On This Day of Days…June 6th.
The USS Hornet, seen with USS Atlanta (CL-51) in the foreground, behind is USS New Orleans (CA-32). June 6th, 1942, Midway.
On June 6, 1942, aircraft from the carriers Enterprise and Hornet pursued the retreating Japanese fleet from Midway. They made three attacks, sinking the heavy cruiser Mikuma and damaging the destroyer Mogami (below).
Later in the day, an Enterprise plane flew by the shattered Mikuma, and took the War's first close-up photographs of a sinking Japanese warship. Mikuma sank about dusk on 6 June, leaving hundreds of her crewmen to die in the water. Three days later, the U.S. submarine Trout found and rescued two survivors and took them to Pearl Harbor.
In the early hours of the 6th, the abandoned USS Yorktown was reboarded and salvage attempts were started.
Bill Roy, 21 year old photographer's mate, describes the last moments of a famous ship.
“Captain Buckmaster was on the Hammann and sent word he was organizing a salvage party of 29 selected officers and 141 enlisted men. I volunteered. USS Hammann returned us to Yorktown early morning June 6, 1942. First order was to put out the fires in the forward rag locker. It was still burning near the forward bomb and torpedo magazines, and the aviation gas storage tanks. We next cut away the port 5 inch guns. I made photos. Then I was asked to help the medic identify and bury the dead left on the flight deck.”
“Next, I helped lower new aircraft from the hangar deck overhead and push them overboard to get the weight off the port side. I asked Captain Buckmaster, to give me one of the new torpedo planes. He said "you got it Roy" as it went over the side to 17,000 feet below. I then went back to the bow to help remove the second 5 inch gun and make photos.”
“At 1.36 pm the 20mm gun started firing and I ran across to starboard just in time to see the bosun on the bow of Hammann using a fire axe trying to cut the bow lines. The port turbines were screaming as they were backing down. Commander Arnold True was trying to break loose from Yorktown.”
“Gunfire was shooting at the four torpedoes that had been fired from the Japanese submarine I-168. Hammann, hit by one torpedo under the bridge, blew up alongside Yorktown and broke in two. Sailors were catapulted off the bow forward through the air. Sailors were blown overboard. Yorktown was hit by the next two torpedoes on her starboard side. She rocked up and rolled hard.”
“Great explosive sheets of fire, oil, water and metal blew up between the two ships. The 4th torpedo passed astern. I was knocked over into a bulkhead. Some Yorktown sailors were blown overboard. Sailors were thrown in every direction. I got up and made three sequential photos of the Hammann stern going back with sailors clinging on (below). When the stern sank many men were in the water. Then the eighteen depth charges on Hammann's stern reached their set depth, and they exploded with a mighty explosion and eruption of water.”
“The Yorktown rose up out of the water shaking and rolled again. There was only foaming water showing in the last photo I made, where the Hammann stern had sunk.”
“I went off the starboard side to board the minesweeper Viero (below) which had cut its tow on Yorktown. We picked up survivors and wounded and dead. Captain Buckmaster performed sea burial services for two officers and one enlisted man.”
“We then transferred to a destroyer. Next day, early dawn, at 5.30 am June 7, 1942, Yorktown seemed to be on an even keel. We had hopes to salvage the ship and save her. The list of Yorktown was then noticed to be increasing rapidly to port and, at 7.01 am, Yorktown turned over to her port side and sank stern first in about 3000 fathoms of water with all battle flag's flying.”
“I was on the bridge of the destroyer with Captain Buckmaster taking pictures with a K-20 aerial camera. It was the only camera that had film. Buckmaster told the destroyer captain, "take me through the debris where Yorktown sank". We cut through the flotsam.
Buckmaster said "come about and go through again". We did. Then, Captain Buckmaster said "go through again".He wanted me to take more photos...the destroyer skipper said,"I am taking her back to Pearl".
June 6th, 1941 in southern Russia.
Spitfire of the VCS-7 led by Lieutenant Commander William Denton, D-Day 6 June 1944.
