Bill Dawson
@homesickpenguin.bsky.social
Veteran. Beekeeper. Genealogist. CWGC Volunteer. Biker, walker, old Land Rovers. Researching 10th Bn Queen's Own Royal West Surrey Regt 1917-1919 and Bomber Command (83 Sqn) 1943. Amongst other things!
Remembering today Cdr Henry Thew Rust DSO RN, my cousin (twice rem) lost today with the crew of HMS BRAMBLE whilst escorting Convoy JW51B from Loch Ewe to Murmansk. BRAMBLE met the German heavy cruiser ADMIRAL HIPPER and engaged to defend the convoy. Heavily outgunned, she was lost with all hands.
December 31, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Remembering today Cdr Henry Thew Rust DSO RN, my cousin (twice rem) lost today with the crew of HMS BRAMBLE whilst escorting Convoy JW51B from Loch Ewe to Murmansk. BRAMBLE met the German heavy cruiser ADMIRAL HIPPER and engaged to defend the convoy. Heavily outgunned, she was lost with all hands.
Thinking of all my friends in the Falkland Islands today as they commemorate 'Battle Day' - Battle of the Falklands 1914. Look it up - it's a great story! Picture is HMS INVINCIBLE and HMS INFLEXIBLE during the battle (seen from HMS KENT), and the other pic is the 100th anniversary in 2014...
December 8, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Thinking of all my friends in the Falkland Islands today as they commemorate 'Battle Day' - Battle of the Falklands 1914. Look it up - it's a great story! Picture is HMS INVINCIBLE and HMS INFLEXIBLE during the battle (seen from HMS KENT), and the other pic is the 100th anniversary in 2014...
7 December 1941. Japanese forces attack Pearl Harbour, bringing America into the war. Great Uncle Ralph Henderson was at Turner Field, Georgia with the USAAF in the final days of his pilot training under the Arnold Scheme. I often wonder how they all found out, and how the mood changed that day...
December 7, 2025 at 10:10 AM
7 December 1941. Japanese forces attack Pearl Harbour, bringing America into the war. Great Uncle Ralph Henderson was at Turner Field, Georgia with the USAAF in the final days of his pilot training under the Arnold Scheme. I often wonder how they all found out, and how the mood changed that day...
Reposted by Bill Dawson
4th December 2025.
1/2: Deliveries from home were a god send for soldiers, a letter, parcel of food, socks or cigarettes.
Writing from France in 1918, Sgt Sam Avery U.S. 32nd Div thanked his sister for a gift that had made its way across the Atlantic:
“Your parcel saved the day.”
1/2: Deliveries from home were a god send for soldiers, a letter, parcel of food, socks or cigarettes.
Writing from France in 1918, Sgt Sam Avery U.S. 32nd Div thanked his sister for a gift that had made its way across the Atlantic:
“Your parcel saved the day.”
December 4, 2025 at 9:29 AM
4th December 2025.
1/2: Deliveries from home were a god send for soldiers, a letter, parcel of food, socks or cigarettes.
Writing from France in 1918, Sgt Sam Avery U.S. 32nd Div thanked his sister for a gift that had made its way across the Atlantic:
“Your parcel saved the day.”
1/2: Deliveries from home were a god send for soldiers, a letter, parcel of food, socks or cigarettes.
Writing from France in 1918, Sgt Sam Avery U.S. 32nd Div thanked his sister for a gift that had made its way across the Atlantic:
“Your parcel saved the day.”
Remembering today P/O Ralph Henderson DFM RAFVR and his crew, lost on this overnight 22/23 November 1943. Always remembered for their ultimate sacrifice whilst doing their duty...
November 23, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Remembering today P/O Ralph Henderson DFM RAFVR and his crew, lost on this overnight 22/23 November 1943. Always remembered for their ultimate sacrifice whilst doing their duty...
Reposted by Bill Dawson
When SGWT began, I imagined we’d simply be a licensed travel company, organising tours to battlefields. Over time, we’ve become something much deeper: a place for families to connect, discover & honour their own stories. Read more about our work here: tinyurl.com/5n7xbs7c
Bespoke Tours to the First & Second World War Battlefields
When I first started Sophie’s Great War Tours, I imagined we would simply be a travel company, organising journeys to the First World War battlefields and sharing the history with care. My aim was to ...
tinyurl.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:19 AM
When SGWT began, I imagined we’d simply be a licensed travel company, organising tours to battlefields. Over time, we’ve become something much deeper: a place for families to connect, discover & honour their own stories. Read more about our work here: tinyurl.com/5n7xbs7c
Remembrance for me is about storytelling and keeping the memories alive of those who gave their all in the service of our country. Some of my family remembered today...
November 11, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Remembrance for me is about storytelling and keeping the memories alive of those who gave their all in the service of our country. Some of my family remembered today...
@societyarmy.bsky.social @lmbd1418.bsky.social Brilliant talk last night Lucy thank you - I learnt a great deal and am now very much looking forward to reading your book! I also now need to find out who was operating the Landing Craft - RN, RM or Army!
