Scotland and the Victoria Cross: The Indian Mutiny

| November 15, 2016

1857 – 1859 In all 182 soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions during the Indian Mutiny. Of these recipients 31 were born in Scotland. Several other Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers serving with Scottish regiments though born elsewhere. The following records the Scottish-born recipients. Please note the numerous given spellings for […]

This Land of Crimson

| November 11, 2016

Papaver rhoeas On the advance to Reningelst I see them. A small stand, crimson with black centers grow near to another botanical family – corn stalks. They are the only Papaver rhoeas (Corn Poppy) I have seen on this journey of discovery – their colour stands out amidst all this new growth from nature’s palette. Gentle […]

With Folded Arms

| November 10, 2016

Today I Stand With folded arms, I bow my head. Eyes open, eyes shut thinking back upon times when these friends behind spoke of memories of home. Together we laughed and sang, marched, ran and crawled. From one corner of a field to the next, and now many remain at the foot of a cross and I […]

Say Not “Good-Night”

| November 9, 2016

But in Some Brighter Clime He was a soldier, unknown to me, but through my wanderings across Flanders I stumble upon his place. He is there with his fellow soldiers… who knew not what the day would bring. But this day, this time, this place, I stop a while and think upon his life and […]

Remember them Well

| November 4, 2016

Mountains and Places – Any Day and Any Table Many of us enjoy watching movies time and time again. Each year I promise myself to find a few others and as I sit with pencil and paper in hand, neatly levered into my chair – my place, I jot down a few titles or more. […]