Ace Paul A. Mullen (‘Moon') of VMF-214 (Black Sheep) in Guadalcanal, June 6th, 1943.
Sherman tank leaves a landing craft during an exercise on the North African coast, 6 June 1943.
Lt. Robert F. Doyle shaking hands with his wingman Ensign John F. Mudge after their return from a gunfire-spotting and strafing mission over Normandy.
Gun camera still taken by Flight Sergeant Batchelor (No. 457 Squadron RAAF) of Japanese G4M1 bombers in flight near Darwin, Australia, 6th of June, 1943.
Lastly, my dear friends, this will be my last post of 'On This Day...'
My intentions to run the blog for a complete year have run up against something of a barrier. This is a disappointment as it was a personal challenge to keep a journal for 365 days to contextualise the subjects we model, learn something of the history of the things we make, and yes, sometimes to think of the philosophical and moral issues around our hobby.
It has come to my attention that the series does not have the majority backing of the administration team, and although I have been told I can continue the series, it has kind of holed the motivation under the waterline. It seems there is a belief that this series is actively harming the iModeler community. The decision to stop, I want to be clear, is my decision. You live by your values, or life becomes meaningless.
I want to say thanks to all the iModelers who have supported the series and who have 'liked' the entries. The response has been quite overwhelming, especially from those of you who don't write much but tell me you read and enjoy the series every day.
This decision in no way reflects my feelings about iModeler; this is a wonderful place to showcase our work, the editorial team, especially Martin, do a fantastic job, and the overall atmosphere is supportive, encouraging, and very, very, welcoming. The whole iModeler community have my unending support.
Lastly (and this is important) - you may want to, but please do not use the general boards to discuss the reasons why the series stopped today. As I said, this is my own decision, and if you really need to say something (even if it's just 'thanks') - you can do it on the private messaging.
Thanks.
David.
Great post, as usual! David is spoiling us! 😉
Thanks, Manuel. I really appreciate your message and thanks for dropping in.
Yes, another set of great photos and heroic stories. D-day on its own can tell dozens of unusual stories, it really was the greatest military feat of modern times
Pedro, let alone a military feat, I think what happened at Normandy is one of the greatest things that we as a species have ever achieved.
I agree completely, David @dirtylittlefokker It certainly WAS one of, if not THE greatest achievement we humans have done. It's just too bad so many great things come out of wars!
Thanks for all the hard work that went into this, David. Your work has been a real treat which I have looked forward to reading each day!
Thank you, Jeff. Been a pleasure, and hope to see some more of your work very soon!
Boy, I sure will miss it. It was giving me all kinds of ideas.
This is a stellar post, David, certainly one of your best.
Though I didn't comment much on the series, as I just looked forward to every one you posted David. I did read every single one of them as it was something to look forward to each day. Each one was thought provoking, the comments made by the members were enough for me to read and at times wished to make a comment but decided to just bite my tongue and enjoy the context of what you took a great deal of time to present and did not want to take away your achievement for the day. This alone by one man with your research and presentation was a feat in itself. Your a gentleman for being so civil on some of the comments and critiques made during the series. I will miss this series as history is an amazing subject especially what took place in the 20th century. Man is cruel to our world and to each other. And yet there are feats of human kindness as well even in battle. Thank you David for this series, it will be sorely missed. God Bless
Boy, I’ll sure miss it, too, professor. I really hope you hold on to some of those ideas and life gives you enough time to sit in the chair and realise some of those thoughts. It has been great. See you in the next hare-brained scheme...
Thanks, Chuck. I have been aware of your presence in your occasional comment and please know that it has been noted and appreciated.
It’s a peculiar hobby we have that has at it’s core a great deal of suffering. But within the stories I’ve found along the way, there has been many demonstrations of mans capacity for compassion, great bravery, humour, skill, sacrifice, and humility.
