#Raid Recovery Edinburgh

[scotianostra]

The Scottish nurse Catherine Roy was born on January 24th 1883 in Drymen.

Born Catherine Murray Roy, one of eight children of Rev. John Roy, minister of the Church of Scotland at Drymen, and educated at Glasgow High School and at the college in Edinburgh.

She was a lifelong friend of Annie Baird, sister of John Logie Baird. having met at the Ministers Daughters College, later Esdaile, in the Grange district of Edinburgh.

After college Catherine trained at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow.

Once qualified in 1909 she chose to join the army, instead of the more conventional job of working as a hospital nurse. She thought that it was better paid and offered more opportunities for travel.

At her interview, Catherine declared: “I want foreign service and I want active service.” She was to have both as she was accepted into Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, which was set up by Royal Warrant in 1902 to replace the Army Nursing Service, and she became what was known as a QA.

When the the First World War broke out in 1914, 50 nurses were sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force, just over a week after the declaration of war on August 4th. Catherine's friend Annie Baird was also in the group. In action almost at once, Catherine began to experience the demanding and dangerous life faced by an army nurse working near the front line.

This service early in the war qualified her for the 1914 Star and the right to the nickname ‘Old Contemptible’, although the term is not usually applied to women.

The nurses faced battlefield conditions for which no training or experience could have prepared them, dealing on a daily basis not only with devastating shell splinter and shrapnel wounds, amputations, gangrene and the effects of gas, but also shell shock, frostbite, diseases such as tetanus and dysentery, and the constant presence of violent death.

Soldiers injured on the battlefield followed a well determined route. If they made it back to their own lines, on stretchers, carried by soldiers or on their own, they were quickly patched up in a very rudimentary way, at the regimental aid post at the edge of the battlefield.

Next was the field dressing station behind the lines, where they might receive injections and emergency operations from medical officers and orderlies.

From here they went to the casualty clearing station, well behind the lines. This was, in effect, a well-equipped field hospital, often tented and staffed with nurses and doctors.

The final stage of this journey in France was the base hospital, to which they were usually transported by train.

After a period of recovery they were either sent back to Britain for further treatment, or returned to the battlefield. Sadly, at every stage of this journey, death was commonplace.

In general, nurses were attached to base hospitals and casualty clearing stations, but it was not unknown for them to work closer to the front line.

Catherine served in many of the major campaigns. She was at the Somme in 1916, meeting on a few occasions her brother Jim — 2nd Lieutenant James Ferrie Roy — who was fighting there with his regiment, the Black Watch, until his death at High Wood on July 30th.

On May 29th 1917, while a Staff Nurse, she was mentioned in despatches. In October the same year she was awarded the Military Medal, for ‘conspicuous gallantry displayed in the performance of her duties on the occasion of hostile raids on Casualty Clearing Stations in the Field’.

The citation in the London Gazette of October 1th7 stated: “17 Casualty Clearing Station: At Dozinghem, at 9.15pm August 20th 1917, during a Bomb Raid in which there were 68 casualties, including 14 deaths, this Lady showed remarkable presence of mind and amid the darkness and confusion, and gathered together the Staff of Nursing Sisters in an extraordinary short space of time, to attend to the injured.

“Her attitude throughout the night is deserving of the highest praise, and her assistance was of the greatest value in restoring the order and the comfort of the patients. She maintained her presence of mind in a wonderful way.”

When the war ended in 1918, Catherine, by now a full Sister, stayed on in France to nurse victims of the Spanish influenza epidemic, and was awarded the Medal for Epidemics in Silver Gilt in March 1919.

In January 1920 she was awarded the Royal Red Cross 1st Class, an award specifically for nurses introduced at the behest of Queen Victoria in 1883, and she received it from King George V at an investiture at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh on July 5th.

During the 1920s and early 1930s, Catherine continued to serve as an army nurse, and travelled frequently to postings overseas, including Syria, China and Hong Kong.

A good manager and excellent with people, she rose steadily through the ranks of the nursing service.

In 1934 she was appointed Principal Matron at the War Office, an equivalent rank to Lieutenant Colonel, and then in April 1938 she was appointed Matron-in-Chief of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, the most senior post in the service.

In 1940 Catherine received the CBE from King George VI for her work during World War Two, then retired from the army and returned to Scotland, to look after her mother and her sister.

