Dr Victoria Taylor 💛💙✈
@SpitfireFilly
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Award-winning aviation historian (RAF/Luftwaffe) | @DSD_Kings @DefAcUK | Ed @JrnAeroHistory | @rafcharitable / @spirit_spitfire Ambassador | Rep @GeorginaCapel
Joined March 2017
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I am THRILLED to introduce you to
#Afterburners
– ten of my past full-length academic lectures that have now been transformed into a unique audiobook series! This video outlines how to gain access, whilst a preview of each episode is provided below...1/12
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My non-historian friends: Why do you need so many books on one historical event? Aren't they all about the same thing, anyway?
Me:
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Being A Female Military Historian: A Play in Four Acts
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Update: I successfully defended my PhD thesis with amendments today! Thank you to my examiners - Prof Mark Connelly, Prof Neil Gregor, & Dr Jenny Macleod - for a constructive & informative discussion. When life gives you plot twists, you *can* still write your own damn script. ♥️
From my Dad nearly dying & his tough rehab, to splitting from my fiancé, I've been through some real shit recently. This week, I'm back to studying full time for my PhD. And when I finally earn those 2 letters before my name, I'll know just how much I came through to get them. 👊🏻
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As of today, I am now *officially* Dr Victoria Taylor! Thank you SO much to my beloved alma mater
@HistoryatHull
& especially my supervisor
@richmondbridge
for making Hull my home these past 8 years. You've given me such a wonderful foundation - I shall forever be thankful. ♥️
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Definitely going to use this to screen all potential colleagues, friends, and love interests from now on
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I'm super excited to feature in the
@Channel4
documentary series
#WarplaneWorkshop
! This week's episode focusses on the amazing story of Holland's Forgotten Few & the Fokker D.XXI. It's being shown on
@More4Tweets
tomorrow night (Thursday 17 November) at 9pm. Trailer is below 🥰
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Thank you for your kind words, Dan! For yourself &
@HistoryHit
to take a leap of faith on a young PhD candidate means a lot, especially as we strive towards making military history more accessible & welcoming for female scholars. It was an honour to be part of this project. ♥️
I tell you now,
@SpitfireFilly
is an upcoming history TV star. Delighted to have her feature in our newest, feature length
@HistoryHit
film, all about the escalation of Allied bombing during WW2. Subscribe today with code 'twitter' and get 6 weeks free 👉
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Aviation historian or new Dr Who companion? You be the judge
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World at War is *the* definitive series of the Second World War. It connotes a sombre air of gravitas & an authenticity of testimony that is unparalleled - challenging its audience, but never patronising it.
"Down this road, on a summer day in 1944, the soldiers came...." 💔
31 October 1973. The first episode of the 26-part classic ITV documentary series, World at War, was broadcast. It was narrated by Laurence Olivier, with music by Carl Davies. It cost £900,000 (worth £11 million today).
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I had to take breaks from the
#DDay
coverage today, because every time the veterans bravely opened up about that day, knowing their experiences will die with them if they don't say something now, it really got to me. It's their last chance with us & our last chance with them. 💔
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Clowns to the left of me
Jokers to the right,
Here I am
Stuka the middle with you
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Just strategically placed my new fairy lights to look like the Spitfire is dodging flak...
...I think I need help
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If you'll simply go after that thing that you want,
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, Stern pertinacity,
If dogged and grim, you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it. ♥️
#PhDThesis
#Submission
#HalfwayToDrTaylor
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Goosebumps! No footage can compete with that. The wing waggle 🥺
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RIP to George "Johnny" Johnson, the bomb aimer who famously attacked the Sorpe dam with 617 Sqn in the
#Dambusters
raid. To cause damage on the 10th pass, with just one UPKEEP bomb that was not suited to the Sorpe, was a testimony to Johnson's resolve, courage, grit & precision.
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"Girls aren't drawn to military history at a young age"
One of my year 8 students presented me with this painting she did this morning! How cool is that!?
