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  • David splurged on a car worth £140,000, making Victoria angry and making a move that attracted attention

    David splurged on a car worth £140,000, making Victoria angry and making a move that attracted attention

    David Beckham has splashed out £140,000 on a car. The former soccer star – who has sons Brooklyn, 16, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 10 and four-year-old daughter Harper,

    with wife Victoria Beckham – is reportedly hoping to add a F-TYPE Project 7 Jaguar to his motor collection.

    A source told the Daily Mirror: “David loves his cars and these are something special.

    But it’s not going to be used for family trips or for popping to the shops. It’s an indulgence, something for a Sunday morning blast.

    “The car is sold out so anyone wanting one has to go on a waiting list. A lot of people ordered them while they were still on the drawing board in ­development.

    But I don’t think it will be a problem for David to get hold of one.”

    And despite the huge amount of money spent on the motor for his Christmas present, the 40-year-old star – who already has a Cadillac Escalade, a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti as well as a Jeep, Audi, Bentley and Aston Martin – prefers a “traditional” festive celebration.

    He recently revealed: “I think like every other person’s Christmas it will be very normal. We open presents, we enjoy ourselves, we have a traditional Christmas dinner. So we’re exactly the same! We spend Christmas in London so we are very traditional.”
    David Beckham’s love for luxurious cars knows no bounds. The former soccer star recently added a new gem to his impressive collection – a sleek F-TYPE Project 7 Jaguar, which comes with a whopping price tag of £140,000. Known for his passion for high-end vehicles, Beckham’s latest purchase is not just any car; it’s a limited edition model that is sure to turn heads on the road.According to sources close to Beckham, this new addition is more of a Sunday joyride indulgence rather than a practical family car. While he already owns a Cadillac Escalade, a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, and a range of other luxury vehicles, the F-TYPE Project 7 Jaguar is something special that he simply couldn’t resist. Despite its hefty price tag and exclusivity, Beckham had no trouble securing a spot on the waiting list for this coveted car.Despite his extravagant taste in cars, Beckham is surprisingly traditional when it comes to Christmas celebrations. He values spending quality time with his family, exchanging presents, and indulging in a classic Christmas dinner. For the Beckhams, Christmas is a time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company in their London home, sticking to the timeless holiday traditions that bring them joy year after year.Follow us for more intriguing updates on celebrities, lifestyle, and everything in between. We strive to bring you valuable insights and engaging content to keep you informed and entertained. Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way soon!
    David Beckham’s passion for luxury cars is well-known, and his latest addition to his collection certainly does not disappoint. The F-TYPE Project 7 Jaguar, priced at a hefty £140,000, is a limited edition model that promises to be a showstopper on the road. While Beckham already owns a fleet of impressive vehicles, including a Cadillac Escalade and a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, the F-TYPE Project 7 Jaguar holds a special place in his heart.Sources close to Beckham reveal that this new acquisition is more of a weekend pleasure than a practical family car. Despite its exclusivity and high price tag, Beckham had no trouble securing a spot on the waiting list for this coveted vehicle. His love for cars knows no bounds, and the F-TYPE Project 7 Jaguar is the latest testament to his extravagant taste.However, when it comes to celebrating Christmas, Beckham opts for a more traditional approach. He values spending time with his family, exchanging gifts, and enjoying a classic Christmas meal. For the Beckhams, Christmas is a time to unwind and appreciate each other’s company in the comfort of their London home. Despite his glamorous lifestyle, Beckham cherishes the simple and timeless traditions that make the holiday season special.For more captivating updates on celebrities, lifestyle trends, and everything in between, be sure to follow us. We are committed to providing you with valuable insights and engaging content to keep you informed and entertained. Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way soon. Your support motivates us to continue sharing useful information with you.

  • Beckham and Kylian Mbappé attended the NBA Paris match, hinting at meeting at Inter Miami at the end of the year

    Beckham and Kylian Mbappé attended the NBA Paris match, hinting at meeting at Inter Miami at the end of the year

    Kylian Mbappe, David Beckham and Brazilian legend Ronaldo led the star-studded celebrities at the NBA game in Paris.

    This year’s showcase game at the Accor Arena sees the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers lock horns in the French capital.

    Roughly 15,000 fans packed into the stands to catch a glimpse of some of the best basketball players in the world.

    And supporters were also treated to appearances from some high-profile football stars too. Among the crowd was Man United legend and former England captain David Beckham.

