mightygwyn
@mightygwyn.bsky.social
@DrillHalls elsewhere
The Vosges and Alsace in occupation and wartime:
thebluelinefrontier.com
~~~
A few snaps on www.mightygwyn.eu
~~~
The Vosges and Alsace in occupation and wartime:
thebluelinefrontier.com
~~~
A few snaps on www.mightygwyn.eu
~~~
I've seen this in Alsace. Bullet holes which prompt you to follow the striations to work out where the shots were coming from. The defending, and withdrawing, units sheltering under fire. The monuments to the previous war providing temporary shelter in the next. Munster, Alsace, from Feb 1945.
November 13, 2025 at 10:50 PM
I've seen this in Alsace. Bullet holes which prompt you to follow the striations to work out where the shots were coming from. The defending, and withdrawing, units sheltering under fire. The monuments to the previous war providing temporary shelter in the next. Munster, Alsace, from Feb 1945.
I used to go regularly to the Ashmolean just to admire the Anglo Saxon jewellery. I could never tire of seeing the delicate work of the goldsmith.
It was a joy to find it engraved in the Whistler windows of St Nicholas, Moreton.
My 📸 Dream of the Rood window
It was a joy to find it engraved in the Whistler windows of St Nicholas, Moreton.
My 📸 Dream of the Rood window
August 7, 2025 at 9:39 AM
I used to go regularly to the Ashmolean just to admire the Anglo Saxon jewellery. I could never tire of seeing the delicate work of the goldsmith.
It was a joy to find it engraved in the Whistler windows of St Nicholas, Moreton.
My 📸 Dream of the Rood window
It was a joy to find it engraved in the Whistler windows of St Nicholas, Moreton.
My 📸 Dream of the Rood window
We recently returned from our 2nd holiday at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse. Though it's beautiful in most weathers, it's very special when the crowds have left. We concluded that a heatwave is when people remove their fleeces!
We also like staying at the Corsewall lighthouse at the northern end.
We also like staying at the Corsewall lighthouse at the northern end.
August 3, 2025 at 8:07 PM
We recently returned from our 2nd holiday at the Mull of Galloway lighthouse. Though it's beautiful in most weathers, it's very special when the crowds have left. We concluded that a heatwave is when people remove their fleeces!
We also like staying at the Corsewall lighthouse at the northern end.
We also like staying at the Corsewall lighthouse at the northern end.
I'm glad it went well. Are you staying in the area?
I agree about tetanus. And ticks are a serious risk in the Vosges. I wouldn't go up la Tête des faux in sandals! ....
I agree about tetanus. And ticks are a serious risk in the Vosges. I wouldn't go up la Tête des faux in sandals! ....
July 31, 2025 at 10:20 PM
I'm glad it went well. Are you staying in the area?
I agree about tetanus. And ticks are a serious risk in the Vosges. I wouldn't go up la Tête des faux in sandals! ....
I agree about tetanus. And ticks are a serious risk in the Vosges. I wouldn't go up la Tête des faux in sandals! ....
Do I pick the one of me going to friend's wedding in the hat for which I paid such as eye-watering price that I need to make testamentary provision for it??
Maybe not. Here's me at a Crusader castle in northern Israel.
Maybe not. Here's me at a Crusader castle in northern Israel.
June 29, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Do I pick the one of me going to friend's wedding in the hat for which I paid such as eye-watering price that I need to make testamentary provision for it??
Maybe not. Here's me at a Crusader castle in northern Israel.
Maybe not. Here's me at a Crusader castle in northern Israel.
Le Lammele (or Lamala) is a génoise-style cake made for Easter in Alsace. A custom originating in the 16c, bakers & home cooks made them to use up the eggs which had accumulated during Lent. Traditionally the Lammele is eaten for breakfast on Easter Day.
I make one each year. This Easter's Lammele:
I make one each year. This Easter's Lammele:
April 20, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Le Lammele (or Lamala) is a génoise-style cake made for Easter in Alsace. A custom originating in the 16c, bakers & home cooks made them to use up the eggs which had accumulated during Lent. Traditionally the Lammele is eaten for breakfast on Easter Day.
I make one each year. This Easter's Lammele:
I make one each year. This Easter's Lammele:
4th April, 1915. Gaston, a French soldier fighting in Alsace, sends a postcard describing his Good Friday.
To my darling
Since yesterday evening we are again resting in the charming village of Rodern and as today is the feast of Easter we have complete rest, so I can’t let this day pass... /1
To my darling
Since yesterday evening we are again resting in the charming village of Rodern and as today is the feast of Easter we have complete rest, so I can’t let this day pass... /1
April 3, 2025 at 9:01 AM
4th April, 1915. Gaston, a French soldier fighting in Alsace, sends a postcard describing his Good Friday.
To my darling
Since yesterday evening we are again resting in the charming village of Rodern and as today is the feast of Easter we have complete rest, so I can’t let this day pass... /1
To my darling
Since yesterday evening we are again resting in the charming village of Rodern and as today is the feast of Easter we have complete rest, so I can’t let this day pass... /1
Absolutely take a tick remover. I carry one in my camera bag all the time.