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Really proud to have conquered my inner demons to lose 2 & a half stone (16kg) in 18 months. My weight ballooned during my PG degrees/lockdown, severely affecting my physical & mental health. After overhauling my diet & exercise, there's just another half stone to go. ♥
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Thank you to my amazing loved ones, tutors, colleagues, supporters & followers for all the kind comments. This PhD is just as much yours as it is mine. ♥
@HistoryatHull
@UniOfHull
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My top 5 aircraft may *SHOCK YOU*-
1. ...well, apart from this one 🤣 THE SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE!
2. Focke Wulf 190
3. Avro Vulcan
4. de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito
5. Mitsubishi A6M Zero
What's your top 5?
Separating it firmly from the political regime it served - the Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Always thought the formation markings looked smart on its fuselage & its radial engine just looks right. Cockpit is swept & futuristic, everything in proportion. "If it looks right, it flies right"
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When you visit
@airandspace
& are not emotionally prepared to see the original Wright Flyer, so you stand there with tears streaming down your face around confused schoolkids lol. Can't believe I've seen the first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft in history!! 🥺😭✈
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Wishing everyone a peaceful & happy festive period 🥰⭐
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Panzerschrecks
There is only one thing girls want, and it starts with a P and ends in a S.
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Very excited to announce that I have been awarded the
@RAFMUSEUM
Doctoral Academic Prize for 2020! Feel quite cheeky for winning with a Luftwaffe entry...particular thanks go to
@HistoryatHull
& my supervisors
@richmondbridge
&
#MatthewStibbe
. ♥️
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Some of you asked about my conclusion on the legality of Dresden's destruction in 1945. This is always a volatile and sensitive subject, so I'll do a thread in order to hopefully administer a little more justice to the topic in hand. /1
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A note on the "child historian" comment I get sometimes - I am the same age as Guy Gibson when he led the
#Dambusters
raid. Would those same people call him a "child Wing Commander", I wonder? 🤔
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Now in the final year of my twenties, as of today! Looking forward to making some history magic this year 🥳 thank you for your kind wishes - so touched by your sweet messages ♥️ ♈️
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When I started my Master's thesis on the Dambusters, I contacted an older historian for advice (no one on here!) who was of absolutely no help & served to nit-pick. Now I'm giving a Trenchard Lecture on that award-winning thesis. Never let the naysayers keep you down!
Before postwar books, films. & newsreels clouded our perceptions - what did Operation Chastise mean to wartime Britain? Next Thursday (8th Oct), at 6pm, I'll be giving a free online lecture on the Dambusters legend during WWII. Registration link is below. Thanks
@sallyacb275
! ♥️
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Deliberately went to go see
#1917
with some non-historian friends so that I wouldn't nit-pick at it. The result? I absolutely loved it. Innovatively filmed, movingly acted and beautifully directed. One of the very best films I've seen in a long time.
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Getting out of survival mode is the best thing I've ever done. I hope it's the best thing you ever do, too. ♥️
#wellness
#therapy
#mentalhealth
#recovery
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*WARNING - VERY GRAPHIC CONTENT*
#OTD
in 1945,
#Dresden
was razed to the ground by the British & Americans. The air crews should not be vilified for carrying out orders & avenging the dead, but here are some images of Dresden which illustrate the monstrosity of 'Total War'. /1
Some of you asked about my conclusion on the legality of Dresden's destruction in 1945. This is always a volatile and sensitive subject, so I'll do a thread in order to hopefully administer a little more justice to the topic in hand. /1
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I just hit 19,000 followers!! Thank you for your wonderful support - so many of you have watched me grow up on here since I started tweeting on aviation at 22, and now I'm closer to 30! Came a long way; still a way to go. I love you all (and this
@IWMDuxford
Mk I Spitfire too) ♥
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Every military historian ever
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A much needed pause before the rollercoaster of work starts again next week. Wishing you all a lovely weekend! 🥰♥️
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It is possible to condemn Prince Philip's generational racism & problematic aspects whilst admiring his wartime service, devotion to duty, & changing of young people's lives. It is possible to not mourn the man yourself without exacerbating the grief of others to make your point.