She settled into a way of life that enabled her to pursue her interests in art, music and all the pleasures of an intellectual life offered by Glasgow. At this point she met the artist Elizabeth Mary Watt (1885-1954), one of the ‘Glasgow Girls’, a famous group of women artists and designers. She painted a portrait of Catherine in uniform, wearing her medals, unfortunately my efforts to find this online were fruitless.

Catherine was also a crossword addict, and competed regularly with her brother to see who could complete the Glasgow Herald’s daily crossword in the fastest time.

Towards the end of her life, she moved to Helensburgh, near her childhood home, and she died on August 14, 1976 at the Western Infirmary, where she had trained, after a fall at the age of 93.

Her grave is in Drymen Cemetery.

Margaret Roy, her great-niece, who knew her well until she was ten, said that without that fall, Catherine could have gone on forever.

Catherine is second from the right in the photo.

[newstfionline]

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Americans less positive about civil liberties: AP-NORC poll (AP) Ten years after the 9/11 attacks, Americans were reasonably positive about the state of their rights and liberties. Today, after 20 years, not as much. Far fewer people now say the government is doing a good job protecting rights including the freedom of speech, the right to vote, the right to bear arms and others. For example, the poll finds that 45% of Americans now say they think the U.S. government is doing a good job defending freedom of speech, compared with 32% who say it’s doing a poor job and 23% who say neither. The share saying the government is doing a good job is down from 71% in 2011 and from 59% in 2015. Dee Geddes, 73, a retiree in Chamberlain, South Dakota, said she was frustrated at the government’s apparent lack of ability to safeguard the amount of private information available, especially online. “It bothers me when I can go on the internet and find pretty much anything about anybody. It makes me feel sort of naked,” said Geddes. About half now say the government is doing a good job protecting freedom of religion, compared with three-quarters who said the same in 2011.

20 years later, fallout from toxic WTC dust cloud grows (AP) The dust cloud caught Carl Sadler near the East River, turning his clothes and hair white as he looked for a way out of Manhattan after escaping from his office at the World Trade Center. Gray powder billowed through the open windows and terrace door of Mariama James’ downtown apartment, settling, inches thick in places, into her rugs and children’s bedroom furniture. Barbara Burnette, a police detective, spat the soot from her mouth and throat for weeks as she worked on the burning rubble pile without a protective mask. Today, all three are among more than 111,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, which gives free medical care to people with health problems potentially linked to the dust. Two decades after the twin towers’ collapse, people are still coming forward to report illnesses that might be related to the attacks.

US producer prices jump an unprecedented 8.3% in August (AP) Inflation at the wholesale level climbed 8.3% last month from August 2020, the biggest annual gain since the Labor Department started calculating the 12-month number in 2010. Inflation has been stirring as the economy recovers from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession. Supply chain bottlenecks and a shortage of workers have pushed prices higher. Food prices were up 2.9% last month after falling in July. Over the past year, wholesale food prices have climbed 12.7%, including surges of 59.2% for beef and 43.5% for shortening and cooking oil. Energy prices rose 0.4% from July and are up 32.3% over the past year.

Wigged out: A Venezuelan spymaster’s life on the lam (AP) Wigs, a fake moustache, plastic surgery and a new safe house every three months—these are just some of the tools of deception authorities in Spain believe a former Venezuelan spymaster relied on to evade capture on a U.S. warrant for narcoterrorism. The two-year manhunt for Gen. Hugo Carvajal ended Thursday night when police raided a rundown apartment in a quiet Madrid neighborhood where they found the fugitive in a back room holding a sharp knife in what they described as a last desperate attempt to evade arrest. Nicknamed “El Pollo” (“The Chicken”), Carvajal has been a thorn in the side of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration since 2014, when he was arrested in Aruba on a U.S. warrant only to go free after President Nicolás Maduro’s government pressured the small Dutch Caribbean island to release him. While on the lam, he was rumored to be in Portugal, then a hideout in the Caribbean. The reality was much simpler: The 61-year-old had never left Madrid. His last hideout was a mere 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the headquarters of the National Police.