    The Inter Miami owner posed for a picture with former NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker, of the San Antonio Spurs.

    Having played for the LA Galaxy, Beckham is a massive fan of basketball after watching the LA Lakers.

    The former Real Madrid, PSG and AC Milan star was also seen sat next to legendary former Brazil forward Ronaldo.

    Also in attendance was PSG star Kylian Mbappe, who sat courtside alongside his brother Ethan before being pictured chatting to Ronaldo.

    The 25-year-old forward was also joined by his fellow PSG team-mates – including Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

    The game saw the Cavaliers beat the Nets 111-102, thanks to a superb performance from Donavan Mitchell.

    Mitchell registered a season-high of 45 points – his 16th 40-point game in two seasons while playing for Cleveland.

    Mitchell said he would ‘love’ to return to Paris and play for the US men’s basketball team when the 2024 Olympics begin in the French capital this summer.
    The NBA game in Paris this year was an absolute star-studded affair, with legendary football icons joining in on the action. Among the celebrities in attendance were Kylian Mbappe, David Beckham, and Brazilian legend Ronaldo. The atmosphere at the Accor Arena was electric as the Brooklyn Nets and Cleveland Cavaliers battled it out in front of 15,000 fans.David Beckham, the former Man United star and England captain, was seen mingling with NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker. It’s no surprise that Beckham, who once played for the LA Galaxy, is a huge basketball fan after following the LA Lakers closely. Sitting next to him was the iconic Ronaldo, who drew cheers from the crowd with his presence.PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe was front and center, seated courtside with his brother Ethan. The young forward even had a chance to chat with Ronaldo, showing the mutual respect between two generations of football superstars. Mbappe was joined by his PSG teammates, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, creating a buzz among fans.The game itself was a thrilling contest, with the Cavaliers ultimately emerging victorious with a score of 111-102. Donovan Mitchell was the standout performer, delivering a season-high of 45 points and showcasing his incredible talent on the court. Mitchell’s stellar performance has solidified his reputation as one of the top players in the league.Looking ahead to the future, Mitchell expressed his excitement about the possibility of playing for the US men’s basketball team in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. His enthusiasm for returning to the city and representing his country is a testament to the global appeal of the sport and the significance of events like the NBA game in Paris.Follow us for more updates and insightful content on sports and entertainment. Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert analysis on all your favorite athletes and teams. Let us be your go-to source for all things sports-related. Source: Tampa Bay Times

  • Meghan Markle is at risk of losing $100 million by 2025 because of this shocking reason.

    Meghan Markle is at risk of losing $100 million by 2025 because of this shocking reason.

    Meghan Markle is at risk of losing her connection to a major Hollywood player in 2025

    Meghan Markle is reportedly standing at the cusp of losing out on everything in 2025.

     

    Royal commentator and expert Richard Fitzwilliams issued these claims.

     

    According to OK, he began everything by referencing all the projects the couple took on following Megxit, and even highlighted its present standing as well.

    Reportedly, “They are working on new programs for Netflix and Meghan has launched her lifestyle blog, American Riviera Orchard.”
    BBC Reporters Say Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Media Claims Are Untrue

     

    “They have lost Spotify, rather curiously Lemonada Media, which Meghan has joined, reportedly intends to place her podcasts on ice until next year. Nothing has come of rumors about Meghan and any political ambitions she might have.”

     

    The expert also noted, “since their $100 million contract with Netflix began, they have done hardly anything for it.”

    Meghan Markle hits out at 'angry Black women' trope | Metro News
    To make matters worse, “It runs out next year and Netflix is no longer producing the series of The Crown, as they previously were. They might therefore have less interest in the Sussexes.”

     

     

    “If they lost this contract, with Archewell, their business and charitable foundation, having so few donors, they might well be in financial trouble. Since their exposure of royal life has made megabucks, but little else has made money, the royal family better hope that this unpredictable and ruthlessly ambitious couple stays with Netflix.”

  • Meghan Markle facing ‘sad’ reality as major blunder makes her a ‘laughing stock’..

    Meghan Markle facing ‘sad’ reality as major blunder makes her a ‘laughing stock’..

    Meghan faces a 'very sad' reality, an expert says

    Meghan faces a ‘very sad’ reality, an expert says (Image: Getty)

     

    Meghan Markle is now a “laughing stock” in the US because she ditched the Royal Family for “making jam”, a royal expert has said.

