Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
@navalairhistory.com
Writer naval/aviation history. Words. Art. Photography. Silken Windhounds. He/him. Free Palestine. Cannot receive DMs
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Mustang: The Untold Story
Mustang: The Untold Story The North American Mustang is one of the most well-studied aircraft. However, much of what is commonly understood about it, particularly its early, Allison-powered variants, ...
shop.keypublishing.com
For those who are interested, my book on the P-51 Mustang is now for sale for a frankly silly £3.99 in the rather nice hardback edition. Get 'em while they last shop.keypublishing.com/products/mus...
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Reminder that British journalists have a weird fetish for Harry Potter because it's a fantasy world where nobody mentions how fucking weird it is that everybody was privately educated in just five schools
January 27, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Reminder that British journalists have a weird fetish for Harry Potter because it's a fantasy world where nobody mentions how fucking weird it is that everybody was privately educated in just five schools
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Back in the beforetimes of 2021, over on the other place, I set out to answer the age old question "is my wankpanzer bigger than a tank". Here are those findings for the Bluesky record.
Q1. Is my Ford Ranger bigger than a tank?
A. Not quite but getting there.
Q1. Is my Ford Ranger bigger than a tank?
A. Not quite but getting there.
January 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM
Back in the beforetimes of 2021, over on the other place, I set out to answer the age old question "is my wankpanzer bigger than a tank". Here are those findings for the Bluesky record.
Q1. Is my Ford Ranger bigger than a tank?
A. Not quite but getting there.
Q1. Is my Ford Ranger bigger than a tank?
A. Not quite but getting there.
Proof that god has a sense of humour
That reminds me, did you know the mammalian clitoris also has a bone? It's called the baubellum, but we only know them from contemporary mammals. Presumably the baubellum does fossilise, but (this is not a joke) palaeontologists have never been able to find one.
January 27, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Proof that god has a sense of humour
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
This could have been written this morning. How exact and how applicable every word is. "Stealing the livery of the court of heaven to serve the devil in." No better description exists of the blasphemous, murderous, corrupt America of Trump and of ICE.
January 26, 2026 at 11:44 AM
This could have been written this morning. How exact and how applicable every word is. "Stealing the livery of the court of heaven to serve the devil in." No better description exists of the blasphemous, murderous, corrupt America of Trump and of ICE.
For those outside the UK who may not have seen, we had a reckoning on media regulation 15 years ago, and the media won a decisive victory against meaningful regulation. TL;DR, they were caught hacking the phone of a murdered child, there was an enquiry, but they avoided all the recommendations…
The fundamental problem is that we have no effective regulation of the media here, our public service broadcaster is just very obviously regime media and our major privately run news publications are all owned by billionaires with editorial agendas that distort reality and degrade human rights.
Reading about the rise of Reform while living in the self-immolating US feels like an out of body experience. That anyone outside the US could look at a country collapsing in on itself and say, “Yes, some of that for us please!” is just surreal.
January 27, 2026 at 9:33 AM
For those outside the UK who may not have seen, we had a reckoning on media regulation 15 years ago, and the media won a decisive victory against meaningful regulation. TL;DR, they were caught hacking the phone of a murdered child, there was an enquiry, but they avoided all the recommendations…
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Lucyna Wlazło #Polish glider #pilot & instructor. 1947 learned to fly glider thru Polish Scouting & Guiding Association. 1951 appeared in film teaching glider pilots to loop de loop. Set 6 world records & 11 national records in 1950/60s. d. #OTD 26 Jan 2007 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucyna_...
January 26, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Lucyna Wlazło #Polish glider #pilot & instructor. 1947 learned to fly glider thru Polish Scouting & Guiding Association. 1951 appeared in film teaching glider pilots to loop de loop. Set 6 world records & 11 national records in 1950/60s. d. #OTD 26 Jan 2007 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucyna_...
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
I've been sent video from the end of the ICE raid at the Zipps on 32nd and Shea.
It shows protesters -- on the sidewalk, impeding no one -- getting drive-by maced by an ICE agent from a truck as it rolls away down the road.
Hard to see how such tactics are justifiable.
It shows protesters -- on the sidewalk, impeding no one -- getting drive-by maced by an ICE agent from a truck as it rolls away down the road.
Hard to see how such tactics are justifiable.
January 27, 2026 at 6:07 AM
I've been sent video from the end of the ICE raid at the Zipps on 32nd and Shea.
It shows protesters -- on the sidewalk, impeding no one -- getting drive-by maced by an ICE agent from a truck as it rolls away down the road.
Hard to see how such tactics are justifiable.
It shows protesters -- on the sidewalk, impeding no one -- getting drive-by maced by an ICE agent from a truck as it rolls away down the road.
