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Tue, 11 Nov 2008
Ambition, Attrition, and Armistice
“At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, one minute of silence will be observed to mark the signing of the Armistice and to remember all those who fell in the cause of their nations.”
Most of us were raised to the myth that the Normandy invasion on 6 June 1944 was an inevitable triumph that swept aside all opposition. Most of the books you read on the subject focus on paratroopers and weather forecasts and the bloody grind to get across the beaches. Yet that was just one day. The part that most people don’t think about is that the bloody grind continued… for months.
The Allied objectives for “D-Day” (a silly name, seeing as how every single military operation has a D-Day and an H-Hour) were ambitious; Caen, for example, was expected to be under by the end of the first day. Well, despite overwhelming firepower, it took almost 2 months to capture Caen.
They had planned on a campaign of movement, thinking of the experiences in the desert. Tankers today still dream about grand sweeping movements. But in close country, where a single defiladed anti-tank gun can wreak havoc on an approaching formation, tanks moving against defended positions without infantry support are easy pray, and yet those soldiers are likewise exposed to murderous fire. The inclination (can’t quite call it instinct) to go to ground when a gun opens up is incredibly strong. It’s even harder to get up again, especially when the officers attempting to lead by example are being mowed down.
Which is why the senior generals were increasingly terrified that the campaign was bogging down; they who had somehow survived the Somme, Ypres, and Passchendaele saw the attrition of the Great War happening again.
One veteran observed that his company had taken over 100% casualties. Another that his had seen 51 officers pass through it between Normandy and the Rhine. Given that in a company there are only an officer commanding, maybe a 2IC, and 3 platoon commanders, that is almost unfathomable. And this was only a shadow of what had happened 1914-1918?
The old blasphemies endure: “God loves the infantry”.
So we observe this day; these people are the ones who bought our freedom from the ambitions of those who took us into the maelstrom. And although the memorials name those who didn’t come back, we must think too on those who did, those who rallied to continue their advance, and carried the day.
And as you remember, perhaps spare a moment for those who serve still, who struggle in cold, dark, or scorching places, far from home.
AfC
11:00 hrs
11 November 2008
Sun, 05 Oct 2008
Congratulations Manly!
There really is nothing better than being in your home town at a pub surrounded by several hundred screaming fans when the home side is playing in the Grand Final of its league and then watching them trounce the opposition 40 to 0.
Photo by Brendan Esposito, as presented on the League HQ website
Congratulations to the Manly Sea Eagles for winning the 2008 Rugby League premiership!
AfC
Fri, 21 Dec 2007
Longevity
Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, etc has now become the longest-lived monarch since the union, having today surpassed¹ her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria, who lived to 81 years 7 months and 29 days. Congratulations, Ma’am!
Given the legendary determination of our Sovereign, I would imagine the real goal she is aspiring to reach is 10 September 2015. Should she still be alive then the length of her reign will have exceeded those of both King George III and Queen Victoria.
It’s always a bit weird to commend someone for having gotten older. “Congratulations, you’re not dead yet. Well done, there.” seems a bit odd, really, seeing as how there are so many things that just aren’t in our control. Celebrating birthdays remains fun mostly because it’s an opportunity to exchange presents, get sloshed, etc. But birthdays aren’t the only milestones of longevity, and this particular mark is a bit more exclusive than most!
AfC
¹This according to an article at Wikipedia listing British Monarchs by longevity. Hard to know who has time to dig up and collate this sort of data, but hey.
Sun, 11 Nov 2007
Taking much for granted
“At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, one minute of silence will be observed to mark the signing of the Armistice and to remember all those who fell in the cause of their nations.”
In one of the better texts documenting the South Atlantic war, I found this letter from an officer of 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, writing home to his wife:
“It shouldn’t be too long, and I promise you I shan’t take needless risks. I think of you all so much and I love you all so dearly. Darling, I know what it must be like, always waiting for news and being so much at the mercy of events, but I know that you have the courage and the character to win through the difficult time and keep the family together. I so long to be back with you and I shall value our life together as never before after this. One takes so much for granted…”
— as quoted by Max Hastings and Simon Jenkins in Battle for the Falklands (Norton, 1983) pg 288.
While we remember, pause a moment to think too on all those who came home, of those who waited, and of those who wait still.
AfC
11:00 hrs
11 November 2007
Tue, 11 Sep 2007
6 years on
And they shall not grow old.
Mary Lou Hague, d. 11 Sep 2001, age 26.
Miss you, still.