October 22, 2025 at 9:22 AM
@societyarmy.bsky.social @lmbd1418.bsky.social Brilliant talk last night Lucy thank you - I learnt a great deal and am now very much looking forward to reading your book! I also now need to find out who was operating the Landing Craft - RN, RM or Army!
www.cwgc.org/our-work/sus...
This is important! No solutions yet, but good understanding of the cause, and on the hunt for a long-term, sustainable and ecologically friendly answer...
This is important! No solutions yet, but good understanding of the cause, and on the hunt for a long-term, sustainable and ecologically friendly answer...
www.cwgc.org
August 20, 2025 at 3:32 PM
www.cwgc.org/our-work/sus...
This is important! No solutions yet, but good understanding of the cause, and on the hunt for a long-term, sustainable and ecologically friendly answer...
This is important! No solutions yet, but good understanding of the cause, and on the hunt for a long-term, sustainable and ecologically friendly answer...
I know it is VJ day, but in 1940 the Battle of Britain was raging. Some local history - on 15 Aug 1940, two Junkers Ju-88 aircraft were shot down in a field barely half a mile away from us, and only 5 minutes apart... ½
www.ropleyhistory.org.uk/village-hist...
www.ropleyhistory.org.uk/village-hist...
Luftwaffe Bomber Crash in West Tisted August 1940
The 15th August 1940 was a very busy evening during the Blitz and, on a sortie to bomb RAF airfields ...
www.ropleyhistory.org.uk
August 15, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I know it is VJ day, but in 1940 the Battle of Britain was raging. Some local history - on 15 Aug 1940, two Junkers Ju-88 aircraft were shot down in a field barely half a mile away from us, and only 5 minutes apart... ½
www.ropleyhistory.org.uk/village-hist...
www.ropleyhistory.org.uk/village-hist...
Reposted by Bill Dawson
I am so proud to be a Burma Star Memorial Fund scholar & ambassador, because they work tirelessly to commemorate & educate on the war in the Far East 365 days a year, not just on #VJDay. Please take some time today to learn a little more about their work & archive
burmastarmemorial.org
burmastarmemorial.org
August 15, 2025 at 8:27 AM
I am so proud to be a Burma Star Memorial Fund scholar & ambassador, because they work tirelessly to commemorate & educate on the war in the Far East 365 days a year, not just on #VJDay. Please take some time today to learn a little more about their work & archive
burmastarmemorial.org
burmastarmemorial.org
Celebrating Falkland Islands Day, remembering our many happy years living and working on the Islands, and of course thinking of our many Falkland friends on-Island and around the world on their adventures!
August 14, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Celebrating Falkland Islands Day, remembering our many happy years living and working on the Islands, and of course thinking of our many Falkland friends on-Island and around the world on their adventures!
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Today marks the 110th Anniversary of the 1/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment going into action at Kuchuk Anafarta Ova & it's the subject of my next book which is out in November #WW1 #Norfolk #Gallipoli #history
August 12, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Today marks the 110th Anniversary of the 1/5th Battalion Norfolk Regiment going into action at Kuchuk Anafarta Ova & it's the subject of my next book which is out in November #WW1 #Norfolk #Gallipoli #history
Any Indian Army / Burma experts out there? I'm trying to track down the Mention-in-Dispatches & Citation for Conductor Walter Horace Swift, Indian Corps of Clerks, serving with HQ 71st Indian Infantry Bde during the Arakan Campaign Feb-Sep 43, then Chittagong Oct-Dec 43.. Thanks in advance!
July 13, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Any Indian Army / Burma experts out there? I'm trying to track down the Mention-in-Dispatches & Citation for Conductor Walter Horace Swift, Indian Corps of Clerks, serving with HQ 71st Indian Infantry Bde during the Arakan Campaign Feb-Sep 43, then Chittagong Oct-Dec 43.. Thanks in advance!
Reposted by Bill Dawson
I am in France to help raise some money in the fight against Prostate Cancer. We follow the route of the Tour de France Grand Depart. 115miles. Wish me luck, I am not well prepared in terms of miles in the saddle but I will get it done! Please help PCUK if you can www.justgiving.com/page/tony-lo...
June 27, 2025 at 6:56 AM
I am in France to help raise some money in the fight against Prostate Cancer. We follow the route of the Tour de France Grand Depart. 115miles. Wish me luck, I am not well prepared in terms of miles in the saddle but I will get it done! Please help PCUK if you can www.justgiving.com/page/tony-lo...
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Access up to 25% off thousands of hotels worldwide, until the end of October!
Whether you're dreaming of exploring a new city, want a beach resort escape or something entirely unique,
get in touch to see what we can secure for you.
📩[email protected]
Whether you're dreaming of exploring a new city, want a beach resort escape or something entirely unique,
get in touch to see what we can secure for you.
📩[email protected]
June 25, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Access up to 25% off thousands of hotels worldwide, until the end of October!
