On this day in 1822, celebrated soldier Sir Harry Paget Flash man VC was born.
An amazing adventurer, he survived the disastrous retreat from Kabul, Afghanistan. Charged with the Light Brigade in the Crimea, survived an assassination attempt by Bismarck's agents, survived the Custer massacre at Little Big Horn, just missed Isandawahla, and was a favorite of Queen Victoria, though Albert never warmed to him.
As an observer and n the American Civil War, Robert E Lee trusted him. Ulysses Grant was noticeably uncomfortable with his presence due, one supposes, to his participation in so many disasters.
Bluff old Flash Harry died in 1915.
"When in doubt, call for Flashman." - A. Lincoln.
"These things must be done delicately-- or you hurt the spell." - The Wicked Witch of the West.
"We've got the torpedo damage temporarily shored up, the fires out and soon will have the ship back on an even keel. But I would suggest, sir, that if you have to take any more torpedoes, you take 'em on the starboard side." Pops Healy, DCA USS Lexington.