Denmark lifts all coronavirus restrictions and celebrates ‘a whole new era’ (Washington Post) Some countries are setting records for daily covid-19 infections. Others are pursuing sweeping rules to mandate vaccination. But in Denmark, something like normal life has resumed. After nearly 550 days, the Scandinavian country has lifted the last of its domestic pandemic-era restrictions, declaring that the coronavirus is no longer a “critical threat to society.” Denmark appears to be the first European Union member to issue such a declaration, potentially providing a glimpse into the future of the bloc’s recovery—or serving as a cautionary tale of a nation that moved too quickly. The country’s leaders have pointed to its high vaccination rates—among the best in the world, with nearly 75 percent of residents fully immunized—as evidence that the step is justified.

Russia begins major military drills with Belarus after moves toward closer integration (Washington Post) Russia and Belarus began a massive week-long military exercise on NATO’s borders Friday after President Vladimir Putin and Belarus’s leader agreed on a new effort toward integrating the nations, including creating a “single defense space.” The Zapad 2021 exercise, involving 200,000 personnel, has NATO members and other neighboring countries on edge, echoing worries this spring over an unannounced Russian military buildup near Ukraine. The Zapad (meaning West) exercise is held regularly, but this iteration comes as Russian relations with NATO are increasingly fraught.

Pope Francis to visit impoverished Roma quarter in Slovakia (AP) Pope Francis is paying a visit next week to a neighborhood in Slovakia most Slovaks would not even think about going, which until recently even the police would avoid after dark. Francis will make the visit to the Roma community in the Lunik IX quarter of Slovakia’s second largest city of Kosice one of the highlights of his pilgrimage to “the heart of Europe.” Francis will be the first pontiff to meet the most socially excluded minority group in Slovakia. A fitting place to go for the “pope of the peripheries,” Lunik XI is the biggest of about 600 shabby, segregated settlements where the poorest 20% of the country’s 400,000 Roma live. Most lack basics such as running water or sewage systems, gas or electricity. “It’s a huge honor for us,” said Lunik IX mayor Marcel Sana, who has been a local resident since he was 2. “Even if he says just a few words, his presence will be a big boost for all those living here, the socially disadvantaged and poor people who need such support.”

Fleeing China, Hong Kongers flock to Britain (Los Angeles Times) He has no job, he’s still grappling with English and the climate is often cold and wet, but Dennis Chan is still grateful to be setting up his life in Britain. The 34-year-old arrived in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, alone in April after quitting his job as a cargo officer for Cathay Pacific airlines in Hong Kong. He had never set foot in Britain before. But he also felt he didn’t recognize his own homeland any longer amid China’s relentless crackdown on political dissent and civic freedoms. After Beijing imposed a sweeping new national security law on Hong Kong in July of last year, he felt an urgency to leave. Within two months of making the British National Overseas visa available in January, the British government received 34,000 applications. It estimates that about 300,000 people could take up the offer within five years; others say the figure could wind up being closer to 500,000. For many new arrivals like Chan, who is still living in a rented room and finding his bearings, the transition has not been easy. Although Britain boasts a well-established Chinese community, many of the Hong Kongers who have immigrated in recent months have found it difficult to land a job and make connections, especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. They miss—or even fear for—loved ones left behind, and they sometimes feel the sting of racism here in the land that ruled Hong Kong for 156 years as part of its globe-straddling empire.

Lebanon gets a new government after 13 months of collapse (Washington Post) Lebanon finally got a new government Friday, after 13 months of tortuous negotiations that left the country leaderless and paralyzed during the worst economic and financial collapse in its history. The formation of the new cabinet, headed by billionaire tycoon Najib Mikati and seemingly supported by almost all factions, means the country will be able to get down to the business of steering its way out of the crisis, which has wiped billions of dollars from the banking system and impoverished millions. Mikati, the new prime minister and one of the country’s wealthiest men, seemed to fight back tears as he delivered his inaugural speech, describing the problems of parents who cannot afford to feed their children, send them to school or find medicine to treat them when they are sick. But given the country’s kleptocratic system of government, there are few reasons to believe that Mikati’s administration will be capable of undertaking the radical reforms that are essential if Lebanon is to climb out of its depression, analysts say.