    In 2020, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband Prince Harry stepped down as senior working members of the Royal Family, before eventually relocating and settling in Montecito, California.

    Since then, relations between the couple and the royals have been fractured, with the Harry and Meghan making claims against them in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, before the Duke made further claims in his January 2023 memoir, Spare.

    Harry and Meghan have used their independence to pursue a variety of ventures and projects.

    US-based royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Daily Express US Meghan’s latest project – lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard – has not been well received in the country.

     

    Meghan released her jam last month (Image: Tracey Robbins/Instagram)

    She claimed the new venture represents a massive downgrade from what Harry and Meghan could have achieved with the royals.

    The expert said: “I know that Meghan has become a laughing stock with her jam. I think it is very sad.

    Harry and Meghan could have done so much for the Commonwealth. Harry could have been something of a joint King, meeting global leaders with Meghan. Now she is making jam.

    Fordwich continued: “There is nowhere in the media that has said ‘this is a great step!’ Americans are very career-conscious. You are judged by where your CV is going. Your trajectory weighs heavily.

     

    “This also raises the question of where is Harry now if all she is doing is making jam?”

    Meghan recently released a new jam as part of her new brand launch, promoting via influencers’ Instagram pages.

    Harry is in the UK this week

     

    Harry is in the UK this week (Image: Getty)

    Last month, Meghan sent 50 jars of her new jam to influencers, including fashion designer Tracy Robbins and Argentine socialite Delfina Balquier.

    Earlier this week, the former actress did not travel to the UK with Harry when he returned to his home country for an Invictus Games event.

    Despite hopes of a reconciliation with his King Charles III, the Duke of Sussex didn’t meet with his father during his stay.

    A spokesperson for Harry said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

    “The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

  • Meghan Markle ‘in danger , criticised after she claimed 50% Nigerian…

    Meghan Markle ‘in danger , criticised after she claimed 50% Nigerian…

    Meghan Markle has been issued a warning about her trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry as one royal expert believes she could come across as “patronising”.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting the African country on a 72-hour whistle stop tour. They landed in Abuja on Friday morning following a short flight delay. During the trip, Harry and Meghan will visit the country’s military headquarters and promote the Invictus Games.

     

    Royal author Tom Quinn has warned Meghan is at risk of being “criticised” if she makes the visit “an ego trip”. Speaking to The Mirror, he explained: “Like many very wealthy people she doesn’t see anything patronising about the idea of a princess visiting the poor.

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
    “What she won’t like is criticism that the tour of Nigeria is really all about her.” Tom added: “The last time she and Harry visited the African continent, Meghan was criticised for seeming to make the visit an ego trip – and there is a real danger that it will happen again this time.

    “The quiet dignity of a real royal tour brings publicity to often forgotten parts of the world and forgotten conflicts and there is no danger that grubby commercial considerations will obscure the picture.”

     

    He also suggested there will be a lot of focus on their latest business ventures during the trip. Tom told us: “With Meghan and Harry there will be as much focus on their various businesses – including making jams and jellies – as there will be on their philanthropic efforts.

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry

    They’ll take part in events to promote the Invictus Games ( Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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    “That said, Meghan is in many ways quite thick skinned and as long as she and Harry get lots of publicity, of whatever kind, she will see it as a good thing in terms of their new Internet brand and their other commercial projects.”

     

    Nigerian officials said Harry and Meghan’s trip will last until Monday. While in Nigeria, the pair will watch a volleyball game, and visit military hospitals and charities in Abuja and Lagos. The Defence HQ revealed their itinerary in a press conference on Thursday, May 9, saying they are also scheduled to meet injured armed forces personnel and their families.

    Harry and Meghan will also visit the Wuse Light Academy before seeing Nigeria’s security chief. The Sussexes will also travel to Kaduna state to go to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital to visit with recovering wounded and injured soldiers.

  • Great news: Meghan Markle gave birth to the third child for the royal family, bringing joy to the King who announced forgiveness to Meghan and bestowed upon her the title “Queen of England”

    Great news: Meghan Markle gave birth to the third child for the royal family, bringing joy to the King who announced forgiveness to Meghan and bestowed upon her the title “Queen of England”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to take ‘Charming Just Arrived Third Child’ on next trip, because Meghan thinks it will attract…

     

    London, UK — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced plans to bring their “charming just arrived third child” on their next trip.