Whether you're dreaming of exploring a new city, want a beach resort escape or something entirely unique,
get in touch to see what we can secure for you.
📩[email protected]
Whether you're dreaming of exploring a new city, want a beach resort escape or something entirely unique,
get in touch to see what we can secure for you.
📩[email protected]
Reposted by Bill Dawson
💥CHALLENGE TIME: Can I beat your hotel prices?
Have you got a trip coming up?
Are you searching for hotel deals online?
As a travel agent, I have access to travel agent only rates & I pass those savings directly to YOU.
⬇️
Have you got a trip coming up?
Are you searching for hotel deals online?
As a travel agent, I have access to travel agent only rates & I pass those savings directly to YOU.
⬇️
June 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
💥CHALLENGE TIME: Can I beat your hotel prices?
Have you got a trip coming up?
Are you searching for hotel deals online?
As a travel agent, I have access to travel agent only rates & I pass those savings directly to YOU.
⬇️
Have you got a trip coming up?
Are you searching for hotel deals online?
As a travel agent, I have access to travel agent only rates & I pass those savings directly to YOU.
⬇️
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Today is the final day to grab a 20% discount on anything in my online shop and to get your name in the metaphorical hat to win a print of your choice.
Why not take a look?
#ww1 #ww2 #illustration
Why not take a look?
#ww1 #ww2 #illustration
It’s my birthday tomorrow so from now until Monday you can get 20% off across all my originals and prints with the code BIRTHDAY25
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
June 23, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Today is the final day to grab a 20% discount on anything in my online shop and to get your name in the metaphorical hat to win a print of your choice.
Why not take a look?
#ww1 #ww2 #illustration
Why not take a look?
#ww1 #ww2 #illustration
Reposted by Bill Dawson
This offer and the competition runs until Monday. Why not take a look to see if there is something that takes your fancy?
It’s my birthday tomorrow so from now until Monday you can get 20% off across all my originals and prints with the code BIRTHDAY25
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
June 21, 2025 at 4:29 PM
This offer and the competition runs until Monday. Why not take a look to see if there is something that takes your fancy?
Reposted by Bill Dawson
One of our expert guides is taking history into the classroom with a Zoom lecture on the Battle of the Somme. We’re proud to support schools by bringing the stories, sacrifices, & lessons of the #FWW directly to young learners, making the past personal, powerful, & unforgettable.
June 20, 2025 at 12:31 PM
One of our expert guides is taking history into the classroom with a Zoom lecture on the Battle of the Somme. We’re proud to support schools by bringing the stories, sacrifices, & lessons of the #FWW directly to young learners, making the past personal, powerful, & unforgettable.
Reposted by Bill Dawson
It’s my birthday tomorrow so from now until Monday you can get 20% off across all my originals and prints with the code BIRTHDAY25
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
June 20, 2025 at 9:10 AM
It’s my birthday tomorrow so from now until Monday you can get 20% off across all my originals and prints with the code BIRTHDAY25
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
Like & share this post to have a chance to win a print of your choice.
You can find all available works here: timgodden.co.uk/shop
#ww1 #ww2
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Our next tour is out today. SGWT expert Romain, is taking a British couple around Normandy for two days, following in the footsteps of our guests father who landed on Gold Beach.
#2WW
#2WW
June 13, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Our next tour is out today. SGWT expert Romain, is taking a British couple around Normandy for two days, following in the footsteps of our guests father who landed on Gold Beach.
#2WW
#2WW
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months...
stevesmith1944.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/p...
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months...
stevesmith1944.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/p...
Private 6206710 John Francis T Caudwell
D-Day 75 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment 6th and 7th June 1944 The Bn took up old positions on ROVER and after checking, the casualties were found to be 40-50…’ From the war diary of the 1/R.N…
stevesmith1944.wordpress.com
June 6, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months...
stevesmith1944.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/p...
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months...
stevesmith1944.wordpress.com/2019/06/06/p...
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Another successful tour through Verdun completed with 3 American guests who were quiet at the end. Verdun leaves people that way. The silence there isn’t empty, it forces you to think deeply about everything you thought you knew about the 1WW. It's a heavy place.
May 29, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Another successful tour through Verdun completed with 3 American guests who were quiet at the end. Verdun leaves people that way. The silence there isn’t empty, it forces you to think deeply about everything you thought you knew about the 1WW. It's a heavy place.
Reposted by Bill Dawson
Our next tour is out today. We're honoured to support a journalist on a journey to the battlefields of the Somme & Ypres, seeking not only to walk the ground where history unfolded but to connect with the stories of the countless men who gave their lives there.
#wewillrememberthem
#wewillrememberthem
May 2, 2025 at 7:40 AM
Our next tour is out today. We're honoured to support a journalist on a journey to the battlefields of the Somme & Ypres, seeking not only to walk the ground where history unfolded but to connect with the stories of the countless men who gave their lives there.
#wewillrememberthem
#wewillrememberthem