AfC
Mon, 12 Feb 2007
Valentine’s day isn’t for everyone
One of my former NCOs was killed in Afghanistan not too long ago. Bobby Girouard, the Regimental Sargent Major of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was one of the casualties when the armoured vehicles of the CO’s tactical command post were attacked by the enemy.
I remember Bobby Girouard as one of the most unflappable men I have ever met. We were in J Company, 2 RCR, together, I a newly commissioned officer commanding a platoon, he the company quartermaster. He always had a smile in his eyes, even when he was frowning at you (and given that I was a young subaltern, that was quite a bit, of course!). Others always told me that my time in command of a Platoon would be some of the best years of my life, and Warrant Officer Girouard (as he was then) was a big part of the reason why that was certainly true for me. As is the grand tradition in the British regimental system, the NCOs are more than just the backbone of the army — they are the ones who teach and grow their new young officers into seasoned commanders. It is no surprise to me that he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. I was privileged to know him.
As Valentine’s day approaches and we are all inundated with thoughts of love, passion, and chocolate, it’s easy to forget that there are many who have lost loved ones and for whom this day must be the purest form of torture. My condolences to Jackie at what must, I’m sure, be an insane time. He will be missed.
And to the soldiers who are there now, far from their loved ones, my best regards.
AfC
Sat, 23 Dec 2006
Merry Christmas
To all of our clients, friends, and supporters, a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming year!
If you live in one of those post-modern countries where it’s illegal to say such things, then I wish you a happy holiday and a very drunken new year.
AfC
Sat, 11 Nov 2006
Towards the Armistice
“At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, one minute of silence will be observed to mark the signing of the Armistice and to remember all those who fell in the cause of their nations.”
Each year on Remembrance Day, I recall two things.
At Fountain’s Abbey in North Yorkshire, England, there is a stately manor, but no one lives there any more. The two children of the house, a son and a daughter, were both killed in battle during World War II.
Neither had reached their 20th birthday.
There is a beautiful stained glass window memorial in the entrance way which reads:
They gave of their tomorrow so you could live your today.
The second is a poem that seems to say what a veteran needs to say:
If you are able
save for them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can no longer go
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam— at the closing of Hamburger Hill
In the service of peace and freedom. Amen.
AfC
11:00 hrs
11 November 2006
Tue, 26 Sep 2006
Restraint and Removal seminar in Sydney
The Aikido dojo where I train is hosting a “Restraint and Removal” seminar next Saturday or Sunday, 7 or 8 October 2006 from 11:00 am.
Sensei Thambu, who brought Aikido to Australia and founded the dojos in the Melbourne area, is widely regarded as a talented and engaging instructor. He has become well known for his Restraint and Removal seminar, which is only offered once a year to limited audiences. From their website:
This seminar brings Aikido concepts from the theoretical and places them firmly into the physical with robust and practical self defence evasion and control techniques. Ideally suited for law enforcement and the security industry, this course is open to the general public and will benefit both the beginner/novice and seasoned martial artist.
Places are going fast, so whether you’re a connoisseur of the martial arts, actually curious about Aikido, or just want to do something really cool next weekend, I encourage you to contact the dojo and sign up. (I’ve described the style of Aikido I study before — see Yoshinkan Aikido in Sydney).
The dojo is located at Level 1, 72 Wyndham St, Alexandria (just south of the intersection with Henderson Street). It’s an easy 5 minute walk south from Redfern station if coming by train; if you’re driving there’s lots of curbside parking.
AfC
Thu, 30 Mar 2006
Introduction to Aikido seminar in Sydney this weekend
The Aikido dojo where I train is holding an “Introduction to Aikido” free demonstration and clinic this Saturday 1 April 2006 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm.
From their website:
The session will be a great chance for those interested in learning about and trying out aikido. The seminar and class are free. Participants should wear lose comfortable clothing. All are welcome.
As I mentioned when I blogged about Aikido in Sydney before, our two Senseis, Daren Friend and Peggy Woo, are very talented practitioners of Yoshinkan Aikido, both with immense experience as instructors. So whether you’re a connoisseur of the martial arts, actually curious about Aikido, or just want to do something really unusual this Saturday, I encourage you to come, watch their demonstration and participate in the introduction class.
The dojo is located Level 1, 72 Wyndham St, Alexandria (just south of the intersection with Henderson Street). It’s an easy 5 minute walk south from Redfern station if coming by train; if you’re driving there’s lots of curbside parking.
AfC
Sun, 18 Sep 2005
Aikido in Sydney
About a month and a half ago I found a new Aikido dojo in Sydney and have been training there. That probably doesn’t sound much like news, but the instructors are awesome and I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to do Aikido again after what turns out to be a long absence.
