{"id":706,"date":"2023-02-02T02:06:40","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T02:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/?page_id=706"},"modified":"2023-02-02T02:06:40","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T02:06:40","slug":"day-09-wednesday","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/day-09-wednesday\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 09 – Wednesday"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Martians Seize London<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 00:01 – Wednesday<\/div>

As the British government flees to Birmingham and London panics, Wells becomes trapped with the curate in a house in Sheen, when the 6th Martian cylinder lands next door, collapsing the building on top of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Today the government establishes the #Gascoyne-Cecil-Line which follows the Great Western Railway\u2019s mainline from London to Bristol, and we catch up with Lt Carver on board HMS Thunder Child who is tasked with assisting with the Queen\u2019s evacuation to France.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We meet the inventor Hiram Maxim (the inventor of the Maxim Machine Gun) who is watching the Woking Pit where the Martians have erected a massive tower.\u00a0 And Sir J Dullanty (chemist, engineer, inventor, and philanthropist) whose Scottish estate (Rotch Wood) abutted Balmoral enters the story for the first time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For Toni, \u00a0today is a day of fear, tears, and emotional fatigue. Toni is a strong independent woman, but even the strongest must acknowledge their fears.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 06:03 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Woke early, felt a little better and more hopeful this morning. Can\u2019t believe I #slept. @lizcadbury is down the hall checking on @sirjohntheengineer He\u2019s old, but #clever. She reckons he might have some #ideas. He did build the railways\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 07:55 @toniwantstovote<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Absolute #chaos in the streets of #London<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 08:00 @LtJRDullanty #LondonLost<\/div>

FROM GENERAL SIR STEPHENSON STOP<\/p>\n

TO: LT. JAMES DULLANTY NO 4 COY SPEC OPS STOP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

WE HAVE LOST LONDON STOP THE ARMY IS FORMING A NEW LINE ALONG THE GWR MAINLINE TO BRISTOL STOP IT IS VITAL YOU OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE MARTIANS AND THEIR CAPABILITIES STOP AS DISCUSSED ALL INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO OUR RESEARCH FACILITIES AT THE ROTCH WOOD ESTATE ENDS<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 08:40 @BreakerMorant #TheUndergroundRailway<\/div>

We have had two stampedes in the tunnel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 09:00 @BreakerMorant #BreakfastHandover<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Started a breakfast handover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We station more guides to keep the refugees moving through the tunnels.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brown has got hold of thousands of Union Jack Flags that would have been used for the Diamond Jubilee. We can use them to indicate safe passages and to wave refugees through.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:00 #LatestNews<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

The Birmingham Illustrated News’<\/em> headlines for today: “Martians seize London. Tripods seen in Highgate.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Chronicle<\/em> brings out its last newspaper, a single-sheet display-insert.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:15 #Gascoyne-Cecil-Line<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

With half the government now gathered at Birmingham, the Government orders the military to hold the Martians to the south of the newly established #Gascoyne-Cecil-Line, named after the then PM who drew the line on a map following the GWR’s mainline from London to Bristol.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Recognising the importance of Swindon to the national rail network, the CinC Field Marshal Wolseley moves to reinforce Swindon, Didcot and other towns along ‘the Line’, and orders enormous quantities of high explosives to be prepared to be used in automatic mines across the Midland counties.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:20 @LtJRDullanty #YourGodmotherIsVisiting<\/div>

FROM GENERAL SIR STEPHENSON STOP<\/p>\n

TO: JAMES DULLANTY<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BE AWARE THAT YOUR GODMOTHER IS ON ROUTE TO BRADWELL-ON-SEA WITH SMALL ESCORT STOP PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PERIMETER SECURITY STOP<\/p>\n

STEPHENSON ENDS<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:22 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary<\/div>