[jonathonperalta]

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[datarecoveryedinburgh-blog]

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[euroman1945-blog]

The Daily Thistle

The Daily Thistle – News From Scotland

Tuesday 26th June 2018

"Madainn Mhath” …Fellow Scot, I hope the day brings joy to you…. Beautiful weather on the Costa del Sol 28c anticipated today and for the next seven days, with crystal blue skies, I hope where ever you are reading this from the weather is equally as good, Bella has been for her walk and has eaten, and now is relaxing at my feet, the coffee is steaming in the cup, I'm ready, so let’s take a look at the news....

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART'S FACADES MOVED SIX INCHES BY FIRE…. The walls of the Glasgow School of Art have been moved six inches (15 cm) in places as a result of the fire, council leader Susan Aitken has said. She said the movement of the building's facade had prompted fears for public safety. She gave further details of the damage as the Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell visited the site. He said it was "shocking" to see the destruction but said the "UK government stands by ready to help". The remnants of the art school are now under the control of the city's building control department. A strict cordon has been imposed limiting movement and travel in the streets and premises adjoining the site in Garnethill.

SCOTLAND'S 'OLDEST' DISTILLERY AND WHISKY BRAND UP FOR SALE…. The Glenturret malt distillery in Crieff, and the Cutty Sark whisky brand, have been put up for sale by Edrington. The Glasgow-based distiller has opted to focus investment on its single malts, including The Macallan and Highland Park. It wants to focus its efforts for blended whisky on Famous Grouse. It suffered a drop of around 4% in sales last year, but retained its leading position in the UK market. The new owners will be able to develop Glenturret as a single malt brand, and to use Cutty Sark brand, which sells well in Spain, Greece and Portugal.

MAN CHARGED WITH THEFT AFTER 32 BIKES FOUND AT HOUSE…. A man has been charged in connection with a spate of bike thefts in Edinburgh. It follows the recovery of 32 bikes in a raid at an address in the city's Cobden Road. The 18-year-old was arrested on Wednesday June 20 and charged with 27 offences, including theft and handling stolen property. Police Scotland launched Operation Agora in response to the rising numbers of cycles being stolen in the city. Insp Caroline Flynn from St Leonard's Police Station said: "We recognise and understand the impact bike theft has on Edinburgh's communities and through Operation Agora we continue to investigate all crimes of this nature thoroughly. "Thanks to inquiries conducted by the dedicated Agora team, a sizeable number of pedal cycles have been recovered and reunited with their rightful owners. "Tackling acquisitive crime in all its forms is one of Edinburgh Division's top priorities and we are working hard to ensure offenders are brought to justice, while at the same time providing victims with all the relevant crime prevention advice to stop them falling victim."

MAN ARRESTED AFTER FIREARMS DISCOVERY AT GLASGOW COURIER COMPANY…. A 44-year-old man has been arrested in Glasgow in connection with firearms offences. It follows the discovery of a large number of firearms at a delivery courier company in Fullarton Drive, Tollcross, on 11 June. Officers from Greater Glasgow Serious and Organised Crime Unit executed a warrant at Broomhill Drive, in the west end, at 05:00 on Thursday. The arrested man is due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Police said the arrest followed an intelligence-led operation. Det Ch Insp Fergus Hutcheson said: "This operation has resulted in a significant number of weapons being seized, thereby reducing the harm they may have posed. "We remain committed to protecting the public and we will continue to target anyone involved in criminal activity which potentially causes our communities harm. If anyone has any concerns regarding suspicious or criminal activity they can be assured that police will act."

WEE POSERS: BABY WEASELS PHOTOGRAPHED NEAR ACHILTIBUIE…. Two baby weasels appeared to pause for a photograph while scampering across a scenic road in the Highlands. Carrie Urquhart, a driver with Ullapool-based Lochbroom Woodfuels Ltd, took the image on Tuesday morning near Achiltibuie. Four of the young animals ran across the road, but two of them paused long enough for the photograph to be taken. Weasels are the UK's smallest and probably most numerous carnivores, according The Mammal Society information. They usually have only one litter of between four and six young per breeding season. Their prey includes mice and voles.

On that note I will say that I hope you have enjoyed the news from Scotland today,

Our look at Scotland today is of the baby Weasels of course!....