One of the lessons I think I’ve learned along the way is acceptance. Life is not always easy, enjoyable, or even fair. However, many people in these collected histories have shown how, even in the very worst of times, we can find our best selves.
Thanks for the support, Chuck. You, too, are a gentleman.
@uscusn
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” -Winnie the Pooh
godspeed david...you must be exhausted...thank you
Winnie the Pooh quotes? Exhausted, no. A little unhinged and dangerous...well...
Thanks, Bob. You have been a massive support here, and more importantly you have sometimes made me think about things from a slightly changed perspective (and sent me off googling more times than I can remember).
Sad to see it go. I really enjoyed it. Thank you very much for doing it!
Thanks, @bubba
More time for actual modeling and leaving silly comments! We going to see some of your work?
Thanks for all your work, David. If you have to go, perhaps it's suitable you take a bow on this day - the most significant of days. It's been a great project in its breadth, depth and regularity, from which we've all benefitted, just as we're all beneficiaries of the great sacrifices you've commemorated. Cheers.
Thanks for reading, Tim. I was just gearing up for the Battle of Britain...
...but, yes, what a day to take a bow.
Looking forward to your next project, keep us posted, Tim.
I enjoyed the series, but I always thought it cut into your model building time. Now we can see more of that.
Michael, you are correct in this; I think I’ll have a little more time in the chair, and it certainly won’t have any inhibiting effect. Thanks for your support - see you in the funny pages...
Sad to see this go, one of the best things here, something to look forward to every day. I fail to understand the "why" of this.
Ditto, Tom. I thought iModeler was (at least in part) about sourcing people who build models. That's what this was for me.
Appreciated, Tom. As to ‘why’ - I’m certainly not the best person to ask.
David - thanks for all the hard work - its been greatly appreciated!
No worries, David. As Michae says, more time for modeling.
Thank you.
Hi David.
Moved a couple of things around for tomorrow, see you at Elstree!
Great news David I will keep an eye out.I will be on the Barnet/Harrow stand
A nice closing set.It was great while it lasted, David.
Robert, of all people, you appreciate my ‘Obsessive Carrier Disorder’. Thanks for being there, commenting, and supporting.
Well David a sad day indeed, I understand it’s your decision but as TC commented I sure don’t understand the why.
Now I will STFU before I get suspended
Oh, Rick - how that has made me laugh. Yes, it was my decision. Now i’ll STFU.
Thoughtful,innovative and relevant. This is what separates the other modeling sites from just plain show and tell. Using the written word with photos to motivate and get people to "think"...about the hobby and its motivations. Ditto on the "Why"?
David I can't say enough about your efforts...
Stephen, You. Are. A. Star. Thank you.
I think another thing that separates this site from ‘other’ forums is that friendships you make. Because we discuss a wider range of topics where (you are right, Stephen) people do actually think about what they build, perhaps the friendships are that little bit more meaningful. I’ve had gifts from iModelers, transatlantic calls, meet ups, and possibly a road trip to do an ‘iModeler tour’.
As much as you can’t say enough about my efforts, I can’t say enough about your support.
Well Dave what a disappointment , like one or two others have said I didn't comment on every post but I looked at and really enjoyed pretty much every one ,shame this didn't get the backing it deserved. How many days did you actually manage in the end?
Good luck with whatever project you do next pal and thanks for the time and effort you put into this.
Cheers Neil.
Hi, Neil. Two hundred and fifty consecutive days, my friend. Couple of close things, but would have made the year easy had things been different. Truly thankful for ALL of your comments on the series, Neil. You did make me laugh, and you can’t say better than that.
I didn't comment much, but thoroughly read/enjoyed each post, and from a "modeling" perspective, downloaded many reference photos! Loved the series and looked forward to it. Thanks for all the effort!
Most welcome comment, Greg. I hope some of those ‘wheels up’ shots hit the mark.
Sorry to see this endeavor end. I looked forward to it each day as it helped put a lot of what has transpired in military history into perspective...and oh, yes plenty of fantastic modeling references to boot. Well Done!
