Robert is such a loss. I discovered the WFA from watching these videos so he will forever be one of the faces and voices i associate with the organisation. RIP Rob.
A good presentation, but a great pity the on screen text and chart graphics Rob is talking to when he taps the mouse aren't included in the video presentation. That exclusion leaves the video audience with an incomplete presentation. Not a specific criticism of Rob, as it is for some reason, a common problem.
In modern retail we often talk of the last mile problem, in WWI, the British had a similar situation. I think some of the claims here, I would like more evidence for example if Germany had taken Amiens, I think it might have provided them some temporary tactical advantages, but given the overall strategic situation and the state of the German forces at that time, it is not going to bring the Allies to the negotiating table.
With Amiens the Germans would have been able to sever the connection between the British north and French south, preventing the movement of reinforcements into the area. Moving further along the Somme to encircle the British they would have attempted a defeat in detail by pushing the BEF into the sea and then attempting to move against the remaining French not unlike in 1940. At least that's the theory, it's more than likely Germany would have hit issues with pursuing the French but just booting the BEF off the continent would have been enough of a blow to try forcing another treaty of Brest Litovsk. It'd be a costly move, especially since the German solution to trench deadlock was manpower not material based (casualties fell lopsidedly upon assault troops who'd be whittled down more and more as things went on) but if you're some callous warmonger promising a Carthaginian peace then it's a price you're willing to pay.
You mention that duue to the vulnerability of colliers (ships) caused more coal shipments to be moved by rail. Both Britain and France had well developed waterways. Did much of the coal get moved on waterways? John Bourne mentioned that Britain moved coal to Italy, because Italy had no coal for war production. How did it get there?
Robert is such a loss. I discovered the WFA from watching these videos so he will forever be one of the faces and voices i associate with the organisation. RIP Rob.
Great lecture, Rob Thompson is always very informative.
Interesting as always, Rob. Enjoyable talk.
Is good 👍🏻
No Geddes wasn't the General Manager of the LNER during WW1 as the LNER was not formed until 1923. He became the General Manager of the NER in 1911.
I see a lot published where there hasn't been good research first.
Geddes is a famous surname , Mary Geddes was the woman who started the riots against the king James Bible known as the reformation act.
Great stuff thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot
Fascinating. Perhaps the current debate around Britain’s rail system could learn some lessons . . . . ?!?!? Any reading material available, please?
A good presentation, but a great pity the on screen text and chart graphics Rob is talking to when he taps the mouse aren't included in the video presentation. That exclusion leaves the video audience with an incomplete presentation. Not a specific criticism of Rob, as it is for some reason, a common problem.
Yes not good at all. The reason for having a presentation is to support what the speaker saying and make it more interesting.
In modern retail we often talk of the last mile problem, in WWI, the British had a similar situation.
I think some of the claims here, I would like more evidence for example if Germany had taken Amiens, I think it might have provided them some temporary tactical advantages, but given the overall strategic situation and the state of the German forces at that time, it is not going to bring the Allies to the negotiating table.
With Amiens the Germans would have been able to sever the connection between the British north and French south, preventing the movement of reinforcements into the area. Moving further along the Somme to encircle the British they would have attempted a defeat in detail by pushing the BEF into the sea and then attempting to move against the remaining French not unlike in 1940. At least that's the theory, it's more than likely Germany would have hit issues with pursuing the French but just booting the BEF off the continent would have been enough of a blow to try forcing another treaty of Brest Litovsk. It'd be a costly move, especially since the German solution to trench deadlock was manpower not material based (casualties fell lopsidedly upon assault troops who'd be whittled down more and more as things went on) but if you're some callous warmonger promising a Carthaginian peace then it's a price you're willing to pay.
You mention that duue to the vulnerability of colliers (ships) caused more coal shipments to be moved by rail. Both Britain and France had well developed waterways. Did much of the coal get moved on waterways? John Bourne mentioned that Britain moved coal to Italy, because Italy had no coal for war production. How did it get there?
A great man, RIP
Very interesting talk, except the microphone is kind of echoey and it's hard to hear what he's saying!
“Canadians were the railway Gods” yup