An old one but some new bits added.....
Discussion
Bring it on the British...
Following the events in London recently the French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from 'Run' to 'Hide'.
The only two higher levels in France are 'Surrender' and 'Collaborate'.
The rise was precipitated by a recent fire which destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing their military.
Updates from around Europe:
The Italians have increased their alert level from "shouting excitedly" to "elaborate military posturing". Two more levels remain, "ineffective combat operations" and "change sides".
The Germans have also increased their alert state from "disdainful arrogance" to "full dress-uniform and marching songs". They have two higher levels, "invade a neighbour" and "lose".
Seeing this reaction in continental Europe the Americans have gone from "isolationism" to "find somewhere ripe for regime change". Their remaining higher alert states are "take on the world" and "ask the British for help".
Finally here in UK we've gone from "pretend nothing's happening" to "make another cup of tea". Our higher levels are "chin-up" and "remain cheerful"
Following the events in London recently the French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from 'Run' to 'Hide'.
The only two higher levels in France are 'Surrender' and 'Collaborate'.
The rise was precipitated by a recent fire which destroyed France's white flag factory, effectively paralyzing their military.
Updates from around Europe:
The Italians have increased their alert level from "shouting excitedly" to "elaborate military posturing". Two more levels remain, "ineffective combat operations" and "change sides".
The Germans have also increased their alert state from "disdainful arrogance" to "full dress-uniform and marching songs". They have two higher levels, "invade a neighbour" and "lose".
Seeing this reaction in continental Europe the Americans have gone from "isolationism" to "find somewhere ripe for regime change". Their remaining higher alert states are "take on the world" and "ask the British for help".
Finally here in UK we've gone from "pretend nothing's happening" to "make another cup of tea". Our higher levels are "chin-up" and "remain cheerful"
good stuff 
R988 said:
Your good at defence and repelling invaders, but winning is probably not one something I'd put on the British resumé. WW1 Stalemate, WW2 Stalemate until the US and Russia helped out. I'll give you the Falklands but apart from that not too much winning on your own.
You mean unlike the Aussies...
R988 said:
Your good at defence and repelling invaders, but winning is probably not one something I'd put on the British resumé. WW1 Stalemate, WW2 Stalemate until the US and Russia helped out. I'll give you the Falklands but apart from that not too much winning on your own.
says he showing total lack of knowledge of history
R988 said:
Your good at defence and repelling invaders, but winning is probably not one something I'd put on the British resumé. WW1 Stalemate, WW2 Stalemate until the US and Russia helped out. I'll give you the Falklands but apart from that not too much winning on your own.
WW2 no question... WW1 the important American contribution was in supplies. American troops only fought in significant numbers in the last two or three months, by which time we already had the Germans on the run. It's the sort of thing that tends to generate endless debate, but it seems to me that the American military contribution was not decisive.
Pigeon said:
[
WW2 no question... WW1 the important American contribution was in supplies. American troops only fought in significant numbers in the last two or three months, by which time we already had the Germans on the run. It's the sort of thing that tends to generate endless debate, but it seems to me that the American military contribution was not decisive.
I would agree, the decisive contribution to the allied advance in 1918 was made by British troops.
Though on balance the French made a greater contribution towards fighting the war.
[stir]Well its not like you crushed the Germans in WW1, they sort of just got sick of fighting and signed a form that said they would bugger off and leave you alone for twenty odd years so they could regroup, not what I call a victory. Not to mention you had a number of other countries helping you by providing cannon fodder ([salt]now whos forgetting who else was involved a war[/salt]) It was after all a World war not a British war. 
[/stir]
>> Edited by R988 on Wednesday 3rd August 17:25
[/stir] >> Edited by R988 on Wednesday 3rd August 17:25
R988 said:I think you will find we made much better comedy programmes about both World Wars than any of the other participants thus demonstrating that we were the true victors. Wibble
[stir]Well its not like you crushed the Germans in WW1, they sort of just got sick of fighting and signed a form that said they would bugger off and leave you alone for twenty odd years so they could regroup, not what I call a victory. Not to mention you had a number of other countries helping you by providing cannon fodder ([salt]now whos forgetting who else was involved a war[/salt]) It was after all a World war not a British war.
>> Edited by R988 on Wednesday 3rd August 17:25
rustybin said:
[stir]Well its not like you crushed the Germans in WW1, they sort of just got sick of fighting and signed a form that said they would bugger off and leave you alone for twenty odd years so they could regroup, not what I call a victory. Not to mention you had a number of other countries helping you by providing cannon fodder ([salt]now whos forgetting who else was involved a war[/salt]) It was after all a World war not a British war.
>> Edited by R988 on Wednesday 3rd August 17:25
I think you will find we made much better comedy programmes about both World Wars than any of the other participants thus demonstrating that we were the true victors. Wibble
I'll have to concede that point
oooh history lessons all round me thinks... Lets look at the scores on the doors for WWI
Dead
Germany 1,773,700
Russia 1,700,000
France 1,375,800
Austria-Hungary 1,200,000
Great Britain 908,371
Italy 650,000
Rumania - 335,000
Turkey - 325,000
US - 126,000
Bulgaria - 87,500
Serbia 45,000
Belgium 13,716
Portugal 7,222
Greece 5,000
Montenegro 3,000
Japan 300
Indeed a world war.
Seems the general allegations of the French being a bunch ar surrendering wotsits are thoroughly undeserved when applied to WW1.
As for the American contribution being 'small' - I don't call over 100,000 dead a 'small' contribution - particularly in the 3-4 months that official military operations were making an impact on the front line. It is true to say that there were plenty of American volunteers who arrived to fight ahead of the official American declaration of war.
Anyway, thats enough WWI factoids....
carry on....
source data from www.worldwar1.com/tlcrates.htm
none of the above figures include missing or wounded figures which are frankly horrifying reading in addition to the above....
mr_tony said:
Lets look at the scores on the doors for WWI
Dead
Germany 1,773,700
Russia 1,700,000
France 1,375,800
Austria-Hungary 1,200,000
Great Britain 908,371
Italy 650,000
Rumania - 335,000
Turkey - 325,000
US - 126,000
Bulgaria - 87,500
Serbia 45,000
Belgium 13,716
Portugal 7,222
Greece 5,000
Montenegro 3,000
Japan 300
Indeed a world war.
Seems the general allegations of the French being a bunch ar surrendering wotsits are thoroughly undeserved when applied to WW1.
As for the American contribution being 'small' - I don't call over 100,000 dead a 'small' contribution - particularly in the 3-4 months that official military operations were making an impact on the front line. It is true to say that there were plenty of American volunteers who arrived to fight ahead of the official American declaration of war.
Anyway, thats enough WWI factoids....
carry on....
source data from www.worldwar1.com/tlcrates.htm
none of the above figures include missing or wounded figures which are frankly horrifying reading in addition to the above....
Some might say there were no winners only losers...
But then you could say that about a lot of wars.
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