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Tuesday 26th June 2018 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona…

All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in

Be safe out there…

Robert McAngus #scotland #news #travel #animals #love #blog

[history-highlanders-blog]

Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots was born on December 8th, 1542. Mary was coronated as the Queen of Scotland on her sixth day due to the death of her father, King James V. She was originally arranged to marry Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI, but because England had removed themselves from the Catholic Church, the Vatican opposed the marriage and Mary was set to marry Francis II of France instead. A year after the coronation of Francis II, he died of an ear infection and was childless. Five years later, she marries Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, her first cousin. This union would give Mary an even greater claim to the throne than she already had because Darnley had a claim of his own.

This angered Queen Elizabeth I of England because her own people believed Mary to be the rightful heir to the throne. The reason being that they did not consider Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn to be valid because Henry VIII divorced his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Divorce was forbidden in Catholicism and they did not see his marriage to Anne as valid and some would see Elizabeth as a bastard child.

Darnley caused a lot of problems for Mary. Her refusal to give Darnley the Crown Matrimonial, which would make him co-sovereign of Scotland led him to spread rumors that her Italian secretary, Rizzio, was the father of her child as payback for her refusal. He even conspired against his wife Mary with Protestant rebels known as the Chaseabout Raid, which ironically was started by her half brother James because of her marriage to Darnley. Darnley and his conspirators stabbed Rizzio more than fifty times in front of his pregnant wife, Mary. Darnley felt guilty about the death of Riccio and knew of Moray’s plot with a few lords and John Knox to rid the throne of Mary and Darnley. Darnley believed that they were going to kill him and not too long later his house explodes and he is strangled to death in his garden. This may prove that Bothwell did not kill Darnley, but maybe Moray and his group. Darnley switched sides and went back to Mary. Darnley and Mary then escape to Dunbar castle.

Mary visited Bothwell when he was sick which led many to believe that they were lovers, but she was with her guards and councillors. She came back from him sick and near death, but luckily made a recovery.

Mary and leading nobles arranged a meeting together to discuss what they should do with Darnley. They suggested that she simply divorce Darnley, she denied this. Her Catholic religion forbade divorce. They then suggested that she kill Darnley. Mary visited her husband in sickness and asked that he come back to Edinburgh, but refused. Bothwell seeing that they are reconciling, set Darnley’s house ablaze and killed him in the garden. If Mary would have said yes to the murder of her husband, all of the leading nobles would be suspected in the murder, since it was their plot, but it was only Bothwell. Bothwell was tried for murder, but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

Mary then married James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. Many hated this marriage because he was suspect in her second husband’s murder. This is understandable, but he was acquitted due to lack of evidence and was supported by Scottish Bishops and nobles in the Ainslie Tavern Bond. A document that showed that they agreed to support Bothwell’s marriage to Queen Mary. After the marriage, the nobles started to hate the marriage after Bothwell was made a Duke. Making him a Duke was necessary for the marriage because in order to marry a Queen, you must at least be a Duke. Twenty-six Confederate Lords turned on Mary and Bothwell and to stop the opposition, they raised an army to fight them. The army sadly deserted them over time. Bothwell was led out safely and Mary was taken to Edinburgh where she was tried as an adulterer and a murderer. Her own people locked her up in Lochleven Castle. When in prison, Mary miscarried twins and soon after was forced to abdicate her throne to her one year old son, James.

Mary escaped the castle with the help of George Douglas, the brother of the castles owner. She raised another army, but it sadly failed. She then fled to her cousin Elizabeth to help her regain her throne. Elizabeth was cautious and asked the Confederate lords if Mary did indeed murder her husband. Of course they would say yes, they are mad that Mary made Lord Bothwell a Duke.

James, Mary’s half brother, used the Casket Letters as evidence that Mary killed Darnley. The Casket letters were letters, sonnets, and two marriage contracts that were supposedly from Mary to Bothwell. These were found inside a silver-gilt casket that had the monogram of her first husband, Francis II of France. What is odd about these letters is that they are unsigned, which means anyone could have written them. Mary denied writing them and stated that her handwriting was not hard to copy. This is very true, she had very simple handwriting and even her signature was simple!

John Guy, a British historian and biographer states that the sonnets in the casket letters had too poor of grammar to possibly be Mary’s writing, but then also states that the styles used in the writing was commonly used by Mary. This could very possibly be done by someone who knew Mary very well. Most likely her half brother, James. He is the one who presented this so called “evidence” which did not even have a signature.