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Finally enjoying a small slither of time off before the writing & lecturing starts again! Hope your week is going well 😊
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Democratic right exercised. Go out and vote 🤘🗳
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The most rewarding part of this week has been the women participating in Q&As, young & middle-aged women coming up to say they enjoyed my talk, & fathers of daughters who said they are inspired by a young woman speaking on airpower. We're slowly getting there ♥
@WomenDoHistory
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But seriously, please don't infantilise young military historians. It's counterproductive to complain about young people not taking an interest in military history & then patronise those who do. So, for the future health of the discipline, more kindness & less gatekeeping please
'Oh really, a Lancaster? Name one of their raids'
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Happy to announce that I now have a website - ! There, you can read about my research profile and expertise, as well as find contact details for booking media & public appearances, journalism & print commissions, consultancy work & archival research ♥️
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Due to the travel changes, I'm spending Christmas alone this year. But I have food in my belly, a roof over my head & a loving family who are safest over Skype! My heart goes out to the essential workers, military personnel & medical staff for whom isolation is the norm ♥️
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Much to be grateful for in 2023! Made my debut at
@ChartwellNT
@ChalkeFestival
@SMH_Historians
&
@WeHaveWaysPod
fest; produced my 1st documentary episode for
@smithsonian
; lectured in
@UKHouseofLords
& attended
@spirit_spitfire
reception in
@10DowningStreet
. Here's to 2024! 🥰✈️
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I'm often pointedly asked, "WHY PLANES/THE LUFTWAFFE/MILITARY HISTORY?". Answer: I like stuff because I like stuff. Being a girl is irrelevant. I'm not trying to be quirky or different from other girls. I'm not trying to be cute or wifey material. It interests me. Thank you, next
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Merry Christmas, all! Wishing you a prosperous & joyful day. Thanks for your lovely well-wishes this year - looking forward to bringing you more aviation content in 2022! 🎉
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I will always be grateful to
@HistoryatHull
for giving me my wings as an aviation historian. Check out this new short film - featuring
@TracyBorman
,
@RidleyNicole
& I - on why you should study History at the one of the great universities😉
#WeAreHull
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I will always be grateful to
@HistoryatHull
for giving me my wings as an aviation historian. Check out this new short film - featuring
@TracyBorman
,
@RidleyNicole
& I - on why you should study History at the one of the great universities😉
#WeAreHull
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A packed week! Firstly, off to
@StHughsCollege
at
@UniofOxford
to give a lecture on the Luftwaffe in the Mediterranean, Balkans & North Africa (1941). Then,
@ChartwellNT
to talk on Winston Churchill's bombing policy. And finally, at
@WeHaveWaysPod
#WHWF
for Op GOMORRAH (1943)! ✈
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Working on the final chapter of my PhD today! Wish me luck!! 🥰
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As it's the
#Dambusters
anniversary, here's a thread on Barnes Neville Wallis - the esteemed aeronautical engineer who designed the UPKEEP bomb (or 'bouncing bomb') delivered to the heart of the breached Möhne and Eder Dams nearly eighty years ago. 1/18
#OperationCHASTISE
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Why have I made this thread? Because, time & again, we are told by chest-thumping Britons that the war years were the golden years. This is the ugly reality of Total War that our wartime generation had to carry out. War isn't about winning, but about who loses the least. /8
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This is bizarre. The bombing of Dresden was not 'collateral damage' or designed to minimise loss of civilians & suffering- it was designed to maximise it, albeit with a view to shortening the war. Side correction: 25,000 killed, as established by an independent German commission
"When Britain bombed Dresden, 35,000 people lost their lives"
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps says "we've sort of forgotten that in war, very sadly, people lose their lives" when asked about the scale of Israel's retaliation strikes on Gaza
#BBCLauraK
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If you've ever been in doubt why we need military historians...