     

    Meghan believes that including their newest family member will attract positive attention and goodwill during their travels.

     

    The decision to travel with their newborn comes as the couple continues to balance their public engagements with family life. Meghan and Harry are known for their hands-on parenting style and their desire to keep their family close during important moments.

    This upcoming trip will mark the first public appearance of their third child, Prince Charles (Jr.), who has already captured the hearts of the public. The couple hopes that showcasing their growing family will enhance their connection with people around the world and bring a sense of warmth and unity to their engagements.

     

    Further details about their trip and specific destinations have not yet been disclosed. Fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating seeing the newest royal family member and wish the family safe and joyful travels.

  • Before the statements affected RF too much, Princess Anne ‘gave’ Meghan Markle: ‘It’s a job, not a means to become hugely famous’

    Before the statements affected RF too much, Princess Anne ‘gave’ Meghan Markle: ‘It’s a job, not a means to become hugely famous’

    Princess Anne once left Meghan Markle “dumbfounded” when the actress sought out the hardworking royal for advice early on in her royal career. The Princess Royal reportedly advised the Duchess of Sussex to think of being royal “as a job” and not a means to become hugely famous.

    Meghan Markle

    The Duchess of Sussex was told by Princess Anne that being royal ‘is a job.’

     

    “This senior royal takes no nonsense, much like her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh. Apparently, when Meghan Markle joined the royal family, she sought out Princess Anne,” royal expert Neil Sean dished. “According to a very good source, Princess Anne gave very sage advice to the new royal.”

    He continued: “She [Anne] does endless amounts of engagements. She turns up, does the job, does not seek the limelight, and represents the Queen. I thought the recent visit together with the Queen to the Thames Hospice was wonderful. But apparently, Meghan left her meeting with Princess Anne dumbfounded. Princess Anne reiterated this mantra, she pointed out that it wasn’t a working monarchy, it was a job, you turn up on time, you do your research, and do the duty.”

    The YouTube broadcaster then observed how the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II shared: “It’s all about the project at hand. She also pointed out that whatever charities you are involved in, you need to get involved and get immersed.”

     

    Princess Anne
    Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.

    “According to a very good source, Meghan Markle failed to warm to Princess Anne. And Princess Anne always knew that Meghan would have a very short shelf-life in the world of the British monarchy,” Sean concluded.

    The Duchess of Sussex eventually decided not to follow Anne’s advice, as she found her brief tenure as a working senior royal to be troubling. She would go on to recount her experiences when she sat down with Oprah Winfrey, along with her husband, Prince Harry, in an explosive March 2021 interview.

    Meghan Markle told Oprah Winfrey about her struggles with depression while in the royal family.

     

    As The Royal Observer previously reported, Meghan got very candid in the question and answer session when it came to her mental health. “I just didn’t see a solution; I don’t understand how all of this is being churned out — again, I wasn’t seeing it, but it’s worse when you see it through your mom [and] friends,” she told the influential media mogul.

     

    “It was all happening because I was breathing. Look, I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit to [Prince] Harry, especially because I know how much loss he’s suffered, but I knew that if I didn’t say it, I would do it, and I just didn’t — I didn’t want to be alive anymore,” the Duchess confessed.

  • Henschel Hs 129 :The Luftwaffe’s Soaring Tank Buster Armed With a 75 mm Cannon

    Henschel Hs 129 :The Luftwaffe’s Soaring Tank Buster Armed With a 75 mm Cannon

    Photo Credit: 1. Canva 2. ausdew / Flickr / Public Domain Photo Credit: 1. Canva 2. ausdew / Flickr / Public Domain

    As tank warfare evolved and became a key strategy during the interwar period, the German Wehrmacht envisioned a new kind of blitzkrieg – one that would rain down from the skies. Spurred on by the Condor Legion’s success in the Spanish Civil War, the idea gave rise to the Henschel Hs 129, an aircraft designed to be Germany’s ultimate Panzerknacker.

    The Hs 129 was intended to be a tank-hunting, close-support aircraft. Despite being flown by record-breaking aces, including Rudolf-Heinz Ruffer, who destroyed 80 tanks, the Hs 129 didn’t quite live up to its potential, struggling to make a significant impact during World War II.

