Category Archives: War

The Purchase of Commissions in the British Army, 1683-1871

Posted on September 29, 2022 by odeboyz

The 17th century was transformative. It began with the attempted assassination of James I and ended with a successful invasion and three quasi-legitimate monarchs. The century included three civil wars, the execution of a king, a warrior class seizing power, … Continue reading →

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Liz Truss: ‘Shirkers and Strivers’ part 2: Cabinet 2022

Posted on September 12, 2022 by odeboyz

The UK “rewards laziness”, does not encourage risk-taking and must strive to emulate the work ethic and low-tax culture in parts of Asia, the five MPs argue in a book due out next month. The authors include Elizabeth Truss and … Continue reading →

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When did the Second World War Begin?

Posted on August 25, 2022 by odeboyz

British school children are taught the Second World War began on 3rd September, 1939. Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister, declared war on Germany after they invaded Poland.1 Britain began a European war not the world war. The Second World War … Continue reading →

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The Godfather’s Diplomatic Advice

Posted on August 11, 2022 by odeboyz
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The Execution of Charles the First: 30th January, 1649

Posted on August 4, 2022 by odeboyz

The axe was raised, it struck and Charles was beheaded. Charles died after being found guilty of a crime, which didn’t exist until Oliver Cromwell and his followers created it. They then appointed themselves as judge and jury adding a … Continue reading →

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Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent, 2022

Posted on July 14, 2022 by odeboyz

Ben Wallace’s1 belief in Britain as a global military power is reflected in his justification for nuclear weapons. “It is vital for our national security and your safety that the UK continues to be an independent global actor, able to … Continue reading →

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The British Army’s Global Delusions

Posted on July 8, 2022 by odeboyz

Ben Wallace is the latest in a long line of British Defence Secretaries who pander to the Chiefs of Staff and the armaments industry. He was born into a military family and educated at Sandhurst, Britain’s principal military college. He … Continue reading →

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Asymmetric Warfare: Take that, big boy

Posted on May 23, 2022 by odeboyz

The Attempted Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, 1984 Moscow apartment buildings bombing by Chechens, 1999 The suicide bombing of USS Cole, Yemen 2000

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The problem of being a dictator

Posted on April 14, 2022 by odeboyz

In the span of a couple of weeks, Vladimir Putin….managed to revitalize NATO, unify a splintered West, turn Ukraine’s little-known president into a global hero, wreck Russia’s economy, and solidify his legacy as a murderous war criminal. How did he … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Viet Thanh Nguyen ~ The Sympathizer (2015)

Posted on April 11, 2022 by odeboyz

This superb book won the USA’s Pulitzer Prize. Nguyen is brilliant and the real thing: a great author. Opening sentences are important, I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces.1 The unnamed hero/anti-hero is a … Continue reading →

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