These are photos of SS Galicia Division veteran who was given standing ovation by Canadian parliament, prime-minister of Canada and president of Ukraine. He published these photos of himself in this division during training in Germany. He is standing in the middle in 1st photo,
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It was a privilege to visit Downing Street & attend a reception at No.11 as part of the official Advisory Board for
@SpitfireAA810
. My personal highlight was chatting with our remarkable Photographic Reconnaissance Unit Mosquito veteran. It is for them that we do what we do. ♥
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"So you're a historian, then. What do you study, the Tudors? Oh, military history? Airpower? Huh. I wouldn't have guessed that. No, no, I meant nothing by it, love. Just surprising is all. I'm somewhat of a history buff myself, actually - Spitfires & the like. Do you know them?"
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I was in the middle of an impromptu history lecture recently to my Mum & then said, 'I hope I'm not boring you!' And she said, 'how many people would want SpitfireFilly on hand to chat about aviation history? It's quite the privilege to get these kind of insights for free.' 🥺♥️
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Society: "The humanities should be defunded - they bear no relevance to today's world. It's a useless and irrelevant discipline"
Also society the minute an historic moment happens: "this picture will be in future history books, historians will write of this event that..."
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Speechless. Just bought Günther Rall's autobiography from a German book store & it's stuffed with newspaper cuttings & funeral notices from his death in 2009. I'm researching how Luftwaffe pilots have been remembered in Germany. You could not make this up - thanks, universe!!! 💫
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Tonight sees the broadcast of my 1st documentary as an historical producer! On
@smithsonian
's 'Air Warriors', myself,
@1940Andy
@claremulley
@PatrickBury
@RAFMhistorian
& many more
delve into the infamous Junkers Ju 87 'Stuka'. Trailer below - also on Paramount Plus!
@cmgroup_uk
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There are 1000+ female historians working in military history according to
@womnknowhistory
- with many having discussed their early interest as young girls & women. And that's not counting female enthusiasts who had an early interest. Hope it's comfortable under that rock 👍
@SpitfireFilly
Yes there will always be outliers. Like the three female scaffolders in the UK. It's all an expected part of the normal distribution - you did study basic statistics, didn't you?
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Apologies if I am quiet for a bit - working hard to hit a big final writing deadline, got filming to do & getting
#Afterburners
ready for release within the next few weeks. Thank you for your ongoing support - I'll be back when I can share the fruits of my labour 😁♥️✈️
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I've just hit 12,000 followers, you crazy people!! Thank you ever so much for your kind support - welcome to the fold. Come for the planes, stay for the...uhh...more planes. No more, no less. ✈️♥️
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"I BET YOU THINK THE SPITFIRE WON THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN. NAH, IT WAS ACTUALLY THE HURRICANE. THE WORKHORSE OF 1940, THAT WAS. BARELY ANYONE KNOWS THAT. HURRIS DON'T GET ENOUGH LOVE. GLAD I HELPED."