    Developing the Henschel Hs 129

    Junkers Ju 87A in flight

    Junkers Ju 87A with Condor Legion markings. (Photo Credit: Unknown Author / Biblioteca Virtual de Defensa: Guerra Civil. Tomo III / Wikimedia Commons CC0 1.0)
    The Henschel Hs 129’s hurried introduction to the battlefield was plagued by problematic design choices and requirements. Its development was slow, production was filled with complications and it was never manufactured in sufficient enough numbers to decisively influence the war.

    Under the Fuhrer‘s vision of swiftly and decisively advancing through Europe, the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) issued a specification in April 1937 for a heavily-armored small aircraft equipped with multiple guns. This required specialized engines and 75 mm-thick armored glass for the cockpit, to protect against small arms fire from the enemy.

    This decision limited the project’s effectiveness. The RLM insisted on equipping engines not used in any other aircraft, to avoid interfering with the fleet’s production. Out of four companies, only Focke-Wulf and Henschel were considered, with the latter ultimately winning the contract.

    It wasn’t the best option, but it was the cheapest

    Wingless Henschel Hs 129 being towed down a dirt road by an Opel Blitz

    Henschel Hs 129, with its wings removed, being towed by an Opel Blitz, 1939. (Photo Credit: tormentor4555 / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
    The first prototype of the Henschel Hs 129 took to the skies on May 26, 1939. Despite several modifications and surviving a crash landing, the aircraft was underwhelming with its low power and poor visibility. However, it was significantly cheaper than Focke-Wulf’s design, prompting the RLM to continue with the project.

    Production and deployment of the Hs 129 were marred by design complications and ill-advised decisions from the Luftwaffe‘s high command. They’d underestimated the need for a tank-busting aircraft. During Operation Barbarossa, German intelligence grossly miscalculated the number of Soviet tanks. The Red Army had over twice the estimated 10,000 at the ready.

    Although effective against Soviet tanks, the Hs 129 was seldom deployed with enough firepower or in large enough quantities. When fully loaded, it could only achieve a top speed of just over 250 MPH, making it an easy target for enemy anti-aircraft guns. As well, the aircraft’s captured Gnome-Rhône 14M engines were susceptible to failure from dust and sand, hampering its effectiveness in desert conditions.

    Despite its flaws, the Henschel Hs 129 was admired by pilots

    Henschel Hs 129 parked on grass

    Henschel Hs 129. (Photo Credit: USAAF / Maury Markowitz / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain / Colorized by Palette.fm)
    By July 1943, with the fall of Tunis and subsequent withdrawal of German forces from North Africa, the Henschel Hs 129’s deployment in the region ended. Production constraints also meant the aircraft was never available in sufficient numbers to significantly impact any major campaign.

    The Hs 129 was transferred to the Eastern Front, where it was expected to excel as a tank buster. There, it faced new challenges, with the Soviets’ aforementioned abundance of tanks and anti-aircraft guns posing a serious threat to the low-flying aircraft. Despite these obstacles, it performed well in its designated role.

    The Hs 129’s potential was stymied by its inherent flaws and deployment circumstances. Even so, it was admired by many pilots. The aircraft, nicknamed the “German Warthog,” was commended for its near-indestructibility, thanks to its heavy armor and bulletproof glass. However, this safety feature also proved to be a performance hindrance. The Hs 129 struggled to ascend after a dive, had a slow climb rate and required an extended runway for takeoff.

    Henschel Hs 129 variants

    7,5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone 40 along the remnants of the Atlantic Wall

    7,5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone 40 at the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum, Belgium. (Photo Credit: ARTERRA / Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
    The Henschel Hs 129 underwent several iterations, each presenting unique features and challenges. The B-1, equipped with a MK 101 cannon, provided an effective tank-busting capability. However, it was the B-2 that became the most well-known. Despite its enhancements, it struggled to overcome the aircraft’s inherent performance and visibility issues. The only difference between the two was modifications to the fuel system.

    The most ambitious variant was the B-3, which was equipped with a 7,5 cm Panzerabwehrkanone 40 anti-tank gun adapted from the Junkers Ju 88P-1. This led to the development of the BK 7,5, which was lighter than the PaK 40 and featured a new hydraulic recoil-dampening system and a more aerodynamic muzzle brake. An autoloader system was fitted within the rear half of the wing root area, with the gun and its recoil mechanism housed in a substantial gun pod under the fuselage.