Tom, from an old flyboy like you, that’s a great compliment. Best of wishes to you and yours, Sir.
A brief follow up comment: Attached is a photo (click to enlarge) of my father, John Richardson Thomas, 19 years old, winter 1945-46, in Paris. It is my personal family story and connection with history that makes modeling meaningful to me, and worth doing at all. Thanks to the sacrifice of the men at D-Day (and battles before and after, in the air, at sea, and on land), my father missed seeing combat literally by mere days in the spring of 1945.
David, I have appreciated your posts because they've not only encouraged and informed my modeling skills and impetus, but because they've given me a sense of value--not of war for its own sake, but for the life and freedom granted us through the sacrifice of those who had to go to war. I'm alive, quite literally, because someone took a bullet so my father didn't have to.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
A beautifully written tribute, David. We will never forget.
@davidathomas
David, as David (DLS) mentioned, this mention (of your Father) is a wonderful tribute to another REAL hero. You don't have to pull a trigger to be a hero, in my book. Those times in Europe (1945-1950) were likely amazing to be part of.
David (L-S) thank you VERY much for the work you put in doing this wonderful series. I'm awfully sad that it is ending. You will have more time (as already mentioned) to do your own modeling projects.
I hope iModeler will continue along this great path, but without any conflicts. Even though this (iMod) is a modeling site (and the best one know of) I can't see HOW to do these models without the history they are/were part of.
Bravo, my friend ... Bravo!
@dirtylittlefokker
Jeff, you’ve been such a great supporter of the series and you have added wit and gravity in equal measures. I’ve appreciated every post and always had a smile to myself when I saw your name pop up on the thread.
I completely agree with you that iModeler is a special community. What makes that community is the members; their support, encouragement, maturity (even, or especially when discussing serious issues), and positivity. All of these make it stand head and shoulders above other such forums.
October 13th to June sixth. What a heck of a run and if it has to end what better day to end it on. I remember Rob said he was having trouble finding stuff to keep the Friday Briefing going and that was just one day a week! This column was every day! OTD was always the first thing up on my computer when I got home from work as I felt it was a bit more important than new emails or my FB status!
Ah, Josh, you even counted! Very sad not to make the year, especially (as I said to David Mills) with the Battle of Britain coming up. As they say, all good things...
“Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
Shakespeare on a modeling forum. Got to love this place.
@jpatt1000
Of course, you've never experienced Shakespeare until you've heard it in the original Klingon...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiRMGYQfXrs
Didn’t think you’d get away with that without a re-post of THIS beauty, did you?
@jpatt1000
Hi David, this is my first post here although I have been login in quite a lot to check the job of you guys and enjoying a lot all the model building going around here and I can tell you that every single day I was looking after your post 🙂 I have really enjoyed all the pictures an the stories. Its a pity. I am going to miss it a lot you did a great job an you made my day every time I was reading your post. Thanks David!
Hi J. Thanks for this very kind message of support, especially as it is your first post - means a lot and I hope it’s the start of many, many posts here on iModeler.
Muchisimo gracias.
@brosallman
David @dirtylittlefokker
My dear friend... I read this earlier today and it saddened me. I waited to post which was probably wise considering what I might have said about the support. I didn't want to be suspended or possibly banned, based on what I probably would have said. Now I'll STFU too just as some of the others above have mentioned.
You had a wonderful run, and this series always made my day. You have also inspired me to build several models, some of which are currently on the work bench.
They say all good things must come to an end. This website has undergone several losses over the recent years... Bernie Hacket..., Then Rob's "Friday briefing", and now "On this Day". We had a few other members decide to just quit posting on their own because they felt alienated due to some off comments made by others that were unnecessary.
All are deeply missed.
I for one was a BIG supporter of the daily postings. Granted I didn't always comment, but I did as best I could, all things considered.
I think that our friend David Thomas @davidathomas
hit the proverbial nail on the head, when he stated that our hobby in linked to history. The personal family stories and the connection with history... That's the very reason why I build the subjects I chose. It's the history behind each and every one of the models in my display cases.
