{"id":729,"date":"2023-02-02T02:25:37","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T02:25:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/?page_id=729"},"modified":"2023-02-13T07:43:22","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T07:43:22","slug":"day-07-monday","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/haguepublishing.com\/WotW\/day-07-monday\/","title":{"rendered":"Day 07 – Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Longest Day<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t
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07-Jun 00:01 – Monday<\/div>

Today we explore what will later become known as \u2018The Longest Day<\/em>\u2018 as the Martians, having destroyed those units which had attempted to surround them, begin their move on London. It is today, that 4 Company (Special Operations), Coldstream Guards is deployed, and the first naval engagement of the war occurs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For Toni, her concerns for @hgwellsbro escalate as refugees begin to appear in London. Her fears for her personal safety begin to conflict with what she sees as her responsibility to help her fellow human beings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Curies, unable to return France, are forced to stay with Morant.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And the Martian\u2019s release the black-smoke for the first time with devastating effect.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 00:05 #London #RailAffected<\/div>

Notice POSTED at Waterloo Station \u2013 “A breakdown in the London & South Western Railway’s line between Byfleet and Woking has required the L&SWR to run it’s theatre trains via Virginia Water or Guildford, rather than through Woking…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The notice continues: “L&SWR are presently making arrangements to alter the route of the Southampton and Portsmouth Sunday League excursions. Further details will be posted when available.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 00:06 #London<\/div>

Telegram from Brigadier-General Marvins, Weybridge, to CinC Field Marshal Wolseley.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“CONFIRMED SIGHTING OF ANOTHER MARTIAN METORITE – THE 4TH STOP”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 00:07 @HGWells #Woking<\/div>

With storm clouds strengthening overhead, the soldiers can see something moving rapidly down the slope of Maybury Hill towards them. A Martian tripod, balanced on 3 elongated legs, higher than many houses. The clattering tumult of its passage mingles with the riot of the thunder.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 00:10 @HGWells #Woking<\/div>

Wells, who observed the tripod’s passing, described it as “incredibly strange, for it was no mere insensate machine driving on its way. Machine it was, with a ringing metallic pace, and long, flexible, glittering tentacles swinging and rattling about its strange body…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“But it picked its path as it strode along, and the hood that surmounted it moved to and fro as a head looking about. Behind the main body was a huge mass of white metal like a gigantic basket, and puffs of green smoke squirted from the joints of its limbs as it swept by…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“And then it was gone, and I heard its exultant deafening howl, drowning the thunder\u2014”Aloo! aloo!”. Another minute it was with its companion, half a mile away stooping over the third of the cylinders they had fired at us from Mars. And then the storm hid them from my sight.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 01:05 #London<\/div>

Unsigned note prepared for CinC Field Marshal Wolseley:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“All Horshall Common appears on fire. Reports from what remains of the troops remain around the sand pits are of huge black shapes moving busily to and fro within the pits.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The note was initialled by the CinC at 1:05.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 02:10 @HGWells #Woking<\/div>

Wells, who observes the massacre, later reports that he was told “that a train had been wrecked near the arch at this time, and that a number of black figures could be seen hurrying one after the other across the line against the light of Woking station.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 02:15 @HGWells #Woking<\/div>

Wells speaks to an artillery man, who refused to give him his name at that time. The artillery man, who was involved in the debacle at Woking claimed the Martian\u2019s simply wiped them out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 03:00 @LtJRDullanty #PersonalDiary<\/div>

Just my luck, we\u2019re at war and my command has been ordered in the opposite direction to the enemy \u2013 Kilvaney gets all the luck.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Train network is a real mess, took us 5 hours to get to Tilbury, arrived 02:00, only to find that no-one had told the Fort we were coming. Took an hour to get both platoons transferred to the Fort.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 04:00 @BreakerMorant<\/div>

I hate Mondays.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 06:00 @BreakerMorant<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Refugees have begun to appear in London.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 06:07 @HGWells #Woking<\/div>

Wells is still in the company of the artillery man as the sun finally rises over a scene of utter devastation, and now watches as the artilleryman (who has been directed to report to Brigadier-General Marvins at Weybridge) heads off.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 06:45 @HGWells #Woking<\/div>