Oh joy, a visit from \u2018Aunt Vicky\u2019. Bradwell-On-Sea is 12 hours away. At least we\u2019ve managed to get both platoons mounted, and everyone has now been introduced to the dynamite. Still can\u2019t locate additional fuses \u2013 typical SNAFU.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:25 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thunder Child<\/em> plowed serenely through the water.\u00a0 Shipping of sort slipped around us. Everything from giant three-funnelled ocean liners to simple fishing smacks jockeyed for position, trying to close into the beach and piers to take off as many of the poor souls as possible who were crowded onshore.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:27 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 08 June 1897 10:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFlag hoist from the Majestic<\/em>, sir,\u201d reported the lookout.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I raised my glasses and read the string of signal flags fluttering in the stiff breeze from the flagship\u2019s mast. \u201cReport to the captain at once,\u201d I said to the young midshipman beside me, \u201cIt seems we\u2019re being summoned aboard.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:40 #ThunderChild<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:40 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Captain Allenby and Lt Commander Carver summoned to meet with C in C Channel Squadron Admiral Sir Walter Kerr on HMS Majestic.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:41 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:41 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Captain Allenby and I stepped from Thunder Child\u2019s<\/em> whaleboat onto the first rung of rope ladder that led up to Majestic\u2019s<\/em> deck, piped aboard by the bosun\u2019s whistle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:44 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:44 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2026I found it odd. Despite what they had heard, the crew seemed complacent, disciplined, but acting in such a relaxed manner that belied the threat to the whole world. If only they knew\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:46 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:46 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were escorted into the wood-panelled sea cabin of Admiral Sir Walter Kerr. He motioned to the two chairs before his mahogany desk. \u201cSit down gentlemen.\u201d He lit his cigar and puffed on it. \u201cA shame about the Colossus<\/em>. We could\u2019ve used her.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Admiral,\u201d agreed Allenby, absently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026of course, there\u2019s no understating your bravery or that of the crew of Thunder Child<\/em>,\u201d continued the Admiral. \u201cIt\u2019s just these\u2026 things…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know sir,\u201d said Allenby \u201cThere\u2019s no word to describe them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026but alien,\u201d I found myself piping up suddenly.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 10:48 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 10:48 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Kerr forced a smile. \u201cQuite\u2026 alien. Given your experience with the Martians, you\u2019ll stay close in shore, and acting as screen for the civilian shipping,\u201d said Kerr puffing his cigar. \u201dThat is your officia<\/em>l role. \u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnofficially<\/em>,\u201d said the admiral, \u201cyou will screen Her Royal Majesty and members of the royal household. We will be evacuating them to France. You will act as escort to the fast yacht Turbina<\/em> and see them out of threatened waters.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe situation is far worse than the Government has let on,\u201d said Kerr shaking his head gravely, as if reading our shocked expressions. \u201cThe monsters will be on us soon. London is about to fall to the Martians. Both the Government and the Royal Family have fled the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAstounding,\u201d said Allenby. \u201cThings are that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWorse,\u201d Kerr snorted. \u201cThe Cabinet has retreated to Birmingham; and what\u2019s left of the Army is in retreat. They have been ordered to form a new line along the Thames, and from Moulesford along the GWR line to Bristol but who knows if they can hold.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The enemy has yet to seize London,\u201d Kerr continued. But with London now cut off to the West and soon likely to the North, it won’t last long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd,\u201d said Kerr with all the studied calm of a man facing his execution, \u201cthere have been mutinies on the torpedo-boats of the Thames Squadron.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMutinies?\u201d said Allenby in disbelief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunate business,\u201d Kerr nodded. \u201cWe\u2019ve also had instances of the wireless interference you\u2019ve reported. By means of signal triangulation, we have placed its source around Woking. We believe the Martians have established a powerful wireless beacon to guide their cylinders.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s not more to add,\u201d concluded Kerr. \u201cThe Channel Squadron will stand to further out and prevent a Martian crossing of the channel.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I said nothing. How long would that plan last when the Martians began landing outside Paris and Berlin?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 11:25 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 11:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Captain Allenby and Lt Commander Carver returned to ship from Majestic<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 12:00 @HGWells #RailAffected<\/div>

The Midland Railway issues the following notice:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Trains are now being run north from St. Albans to relieve the congestion of the home counties.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What it fails to mention is that the Company had been forced to replace over 150 staff who deserted their posts the previous day.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 12:01 #ABrokenGov<\/div>

