Writer Ben

06/06/2026

To the last round!

On 6 June 1942 the Battle of Knightsbridge Box, part of the wider Battle of Gazala, ended, and with it the near complete annihilation of the 107th Regt RHA, South Nottinghamshire Hussars. Fighting against incessant German and Italian armour assaults, the men of the South Notts did not shy away from their duty.

The firing of the last round by Ray Ellis, who would spend the remainder of the war as a POW, was captured by Terrance Cuneo.

Cuneo's original painting, commissioned by the South Nottinghamshire Hussars, can be seen at the Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum, Thorseby Park, Nottinghamshire.

The few survivors would go on to form the 150 Regt RHA, South Nottinghamshire Hussars.

05/06/2026

What is that?!?! Yes the scourge of awful AI generated imagery has leached through to contemporary military interest pages on social media..but where's it coming from and who's putting it out there? If one there was an multiple discipline historian to ask. But wait... There is!

05/06/2026

Another a great website, The Reflection & Remembrance Society shares some great imagery from the archives of the 17/21 Lancers as well as more contemporary images, including the restoration work of Baldrick.

Baldrick is a Mk13 Centurion currently being restored at The Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum at Thorseby Park,.Notts. the RLNY Museum is home to the National collection the Royal Lancers and well worth a visit.

03/06/2026

If you're on Instagram do give my friends at Aviation for Recreation a follow, some cracking AV Geek content to be found.

61 Followers, 179 Following, 99 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Aviation for Recreation ()

01/06/2026

Who wears bearskin caps and what's their origin?

30/05/2026

In a couple of weeks time Trooping the Colour will take place. Do you want to know more about the history, personalities, pageantry and soldiers (and horses) behind the most famous military parade in the world? Then check out Trooping the Colour and A Photographic History of London's Ceremonial Regiments are available to buy at  

25/05/2026

A week's pause before the final proof read of my next title for . North Yorkshire certainly has some cracking Active User friendly trails that test me and the Uber Krakenwagen (cross-country wheelchair). Years of rugby really are paying dividends.

23/05/2026

You have to agree this is a thumping good shot by Aviation for Recreation

One of our best ever shots! (In our opinion.) Lancaster and Spitfire at Imperial War Museum Duxford’s Battle of Britain Airshow 2023. 🇬🇧

22/05/2026

A gaggle of historians; Ben Skipper, Pete Blanchard, Dr Jonny Briggs and Dr Phil Blood, at the Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum, Thoresby Park, Notts. Our recent visit to this hidden gem in Sherwood Forest was a great success. We discussed the importance of military museums and expanded on previously embryonic ideas and enjoyed a moment or two at the conveniently sited Tucks Brewery. Stay tuned, the Future is looking bright and exciting.

19/05/2026

In my day we had a dictionary, thesaurus and creativity.

Ai is not the salve many are claiming it to be.