The Casket letters were stated to have existed one year before they were actually shown. Alison Weir, another biographer of Mary, believes that it took them that one year to come up with the forged Casket letters. Elizabeth could not prove whether or not Mary was truly guilty, but she still did not want to acquit Mary and couldn’t find her guilty due to lack of evidence. Elizabeth was confusingly still able to hold her in custody.

Mary’s dungeon was quite lavish. She had 16 or more servants and lived in there as if it were her own castle. She was moved to Tutbury Castle, she will spend the rest and most of her life in this castle and most sadly will never see her son again.

Elizabeth offered to re-establish Mary as the ruler of Scotland if the protestant religion could be protected. A convention in Perth denied the deal.

The Duke of Norfolk continued in his attempt to marry Queen Mary and Elizabeth had him locked away in the Tower of London.

Cecil and Walsingham, Elizabeth’s secretaries, plotted against Elizabeth to have her removed and replaced with Mary. After Elizabeth was warned by Catholic earls that Mary was dangerous to her, she sent Cecil and Walsingham to watch over Mary. Cecil and Walsingham wanted to use Spanish troops and the Duke of Norfolk to make Mary the Queen of England, but the Duke of Norfolk was soon executed by Elizabeth for his involvement in the Ridolfi Plot. This is another plot to replace Queen Elizabeth with Queen Mary.

Pope Gregory XIII came up with a plan to have Mary marry Don John of Austria, the half brother of Philip II, King of Spain. Pope Gregory XIII wanted Don John to invade England.

Walsingham confusingly came up with the Bond of Association and the Act for the Queen’s Safety which would protect the Queen from her successor killing her and those who plot against Elizabeth would be killed. Walsingham oddly did this after the Throckmorton Plot which was a plot that was made to replace Elizabeth with Mary. Walsingham probably did not want to be caught as a traitor of Elizabeth because she was known to behead everyone who defied her and that is why he came up with so many things to protect the Queen.

One of Mary’s people were caught plotting against Elizabeth. This was done without Mary’s knowledge. Elizabeth then put Mary in a more secure location at a manor house in Chartley.

Mary was arrested for her “involvement” in the Babington plot. The Babington plot was a plot to replace Elizabeth with Mary on the English throne led by Anthony Babington and John Ballard. Walsingham heard of the plot and sent decipherers to decode Mary’s letters to them. They supposedly said to have translated it to say that she agreed and wanted them to assassinate Elizabeth, but if you look at Mary’s cipher, there is no way they could have found out what it had meant. They forged their findings and Mary was found guilty for this. This ultimately lead Mary to her death the next year. Walsingham was likely hired to get Mary to trust him and find secrets, such as what her handwriting looks like or if there really was a plot. Walsingham most likely saw that there was no plot and was told by Elizabeth to create evidence and to create something that could lead Mary to a death sentence because of such evidence and that is why he created the Bond of Association and the Act for the Queen’s Safety and forged the true meaning of Mary’s cipher.

Elizabeth I signed Mary’s death warrant, but told Davison that she didn’t want it sent immediately and that she wanted to wait until she was completely convinced of Mary’s involvement in the Babington Plot. Davison sent it anyway, but it is said that the directions were vague. Elizabeth possibly gave Davison vague instruction so that she could not be to blame for the death of her cousin and also for the death of a monarch.

Mary, Queen of Scots was executed on February 8th, 1587 in Fotheringhay Castle by decapitation. Some sources say that she was praying as she was about to be decapitated and was still praying afterward. She was certainly a devout Catholic.

Bibliography

Lacey, Robert. Great Tales from English History. Joan of Arc, the Princes in the Tower, Bloody Mary, Oliver Cromwell, Sir Isaac Newton, and More. Little, Brown, 2005.

“Mary, Queen of Scots.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 17 Oct. 2017, www.biography.com/people/mary-queen-of-scots-9401343.

“Mary Queen of Scots Facts You (Probably) Never Knew.” Mary Queen of Scots - History Scotland, www.historyscotland.com/articles/scottish-kings-and-queens/mary-queen-of-scots/mary-queen-of-scots-facts-you-probably-never-knew.

“Ciphers used by Mary Queen of Scots.” National Archives UK, www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/elizabeth-monarchy/ciphers-used-by-mary-queen-of-scots/.