I'll end this by saying that I will miss reading your daily articles. However I completely understand, and hopefully this will mean more time for you to spend at the work bench. Maybe now the "ORCA" from the movie "Jaws" (and the submarine) will get finished a little sooner, and you will have time for other more important things as well, such as your family and friends.
I also wanted to add one more bit to today's "On this Day", even more so now that this is the official end of the Series.
On this Day, 75 years ago, one of our family members landed behind German lines in Normandy. His name was John B Gardner, and he served with the 101st Airborne.
This is his original "recruit" photograph which was taken shortly after he enlisted.
John was listed as a "Glider Soldier". I don't know exactly what company he was assigned to. Much of his military service is still not known to me. That will change as I am currently digging into his military records.
I do know that he was seriously wounded at Bastogne... almost half a year after his landing in Normandy. From what I have read, he also participated in Operation Market Garden.
I'll post more up about him later...
Freedom is not free...
John was one of the 4 "Gardner Brothers" that all served in the US Army at the same time in the ETO.
Two brothers were KIA, the other two were WIA... all in a period of 108 days. This sounds a lot like the storyline behind the movie "Saving Private Ryan" doesn't it ?
I salute you Sir, for a fine run with this series. It will be missed.
Well David, what a shame indeed. I’ll echo the why mentioned above by others.
I wonder if the “management team” would care to publish the page hit logs in a week’s time, I suspect there will be less.
You already know how I feel about your OTD, cracking work all round Sir, I’m sure it will be a weight off your shoulders in a fashion and yes, more time for other things. Selfishly though, I hope you change your mind 😉
All said and done, I’ll end with another thank you for your efforts and A reminder that you have educated me (and I’m sure many others) on a great number of subjects I wouldn’t normally have bothered with.
P.S. my personal library has grown by an extra 12 books of varying subjects outside my normal interest as “further reading” inspired directly from your articles. Just saying 🙂
What a lovely post to read. I am humbled.
Thanks, and sad to say there’s no chance of a re-think. We all have our own personal Rubicon (if that’s not delving too much into history) and mine has been crossed.
Thanks for the support, Simon (although apologies for all the books you’ve had to buy...).
Sincere thanks, Louis.
It’s been a terrific run and I have thoroughly enjoyed the series - not least because it has made the almost unbearable commute into central London every day almost bearable (not to mention awful meetings)...
Thanks for the photograph of John. Each of these men leaves behind a legacy that we reap the rewards of every day, with little thought until we stop and think of the sacrifices made.
As you say, freedom is not free.
End Ex.
Out with a bang. on the 75th Anniversary of D-Day no less These daily posts will be missed. Great job my friend. My dad was invited back to France on the 60th Anniversary where he along with 99 other D Day vets received the French Legion of Honor for their efforts in liberating France. He was quite humbled with all the celebrations, dinners and honors. He has been quoted as saying "lots of my friends only received a cross over their heads. I got to come home. But I'll never forget them as long as I live." And he didn't. Dad passed away on August 14, 2015 at the age of 93. He was buried with full Military Honors with his 5 sons an a grandson acting a pallbearers. Great man I miss him everyday.
2 attached images. Click to enlarge.
Tom, I was shellshocked by David's announcement, but I have to say, I thought of your dad today especially, along with the brave men on all sides who fought and died.
Band of brothers episode 1&2 starting now.
Thanks David.
Even more thanks to you, Matt. You are always thoughtful, always supportive, and always fair. A very good man.
@coondog
Thank you for this. Sincerely.
Good morning, Tom. I just want to say that your father’s experiences are the only reason I model as a hobby. For me, born barely 20 years after D-Day, the scars were still felt and the enormity of WWII still cast a massive shadow over things. As a kid I loved making those Airfix and Matchbox kits, recreating the stories I’d been raised on.