Wells, after observing the massacre, now decides to return to London via Leatherhead (where he’d left his wife) and latter recounts meeting a lieutenant and a couple of privates of the 8th Hussars, about half a mile from the Common.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 07:00 #LatestNews<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Both the The Birmingham Illustrated News<\/em> (BIN), and its older, sister publication The Illustrated London News<\/em> (ILN), both normally weeklies, brought out a special edition.\u00a0 Founded by Herbert Ingram, the ILN had first appeared in 1842. the BIN several decades later.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The BIN leads with: “At 7pm last night the Martians came out of their cylinder, and under the armor of metallic shields, completely wrecked Woking station, the adjacent houses, and massacred an entire battalion of the Cardigan Regiment\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Maxims have been absolutely useless against their armor; the field-guns have been disabled by them. Flying hussars have been galloping into Chertsey. The Martians appear to be moving slowly towards Chertsey or Windsor…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Great anxiety prevails in West Surrey, and earthworks are being thrown up to check the advance Londonwards.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 07:30 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

Feeling more settled this morning after a decent sleep in #QueenAnnesMansions. Ducked out to get the morning paper. #TheSundaySun reports #Martians have completely wrecked #Woking Station!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 07:31 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

@hgwellsbro am now almost beside myself. Where are you?<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 07:32 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

And #TheSundaySun says #Martians have massacred a whole battalion of the #CardiganRegiment! They have #armour, #heatrays, and #tripods! #fear #heartpoundingagain<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:00 @BreakerMorant<\/div>

We are at war with the Martians, but Brown and Vogan agree the threat of a court-marshal means it is unsafe for our health to re-join the regiment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:05 @BreakerMorant<\/div>

We are still looking after the Curies. Trains to Dover will not be running anytime soon.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:10 #LatestNews<\/div>

Telegram sent to The Times<\/em>\u00a0from their correspondent at Byfleet station reveals that the correspondent had spotted more soldiers at this time, but no signs of the Martians. Byfleet is 4 miles from Woking.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:11 @HGWells #Byfleet<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Wells later reports sighting “6 twelve-pounders set up in a field outside Byfleet at this time, pointing towards Woking. The gunners stood motionless by the guns waiting, almost as though ready for inspection. The ammunition wagons at a business-like distance from the guns.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:15 @HGWells #Byfleet<\/div>

Wells continues towards Weybridge where, just over the bridge, he sees a number of men in white fatigue jackets throwing up a long rampart, with more guns being emplaced behind.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:29 @HGWells #Byfleet<\/div>

Byfleet is now a tumult, people packing, and hussars, some of them dismounted, trying to hurry them up. Wells reported seeing “3 or 4 black government wagons, with crosses in white circles, and an old omnibus, being loaded in the village street.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 08:36 @HGWells #Weybridge<\/div>

Weybridge is also in confusion, and grenadiers in white are warning people to move now or to take refuge in their cellars as soon as the firing begins. Despite the urgency, Wells notes that the soldiers are having the greatest difficulty in making people realize the gravity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 09:00 #RailAffected<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

The normal train schedule has now been abandoned to allow the army to run special trains leading to long queues at all stations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 09:19 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 09:19 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lt. Farmer reports that the ship\u2019s wireless is not working. He is trying to make repairs but remains doubtful, as he believes the cause may be due to some sort of interference with his signal.\u00a0 Ship speed 14 kts. Heading 112 degrees, ESE. Sky clear, seas light, winds calm.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 10:11 @HGWells #Shepperton<\/div>

Near Shepperton Lock (near where the Wey and Thames join) people begin forming long queues for the ferry. On the other side of the Thames everything is still quiet, in vivid contrast with the chaos on the Surrey side.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 10:15 #London<\/div>

Telegram from Brigadier-General Marvins, Weybridge, to CinC Field Marshal Wolseley.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“ALL BATTERIES HAVE ENGAGED THE ENEMY.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 10:16 @HGWells #Shepperton<\/div>