Fraser, Antonia. Mary Queen of Scots. Delta, 1993.

Weir, Alison. Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Murder of Lord Darnley. Random House, 2003.

Guy, J. A. Queen of Scots: the True Life of Mary Stuart. Houghton Mifflin, 2005.

[jtdatarecovery]

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[isolationshepherd-blog]

CHAPTER NINETEEN - THE HUNT

The Hundred Camp, Broad Law

Kane lay propped up in his bed while Raven spoon-fed him a broth she’d made. He could still only take small amounts of food even though it had been two days since he’d been released from the gaol at Edinburgh Castle. There’d been no one to rescue him this time. He’d simply endured the long days and cold, cold nights. He had been left completely alone, with nothing to eat or drink, his gaolers perhaps hoping he would die and they could report to Alasdair that he was no longer a problem. Kane had many friends, however, even amongst guards, and one had been on duty a couple of times during the sevenday, and had brought him enough water to ensure he survived. He hadn’t eaten, though. He had caught a rat, and with nothing to dissect it with he’d been faced with the prospect of tearing it apart with his teeth. He couldn’t bring himself to do it. It was only a sevenday; he could survive it. He knew from past experience that the hunger pains would subside eventually. He’d let the rat go. By the end of it, he had lost all his energy, just lay unmoving in the corner of his cell until the seven days were up and Raven came to collect him. Jackson had had to carry him to the cart, and Raven had sat with him the whole journey back to Broad Law, keeping him warm, feeding him scraps of bread and sips of water.

All his waking moments he’d thought about Abby and Thomas, wondering where they were, what they were doing. Was she able to be with him all the time, or just to feed him? Who was taking care of him? And the worst question of all, the one that plagued his dreams, waking him in a cold sweat. What was Alasdair doing to Abby? She was not the same woman he’d met nearly a year ago, she was so much stronger and more confident, but there was Thomas to consider now. Kane knew Abby would put him first, do whatever it took to keep him safe, protect him from Alasdair’s whims, even if that meant submitting to Alasdair’s desires. Kane shivered at the thought.

“Kane?”

“Eh?” Raven’s voice intruded on his thoughts, but he had no idea what she’d said, he’d been so deep into his own fears.

“Are ye alright. Do ye hurt somewhere?”

“No, I don’t hurt. Why?”

“Ye cried out.”

“Oh. I was thinking about Abby and Thomas.”

Raven put the bowl and spoon down and sat on the bed next to him, taking his hand in hers. “They’ll be alright. Abby is strong.”

“Last time she saw Alasdair she wanted to kill him. If I hadn’t been there she would have.”

“Are ye worried she’ll try again.”

Kane nodded. “Aye. She’ll do anything to protect Thomas. If she gets an opportunity, I’m scared she’ll take it.”

“Would it be such a bad thing if she did? He’d be gone, and ye’d be free.”

“She wouldn’t be free, Raven, she’d be arrested, and charged, and hanged. I’d lose her and Thomas forever.”

Tears were forming in Kane’s eyes and he swiped them away with his sleeve.

Raven leaned forward and pulled him towards her into a hug. “Ye’re getting ahead of yerself, being fanciful because ye’re exhausted, and weak. She’s surviving like she did fer fifteen years, and she’s looking after yer son, and probably looking fer ways to escape while she waits for thee to come for her.”

Kane nodded, his head buried in Raven’s shoulder, his tears dripping onto her.

“Build yer strength up so ye can go and get yer woman back. Ye’re a wolf, not a sheep. Sinclair will be here tomorrow. Maybe he will have news.”

Kane pulled away from Raven, giving her a kiss on the cheek before settling back against his pillow. “Ye’re right, as always. I’d better have more of that broth, then.”

Raven gave him the spoon. “I’m going to leave ye now. Feed yerself, build yer muscles up again.”

Kane took the spoon and slowly ate the rest of the broth. It took him until the sun had set to finish it, but he felt better afterwards. He turned to lie on his side, facing the empty part of the bed where Abby should be. He put his hand out, caressed the pillow, then leaned across and kissed it. He could still smell her on it, the rosemary oil she put in the water when she washed her hair, the earthy scent of her skin, the faint odour of the spilled milk she’d been wiping up just before the men came and took her away from him. It was hard not to let the tears flow again, but he stopped them. Recovery was more to do with the mind than the body, and he must regain the mental strength that had seeped from him as he lay on the cold stone floor of the gaol. Sinclair would be here tomorrow, and whether he had news or not, it was time for Kane to take action, to find his family and bring them home, where they belonged.