Debout des Morts! is a lot fitter than I am! I would DIE if I hiked up some of those slopes from the valley bottom as he did.
However, electric bikes are available! I've pottered around on my non-electric Brompton + train.
Debout des Morts! is a lot fitter than I am! I would DIE if I hiked up some of those slopes from the valley bottom as he did.
However, electric bikes are available! I've pottered around on my non-electric Brompton + train.
March 1, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Absolutely take a tick remover. I carry one in my camera bag all the time.
Debout des Morts! is a lot fitter than I am! I would DIE if I hiked up some of those slopes from the valley bottom as he did.
However, electric bikes are available! I've pottered around on my non-electric Brompton + train.
Debout des Morts! is a lot fitter than I am! I would DIE if I hiked up some of those slopes from the valley bottom as he did.
However, electric bikes are available! I've pottered around on my non-electric Brompton + train.
Much of this was worked from a local farmer's own wool to serve the local community's needs. It was rare for a piece of fabric to end up more than 10 miles from its neighbourhood.
This shawl is probably mid 1850s. It has faded slightly, but otherwise it's very robust & undamaged.
(Macro photo)
This shawl is probably mid 1850s. It has faded slightly, but otherwise it's very robust & undamaged.
(Macro photo)
March 1, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Much of this was worked from a local farmer's own wool to serve the local community's needs. It was rare for a piece of fabric to end up more than 10 miles from its neighbourhood.
This shawl is probably mid 1850s. It has faded slightly, but otherwise it's very robust & undamaged.
(Macro photo)
This shawl is probably mid 1850s. It has faded slightly, but otherwise it's very robust & undamaged.
(Macro photo)
The weaving mills tended to be small, with a couple of looms and some primitive dyeing equipment, so a family of four could be employed in one weaving enterprise. They produced fabric for every need: clothing, bedding, tweed, knitting wool, blanketing, shirting...
(Macro photo of the shawl)
(Macro photo of the shawl)
March 1, 2025 at 8:57 PM
The weaving mills tended to be small, with a couple of looms and some primitive dyeing equipment, so a family of four could be employed in one weaving enterprise. They produced fabric for every need: clothing, bedding, tweed, knitting wool, blanketing, shirting...
(Macro photo of the shawl)
(Macro photo of the shawl)
Every Welsh woman possessed a shawl. She would wear a small, quite plain flannel shoulder shawl on weekdays, but for Sunday best & special, she had a large paisley shawl woven from fine wool, capacious enough to cover her upper body & down to her knees.
(More details extracted)
(More details extracted)
March 1, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Every Welsh woman possessed a shawl. She would wear a small, quite plain flannel shoulder shawl on weekdays, but for Sunday best & special, she had a large paisley shawl woven from fine wool, capacious enough to cover her upper body & down to her knees.
(More details extracted)
(More details extracted)
For St David’s Day: the shawl. This is my many-great-great grandmother Sarah's shawl. She was born ~1840 & lived near Corwen.
March 1, 2025 at 8:57 PM
For St David’s Day: the shawl. This is my many-great-great grandmother Sarah's shawl. She was born ~1840 & lived near Corwen.
Bore da!
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!
Llynnau Mymbyr, Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon] taken from near Capel Curig, Cymru
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!
Llynnau Mymbyr, Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon] taken from near Capel Curig, Cymru
![Dusk, sun setting behind Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon], Llynnau Mymbyr [lake] in foreground, very still, with reflected light](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xlab4aydnvimto53j2lgee57/bafkreidhjcy2bjol2xozwb5ppn4skfxcknpamgljl2nfoqepwakl6u4i7q@jpeg)
March 1, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Bore da!
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!
Llynnau Mymbyr, Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon] taken from near Capel Curig, Cymru
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!
Llynnau Mymbyr, Yr Wyddfa [Snowdon] taken from near Capel Curig, Cymru
On 6th February 1945 German troops were withdrawing from the Munster (Alsace) area under pressure from French troops. The stone Lion erected in May 1916 by the 23rd Royal Bavarian Infantry Regiment for their fallen comrades still bears the marks of the shoot out.
February 6, 2025 at 9:21 AM
On 6th February 1945 German troops were withdrawing from the Munster (Alsace) area under pressure from French troops. The stone Lion erected in May 1916 by the 23rd Royal Bavarian Infantry Regiment for their fallen comrades still bears the marks of the shoot out.
Eighty years ago, the battle for Jebsheim, Alsace, had concluded.
Ils sont réunis dans la mort
Unissons-nous dans la paix
Sie sind im tode vereint lässt
Uns auch im frieden einig sein
They are together in death
Let us unite in peace
thebluelinefrontier.com/2015/11/11/t...
Ils sont réunis dans la mort
Unissons-nous dans la paix
Sie sind im tode vereint lässt
Uns auch im frieden einig sein
They are together in death
Let us unite in peace
thebluelinefrontier.com/2015/11/11/t...
