Mark S Thompson
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marksthompson.bsky.social
Mark S Thompson
@marksthompson.bsky.social
PhD. Military history; Peninsular War; Royal Engineers; Author of several books on Peninsular War, military engineering and soldiers. Web:
https://marksthompson.weebly.com/
Am i sad? In Barter books,Alnwick and I am accessing my book catalogue over the internet to check what I need/want. If you have not visited Barter book, you are missing something special.
November 21, 2025 at 3:20 PM
This may be of interest to Napoleonic people. Our next online talk on 18 November at 7pm UK time. Register your interest by email to: i_j_brewer@msn.com

Maj-Gen (Retd) Rui Moura will tell us about the services of Thomas William Stubbs.

Have a look at our other planned talks.
November 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I look at the last few months and it seem to me that world leaders who like Trump are Putin and Netanyahu (alleged war criminals) World leaders who don’t like Trump - everyone else. Please tell me I am wrong.
October 14, 2025 at 8:19 PM
American diplomacy under Trump. What happens when you let sport brats loose on important matters.
September 3, 2025 at 9:07 AM
TACO Trump makes another threat to punish Russia. That’s another 50 days of doing nothing followed by forgetting he ever made the threat.
July 14, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Academia.com emails me to say they have created an AI review of my PhD Read with interest and does not really say much. I would love to see how many of the statements made in the review appear in other AI reviews. I think I know the answer.
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July 3, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Interesting talk last night by historian Bob Burnham. Did you know Spanish were recruited to serve in Wellingtons famous Light Division? I didn’t
June 18, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Reposted by Mark S Thompson
**Operation Spiders Web**

I resisted a hot take. So, on sober reflection…

Op Spiderweb was one of the most impressive, and strategic attacks ever. Short thread 🧵 #russia #Ukraine
June 10, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Just finishing a chapter on Wellington’s siege of Badajoz in 1812. This was not one of his finest operations. Should be out in book form in 2026 (Helion)
June 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
TACO Trump has such a nice ring to it.
May 29, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Has anyone done fag packet estimates of which would be cheaper in US. A foreign made iPhone with 25% tariff or a US made one using US labour rates?
May 23, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Our next talk is on 27 May 2025. Dr Graeme Callister will be speaking about his research on the men who made up Napoleon's Grande Army. The talk starts at 7pm UK time. Please register by emailing Ian Brewer on i_j_brewer@msn.com
A link for the talk will issued nearer the event. NB See new talk.
May 22, 2025 at 7:02 AM
Napoleonic naval people. In Jan 1812, Wellington asked Admiral Berkeley to supply 9 feet long 24 pounder cannon. I thought Royal Navy cannon were all shorter (6 or 6.5 feet) so they could be handled easier on-board ships. Anybody got an opinion? @dockyardtalk.bsky.social, @kejamieson.bsky.social
May 16, 2025 at 8:24 PM
You may be interested in this podcast I did Recently for 'Generals and Napoleon'. It is on the Lines of Torres Vedras.

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/g...
Episode 113 - The Lines of Torres Vedras, Wellington's great wall, with special guest Mark S. Thompson
Podcast Episode · Generals and Napoleon · 05/04/2025 · 51m
podcasts.apple.com
May 13, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Is my contempt for AI weakening? ChatGPT created this from this. Lots of details wrong, but I am impressed.
May 3, 2025 at 5:51 PM
On the same thought, it seems that for the first time ever, the first topic when British people meet is no longer the weather, but what that maniac across the Atlantic has done - even people you don’t know.
April 17, 2025 at 1:08 PM
I have to say that I am finding it hard to comment on my historical interests during this period of uncertainty on the planet. When will ‘normal’ return?
April 17, 2025 at 1:04 PM
2/2. 5. Planed purchase of Apple computer on indefinite hold. 6. Loss to USA from my Actions about £1000. If 1% of the people in affected countries did the same the impact in USA would be many $billions. 7. You as an individual can have a say in what is happening.
April 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM
I should not do politics but as a historian watching this economic car crash, I think what can I do? 1. Change long standing don’t buy Chinese policy to don’t buy American. 2. Stop using Amazon shopping. 3. Cancel Amazon Music - Spotify is European. 4. Stop buying American whiskey 1/2
April 3, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Super Power to super pariah in 8 weeks. I am a genius.
March 30, 2025 at 1:38 PM
@ukdefencejournal.org.uk and anyone else. Accepting USA does not have 'kill switch' for UK's Trident and F35, what power do they have to degrade these systems by withholding support, maintenance and upgrades?
March 15, 2025 at 7:51 PM
@covertshores.bsky.social and anyone else, explain this to me. My current car shouts at me if I get too close to another car. My last car would take physical action, brakes and steering if I got too close. But, two huge ships can plough into each other quite easily. What do I not understand?
March 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
@thehistoryguy.bsky.social Dan can I message you? Or drop me a line via www.f-ltv.co.uk Mark S Thompson
February 19, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Reposted by Mark S Thompson
The Washington Post refused to run this ad. Sure would be a shame if it went viral.
February 17, 2025 at 2:47 PM

Next talk for Friends of the Lines of Torres Vedras will be by historian Steve Brown on 21 Jan. Title: The command structure, dispositions and strengths of the Allied forces in the Lines. Register interest by emailing: i_j_brewer@msn.com.

NOTE. Talk starts 8pm UK time due to time differences.
January 13, 2025 at 9:33 AM