Hard to see how such tactics are justifiable.
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Imagine a paramilitary gang kills 2 observers over 2 weeks, then shows up at your home to say, "You, observer, we know where you live."
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
One human rights observer in Maine said agents followed her home, blocked off her street, and came to her door to say they know where she lives. Her children are now staying elsewhere, to keep them safe.
Now in Maine: ICE watchers say federal agents are coming to their house to threaten and intimidate them.
www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
www.pressherald.com/2026/01/23/i...
January 27, 2026 at 5:38 AM
Imagine a paramilitary gang kills 2 observers over 2 weeks, then shows up at your home to say, "You, observer, we know where you live."
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
That's a death threat.
If it happened to me or a colleague when I was a human rights observer in N. Ireland, we would've lodged complaints with three govts.
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
An Alpine Accentor painted onto a Nikki Lauda Malboro World Championship Team beer mat from the 1970s. Beermat painting. Watercolour.
darrenhaymanart.com
darrenhaymanart.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:12 AM
An Alpine Accentor painted onto a Nikki Lauda Malboro World Championship Team beer mat from the 1970s. Beermat painting. Watercolour.
darrenhaymanart.com
darrenhaymanart.com
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Carry On Zardoz
January 27, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Carry On Zardoz
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
All help for Ahmad appreciated ❤️
I'm from Gaza.
We have no shelter. Sometimes it's a tattered tent, other times we're buried under falling rubble. 💔 The rain destroyed our tent, and we have nothing left.
Our dream is simple: a tent and blankets.
We need $300 to buy them.
Please help us. 🤲
chuffed.org/project/157281
We have no shelter. Sometimes it's a tattered tent, other times we're buried under falling rubble. 💔 The rain destroyed our tent, and we have nothing left.
Our dream is simple: a tent and blankets.
We need $300 to buy them.
Please help us. 🤲
chuffed.org/project/157281
January 27, 2026 at 7:50 AM
All help for Ahmad appreciated ❤️
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
The people of Minnesota have executed one of the most impressive civil resistance campaigns I can remember:
- Organized a city wide general strike
- Maintained nonviolent discipline amidst violence
- Mobilized 10,000s in subzero temps to protest and watch ICE
- Flipped public opinion against ICE
- Organized a city wide general strike
- Maintained nonviolent discipline amidst violence
- Mobilized 10,000s in subzero temps to protest and watch ICE
- Flipped public opinion against ICE
January 26, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The people of Minnesota have executed one of the most impressive civil resistance campaigns I can remember:
- Organized a city wide general strike
- Maintained nonviolent discipline amidst violence
- Mobilized 10,000s in subzero temps to protest and watch ICE
- Flipped public opinion against ICE
- Organized a city wide general strike
- Maintained nonviolent discipline amidst violence
- Mobilized 10,000s in subzero temps to protest and watch ICE
- Flipped public opinion against ICE
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
"Horror Not Hate" is more than a comic; it's a weapon for good. This Kickstarter anthology fights real-world fascism & hate, with all profits going to LGBTQIA+ & immigrant rights orgs. Stellar creators. Vital cause. Back it!!!!
gnofhorror.com/horror-not-h...
@jmbrandt.bsky.social
gnofhorror.com/horror-not-h...
@jmbrandt.bsky.social
Horror Not Hate: An Anti-fascist, Anti-hate Anthology Of Horror Comics And Art Supporting LGBTQIA+ And Immigrant Rights! - The Ginger Nuts Of Horror Review Website
The 'Horror Not Hate' Kickstarter is live. This horror comic & art book anthology fights fascism & hate, supporting LGBTQIA+ & immigrant rights. Back it now!
gnofhorror.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:25 PM
"Horror Not Hate" is more than a comic; it's a weapon for good. This Kickstarter anthology fights real-world fascism & hate, with all profits going to LGBTQIA+ & immigrant rights orgs. Stellar creators. Vital cause. Back it!!!!
gnofhorror.com/horror-not-h...
@jmbrandt.bsky.social
gnofhorror.com/horror-not-h...
@jmbrandt.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
ROBBIE (OVERHEAD LINES) (1986)
January 27, 2026 at 3:26 AM
ROBBIE (OVERHEAD LINES) (1986)
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Israel killed a journalist in Lebanon yesterday. These attacks are so regular its hard to report on them before the next one already occurs. Again, this is all in the context of a supposed ceasefire, which the Israelis have violated, according to the UN, over 10,000 since Nov 27 2024.
