Jim Smithson
@jimsmithson.bsky.social
Military historian. Great War Group Trustee. Written a couple of Great War books plus articles. Francophile, but also lived 30+ years in Germany so pretty European in outlook.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
A last look at the uncovering Roman Carlisle trenches as the dig ended today. After recording the #archaeology will be backfilled to preserve it #HadriansWall #History
November 10, 2025 at 12:04 AM
A last look at the uncovering Roman Carlisle trenches as the dig ended today. After recording the #archaeology will be backfilled to preserve it #HadriansWall #History
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Sitting in a graveyard, waiting to see if the light will shift so I can get a good photo of Seeth Andrews’ gravestone. Due to trees, buildings, and weather, there is a 10-minute window on late autumn days if it’s not cloudy.
November 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Sitting in a graveyard, waiting to see if the light will shift so I can get a good photo of Seeth Andrews’ gravestone. Due to trees, buildings, and weather, there is a 10-minute window on late autumn days if it’s not cloudy.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Jim Watson's death has predictably triggered a mass of 'wronged heroine Rosalind Franklin', esp on Bsky. This excellent piece by Crick's & Watson's biographers looks back at the actual evidence to give something much more like the story as those who were around in science at the time understood it.
www.nature.com/articles/d41... Another take on it here with more recent research.
What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of DNA’s structure
Franklin was no victim in how the DNA double helix was solved. An overlooked letter and an unpublished news article, both written in 1953, reveal that she was an equal player.
www.nature.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Jim Watson's death has predictably triggered a mass of 'wronged heroine Rosalind Franklin', esp on Bsky. This excellent piece by Crick's & Watson's biographers looks back at the actual evidence to give something much more like the story as those who were around in science at the time understood it.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
The most incredible library in the world, @bodleian.ox.ac.uk opened to OTD 1602, through the energy, money & commitment of Sir Thomas Bodley. It began with 5k books, & now more than 22m, with 2m+reader visits a year, & multi-million online users across the globe. Privilged to be its 25th librarian!
November 8, 2025 at 7:20 AM
The most incredible library in the world, @bodleian.ox.ac.uk opened to OTD 1602, through the energy, money & commitment of Sir Thomas Bodley. It began with 5k books, & now more than 22m, with 2m+reader visits a year, & multi-million online users across the globe. Privilged to be its 25th librarian!
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Friends of Wardsend Cemetery invite you to join us for our Remembrance Service on 11th November.
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
November 8, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Friends of Wardsend Cemetery invite you to join us for our Remembrance Service on 11th November.
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Reposted by Jim Smithson
There is still so much work to do in making slavery and the slave trade a widely known and acknowledged part of the history of places that have minimized those links in the past.
Slavery and colonial trail to be launched in Glasgow www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Slavery and colonial trail to be launched in Glasgow
The trail aims to ensure the city's role in the slave trade continues to be
www.bbc.co.uk
November 7, 2025 at 3:58 PM
There is still so much work to do in making slavery and the slave trade a widely known and acknowledged part of the history of places that have minimized those links in the past.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
This is very much following the conservative trends in the US and, once again, I beg the UK not to try to be like the US.
Dominic Cummings has this racialised take on David Lammy
There is an increasingly prevalent kneejerk online rightwing trait to call the presence of any black or Asian person a diversity hire
There is an increasingly prevalent kneejerk online rightwing trait to call the presence of any black or Asian person a diversity hire
November 7, 2025 at 8:55 AM
This is very much following the conservative trends in the US and, once again, I beg the UK not to try to be like the US.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
7 November 1906 | A Frenchman, Charles Bonnel, was born in Paris.
In #Auschwitz from 8 July 1942.
No. 45273
He perished in the camp on 12 August 1942.
In #Auschwitz from 8 July 1942.
No. 45273
He perished in the camp on 12 August 1942.
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
7 November 1906 | A Frenchman, Charles Bonnel, was born in Paris.
In #Auschwitz from 8 July 1942.
No. 45273
He perished in the camp on 12 August 1942.