Thanks for posting the photo of your father. I know many of these special men dislike the epithet ‘hero’ - to me, as a child, and even more so now as an adult, every one of these men were supermen.
Every model is a tribute.
@tom-bebout
Well DLS, what a magnificent series!
The support in this thread demonstrates most wonderfully how you have touched people - in a way that others never will.
Many will have felt that your daily postings were designed to personally inspire and support them in their building and learning. I feel almost certain that your choices of subject reflected the activities of modellers here and for that we will all be eternally grateful. I certainly am.
Congratulations on your significant and gripping contribution to our modelling lives! A fine achievement.
Meanwhile, here is a picture of 'Vinegar' Joe Stilwell to cheer you up!
Knowing you as I do, Paul, I can trace your thinking and exactly how you knew that photo would cheer my day up 100%.
There are two particularly well known ‘Vinegar Joe’ quotes. One goes, “Illegitimi non carborundum“ (yes, I know the Latin is not 100%).
The other quote is about monkeys climbing trees...
Joe Stilwell was famously general in Burma. Below is one of my favourite models on iModeler, Paul Teixeira’s magnificent Royal Indian Air Force Markings (BURMA) Hurricane...
@jjetmec
@yellow10
Thank you so much for the series. Don't know where you found the time to put it all together but glad you did.
Haslam, thanks for leaving a comment (and the ‘like’!). I am very much hoping you can share some of your work with us soon - take the plunge, make a post.
Thanks a million.
@Haslam55
It sure is a lovely model! Hopefully PT will post again soon.
And those things about 'Vinegar Joe' and his motto and views may be true.
I just like old photos.
General Joe Stilwell knew a thing or two about human nature, that’s for sure. You are also right about Paul. Hell of a modeler.
David @dirtylittlefokker
I'm not going in considerations about the reasons that lead to the end of the series. Everyone has their reasons.
All I want to say is 'THANK YOU', and ask if you're going to keep with it elsewhere (facebook, for instance?)
THANK YOU
Manuel
I sincerely appreciate the thank you note, Manuel. I’m thinking of other possibilities now that the ‘On This Day...’ series has ended.
For one thing, the most time consuming part of On This Day has been trying to make sure (via lots and lots and lots of emails) that I can use images. The vast majority of photos I’ve used have been public domain (old services photos especially) but there’s several hundred I have had to cut (even though it’s an ‘amateur’ and non-money making endeavour. It’s a minefield. I’m still waiting for someone to demand money, but the vast majority email me back saying ‘just do it’ or asking for the source to company to be included. There’s a lot of goodwill out there so long as you don’t want to make money from their hard work. That said, it takes more time than the writing.
I may fall back on my profession and start a general psychological/philosophical blog on warfare, not daily but focusing on events (although not here, clearly). I’ll keep you posted.
Anyway, thanks for the ‘thanks’ and I hope we see a lots more of you in the future.
@magrus
Hello again David.
After reading these comments by our viewers about this series "last" posting, I learned something new. That was the beauty of it all. I always learned something new on each and every day. I looked forward to reading it, and looking at the pictures provided by you and by those who replied. On occasion I tried to post up a few pictures in my comments and help educate those that were willing to listen.
Today was no exception. Seeing the photo of General Stillwell prompted a little research...
"Vinegar" Joe Stillwell was born about 30 miles from where I live in a little town called Palatka, Florida. Now I'm going to make a short road trip in the future to see what else I can discover.
He was a controversial figure to some. A hero to others. He quarreled with Chiang Kai-shek, his British counterparts, and even his own.
Many of the men from Merrill's Marauders didn't care for him, because it was reported that once he had anyone who had a fever of less than 103 degrees sent back into combat. Most (if not all) of these men were again returned back to sick leave.
But he got things done... and a War needed winning.
He had some very "colorful" quotes, and he even wrote a poem about Generalissimo Chiang calling him the "peanut".
Some of my favorite quotes he made were “Don’t let the bastards grind you down”... but my all time favorite has to be …”the higher a monkey climbs up a tree the more you see of his @ss”.
