“But not even Hitler can damage the fells"
Beatrix Potter
Abraham Acton
Conspicuous Bravery Medal
Peter Smith
To all the brave men and women who lost there lives so we can live on.
In World War 1 a German U Boat surfaced off the West Cumbrian coast and shelled the important industrial works at Lowca and Whitehaven.
Surprisingly for a defenceless area, Lowca suffered minimal damage. Many say this was thanks to the valve operator on duty who released a large cloud of smoke.
This is thought to have convinced the departing German U-boat crew that damage had already been done.
British and German troops meeting in No-Man’s Land during the unofficial truce.
John Paul Jones
decided to an attacks on Whitehaven. It was a crowded port, with hundreds of ships lying together. He thought he’d have an advantage at Whitehaven because he’d served his naval apprenticeship there. He was familiar with the port and could navigate his way in and out at night. His plan was to disable the cannons in the forts, then set fire to the ships.
On the night of the 22nd and the morning of the 23rd 1778, he put his plan into action.
Unfortunately, bad weather and a semi-mutinous crew. The crew was upset that its orders were to destroy ships. They much preferred to take ships as prizes because of the bounty for such captures. some of the crew reached shore and ignored the task at hand. They went drinking at a local tavern! Another traitorous crew member began pounding on doors, warning the British about what was going on.
In the end, some of the cannons were disabled and some ships were set afire, but the mission was not nearly as successful as hoped. Yet Jones and his men managed to get in their boats and get away.
Born in Ulverston, Cumbria
Stan Laurel born Arthur Stanley Jefferson; 16 June 1890 – 23 February 1965) was an English comic actor, director and writer who was one half of the comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. He appeared with his comedy partner Oliver Hardy in 107 short films, feature films and cameo roles.