Wells, waiting for the ferry, later reports seeing: “a haziness over the tree-tops and a sudden rush of smoke far away up the river, and forthwith the ground heaves underfoot and a heavy explosion shakes the air, smashing two or three windows in the houses near, and leaving us astonished…”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 10:20 @HGWells #Shepperton<\/div>

Finally Wells sees: “one, two, three, four of the armoured Martians, far away over the little trees, across the flat meadows that stretch towards Chertsey, striding hurriedly towards the river as fast as flying birds\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“And then a fifth. Their armoured bodies glitter in the sun as they sweep swiftly forward upon the guns, growing rapidly larger as they draw nearer. One flourishes a huge case high in the air, and the ghostly, terrible Heat-Ray strikes Chertsey.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 10:25 @HGWells #Shepperton<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

Wells, with others, races for the safety of the water, ignored for the moment by the Martians, even as a tripod breaches the far bank, and is fired on by a hidden battery of 6 guns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wells, later records that: “the first shell bursts 6 yards above the hood. Simultaneously 2 shells burst in the air near the body as the hood twists round in time to receive, but not in time to dodge, the fourth shell…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“The fourth shell bursts clean in the face of the Thing. The hood bulges, flashes, and whirls off in a dozen tattered fragments of red flesh and glittering metal. A spontaneous cheer arises from those watching…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“A violent explosion shakes the air, and a spout of water, steam, mud, and shattered metal shoots far up into the sky. And now a huge wave, like a muddy tidal bore, but scaldingly hot, sweeps down the river…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Thick clouds of steam pours off the wreckage, and the machine’s gigantic limbs churn the water and fling mud and froth into the air. The tentacles sway and strike like living arms. Enormous quantities of a ruddy-brown fluid are spurting up in noisy jets out of the machine…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“The air is full of sound, a deafening and confusing conflict of noises\u2014the clangorous din of the Martians, the crash of falling houses, the thud of trees, fences, sheds, flashing into flame, and the crackling and roaring of fire…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Dense black smoke leaps up to mingle with the steam from the river, even as the Martian’s Heat-Ray passes to and fro over Weybridge its impact marked by flashes of incandescent white, that change immediately to lurid flames…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Around Wells: “houses cave in as they dissolve at the heat ray’s touch, and darted out flames; the trees changed to fire with a roar. It flickers up and down the towing-path, licking off the people trying to run…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The edge of the Heat-Ray sweeps down to the water’s edge not 50 yards from where Wells stands, before arching across the river to Shepperton, and the water in its track rises in a boiling wheal crested with steam, scalding those still in the water. And then quiet.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 10:27 @HGWells #WellsDidntLikeHisIllustrator<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

In 1899, Well’s published the first edition\u00a0 of\u00a0 The War of the Worlds<\/em> via a series of serials in the USA. The American publisher included Goble\u2019s illustrations. In the second and subsequent editions (Book II, Chapter 2)\u00a0 in the middle of dealing with a planet blasted by alien war, Wells takes some time to give a bitchy critique of the war reporter\u2019s illustrations:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I recall particularly the illustration of one of the first pamphlets to give a consecutive account of the war. The artist had evidently made a hasty study of one of the fighting-machines, and there his knowledge ended. He presented them as tilted, stiff tripods, without either flexibility or subtlety, and with an altogether misleading monotony of effect.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pamphlet containing these renderings had a considerable vogue, and I mention them here simply to warn the reader against the impression they may have created. They were no more like the Martians I saw in action than a Dutch doll is like a human being. To my mind, the pamphlet would have been much better without them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 11:15 #Weybridge<\/div>

Telegram from Brigadier-General Marvins, Weybridge, to CinC Field Marshal Wolseley.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“DESPITE A HEAVY LOSS OF TROOPS ONE MARTIAN HAS BEEN DESTROYED AND THE OTHERS HAVE FALLEN BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL POSITION UPON HORSELL COMMON STOP”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 12:00 @HGWells #London<\/div>

Wells, who had observed the destruction of the single Martian, and suffered serious scalding to both hands, is now heading towards London.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 12:15 @toniwantstovote<\/div>