In #Auschwitz from 8 July 1942.
No. 45273
He perished in the camp on 12 August 1942.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
6 November 1907 | A Polish Jew, Abraham Schanzer, was born in Muszyna. A salesman.
In #Auschwitz from 12 December 1941.
No. 24344
He perished in the camp on 21 January 1942.
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Online lesson about Jewish prisoners at KL Auschwitz: https://lekcja.auschwitz.org/29_zydzi_en/
In #Auschwitz from 12 December 1941.
No. 24344
He perished in the camp on 21 January 1942.
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Online lesson about Jewish prisoners at KL Auschwitz: https://lekcja.auschwitz.org/29_zydzi_en/
November 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
6 November 1907 | A Polish Jew, Abraham Schanzer, was born in Muszyna. A salesman.
In #Auschwitz from 12 December 1941.
No. 24344
He perished in the camp on 21 January 1942.
---
Online lesson about Jewish prisoners at KL Auschwitz: https://lekcja.auschwitz.org/29_zydzi_en/
In #Auschwitz from 12 December 1941.
No. 24344
He perished in the camp on 21 January 1942.
---
Online lesson about Jewish prisoners at KL Auschwitz: https://lekcja.auschwitz.org/29_zydzi_en/
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Wonder why this scene looks so familiar...
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
November 5, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Wonder why this scene looks so familiar...
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
#WildlifeWednesday 🐦🐕
Reposted by Jim Smithson
In 2020, forty years after the CWGC memorials were removed, in a joint project with Wates Living Space, Victoria Cross Trust and the Royal British Legion, the Friends of Wardsend Cemetery found and marked the 16 graves with wooden crosses inspired by the temporary markers widely used in WW1.
November 5, 2025 at 7:40 AM
In 2020, forty years after the CWGC memorials were removed, in a joint project with Wates Living Space, Victoria Cross Trust and the Royal British Legion, the Friends of Wardsend Cemetery found and marked the 16 graves with wooden crosses inspired by the temporary markers widely used in WW1.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
A voir, le 11 novembre sur France 2, le documentaire : "1914-1918, le trésor oublié d'Antoinette et Louis". 4.000 plaques photographiques, de soldats alliés, datant de 1914-1918 retrouvées dans une ferme Thuillier à Vignacourt dans la Somme.
#photographie #1GM #généalogie #Somme #Vignacourt
#photographie #1GM #généalogie #Somme #Vignacourt
November 5, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Savannah by British Marine artist John Stobart.
Stobart is best known for his 19th century harbour scenes, many of American ports at night.
#MaritimeArt #Tallships #Ageofsail
Stobart is best known for his 19th century harbour scenes, many of American ports at night.
#MaritimeArt #Tallships #Ageofsail
November 4, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Savannah by British Marine artist John Stobart.
Stobart is best known for his 19th century harbour scenes, many of American ports at night.
#MaritimeArt #Tallships #Ageofsail
Stobart is best known for his 19th century harbour scenes, many of American ports at night.
#MaritimeArt #Tallships #Ageofsail
Reposted by Jim Smithson
What, precisely, is poignant about that?
Burntwood park decorated ahead of Remembrance Sunday
Burntwood park decorated ahead of Remembrance Sunday - Lichfield Live®
A park in Burntwood has been decorated with a "poignant display" ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
lichfieldlive.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 11:17 AM
What, precisely, is poignant about that?
Reposted by Jim Smithson
4 November 1880 | A Pole, Jan Kiełek, was born in Małyszyn. A worker.
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24017
He perished in the camp on 10 February 1942.
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Online lesson "Poles at KL Auschwitz”: http://lekcja.auschwitz.org/en_2020_06_polacy/
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24017
He perished in the camp on 10 February 1942.
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Online lesson "Poles at KL Auschwitz”: http://lekcja.auschwitz.org/en_2020_06_polacy/
November 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
4 November 1880 | A Pole, Jan Kiełek, was born in Małyszyn. A worker.
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24017
He perished in the camp on 10 February 1942.