I absolutely enjoyed this daily series, as it led me down a path of discovery. Out of these discoveries it helped me to decide which models would be hitting the work bench soon, or tucked away as an idea for future projects. I appreciated the stories you wrote about humanity, courage, and self sacrifice.
As a final note, I am encouraging all of our readers to press the "Like" button... for this is a worthy ending to a series that lasted 250 days. That in itself is an achievement.
So go ahead and "like" it... You'll be glad you did.
I miss OTD already. I looked forward to it every day. Now what am I going to read while i sip my second morning cup o' coffee after finishing a real newspaper?
I miss it, too, Erik, and I have the same problem now; well, almost. What to do on the commute to and from work. I can’t very well take my modeling stuff on the trains - in central London, it’s hard enough to breathe, let alone do something.
We’ll figure it out, Erik. Thanks for the support, It means a lot.
David.
@eb801
Feeling a bit like the "old faithful" geyser suddenly stopped, David. Many times I admired your inspiration and energy to keep OTD going the way it did. Every day faithfully there and at what quality level of content! It will be missed but the series here brought us inspiring pictures and stories to model later on. A big thank you, David!
I felt the same way when this series suddenly stopped... The sun rises and sets each day, and you can set your watch by the eruptions of the "Old Faithful" geyser. The earth rotates.
Then we had our daily modeling and history "fix"... and it was called "On This Day".
No more.
On a bright note, our friend David will have more time to devote to his family and personal modeling projects. This doesn't help much with his daily commute though.
Ah, Michel. You, my friend, are way too kind. A big thank you to you, too, my good friend. I very much hope that young Laurent is behaving and giving his parents plenty of sleep.
Very best of wishes to you and the family.
David.
What a bummer. I checked imodeler everyday and the ‘On This Day’ was the first thing I read. Some of the little known stories is what made it so good. Maybe you could continue doing it in a blog.
Thanks, Elva. Deeply appreciate your message, especially as it’s the first time we’ve ‘met’. I’ve sent a friendship request - and look forward to you posting some of your work.
Sir David @dirtylittlefokker,
What is left to say that hasn't already been said? I was truly shocked and now saddened when I awoke to find all that has transpired. One of the first things I do at work every morning is to check in on your 'OTD' postings. Thursday was like all the others except I was interrupted before being able to finish reading and had no idea of what had eventually transpired. They actually expect me to work for what they pay me! The nerve of some people! 🙂
The past few days have been a blur of deadlines, unforeseen tragedies and minor frustrations. Our cat of 21 years decided it was time to leave us.
I understand that others have expressed sadness and are annoyed, and I hope that you yourself are settled and at ease. A huge weight has been removed from your shoulders. Time to have some fun. In conclusion, I will leave you with this (and if you can say it with a Texas drawl, it will be even better):
Semper in excretum sum sed alta variat!
Muchas gracias, James. I’m sorry it’s been a tough time for you and the family, amigo.
I can tell you that I am certainly settled and at ease. Pretty disappointed that I couldn’t get the full year out of the blog, but as I’ve said, that was my choice. There was no pressure to stop the series, but when a major stakeholder tells you that your work is harming the community you adore, it’s hard to continue.
Your messages of support and additional information throughout the series hugely added to my joy in this experience.
Thanks, James.
@jamesb
With all respect toward the "naysayer," this series was a HELP and enjoyable feature that sooooo many of us went to first upon signing in!
I really admire your ability to do what you do professionally as well as your being certainly one of the folks who contributed so much to the success of this site.
Thank you again!
Jeff
Thanks straight back at you, Jeff Bailey. I’ve been utterly humbled by the depth and range of support for the series (36 ‘likes’ is just preposterous) both on the boards and in personal messages.
Having tried and read other sites, iModeler is defined by people like you and Craig A, reaching out to new members in friendship and support, making sure that every arrival has at least two ‘friends’. It’s things like that that encourage people to post for the first time.
