfire.
The company's founder, aviation and powerboat pioneer Hubert Scott-Paine, along with T.E. Shaw, known as Lawrence of Arabia, pioneered these fast manoeuvrable craft for British military use. Shaw undertook the testing of the HSL prototype.
After the war, the saved MGB 81 was disposed of by the Royal Navy. In late 1945, it was sold to a private owner, achieving notoriety for being 'arrested' as part of a smuggling operation in 1958, and was then sold for scrap.
Later, it became an accommodation barge for a sailing school and spent some years as a houseboat before restoration in 1988.
During a two-month period, the HSL 102 is recorded as saving 38 men from the North Sea, including the crews of two German bombers.
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Lonesome Cowboys from Hell - Family Tree (Live in Nunhead!)
Lonesome Cowboys from Hell play Easycome, Killer acoustic night at the Old Nun's Head, Nunhead 0 31/03/10
Video by Rebecca Jones.
Portsmouth 2000
Portsmouth 2000
Ben Portsmouth Gospel Concert at Waltham St Lawrence Church 2014 011
Another great performance from The fabulous Ben Portsmouth in the awesome surroundings of Waltham st. Lawrence Parish Church.
Falklands War - The Untold Story 11 of 12
Falklands War - The Untold Story (1987) Five years after the war in the Falklands between Britain and Argentina, many facts were still wrapped in red tape. Many of the key figures had remained silent. No-one had been to Argentina to tell the other side of the story. For the majority of the British people, the war was another glorious chapter in their history. With flags waving and bands playing, British troops had sailed away to repel the invaders. Patriotic emotions were stirred as they returned victorious. 'The Falklands War - The Untold Story', shot in Britain, the United States, Argentina and the Falklands, revealed for the first time to the British public the harsh realities of modern warfare. It caused controversy in Britain because it also told Argentina's story. Government MPs tried to get the film banned, but Yorkshire TV's telephones were jammed with messages of support from wives and mothers of those who died in the conflict. Called 'the documentary to end all documentaries about the Falklands War' in the British press, it was also described as 'more poem than polemic - a hymn against war'.
WonderWeekend Jubilee Club Camden Barfly + Portsmouth festival
Some of the highlights from our #WonderWeekend - All the premium banter on the road, along with some footage from our two shows - Friday night at Camden Barfly's #JubileeClub supporting, WonderBassist's Alex's dad's band, The Peckham Cowboys, followed by an afternoon set at a #FortonFest Portsmouth the next day. Enjoy! thewondersmiths.com
Falklands Experiences 1986 as seen by CO 3 Para
An interesting historic reflection from somebody who was there
Elvis Cannot Die
When I started thinking about this project and people and the phenomenon that Youtube is as a video-sharing platform, I became interested in doing an investigation following a social phenomenon into the depths of Youtube to see how it manifests itself in the world of social video. Thus, the social phenomenon -- the popular impersonation of The King, Elvis Presley. Now, I had some idea, mainly from commercial feature films and television, of what the stereotypical Elvis impersonator was like -- mainly bald, has been singing since Elvis died, deeply sad, but he manages to bury that sadness in buckets of fried chicken, bales of peanut butter bacon sandwiches, and Marilyn Monroe not-so-look-alikes.
However, I found a whole different animal on this video-sharing platform. I found Elvis depicted in every way, shape, and form I could imagine. You though plump Elvis was interesting? Try checking out Arab Elvis, Black Elvis, Hound-dog-head Elvis, Dwarf Elvis, Animated Elvis, Good-looking Elvis, Mexican El Vez,, toddler Elvis, Animatronic Dog Elvis, Filipino Elvis, Masked Elvis, Japanese Dancing Elvis-es, as well the boys from fashion week channeling Elvis...to name a few. I found an extremely diverse class of Elvis impersonators, and I loved it.
I begin the video with the copyright warning for two reasons. First, a masked Elvis included it in his video, and second, to poke fun at Soundcloud for what they did with my last mix. My video revenge and a different platform -- suck it Suckcloud.
Anyhow, the track I chose for this video exploration of the manifestation of Elvis impersonation phenomenon on Youtube is actually not an original Elvis. The track I chose is Junkie XL's remix of A Little Less Conversation, I chose for two reasons. First, the track itself is a sort of impersonation of the King, so I thought it was suitable for my purposes. Second is a slightly more interesting point though, most of the impersonators who were belting A Little Less Conversation in homage of their king were doing it to the Junkie XL version. Interesting that they aren't so orthodox in their impersonation; however, I am at the same time happy because they get more chances to dance in this version.