Through high school and into university I’d been looking for a martial art I would feel comfortable studying. It wasn’t until I was into 3rd year that I discovered Aikido, a somewhat unusual Japanese martial art. It gets a “somewhat unusual” because unlike Karate, Kung Fu, or Tae Kwon Do, it does not accentuate strikes and attacks, but rather emphasizes redirection and using an attacker’s energy against them.
The style that I came across while at university is called Yoshinkan Aikido. It was set up by one of the students of the founder of modern Aikido with the express (and officially sanctioned) purpose of reformulating the art so it would be teachable. The combination of something whose nature represents “minimum force” and that can be systematically taught has made it well thought of by law enforcement agencies. In particular the Tokyo Riot Control police are required to graduate from a grueling year long advanced course taught at the Yoshinkan Hombu {home, head} dojo in Tokyo.
I made slow progress at first — I’m tall, grew quickly as a kid, and was not very coordinated. Between that and a lot of cross-country running [not to mention carrying a heavy rucksack], I am not what you’d call flexible. But studying Aikido was fun, I had a great teacher, it was a friendly environment, and a good diversion from the rigours of Military College. I passed my test for 6th Kyu the day before I graduated.
After I left RMC the army posted me to eastern Canada and I was no longer able to pursue my studies. There was an Aikikai dojo there (the original form of Aikido) and while I tried training there a few times, I couldn’t quite get into it — it sorta felt like driving on the wrong side of the road, and my enthusiasm waned.
Six months later I was sent back to Central Ontario to run a course for recruit soldiers. A friend of mine told me that there was a fellow at the base where I was heading who had just starting to teach people “Aikido”. I figured that even if it was Aikikai maybe I’d get along better with a new instructor. Well, it turned out not only was the Yoshinkan style that I had studied at RMC, but further my new instructor had in turn learned from the same group in Toronto that had taught my previous teacher!
So, snap, I was able to pick up right where I’d left off, and before I knew it I was training 4 times a week, including driving down to Toronto on the weekends. When the snow melted in spring, I was able to add trips to Toronto on Monday and Wednesday nights and was training upwards of 6 times a week. Needless to say the hard work paid off, and I made terrific progress. When my six month posting was up I had progressed to 2nd Kyu (a brown belt!). It felt awesome.
And then I was back to not being able to train. I was only getting to Toronto like once a quarter, and that’s not exactly adequate to keep one’s skills up. A few years later, in New York, I did find a Yoshinkan instructor but I had become somewhat rusty, wasn’t able to train very often, and all he had for a dojo was a church attic with some velcro-together gym mats. I did get to Tokyo for a weekend in summer 2001 and visited the Hombu dojo (where a high school classmate was, quite randomly, now an instructor! — small world), but then Sept 11 happened and cleaning up from that rather dominated our attention.
And I hadn’t trained since.
Two months ago, I took a moment to do a search on “Aikido Sydney”. To my amazement I discovered that a new dojo Aikido Yoshinkan N.S.W. had just opened in Redfern. Darren Friend and his wife Peggy had just moved back to Australia from Japan, he having spent almost 20 years at the Hombu dojo, most recently as senior foreign instructor.
After my experience in New York I was a bit hesitant, but I have to tell you the first day I went to watch a class in their dojo in Redfern the biggest smile lit up my face.
So I’ve been hard at it for about 6 weeks now. Needless to say I was more than just a little bit rusty, but Darren Sensei has been very patient with me, and that has indeed put me past my trepidation. Training in Aikido again after so long has been daunting — so much is half remembered at best and I’m having to recover the balances and skills that I learned long ago, but mentally overcoming such frustration is as much a part of training as the physical challenges are.
If you’re a Sydneysider, and maybe interested in picking up a martial art, I highly recommend you come and watch a class (schedule here) and talk to Darren Sensei or Peggy Sensei. The best endorsement I can make though, is to quote an email I got from my high school friend in Tokyo:
I just got your email address from Peggy and thought I’d write a very quick hello … You are very lucky to be training with Darren and Peggy. Between them they have an unbelievable amount of experience in Yoshinkan Aikido and you’ll be able to grow with them for a long, long time.
If you want to learn more about Aikido, you might have a glance at the website from a dojo run by one of my former instructors in Toronto (Incidentally, that has to be one of the best web site designs I have ever seen. Clean navigation, tasteful use of images, lots of whitespace, good information pacing… Wow)
Of course, there’s a flipside to having resumed training after years absence: in the words of E.T.: “ouch” :)
AfC
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