---
Online lesson "Poles at KL Auschwitz”: http://lekcja.auschwitz.org/en_2020_06_polacy/
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24017
He perished in the camp on 10 February 1942.
---
Online lesson "Poles at KL Auschwitz”: http://lekcja.auschwitz.org/en_2020_06_polacy/
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Here’s a few of our #Oakworth #Remembrance Trail information boards about local men who died in the First and Second World Wars, placed near to their former homes during the Remembrance period. They will be up until the end of November.
More here: www.menofworth.org.uk/trail
#FWW #SWW #WW1 #WW2
More here: www.menofworth.org.uk/trail
#FWW #SWW #WW1 #WW2
November 4, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Here’s a few of our #Oakworth #Remembrance Trail information boards about local men who died in the First and Second World Wars, placed near to their former homes during the Remembrance period. They will be up until the end of November.
More here: www.menofworth.org.uk/trail
#FWW #SWW #WW1 #WW2
More here: www.menofworth.org.uk/trail
#FWW #SWW #WW1 #WW2
Reposted by Jim Smithson
#OTD 1918 The last major action for British forces in the Great War: the Battle of the Sambre #ww1 #genealogy Here's a snapshot of one part of the battle: see www.longlongtrail.co.uk/the-liberati...
The liberation of Landrecies - The Long, Long Trail
My first ever visit to this part of France was in 1991. I had been on a business trip to Brussels and […]
www.longlongtrail.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 7:24 AM
#OTD 1918 The last major action for British forces in the Great War: the Battle of the Sambre #ww1 #genealogy Here's a snapshot of one part of the battle: see www.longlongtrail.co.uk/the-liberati...
Reposted by Jim Smithson
3 November 1937 | Dutch Jewish boy, Max Beem, was born in Amsterdam.
He was deported to #Auschwitz from #Westerbork in October 1942. He was murdered in a gas chamber after the arrival selection.
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The first two gas chambers created near Auschwitz II-Birkenau: https://youtu.be/Rr6lF75fDmU
He was deported to #Auschwitz from #Westerbork in October 1942. He was murdered in a gas chamber after the arrival selection.
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The first two gas chambers created near Auschwitz II-Birkenau: https://youtu.be/Rr6lF75fDmU
November 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM
3 November 1937 | Dutch Jewish boy, Max Beem, was born in Amsterdam.
He was deported to #Auschwitz from #Westerbork in October 1942. He was murdered in a gas chamber after the arrival selection.
---
The first two gas chambers created near Auschwitz II-Birkenau: https://youtu.be/Rr6lF75fDmU
He was deported to #Auschwitz from #Westerbork in October 1942. He was murdered in a gas chamber after the arrival selection.
---
The first two gas chambers created near Auschwitz II-Birkenau: https://youtu.be/Rr6lF75fDmU
Reposted by Jim Smithson
We joined @theriverstrust.bsky.social's Big River Watch and @earthwatcheurope.bsky.social's Great UK WaterBlitz for a day of citizen science and nature connection on the River Bure and at Holnicote last month.
This has been made possible thanks to backing from the #SpeciesSurvivalFund...
This has been made possible thanks to backing from the #SpeciesSurvivalFund...
November 3, 2025 at 9:15 AM
We joined @theriverstrust.bsky.social's Big River Watch and @earthwatcheurope.bsky.social's Great UK WaterBlitz for a day of citizen science and nature connection on the River Bure and at Holnicote last month.
This has been made possible thanks to backing from the #SpeciesSurvivalFund...
This has been made possible thanks to backing from the #SpeciesSurvivalFund...
Reposted by Jim Smithson
This is grim, underfunded National Park passing the misery onto a local charity helping to share the history of the National Park. So few European countries would be anywhere as desperate as this in the management of their most treasured landscapes.
Museum at Castleton Visitor Centre in the Peak District, Derbyshire, is to close after 20 years. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Castleton museum announces closure in December
The museum will no longer be able to use a space it occupies at Castleton Visitor Centre.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM
This is grim, underfunded National Park passing the misery onto a local charity helping to share the history of the National Park. So few European countries would be anywhere as desperate as this in the management of their most treasured landscapes.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
2 November 1920 | A Pole, Czesław Gil, was born in Jarosław.
He was deported to #Auschwitz from Tarnów on 14 June 1940 in the first transport of Poles to the camp.