#Refugees from further west have begun to appear in #London. @graceharwoodstewart and I have been handing out water and directing them towards @NUWSS stations. Currently on short break to #refuelourselves<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:01 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:01 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Off the coast near Shearness.\u00a0\u00a0 Observed black smoke arising from coast.\u00a0 Captain orders speed slowed to 5 knots and a change of course to investigate.\u00a0 Heading now NNW Low overcast, winds westerly. 10 mph some chop at sea. Colossus<\/em> follows astern.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:22 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:22 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Drawing closer to coast. Now off Sheerness. Can plainly see with aide of binoculars waterfront aflame and populace crowding the wharf into small boats and making for open water. Lookout reports large metallic tower-like structure rising over the docks. Conditions as observed earlier: layer of black low-lying smoke now heavier close to shore.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:25 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:25 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I raised my glasses and stared wordlessly at the gleaming apparition rising over the town.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It towered above the steeple of the nearby church on three separate but flexible legs, a hooded carapace at its apex. Calmly and deliberately, like a young boy quashing an anthill, it pushed itself into the steeple, sending it clanging to the ground. \u201cWhat in the hell is that<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat<\/em>, Mr. Carver,\u201d said Captain Allenby, focusing his binoculars, \u201cis the enemy. Sound action stations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:26 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:26 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOpen fire.\u201d<\/em> The deck shook under my feet as our twin twelve-inch guns in our fore and aft turrets flashed and roared.\u00a0 I watched as the shells exploded around the Martian fighting machine, kicking up plumes off dirt and debris. \u201cGet your shells on target, if you please,\u201d said Allenby, intently watching the shoreline through his glasses from the wing of the bridge.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:30 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:30 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Captain orders action stations at 13:25 hrs. All guns manned and report ready. Main A and B turrets brought to bear against enemy. Captain orders flag hoist to Colossus: Will engage enemy machine in town. <\/em>Captain orders open fire.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:40 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:40 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I looked fore across the bow to where Colossus<\/em> had taken up position, some 100 yards from us. Our sister ship had swung aimed its main battery ashore and fired on a second Martian fighting machine that appeared in the town. Colossus\u2019<\/em> gunners, by chance or design, had straddled the second Martian with their first round, which seemed to get their notice.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:44 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:44 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCloser, but not quite,\u201d said the captain, lowering his glasses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook!\u201d shouted Mr. Farmer, pointing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We turned to watch one of the enemy fighting-machines step out from the town, across the stony beach and wade into the water towards us, as to challenge our position. <\/em>The small boats that were the harbour scattered in every direction trying to get away. Colossus <\/em>must\u2019ve seen it too, as we watched it\u2019s the barrels of its main batteries depress further as the turrets swung to get a bearing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHard a port!\u2019\u00a0 yelled Allenby from the bridge wing. \u201cNow!\u201d He cupped his hands as he rasped into the speaking tube. \u201cAll batteries fire.\u201d I felt the Thunder Child <\/em>lurch suddenly and grabbed a rail with both hands, as the ship struggled to bring the full weight of her broadside to bear on the enemy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:45 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:45 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look out reports HMS Colossus<\/em> has taken enemy fighting machine under fire.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:55 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:55 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I watched as the Colossus\u2019s<\/em> broadside erupt in fire and fury. Four twelve-inch shells arched out and struck the lead enemy fighting-machine, causing its carapace to detonate in a ball of fire. A great cheer went up from the bridge as the tripod reeled as if punched in the face and fell back into the water with a splash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow <\/em>that\u2019s shooting,\u201d smiled Captain Allenby, lowering his glasses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 13:57 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 13:57 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Our exaltation was short-lived. The surviving fighting-machine rose it is full height and from it rose an almost mournful cry of, \u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d<\/em> that boomed out over voices, drowning us out into shocked silence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:01 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:01 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look out reports a second Martian machine standing on the shoreline.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:02 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:02 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I cursed under my breath as I saw the new fighting-machine on the shoreline. The people left on the nearby pier saw it too; through my glasses I could see them push each other towards the already overcrowded small craft, shoving some hapless individuals into the water, their arms windmilling as they went. The fighting machine extended a long black tube and directed at the masses at the pier.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:03 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:03 GMT<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look out reports the second Martian machine producing what appears to be smokescreen from a long black tube and projecting towards the people on the pier. Smoke is black, heavy and lays close to the water.<\/p>\n

