Jojohook2003
@jojohook.bsky.social
Professional Battlefield Guide & Military Historian WW1/WW2 Op MG, WF - MA WW1. Presentations & podcasts. Dad designed Quality Street tins & drew maps in WW2
The last night of my last tour was spent watching the incredible son et lumiere which, this year is played out every night from mid July to September. Even if you have only one night in Amiens this incredible light and sound show is well worth a watch
July 24, 2025 at 8:15 AM
The last night of my last tour was spent watching the incredible son et lumiere which, this year is played out every night from mid July to September. Even if you have only one night in Amiens this incredible light and sound show is well worth a watch
Amiens cathedral - enjoying the son et lumiere with my small group of Australians. Personally I think for anyone spending a few nights in Amiens (or even one) this is a must. It takes place this year from 20 July through to September and is spectacular
July 24, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Amiens cathedral - enjoying the son et lumiere with my small group of Australians. Personally I think for anyone spending a few nights in Amiens (or even one) this is a must. It takes place this year from 20 July through to September and is spectacular
Village life in Norfolk bliss
July 12, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Village life in Norfolk bliss
Norman Lancaster. A Yorkshireman and not very long married - I wonder if he ever saw his child. He was killed at Best 22.09.44 & is commemorated on the memorial there. @edwinpopken did a massive amount of research (freely) to add all names to memorial. Norman’s was one of them.
July 9, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Norman Lancaster. A Yorkshireman and not very long married - I wonder if he ever saw his child. He was killed at Best 22.09.44 & is commemorated on the memorial there. @edwinpopken did a massive amount of research (freely) to add all names to memorial. Norman’s was one of them.
For the past two days @edwinpopken.bsky.social and I have delved into the US experience WW1. We have spent most of our time getting soaking wet but it was all worth it for the tangible evidence which abounds in the Meuse Argonne. More research needed we have only touched the surface
July 7, 2025 at 4:26 PM
For the past two days @edwinpopken.bsky.social and I have delved into the US experience WW1. We have spent most of our time getting soaking wet but it was all worth it for the tangible evidence which abounds in the Meuse Argonne. More research needed we have only touched the surface
It’s another beautiful day. I don’t think I can honestly remember such a continuous period of sunshine. It was lovely seeing friends last night and my fab friend @flandersbtour.bsky.social After a super 2 days in Ypres today starts with an impromptu stop at Ploegsteert Wood before heading south
July 4, 2025 at 8:07 AM
It’s another beautiful day. I don’t think I can honestly remember such a continuous period of sunshine. It was lovely seeing friends last night and my fab friend @flandersbtour.bsky.social After a super 2 days in Ypres today starts with an impromptu stop at Ploegsteert Wood before heading south
This mornings walk and I had a bit of a Mexican stand off with this lovely deer. Off he went into the wheat to hide. Well he would never pass an escape and evasion course as his ears were still sticking out of the wheat crop.
June 27, 2025 at 12:12 PM
This mornings walk and I had a bit of a Mexican stand off with this lovely deer. Off he went into the wheat to hide. Well he would never pass an escape and evasion course as his ears were still sticking out of the wheat crop.
A super day at the Gallipoli conference. Superb speakers. I caught up with some great friends during the breaks and who could ask for a better venue than Great War Huts. An added bonus was the sun shone and cake in the afternoon was delicious
June 15, 2025 at 3:43 AM
A super day at the Gallipoli conference. Superb speakers. I caught up with some great friends during the breaks and who could ask for a better venue than Great War Huts. An added bonus was the sun shone and cake in the afternoon was delicious
This small little memorial is on the building where some of the first French Resistance networks were formed. On 11 November 1940 (note date) a large body of students demonstrated against the Nazis. It is not far from Arc de Triomphe where unknown warrior for France is buried
June 7, 2025 at 8:53 AM
This small little memorial is on the building where some of the first French Resistance networks were formed. On 11 November 1940 (note date) a large body of students demonstrated against the Nazis. It is not far from Arc de Triomphe where unknown warrior for France is buried
Thirty one years ago this little book accompanied me to Normandy. It was a Holts special anniversary edition. Back then veterans were in much better health & those I met I asked to sign my book. Silly really, but today it is a treasured possession - I did the same for Arnhem
June 6, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Thirty one years ago this little book accompanied me to Normandy. It was a Holts special anniversary edition. Back then veterans were in much better health & those I met I asked to sign my book. Silly really, but today it is a treasured possession - I did the same for Arnhem
Research today for tour departing end of week. Tragic words from a bereaved mother in a letter to the authorities: “Oh who can tell what these things mean to a broken hearted mother”
June 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Research today for tour departing end of week. Tragic words from a bereaved mother in a letter to the authorities: “Oh who can tell what these things mean to a broken hearted mother”
Home today & tidying up. Because the house mysteriously gets dirty while you are away. Dunkirk the Last Battle - this newspaper is now nearly 84 yrs old - dated 5 June 1940 it is a brilliant primary source doc covering final days of Dunkirk. As they say from the horses mouth.