Thanks, Jeff.
@mikegolf
Something I've thought of for days...https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=32&v=OFzdleJarI0
Pluskat is one of my favorite Germans of the War...
‘Wo ist mein hund?’
This is an excellent movie, probably the first I saw where the Germans were portrayed as real people with full characters, not the usual caracitures.
“How many Americans?”... “All of them!” - brilliant.
I saw a French rendering of the silly superior's condescending response: "Mon cher Pluskat..." Priceless.
I haven't been on Modeler for a few days, David, but the reason I try to visit it every day or two is to see OTD. In my opinion, the best postings on any modeling site, anywhere, bar none. It's the primary reason I frequent iModeler. I'm truly sad to read there will be no more OTD for some strange reason known only to the administrators, but want you to know that your postings, and the work that went in to them, were the high point of most days.
Thank you -- you will be missed.
Mike Morrison
Hi Mike. Thanks for that amazing feedback, it’s great to hear that you enjoyed the series so much and makes the whole endeavour very much worth it.
Thank you.
@mikem
Sorry to see this end David. OTD is one of the thing truly looked forward to, even if I was couple of days behind! Hey, more bench time right?
More bench time, yes. Absolutely. It is really nice to hear from you, Robert, been a while. I’m going to try and ramp up the building over the next two or three months so hope you drop in a little.
Thanks for the feedback on the series!
@beauslx
As usual, I’m a few days behind. I have a few thoughts to share with you David. Like all have stated, thank you for posting the OTD series. I have looked forward to each post, even if I only could view them days later. I’ve learned many things, and been reminded of even more.
House rules are just that. I’m grateful to the “management” that we can be part of such a varied group of modelers sharing common, and even uncommon, grounds in our hobby. I know you will take this opportunity to regroup and start sniffing glue again. (That has to be another happy place. 🙂 )
To end OTD on the Day of Days is almost poetic in nature and execution. Well played!
Finally, I would like to share that the opportunity to stand where so many fell was one of the most memorable days of my life. This photo is of Omaha Beach, but we visited the others as well. Americans, Brits and Canadians, brothers-in-arms and purpose, all across Normandy.
The sacrifices of so many... on every battlefield, in every theatre of the conflict. They will not be forgotten. OTD served to ensure that. Again, well done my friend.
@dirtylittlefokker
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Thanks for your support, Gary. Means a lot that the community supported the series, and especially resonates as you served aboard the ‘Ageless Warrior’. You’ll know how I feel about those old carriers.
That is a beautifully shot photo of you on Omaha. I hope you have that somewhere on display at home, it deserves a special place.
Fly Navy.
@wiley2770
Thank you for this series. It must have took an incredible amount of work to prepare every day. Thank you for the many fascinating photos, stories, artwork, etc! I truly enjoyed it.
Much appreciated, Theodore. I’m really glad you enjoyed the series and nice to have another Vet on board. You’ll like it here; my advice would be get a post or two on the boards with some of your work, it’ll add to your enjoyment of the hobby even more and give a real sense of connection in what’s essentially a quite insular hobby.
Great to ‘meet’ you.
Well, 90 comments and 40 'likes' is a nice way to put this series to bed. I just wanted to say a final and heartfelt "thank you" to anyone who has dropped in, left a comment, or pushed the 'like' button in the series. I've been overwhelmed by some of the feedback and so pleased it has inspired some individual projects.
Bravo Zulu.
Just ran across this today. I enjoyed reading your posts. Nicely done!
David, as old as I am and as long as I have been plastic scale modeling, I was a very late-comer to iModler.com so only saw this magnificent series of posts on occasion and totally out-of-order. This final post I only found today. Thank you so much for putting in 250 days of excellent photo research that has memorialized the courage and dedication of military personnel of so many nations and the fascinating equipmentin use by their combatants. I hope you have found time to assuage any negative thoughts about your treatment by short-sighted individuals with the excitement and joy of modeling new and old masterpieces of molding. Best wishes for ever!