February 2, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Eighty years ago, the battle for Jebsheim, Alsace, had concluded.
Ils sont réunis dans la mort
Unissons-nous dans la paix
Sie sind im tode vereint lässt
Uns auch im frieden einig sein
They are together in death
Let us unite in peace
thebluelinefrontier.com/2015/11/11/t...
Ils sont réunis dans la mort
Unissons-nous dans la paix
Sie sind im tode vereint lässt
Uns auch im frieden einig sein
They are together in death
Let us unite in peace
thebluelinefrontier.com/2015/11/11/t...
Poised to fall.
One single wild pear remains on the tree.
2024 begins to close.
One single wild pear remains on the tree.
2024 begins to close.
December 31, 2024 at 2:45 AM
Poised to fall.
One single wild pear remains on the tree.
2024 begins to close.
One single wild pear remains on the tree.
2024 begins to close.
Our snow, such as there was, has melted. Do have a fabulous [cycling and snowy] week in the Vosges!
thebluelinefrontier.com/2014/01/14/w...
A vélo-ski - one of the inventive means of transport, though how widely used it was I have no idea. Card posted 1910. (My card.)
thebluelinefrontier.com/2014/01/14/w...
A vélo-ski - one of the inventive means of transport, though how widely used it was I have no idea. Card posted 1910. (My card.)
November 19, 2024 at 3:13 PM
Our snow, such as there was, has melted. Do have a fabulous [cycling and snowy] week in the Vosges!
thebluelinefrontier.com/2014/01/14/w...
A vélo-ski - one of the inventive means of transport, though how widely used it was I have no idea. Card posted 1910. (My card.)
thebluelinefrontier.com/2014/01/14/w...
A vélo-ski - one of the inventive means of transport, though how widely used it was I have no idea. Card posted 1910. (My card.)
I am not a military historian; nor do I have an array of history degrees. My audience is English-speaking readers who are interested in the period. I wanted to enhance awareness of this interesting area because there is little material in English and this region tends to be overlooked by some.
November 19, 2024 at 2:43 PM
I am not a military historian; nor do I have an array of history degrees. My audience is English-speaking readers who are interested in the period. I wanted to enhance awareness of this interesting area because there is little material in English and this region tends to be overlooked by some.
I was really quite horrified by the images though the machine was fascinating.
We only went across to the Somme area in autumn or winter. I wanted solace to think & reflect. One visit to Thiepval soon after your own visit was a bit misty.
And there was snow.
(Sunken snow-filled lane near Thiepval.)
We only went across to the Somme area in autumn or winter. I wanted solace to think & reflect. One visit to Thiepval soon after your own visit was a bit misty.
And there was snow.
(Sunken snow-filled lane near Thiepval.)
November 12, 2024 at 5:34 PM
I was really quite horrified by the images though the machine was fascinating.
We only went across to the Somme area in autumn or winter. I wanted solace to think & reflect. One visit to Thiepval soon after your own visit was a bit misty.
And there was snow.
(Sunken snow-filled lane near Thiepval.)
We only went across to the Somme area in autumn or winter. I wanted solace to think & reflect. One visit to Thiepval soon after your own visit was a bit misty.
And there was snow.
(Sunken snow-filled lane near Thiepval.)
The men in Schleiden-Gemünd-Kriegsgräberstätte, DE, died in winter 1944. Some are 17 yrs old. From here you can see the towers of the military training area Burg Vogelsang where young people were educated in Nazi theories. For some the consequence of their training was their early death in war
November 9, 2024 at 4:23 PM
The men in Schleiden-Gemünd-Kriegsgräberstätte, DE, died in winter 1944. Some are 17 yrs old. From here you can see the towers of the military training area Burg Vogelsang where young people were educated in Nazi theories. For some the consequence of their training was their early death in war
In Hauptfriedhof Saarbrücken, the graves dating from a hundred years ago and earlier emerge in their tranquil woodland setting among the autumn leaves.
November 9, 2024 at 4:23 PM
In Hauptfriedhof Saarbrücken, the graves dating from a hundred years ago and earlier emerge in their tranquil woodland setting among the autumn leaves.
In le Cimetière militaire de Soultzmatt, Alsace, I spotted a fairy ring & numerous Blackening Wax Caps, past their best. Here lie almost 700 Romanian prisoners of war. The bronze statue of Queen Marie of Romania has been erected in her memory as a tribute to her dedication in commemorating the dead.
November 9, 2024 at 4:23 PM
In le Cimetière militaire de Soultzmatt, Alsace, I spotted a fairy ring & numerous Blackening Wax Caps, past their best. Here lie almost 700 Romanian prisoners of war. The bronze statue of Queen Marie of Romania has been erected in her memory as a tribute to her dedication in commemorating the dead.
La nécropole nationale française du Wettstein
November 9, 2024 at 4:23 PM
La nécropole nationale française du Wettstein