No. 32
He perished in the camp on 10 May 1943.
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Video about the first transport of Poles to Auschwitz: https://youtu.be/kKOZLEUo2QM
He was deported to #Auschwitz from Tarnów on 14 June 1940 in the first transport of Poles to the camp.
No. 32
He perished in the camp on 10 May 1943.
---
Video about the first transport of Poles to Auschwitz: https://youtu.be/kKOZLEUo2QM
November 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
2 November 1920 | A Pole, Czesław Gil, was born in Jarosław.
He was deported to #Auschwitz from Tarnów on 14 June 1940 in the first transport of Poles to the camp.
No. 32
He perished in the camp on 10 May 1943.
---
Video about the first transport of Poles to Auschwitz: https://youtu.be/kKOZLEUo2QM
He was deported to #Auschwitz from Tarnów on 14 June 1940 in the first transport of Poles to the camp.
No. 32
He perished in the camp on 10 May 1943.
---
Video about the first transport of Poles to Auschwitz: https://youtu.be/kKOZLEUo2QM
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Every far-right riot and protest that was tolerated, every racist dog whistle from public reps, every bit of hate and misinformation allowed to spread by social media companies, all led to this moment in Drogheda last night where someone felt emboldened enough to try to burn children alive.
November 1, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Every far-right riot and protest that was tolerated, every racist dog whistle from public reps, every bit of hate and misinformation allowed to spread by social media companies, all led to this moment in Drogheda last night where someone felt emboldened enough to try to burn children alive.
Reposted by Jim Smithson
31 October 1918 | Mikhail Volkov was born. A Soviet army soldier.
In #Auschwitz from October 1941.
No. R-1801
He perished in the camp on 25 November 1941.
---
Learn about some 15,000 Soviet POWs deported to Auschwitz. Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Y3dmCI5_E
In #Auschwitz from October 1941.
No. R-1801
He perished in the camp on 25 November 1941.
---
Learn about some 15,000 Soviet POWs deported to Auschwitz. Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Y3dmCI5_E
October 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM
31 October 1918 | Mikhail Volkov was born. A Soviet army soldier.
In #Auschwitz from October 1941.
No. R-1801
He perished in the camp on 25 November 1941.
---
Learn about some 15,000 Soviet POWs deported to Auschwitz. Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Y3dmCI5_E
In #Auschwitz from October 1941.
No. R-1801
He perished in the camp on 25 November 1941.
---
Learn about some 15,000 Soviet POWs deported to Auschwitz. Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3Y3dmCI5_E
Reposted by Jim Smithson
Friends of Wardsend Cemetery invite you to join us for our Remembrance Service on 11th November.
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
October 30, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Friends of Wardsend Cemetery invite you to join us for our Remembrance Service on 11th November.
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Meghan Tipping (Rooted in Talk) has been working with Year 9 students from Parkwood Academy to develop, and participate in, the order of service.
Tuesday 11th November
10.30am for a 10.45am start
Reposted by Jim Smithson
28 October 1912 | A Pole, Franciszek Liberek, was born in Wojsławice. A farmer.
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24098
He perished in the camp on 15 March 1942.
---
A podcast about registration photos: https://youtu.be/c2l9hDA5MZc
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24098
He perished in the camp on 15 March 1942.
---
A podcast about registration photos: https://youtu.be/c2l9hDA5MZc
October 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM
28 October 1912 | A Pole, Franciszek Liberek, was born in Wojsławice. A farmer.
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24098
He perished in the camp on 15 March 1942.
---
A podcast about registration photos: https://youtu.be/c2l9hDA5MZc
In #Auschwitz from 11 December 1941.
No. 24098
He perished in the camp on 15 March 1942.
---
A podcast about registration photos: https://youtu.be/c2l9hDA5MZc