This site is dedicated to the men and events of the British Empire 1860-1913. This was the Empire at its most dynamic…Extending the borders across the globe. It was a time of the Great game in Asia and the scramble for Africa and British explorers entered the dark interior of Africa.
I’m looking to post blog posts, pictures, news items and book reviews. If anyone would like to contribute articles, book reviews or pictures please drop me an Email at nickbritten1974@gmail.com.
The title of this blog is taken from a 19th century Farsi saying. Anywhere in the world, where a leaf moves, underneath you will find an Englishman.
This is also the title of a great book that I will be reviewing shortly.
Hope you enjoy the site.
Under Every Leaf. 
Sirs,
may I point out that the photograph of ‘Scheiss’ in the Rorke’s Drift article is in fact a picture of Alan Richard Hill (later Hill-Walker), who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Battle of Laing’s Nek, 1st Boer War, 28th January 1881, whilst serving in the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment.
In the photograph Hill is wearing the uniform of a Captain in the 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment.
There is no confirmed photograph of Scheiss. http://www.rorkesdriftvc.com/vc/schiess.htm
Interesting article on Flt Lt SM Kinkead, but tending to repeat much of the ‘mis-information’ of the day, possibly for dramatic effect.
Notable errors : Calshot never was an ‘aerodrome’ (grass airfield). Calshot was an AIr Station for sea planes and flying baots. Kinkead – like all other seaplane & flying boat pilots, did not ‘land’ on the water. He alighted his aircraft.
Kinkead’s crash occurred at the start of the final run – fifth lap, if you prefer, not at the commencement of the first run.
Pity you didn’t read Julian Lewis’s very well researched biography ‘Racing Ace’ – but there is still time.
If I appear pedantic or ‘nit-picky’ its because I believe that if a story deserves to be told, it deserves to be accurate for educational purposes.
You must be so much fun at Parties Colin!
Given that it was in fact Kinkead’s first timed run of the day, and given that the article doesn’t say anything about the number of runs anyway, it seems a pity you haven’t read Lewis’ book. Hurry to a bookshop – there’s still time.
If I appear pedantic or nitpicky, it’s only because I can’t stand seeing people pick miniature holes in an otherwise fine piece just so they can have something to say.
Cheers, Stephen.