Churches and other individuals step forward to assist the government almost broken by the scale of the disaster. A placard in Chipping Ongar announces to refugees that large stores of flour are available in northern towns, and bread will be distributed within 24 hours.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 12:15 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary<\/div>

Sergeant Donaldson just rode in with a message from Lt. Kilvaney warning us about the Martian\u2019s black-dust. The Sergeant was just about all-done-in from the ride and I sent him off to rest and telegraphed the message onto Papa. Poisonous stuff — the 4th<\/sup> platoon lost a lot of good men. Usefully, it seems the Martians can disperse it with steam.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 12:22 @SirJDullanty #RotchWood<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Sir J Dullanty – whose Scottish estate (Rotch Wood) abutted Balmoral, was a chemist, engineer, inventor, and philanthropist. The Dullenty family often visited when the Queen when she was in residence. The Queen in fact serving as the god-mother to his youngest son. Dullanty had a large laboratory and had often communicated with Alfred Nobel before Nobel’s death in 1896.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sir J Dullanty found himself driven to invent the first gas mask against black dust, as a result of communications from his son. Initially a simple hessian sack with glass goggles, the hood placed over the head and tied at the neck had to be kept wet. Recognising its many failings, a mask with an external box respirator with a built in trickle feed was issued within 17 days (22nd<\/sup> June).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unfortunately, we have been unable to discover any records detailing the agreement to centralise information facilities at Rotch Wood. Sir J Dullanty was in Scotland on the 6th, but as a close confident of the Queen, and a personal friend of the then Secretary of State for War, it is possible that the decision was one taken between the Queen and the Secretary of State.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Churchill, in his \u2018Hidden Histories\u2019 later suggested that it may have due to the fact that #RotchWood was some considerable distance from the Martians, had a private telegraph line, and large laboratory, and abutting Balmoral #RotchWood\u2019s location adjacent to Balmoral gave it easy access to the train network, and the protection of those units of the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards and the Welsh Guards emplaced around Balmoral.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unfortunately, given the amount of secrecy that subsequently surrounded the #RotchWood establishment it is unlikely we will ever find out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is believed that this photograph taken at Glenquoich in 1905 of King Edward VII may be the only photograph we have of the 1st<\/sup> Earl RotchWood. The Earl being the 3rd<\/sup> from the left.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 12:30 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Now feeling worse again. #Martians are stalking through London. We can see them from our building. #cantheyseeus?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 13:11 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 13:11 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Thunder Child<\/em> has intercepted and taken aboard a group of mutineers from one of the Thames Squadron torpedo-boats, HMS Terrible.<\/em> Captain to convene a court-martial on the ship\u2019s quarter-deck.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 14:12 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 14:12 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four sullen men, the highest-ranking a leading seaman sat on the bench, flanked by two of the ship\u2019s Marines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was madness, that\u2019s it what was, ordering us to charge up the river to do what<\/em>?\u201d He sneered. \u201cWe didn\u2019t get more than halfway when we were met by a wall of black smoke and the Heat Ray.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 14:30 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 09 June 1897 14:30 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a brief trial, the captain has pronounced the mutineers guilty of mutiny and desertion in the face of the enemy. Sentenced them to death by firing squad; sentence carried out immediately on the quarter-deck.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 14:34 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 10 June 1897 16:40 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“The world is coming to an end, and yet this is what we do,” said Farmer, watching the detail slide the wrapped bodies over the side.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“They mutinied and deserted in the face of the enemy,” was all I could reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Really? I thought better of you, Carver,” Farmer said, and turned on his heel.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 14:40 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>

Curies have been little help. They have no idea how the Martian heat ray works.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vogan and I begin to plan to take a tripod down to get their heat gun.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 14:50 @BreakerMorant #Panic<\/div>

When the lookout use the \u201cU\u201d flags to warn of an incoming tripod the refugees trying to get into the station panic, and people are killed in the crush.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The tripod doesn\u2019t see the easy pickings as they\u2019re still staking out the bridges. We were lucky.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 15:40 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

#hiding<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 16:03 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

#havetheygonepastyet?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 16:41 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

More #blacksmoke<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 17:00 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Weird thing happened. #Martians cleared sea of #blacksmoke with ?steam<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 17:02 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

