During the Siege of Paris (1870-1871) by Prussian forces, what novel way did the besieged French communicate with the outside world?
Answer: Balloon mail. Prussian forces had cut telegraph lines and captured messengers, so unguided balloons were used to deliver messages. Around 70 balloons were sent, with most reaching their intended recipients.
Source: Air Power in the Age of Total War by Jeff Buckley
1388 – Although outnumbered 16 to 1, forces of the Old Swiss Confederacy are victorious over the Archduchy of Austria in the Battle of Näfels.
1682 – Robert Cavelier de La Salle discovers the mouth of the Mississippi River, claims it for France and names it after his sovereign, Louis XIV, Louisiana.
1937 – The Kamikaze arrives lands in London, the first Japanese aircraft to fly to Europe. In World War Two, Kamikaze will not be associated with a pleasant flight.
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A short, sharp hit of history in video format. Acclaimed Irish playwright and novelist Oscar Wilde was the toast of London society in the 1890s until things came decidedly unstuck through an association with a young British aristocrat, Lord Alfred Douglas, known as ‘Bosie’.
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Last week’s answer:
Francisco Goya (1746-1828)
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“If a cat gets hold of a German irregular verb – goodbye cat”.
American humorist and author Mark Twain. Twain became rich from his writing and lecturing but lost a fortune on business ventures. To pay off his considerable debts he went on a world lecturing tour which was enormously successful. His visit to Germany elicited many humorous observations.
French intellectual and man of letters, famed for his witty conversations, which made him welcome at the French Court and the Jacobin Club alike. During the Reign of Terror he committed suicide. The gems of his wit are recorded in his uncompleted Maximes et Pensees.
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