I start out with the America's Got Talent's dramatic introduction to their Elvis impersonation performance; however, it is a bootleg Elvis M&M that walks out on stage, mainly to push the idea of the diversity and democracy associated with The King's impersonation. I include some amazingly theatrical poses and then switch to Sharon...whose eyes should match yours as soon as the festival of Elvis commences. I start with the stereotypical plump, white, middle-aged, Elvis impersonator and build from there. Japanese Elvis dance troop is followed by Skih, the original Elvis Impersonator, who happily gets ripped off the TV to dance on Youtube. Next, is the most impressively animated solo Elvis video, compliments of Steve -- who is matched by the Chinese JXL Elvis. I trade special effects for a creepy ski/Pakistani terrorist mask and a great voice, which I let loose over the Elvis sample. I mix the special effects with the creepy with the next Elvis impersonator; I will let him speak (or bark) for himself. Next comes Johnny Cash, who is impersonating an Elvis impersonator, but whose hips very much do not lie. His moves are very much matched by the Middle Eastern man singing about Poppadum Crisps in Elvis terms. The animation serves as a transition to a big African-American Elvis, who surprised me with his stage presence. The next notable voice in this video is The Fermenator, just listen -- I matched the elvis he was singing over (once more the Junkie XL version) to the master track, and this beauty resulted and explodes with a primal scream. Next comes child Elvis, Mexican El Vez -- complete with thin moustache, and The Compact King. The two satisfy me['s] come from, first, the boys of fashion week, and second an animation that always had the same black backup singers for Elvis...which I thought was a bit interesting, make of it what you will. Female Elvis spreads her imaginary cape and Sharon is still staring at good-looking Elvis. Next comes the most interesting Elvis impersonator I found -- an animatronic dog someone had built for a show in a fair. This was his Youtube demonstration. I give him ample airtime before I juxtapose the fermenting Fermenator with an impressive little kid. From that moment on I just let the Elvis-es I discovered do their thing. However, I end with El Vez explaining his philosophy behind Elvis impersonations, a philosophy of appropriation I had never heard, but wonder if it can be tailored to and applied to the rest of the impersonators, or, as a matter of fact, for individuals engaging in the appropriation of a product or idea for creative purposes...wink...wink.
Unite Portsmouth Celebrate On Southsea Common
Now, hundreds of people enjoy Southsea Common everyday- but it might not have been that way if it wasn't for an important battle for access over 140 years ago. Members of the Portsmouth branch of Unite Community have held a celebration in the battle's honour. Daniel O'Neill has gone to find out more.
Frensham common Alton Hampshire
Frensham common is one of the most popular attractions in Alton Hampshire. Choosing your new home can be a struggle. You need to find the right house in the right location. There are so many factors to consider from the house itself to the location. Look no further than
Portsmouth by Baldock Midnight Morris
Baldock Day of Dance on the 18th May 2014 with the Baldock Midnight Morris Side, performing a dance called Portsmouth, to the tune of Portsmouth, which was given to us by Sompting Village Morris in Worthing, Sussex. Six other Morris Sides from around the country joined in to make it a wonderful day of Morris Dancing - the weather was perfect, so it was a great success all round.
Old Folk Traditional Rural English Music from the Forest of Dean area
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Traditional English music recorded at the Morris event in May Hill village.
The Courtiers Health, or The Merry Boys of the Times
Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America
The Courtiers Health, or The Merry Boys of the Times · City Waites, The
Penny Merriments: Street Songs of 17th Century England
℗ 2005 Naxos
Released on: 2005-06-01
Ensemble: City Waites, The
Composer: Traditional
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Portraits Like Bombs: Eric Kennington and the Second World War
Dr Jonathan Black, Senior Research Fellow in History of Art at Kingston University, discusses the life and work of Eric Kennington. The lecture focuses on Kennington's Second World War images of infantry soldiers, tankmen, home guardsmen and generals.
Part of the Lunchtime Lectures series - a programme of free talks that takes place at the National Army Museum in London every Thursday at 12.30pm.
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The British Army Was Not The Best During The American War Of Independence
665684 - Portsmouth University - Visual Journalism THE MOVEMENT OF MOVEMENT
In recent years, the popularity of Freerunning has undoubtably caught global attention.
But what exactly is Freerunning?
Practitioner and instructor Lawrence Rook offers insight into what he refers to as “the movement of movement.”
The 18-year-old shares his views and experiences on this exciting and adventurous new martial discipline.
Manhole. - St Lawrence - Isle Of Wight
After reading of this on the Onthewight news site, I had to go and 'look into it'.
The powers that be have erected big solid hoardings either side of the landslide that happened over a year ago to stop people peering in, and to block peoples right of way, (even for walking on the safe remaining section of road.)
It seems that one of the many people who feel strongly against these actions took a little time to create this entertaining message to those in power.
I heard that a couple of days after this was done, the firm 'Island Roads' came along and removed this.
It's a pity they can't get rid of holes in the roads so quickly....
Laura and Stephen - Wedding @ Oakley Hall, Nr. Basingstoke. UK
Oakley Hall is a very stunning location in rolling Hampshire Countryside, a very special day with close family and friends.
being attacked by the french outside pizza hut
yeah so we were in commercial road, and we were walking past pizza hut when suddenly a swarm of french people came from no where