May 30, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Home today & tidying up. Because the house mysteriously gets dirty while you are away. Dunkirk the Last Battle - this newspaper is now nearly 84 yrs old - dated 5 June 1940 it is a brilliant primary source doc covering final days of Dunkirk. As they say from the horses mouth.
Cloud formations at Le Hamel this morning - what a vista
May 28, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Cloud formations at Le Hamel this morning - what a vista
Just at home from a fab tour. On board was grandson of Harry Murray, AIF’s most decorated soldier. Harry’s grandson, Don, added snippets of his grandpa’s stories as told to him all of which made a truly memorable tour. Getting Harry’s grandson to Stormy Trench was icing on cake
May 23, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Just at home from a fab tour. On board was grandson of Harry Murray, AIF’s most decorated soldier. Harry’s grandson, Don, added snippets of his grandpa’s stories as told to him all of which made a truly memorable tour. Getting Harry’s grandson to Stormy Trench was icing on cake
An Another sunny morning on the WF. Today a walk to Blauwepoort Farm Cemetery a stunningly beautiful cemetery that I have not been to before. Said hallo to a lone cow on guard by an old British bunker before starting day heading south with 21 passengers - onwards to Bullecourt
May 20, 2025 at 8:05 AM
An Another sunny morning on the WF. Today a walk to Blauwepoort Farm Cemetery a stunningly beautiful cemetery that I have not been to before. Said hallo to a lone cow on guard by an old British bunker before starting day heading south with 21 passengers - onwards to Bullecourt
Another day started off with low lying mist which always gives the land that ethereal quality. 6kms covered this morning with a return via ramparts. Walls that have withstood the test of time. Today, Major Duck as forward observation officer keeping guard across the moat
May 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Another day started off with low lying mist which always gives the land that ethereal quality. 6kms covered this morning with a return via ramparts. Walls that have withstood the test of time. Today, Major Duck as forward observation officer keeping guard across the moat
Walking in Paris this morning another beautiful morning but sadly came across this little memorial in remembrance of Jewish schoolchildren who attended this school and from here were deported to the concentration camps - it took the sun out of my morning a bit
May 18, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Walking in Paris this morning another beautiful morning but sadly came across this little memorial in remembrance of Jewish schoolchildren who attended this school and from here were deported to the concentration camps - it took the sun out of my morning a bit
Dawn breaking and an early morning walk before heading into Paris. Spring has to be the best time of year. Just the birds and the odd deer for company
May 17, 2025 at 7:44 AM
Dawn breaking and an early morning walk before heading into Paris. Spring has to be the best time of year. Just the birds and the odd deer for company
None of this would be possible without support of @MatMcLachlan & his fantastic company who work tirelessly to make these trips a reality for some of these youngsters. For Aussies, Mat and his team are second to none. I am very lucky and privileged to be part of that team END
April 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
None of this would be possible without support of @MatMcLachlan & his fantastic company who work tirelessly to make these trips a reality for some of these youngsters. For Aussies, Mat and his team are second to none. I am very lucky and privileged to be part of that team END
Sadly from London I will say goodbye but hand them over to the care of Nigel Marshall who will cover the Western Front as I head out to Gallipoli.
April 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Sadly from London I will say goodbye but hand them over to the care of Nigel Marshall who will cover the Western Front as I head out to Gallipoli.
Each of the students have had to do a certain amount of research and therefore we will spend some time here in the cemetery and chapel and lay a wreath before our return to London
April 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Each of the students have had to do a certain amount of research and therefore we will spend some time here in the cemetery and chapel and lay a wreath before our return to London
On Tuesday we will visit Harefield which has a special connection with Australia. Harefield was an Aus Gen Hospital during WW1 and therefore the village and the CWGC site within it culminates our tour.
April 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
On Tuesday we will visit Harefield which has a special connection with Australia. Harefield was an Aus Gen Hospital during WW1 and therefore the village and the CWGC site within it culminates our tour.
We also visit the memorial you see below, before a walking tour through London. A visit to HMS Belfast is included plus a boat trip that takes us down the Thames
April 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
We also visit the memorial you see below, before a walking tour through London. A visit to HMS Belfast is included plus a boat trip that takes us down the Thames
Thread 🧵 leaving today for London. My group a small group of young people from Queensland who have the most fantastic trip planned. They arrive at Heathrow and spend until Weds with me. We visit IWM (and yes I hope to see the Ashcroft collection
April 12, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Thread 🧵 leaving today for London. My group a small group of young people from Queensland who have the most fantastic trip planned. They arrive at Heathrow and spend until Weds with me. We visit IWM (and yes I hope to see the Ashcroft collection
A fitting tribute to end our tour. We raised a glass from a bottle of port that was especially made to commemorate the anniversary of Falklands. Only a few were made & so it was opened at the Oosterbeek Cemetery in commemoration of all those airborne troops who have been KIA
April 6, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A fitting tribute to end our tour. We raised a glass from a bottle of port that was especially made to commemorate the anniversary of Falklands. Only a few were made & so it was opened at the Oosterbeek Cemetery in commemoration of all those airborne troops who have been KIA