Nazi Gold...

To finance their expensive war and domination campaign, the Nazis looted gold and other valuable possessions from any country they invaded, including Belgium and the Netherlands. The Nazis would even loot private citizens of countries of their valuables, such as jewellery and art.
There are many theories as to where the Nazis deposited the stolen booty; the obvious location has been deemed to be the Swiss National Bank, as they have one of the most secure and secretive banking systems in the world. The Swiss banks have very strict privacy laws on all accounts; this means that under no circumstances can the banks share any information with third parties, unless it is requested by a Swiss judge's subpoena. This then has made it incredibly difficult for any government to determine who or which country owns any of the Nazi gold that the SNB may have. If the SNB did take in gold and valuables on behalf of the Nazi regime then they most definitely have made a very tidy sum from it!

Should the Swiss banks be forced to return any Nazi gold they may have? Let me know what you think!

Amusing WWII Cartoon...

I've just been looking at a great blog called Strange Maps and have spotted a very amusing cartoon that makes clever use of cartography to explain the Second World War.

Take a look and let me know what you think!

Genocide under the Nazis Timeline

I have just come across an interactive timeline on the BBC History website called 'Genocide under the Nazis'. The interactive timeline charts the anti-Jewish and racist policies the Nazi regime introduced during their 12 year period in charge of Germany. The timeline "deliberately deprives you of the benefit of hindsight or a view of the future, ensuring you experience events in the sequence they happened to those who lived through them" (taken from BBC History).

Let me know what you think...

Holocaust Memorial Day

Each year the atrocities that took place under the Nazi regime are remembered on the anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27th, commerates the loss of life in genocides not only during the Second World War but also in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur.

Find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day and show your support by lighting a candle to remember those who have been victims of genocide.

A Pushy Mother? Part 1

Winston Churchill once said of his mother that he "loved her deeply, but from a distance". Obviously, Jennie Jerome, Churchill's mother's name before she married Lord Randolph Churchill in 1874, was not what you would call a 'hands on' kind of parent. In fact, 'Lady Randy' (dubbed this because of her somewhat questionable lifestyle), was not at all maternal towards her son-as soon as young Winston was old enough he was packed away to Boarding school; a situation that Lady Churchill was quite happy about, maybe because she could carry on her lavish lifestyle without having to bother with giving her son any attention. Despite this quite lonely and seemingly loveless childhood, Winston Churchill went on to achieve many great things, including leading Britain through the Second World War. Many historians argue that this was down to the influence of his power hungry Mother.

Jennie Jerome was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1854 to an affluent family; Jennie's Father had made money from investing in the Railway. Jennie grew up watching her father work very hard for what he got. Even though some of his ventures failed, her father would always get straight back to work. This strong work ethic stayed with Jennie; she realised that if she too worked hard like her father, she would achieve all that she desired. And what Jennie Jerome desired was power, influence and wealth.

Get on Your Bike!

The Nene Valley Harley Owners Group are hosting the first ever 'Ride To The Wall' bike ride to The National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire. The event will take place on Saturday 11th October to remember all the troops that have died on duty since the Second World War. It has been estimated that over 800 bikers have signed up for the event, so it should be a grand sight! I have been to the arboretum many times, as it is just down the road from where I live, and it is a humbling place to visit-I definitely recommend it. I will be going down to the arboretum early as the biker parade is due to reach its destination at around 10am. Look out for pictures on Histatic!