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From my Dad nearly dying & his tough rehab, to splitting from my fiancé, I've been through some real shit recently. This week, I'm back to studying full time for my PhD. And when I finally earn those 2 letters before my name, I'll know just how much I came through to get them. 👊🏻
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I've just hit 17,000 followers! Thank you so much to all of you lovely people for engaging with me, enriching my knowledge & for supporting my historical content - incredibly grateful & blessed 🥰💫
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Turns out my transcription software doesn't like me much
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So excited that my book chapter on Winston Churchill's bombing policy has now been published in a Cambridge University Press Companion to his life! To be involved in this next generation of historiography is an honour. Thank you for the opportunity
@AllenPackwood
♥ 📖
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After nearly four years of struggling to transcribe German sources for my PhD on an English keyboard, it's only just occurred to me to buy a German keyboard so that I don't have to remember the codes for each umlaut & everything's in the right place. Disproportionately excited 🤓
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It's important to justify our research as historians - to explain how it furthers our understanding of past events & informs the present. But sometimes, I'd just like to admit that I researched something because I found it fascinating & others may possibly find it interesting too
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Thank you to you all for your lovely birthday wishes! Here's to another year around the sun 💫🌞⭐
#26
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Had to keep this quiet until
@UniOfHull
knew - but I'm shocked & delighted that my Operation CHASTISE Masters thesis has been awarded the
@RAFMUSEUM
's RAF Centenary Masters Academic Prize!! Thought I'd heard nothing because I'd lost! Such a lovely surprise for my family ❤️
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I've just bought my PhD graduation dress that I've had my eye on for two years. Down to the last 5, only available in one size, took a chance on it anyway. It was made for me. The only hint I'm giving away is-
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I will keep pushing until women are seen as the norm in military history - not as "oddities" or "exceptions". To have our "legion" of female military historians doing the same, as
@normaegraham1
&
@BrazierMary
beautifully put it, fills me with inspiration, confidence & hope ♥️
There are 1000+ female historians working in military history according to
@womnknowhistory
- with many having discussed their early interest as young girls & women. And that's not counting female enthusiasts who had an early interest. Hope it's comfortable under that rock 👍
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Genetics.
Medical conditions.
Dietary intolerances.
Greater priorities.
Or maybe, just maybe, men can look however the bloody hell they want to
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So, to conclude. Was Dresden a war crime? No, the legislation didn't exist. But did it break pre-WWII international law? Yes. Was it an understandable target? Yes, to some degree. But was it excessive? Absolutely. Was it necessary? That you will have to decide for yourselves. /14
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This year, I will be going fully freelance - with no institutional income - for the first time in my career! If you are a fan of my work, I'd be very touched if you would consider making a donation towards the creation of my aviation history content ✈
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Early weekend for me! I've had no chance to recuperate since having a nasty bout of COVID earlier in the month. May take me some time to emails, but I'll be back in action very soon. Looking forward to seeing you all next week ♥
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Historian Oscars glam! Had such a wonderful time with friends & colleagues last night. We didn't win, but we did ourselves very proud. Congratulations to all the excellent winners of the evening, very well deserved ♥
@Inspired_Hull
@HistoryatHull
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My poor Microsoft Word didn't know how to read out a title including both German and English words, so it's decided to go for saying the English words in the thickest, most stereotypical German accent you could ever imagine and I can't stop laughing
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I've just hit 16,000 followers, you lovely people! Thank you SO much for your kind support. I'm now registered as a freelance aviation historian - SpitfireFilly Aviation is truly open for business. Really excited at some of the new projects coming up ♥️
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Just had an utterly lovely historian friend of mine (you know who you are!) send me THE best early birthday gift - a 1938 German aerial reconnaissance map of my alma mater city, Hull, that was owned by a
#Luftwaffe
Seefliegerhorst based at Hörnum. A permanent memento of my PhD ♥️
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To the dinosaur historians who still swear blind that female military historians aren't spoken to differently compared to their male counterparts - since when have you even been called a 'prince' by someone who disagrees with you? 👑
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Watching the original Dunkirk now because, well, what is Christmas without war films
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How do an aviation historian & a naval historian compromise on their day off? By going to an Army museum, of course! ⚔
@Laura_Burks
#Waterloo
@YorkArmyMuseum
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On the beach holiday I always promised myself I'd go on after finishing my PhD. Living it up in Santa Monica. Life is good 🥰🌴
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By day: aviation historian
By night: squirrel queen
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Had such a wonderful time in San Diego for
#SMH23
! Blessed to have spent time with so many kind people, to have given a paper & to have been throughly spoilt for my birthday. Also, thanks for nudging me over 18,000 followers - can't wait to see where we all go together next! ♥
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What's an image of war that sparked your historical interest? One of my earliest moments was seeing this German air raid warning poster ("the enemy sees your light! Make it dark!"). Seeing the RAF portrayed in a negative light was quite a shock as a schoolgirl. (©
@DHMBerlin
)
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