My mistake thought you inferred British soldiers were know as Tommies in the 20th century because of Kipling's poem Tommy, when actually he wrote the poem because British soldiers had been known as Tommies probably for at least a century previously.My original post was replying to an earlier post about why the UK doesn't have a large standing army like for instance France does.
And someone else posted that no one wants to pay for the huge cost of a military force, that is until it's needed,and usually needed in a hurry.
And my reply was that is what the Kipling poem is about -
i.e. nobody likes the "British Tommy" in peacetime.
But "When the drums begin to roll" - then all of a sudden everybody is an admirer of Tommy,
because basically they need him to go and fight wars that nobody else wants to get involved in.
Ukraine will take it back eventually.It wasn't an invasion, it was a bombing mission. It destriyed a radar instalation.
Cheers pal.My mistake thought you inferred British soldiers were know as Tommies in the 20th century because of Kipling's poem Tommy, when actually he wrote the poem because British soldiers had been known as Tommies probably for at least a century previously.
And arm them also with badly maintained weapons.Incidently it looks like Russia is going to mobilise new troops from the smaller Russian Republics. Not Russians mind you non ethnic Russians as new meat for the grinder.
Really good piece on the origins of the name Tommy Atkins and a nice concluding sentence.My mistake thought you inferred British soldiers were know as Tommies in the 20th century because of Kipling's poem Tommy, when actually he wrote the poem because British soldiers had been known as Tommies probably for at least a century previously.
Can’t have too many Russians dying. Bad for appearances. Let the non Russians die needlessly instead. Putin knows his history well.Incidently it looks like Russia is going to mobilise new troops from the smaller Russian Republics. Not Russians mind you non ethnic Russians as new meat for the grinder.
That's not the reason for the artificial strengthened Ruble. Also, a strong currency doesn't help selling things..I wasn't aware that the Ruble has hit a seven year high. This shows how much Russia has benefited from the price of natural resources
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a lot of movement is sentiment but basically the influx of rubles is greater than the outflowThat's not the reason for the artificial strengthened Ruble. Also, a strong currency doesn't help selling things..
Quite simple really we're an Island nation and as such for centuries had the worlds most powerful navy which prevented any thought of invasion, so historically we have retained a relatively small standing army backed by territorials that could be called to the colours when needed. If more were needed volunteers were asked for, followed by conscription if necessary.