    Despite the impressive firepower, the added weight impaired the Hs 129 B-3’s overall performance.

    Lack of impact

    Model of a Henschel Hs 129 on display

    Henschel Hs 129 model on display at the Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes, Belgium. (Photo Credit: Alf van Beem / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)
    By the end of the Second World War, only a handful of Henschel Hs 129 aircraft remained operational. The majority were lost to enemy fire, mechanical failures, or were abandoned due to a lack of spare parts and maintenance.

    Despite its troubled history and missed opportunities, the Hs 129 remains a remarkable chapter in the history of World War II aviation. It symbolizes the trials and tribulations of German wartime aviation, and is an embodiment of remarkable ingenuity, adaptability and perseverance under the duress of war.

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    While it might not have been the most successful aircraft of the conflict, the feats achieved by pilots and its unique role made the Hs 129 a notable combatant in the aerial theater of the war.

  • The Dramatic Arrival of the German U-boat SM U-118 On a British Beach

    The Dramatic Arrival of the German U-boat SM U-118 On a British Beach

    Photo Credit: Unknown Author / Navy Photos UK / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain Photo Credit: Unknown Author / Navy Photos UK / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

    In the aftermath of the First World War, a remarkable event unfolded in Britain, causing a stir among military and civilian circles: the unexpected arrival of the German U-boat SM U-118. The fact this once-mighty war machine was stranded on British soil (or, to be more precise, sand) was both spectacular and puzzling.

    U-118 participated in the First Battle of the Atlantic, prowling the ocean as part of Germany’s formidable U-boat fleet. She sunk two British vessels – the steamer Wellington and tanker Arca – over the course of her short career, before being surrendered in Harwich by the Imperial German Navy on February 23, 1919.

    The Allies intended to tow U-118 to Brest. On April 15, 1919, while journeying to the French port city, a storm struck and the U-boat broke from her towing lines. This is how she washed ashore on a beach in Hastings, Sussex. U-118 beached around 12:45 AM, right in front of the famous Queens Hotel. While efforts were made to dislodge the vessel, all were unsuccessful.

    The spectacle drew massive attention, and crowds flocked to view the massive U-boat. Local authorities even began taking people on deck tours, so long as they paid a small fee. Everything they earned was used to welcome British servicemen home from the war.

    These tours were quickly stopped when two of the Coast Guardsmen running them became very ill; both were dead by February 1920 from abscesses in their brains and lungs, caused by toxic chlorine gas leaking from the U-boat’s batteries.

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    U-118 was completed dismantled by 1921. While there are no visible remnants left on the beach in Hastings, it’s always possible that some fragments of the German vessel remain hidden beneath the sand.

  • These Nurses Had a Front Row Seat to the Battle of Monte Cassino

    These Nurses Had a Front Row Seat to the Battle of Monte Cassino

    Photo Credit: Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group / Getty Images Photo Credit: Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

    The Battle of Monte Cassino was fought between the Allies and Germans in the historic Monte Cassino Abbey, at the entrance to the Rapido and Liri valleys. The area was part of the Winter Line, a series of German fortifications that stood in the way of the Allied march on Rome.

    The battle was waged in multiple stages, each more arduous than the last. The initial assault in January 1944 was met with fierce resistance from the Fallschirmjäger, resulting in a stalemate. It was at this stage that a group of Red Cross nurses sat to watch the fighting. They positioned themselves on a nearby destroyed building, which gave them the ideal vantage point – with the help of their binoculars, of course.

    From the nurse’s position, Monte Cassino Abbey could easily be seen in the distance.

    This stage of the battle wasn’t a success. In February, the Allies launched a renewed offensive, led primarily by troops from New Zealand and the 4th Indian Infantry Division. The Germans fought back, leading the British command to think they were using the Abbey as an observation post. This contradicted an earlier declaration that they wouldn’t use the building because it held such historical significance.

    The Allied response was to use American bombers to destroy Monte Cassino Abbey, sparking significant controversy. Not only was there public outrage, but the Germans had never planned on using it for anything. Once it was destroyed, the paratroopers moved in, as it provided them with an exceptional vantage point.

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    After over four months of fighting, the Allies finally took Monte Cassino – and the scene was in stark contrast to that the nurses had witnessed earlier in the engagement. When they stormed the hill, they found it had long been unoccupied by the Germans, who’d retreated to somewhere else along the Winter Line.