A Lebanese minister condemns the latest Israeli killing and calls on the international community to 'take action' https://aje.news/341v5q
January 27, 2026 at 3:35 AM
Israel killed a journalist in Lebanon yesterday. These attacks are so regular its hard to report on them before the next one already occurs. Again, this is all in the context of a supposed ceasefire, which the Israelis have violated, according to the UN, over 10,000 since Nov 27 2024.
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Shout out to all the short kings who DIDN'T head a fascist campaign against their own countrymen.
Sorry you're copping so many strays today because that one bozo happened to be short
Sorry you're copping so many strays today because that one bozo happened to be short
January 27, 2026 at 3:19 AM
Shout out to all the short kings who DIDN'T head a fascist campaign against their own countrymen.
Sorry you're copping so many strays today because that one bozo happened to be short
Sorry you're copping so many strays today because that one bozo happened to be short
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
(Dude suddenly stops pushing his broom across the floor of the Death Star)
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Palantir employees are pressing company leadership over its work for ICE in internal company Slacks obtained by @wired.com
"In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this."
Scoop from @makenakelly.bsky.social
"In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this."
Scoop from @makenakelly.bsky.social
Palantir Defends Work With ICE to Staff Following Killing of Alex Pretti
“In my opinion ICE are the bad guys. I am not proud that the company I enjoy so much working for is part of this,” one worker wrote on Slack.
www.wired.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:51 AM
(Dude suddenly stops pushing his broom across the floor of the Death Star)
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Does this look like a big laser to anyone else
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
I'm re-sharing the Gofundme for two family members I made last year. They had a series of tragedies beginning in early 2024. We successfully raised enough to help them relocate to a new state last year, and the elder sister has a new job in her field. gofund.me/a455ba8c0
Donate to A Fresh Start for Two Sisters after a Series of Tragedies, organized by Laura Lam
Hello, I’m L.R. Lam and I am starting this GoFundMe on behalf of b… Laura Lam needs your support for A Fresh Start for Two Sisters after a Series of Tragedies
gofund.me
January 21, 2026 at 7:10 PM
I'm re-sharing the Gofundme for two family members I made last year. They had a series of tragedies beginning in early 2024. We successfully raised enough to help them relocate to a new state last year, and the elder sister has a new job in her field. gofund.me/a455ba8c0
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
Shout out to people using alt text, it makes using this app much easier. You da real MVPs.
January 26, 2026 at 10:41 PM
Shout out to people using alt text, it makes using this app much easier. You da real MVPs.
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
I have read this book and I really enjoyed it, very readable and informative but doesn't get bogged down in excessive technical details. There's a fair bit to learn from it regarding the much overlooked Alison engined variants.
#Aviation #AvGeek
bsky.app/profile/nava...
#Aviation #AvGeek
bsky.app/profile/nava...
For those who are interested, my book on the P-51 Mustang is now for sale for a frankly silly £3.99 in the rather nice hardback edition. Get 'em while they last shop.keypublishing.com/products/mus...
Mustang: The Untold Story
Mustang: The Untold Story The North American Mustang is one of the most well-studied aircraft. However, much of what is commonly understood about it, particularly its early, Allison-powered variants, ...
shop.keypublishing.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:38 PM
I have read this book and I really enjoyed it, very readable and informative but doesn't get bogged down in excessive technical details. There's a fair bit to learn from it regarding the much overlooked Alison engined variants.
#Aviation #AvGeek
bsky.app/profile/nava...
#Aviation #AvGeek
bsky.app/profile/nava...
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
If you closed your eyes you wouldn't of been able to read the text. Yet another reason print media is dying.
January 26, 2026 at 9:34 PM
If you closed your eyes you wouldn't of been able to read the text. Yet another reason print media is dying.
Update. The post went quiet for a while but then the FB algorithm obviously decided to start feeding it to people again. One particular guy who insisted the artwork was ‘crazy AI’ refused to accept that the scenario was accurate even with first hand accounts, and eventually mods closed comments
Annoyance time
This artwork by Piotr Forkasiewicz was created for the cover of my Fairey Swordfish book from Mortons. We decided on the composition after studying all the accounts from the aircrews involved and photos of the op
But whenever it is posted online, people decry it as inaccurate…
This artwork by Piotr Forkasiewicz was created for the cover of my Fairey Swordfish book from Mortons. We decided on the composition after studying all the accounts from the aircrews involved and photos of the op
But whenever it is posted online, people decry it as inaccurate…
January 26, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Update. The post went quiet for a while but then the FB algorithm obviously decided to start feeding it to people again. One particular guy who insisted the artwork was ‘crazy AI’ refused to accept that the scenario was accurate even with first hand accounts, and eventually mods closed comments
Reposted by Matthew Willis (Naval Air History)
January 26, 2026 at 9:23 PM