So many #bodies #devastated #ihavenomoretears<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 17:30 #HiramMaxim<\/div>
\"09-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal journal of Hiram Maxim, Inventor:<\/p>\n

I have returned from my week\u2019s reconnaissance of the Martian pits and works near Woking. Nothing human lives in that blighted town. It is a forest of blackened walls without roofs. Tangles of red weed run riot in what were once lush green gardens.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My survey confirms that the Martians have driven out all humanity from a three-mile radius around their initial landing site in Woking. No reminder of humanity remains, save for the shadow of a mother embracing her child, permanently etched on a wall by the Heat Ray.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I crept to a point within one hundred yards of the Martian pit on Horsell Common. I could see the tower of adamantine metal, taller even than the tower raised by Monsieur Eiffel in Paris. It crackles with a blueish glow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I have developed a theory regarding the purpose of the Martian tower at Woking. By the initial pattern of fall of the enemy cylinders, I believe the tower to be broadcasting a powerful wireless beacon used to guide incoming Martian craft for their landings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As I draw closer to the tower, I feel a most curious effect: which I can describe as the feeling of pins and needles running up and down the length of my body.\u00a0 Was this strange energy being generated by the tower? This cannot be just the beacon; I believe there is more here.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the first phase of the enemy\u2019s operations concluded, it is clear from the patrolling war machines that the Martians view the tower as critical to their continued success here on Earth. I believe there is a second, yet undiscovered but more important reason behind the tower. I now view the tower\u2019s destruction as critical to the survival of humanity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

One day, I witnessed a group of soldiers plus a few armed civilians, try to storm the Martian pit by surprise. I watched as they crept by me, within a few feet of my own hide, rose to charge the position, and were slaughtered to a man by the Heat Ray. I vowed my own attempt would succeed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 17:31 #adamantinemetal<\/div>

Adamantine is a term coined by Maxim to describe a unique of aluminium and magnesium, and used by the Martians because of its unusual lightness and toughness.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 18:00 @BreakerMorant #BlackSmoke<\/div>

The Curies report that black smoke is rendered harmless with water.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They put together a system that bubbles our air through water in a wine bottle to protect us from the dust.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 18:30 @BreakerMorant #WeWantAHeatRay<\/div>

I have recruited enough men with artillery experience to re-man the artillery battery at Weybridge and bring down a tripod<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 19:06 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

So many strange #sounds #aloo #sirensounds #spinechilling<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 19:59 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

At least I am #notalone<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 20:00 @HGWells #Martians #Sheen<\/div>

Wells and the Curate, still trapped within the house, discover that part of the outside wall of the house has collapsed, and through a small hole they can see into the pit created by the Martian impact. A pit already vastly larger than the one Wells had seen at Woking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It is through Wells’ observations, and his later publication of those observations, that we are fortunate to know so much about the Martian’s daily routines.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells notes that one of first things he notices, on the far edge of the pit, is one of the great fighting-machines, standing stiff and tall against the evening sky deserted by its occupant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

While down in the pit, however, Wells observes an extraordinary glittering mechanism busy in further excavation. Given the importance of what was later to be known as a “handling-machine” we have chosen to report his subsequent description in full.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“The mechanism, which has subsequently had a significant impact on subsequent terrestrial invention, appears as a metal spider with 5 jointed, agile legs, and a large number of jointed levers, bars, and clutching tentacles about its body…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Most of its arms were retracted, but 3 long tentacles were retrieving the rods, plates, and bars which lined, and apparently strengthened the walls of the cylinder. These, as it extracted them, were lifted out and deposited upon a level surface of earth behind it…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells finishes: “Its motion was so swift, complex, and perfect that at first I did not see it as a machine, in spite of its metallic glitter. The fighting-machines were co-ordinated and animated to an extraordinary pitch, but nothing to compare with this.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/div>
<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
09-Jun 23:58 #The7thShell<\/div>

And once again another Martian shell falls, this time upon Primrose Hill. This is the 7th, and marks a significant recognition by the Martian of their control of the planet that they dare to land in the centre of London, the world’s most populous city.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t