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07-Jun 14:04 @LCMDCarver<\/div>
\"07-Jun<\/a><\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:04 GMT<\/p>\n

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I could hear the screams of the people crowded on the pier echo across the water as the black smoke fell on them. They cried in terror, trying to escape, some even jumped into the water. As the smoke covered them, their voices began to choke out.<\/p>\n

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My mouth hung open.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:05 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:05 GMT<\/p>\n

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Look out reports black smoke clearing from the pier. Reports no-one left alive.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:06 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:06 GMT<\/p>\n

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I lowered my binoculars. \u201cIt murdered them wholesale.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cNo, Carver,\u201d said Mr. Farmer, bitterly. \u201cThat would require an acceptance of equality between us. It\u2019s an extermination. That\u2019s what it is. Like a farmer would poison an infestation of vermin.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:07 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:07 GMT<\/p>\n

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All eyes were on the second now Martian now, as it raised a camera-like apparatus with a circular mirror and directed it towards the victorious Colossus<\/em>. It flashed and stabbed out, knife-like at the beating heart of the battleship. The Colossus<\/em> erupted in fire and steam as it was sundered from bow to stern by the invisible blade.<\/p>\n

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07-Jun 14:08 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:08 GMT<\/p>\n

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HMS Colossus<\/em> destroyed by enemy action.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:09 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:09 GMT<\/p>\n

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\u201cMy God in heaven,\u201d Allenby lowered his glasses as he watched the expanding column of smoke and steam arise from the sinking pyre of the Colossus<\/em>. He turned back and called out, \u201cAll batteries fire! Fire as you bear!\u201d<\/em> The ship rocked as our main batteries engaged the enemy.<\/p>\n

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The smoke cleared.\u00a0 To our immense encouragement, we had hit the second fighting-machine, damaging it in its rearmost leg with a glancing blow. It limped away from us, almost painfully pulling its injured leg with the remaining two, towards the safety of its partner, calling out, \u201cUlla! Ulla!\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:11 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:11 GMT<\/p>\n

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Scored hit on enemy fighting-machine, damaging it, with fire from forward turret. We are closing the distance.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:12 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:12 GMT<\/p>\n

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We are rapidly closing the range between us and the injured Martian. The captain\u2019s aim had been to destroy it before it could receive aid from its companion advancing from the shoreline.\u00a0 However, that point was already moot: the Martian had already joined its stricken partner. It extended its long black tube and began to produce the same thick, low-hanging black smoke that had exterminated the hapless townsfolk.<\/p>\n

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07-Jun 14:13 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:13 GMT<\/p>\n

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Second fighting-machine producing stream of black smoke.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:14 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Royal Marines, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:14 GMT<\/p>\n

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For a fleeting instant, I thought the captain mad enough to pierce the black wall of swirling smoke that was drifting towards us with the ship and ram the Martian. But then, I heard him call out from the wing of the bridge, \u201cHard starboard! All engines full ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n

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I gripped the railing and exhaled in relief. I heard the clang of the engine telegraph and could feel the ship begin to heel to the right as she began her turn. The smoke would miss us.<\/p>\n

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07-Jun 14:15 #ThunderChild<\/div>

From the log of HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:15 GMT<\/p>\n

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Thunder Child<\/em> breaks contact with enemy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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07-Jun 14:30 @LCMDCarver<\/div>

From the personal log of Lt Commander Roger Carver, Third Officer, HMS Thunder Child<\/em>, 07 June 1897 14:30 GMT<\/p>\n

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We were rapidly retreating from the enemy.\u00a0 There was no putting a brave face on it. I looked at the captain. He stood silently on the bridge looking out to sea, his faced fixed in a frown. Our ship \u2013 the Thunder Child<\/em> \u2013 was the pride of the Royal Navy and the Empire. A marvel of the modern age. I looked back at the cloud of black smoke astern us that now smothered the coast. But what could we do against that?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t

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