---

By the time Sinclair was due to arrive in the early afternoon of the following day, Kane was feeling much better. He had eaten more broth, and walked around the courtyard until he felt dizzy from the exertion and the repetitive nature of the walk. He was sitting on a bed in the half-constructed medic station, trying to be patient as Jackson examined him, stretching his limbs out, feeling his muscles, looking in his eyes, ears and down his throat. Kane had no idea what he could diagnose from looking in his ears, but if it meant he was about to get the all clear to go and look for Abby he was happy to submit to the scrutiny.

Sinclair entered the room as Jackson finished his examination. He stood, watching, while Kane put his shirt back on and Jackson gave him a long list of warnings and instructions.

“Ye’re not really up to riding a horse, Kane. Yer muscles are still weak and yer heart is racing faster than it should.”

“That’s because I’m desperate to get out of here.”

“No, it’s because yer heart is having to work harder to keep ye going because ye’ve had so little to eat and drink fer ten days. Further exertion is not recommended.”

“I’m not taking the horse to the gallops, Jackson. I’ll sit on him quietly and let him do all the work, I promise.”

Jackson sighed. “I’m going to give ye some powders for ye to make into a drink every day that will help ye get stronger. Ye have to take them three times a day, Kane, starting now.”

Kane held his hand out for the powders but Jackson gave them to a surprised Sinclair instead.

“I haven’t forgotten what happened after the raid in Jedburgh, Kane,” he said with a raise of his eyebrows.

“What happened in Jedburgh?” Sinclair pocketed the powders and looked expectantly at Kane.

“I had a minor knife wound in my leg after a fight and forgot to take the potions and it got a bit infected, that’s all.”

“That’s all!” Jackson laughed. “He was cut to the bone, refused to take the powders I gave him, thought he knew best of course. It got infected, his leg stinking the camp out it was so bad. I thought I would have to cut it off!”

“He’s exaggerating,” said Kane as he hopped off the bed.

Jackson rolled his eyes in a ‘what can ye do?’ gesture. “Make sure ye give him the potions, Sinclair, and don’t let him ride too hard.”

“I’ll keep him in line, Jackson.”

Jackson nodded, seemingly satisfied. “Ye can go.”

“Thank ye, Jackson.”

Jackson grabbed Kane’s arm as he went to leave. “Bring her back to us.”

Kane patted his hand. “I will.”

He went through to the Mess with Sinclair and they sat at one of the tables. Sinclair had visited them a lot over the previous six months, feeding them information about Alasdair’s movements and plans, and he and Kane had become firm friends. Sinclair had been taken by surprise by Alasdair’s kidnapping of Abby and Thomas, though, but Kane didn’t blame him. Alasdair was a devious man. He’d told no one except the Sheriff, who was in his pocket. The first Sinclair had heard of it was when Raven had arrived at Arkholm the same day and told him what had happened. He had since found himself in control of the Griffin clan’s Scottish estates thanks to a note from Alasdair, and he had spent some considerable time trying to find out where Alasdair had taken Abby and Thomas.

“What have ye found out, Sinclair?”

“I think I’ve narrowed it to two possibilities. The first is Bamburgh Castle, on the coast in Northumberland. There’s been some unusual activity there over the last sevenday and reports of a woman and a baby staying there.”

Kane shook his head. “Bamburgh Castle? That’s just over the border, it’s barely a day’s ride from here. I cannae see him taking them somewhere so close. Why would he?”

“I don’t know, but he has had dealings with the Governor, Lord Forster, in the past, so there is a connection there.”

Kane was not convinced. The evidence for Abby and Thomas being there was flimsy. Why would Alasdair keep them so close? He must know that Kane would hear of it sooner rather than later if they were indeed there.

“What is the other possibility?”

“Studley Royal Park.”

“Where’s that?”

“It’s in Yorkshire, not far from Ripon and just off the Great North Road.”

“I have not heard of it. Does it have Royal connections?”

“It’s a large house set in a huge park. I believe that Kings and Queens of England have hunted there from time to time. It belongs to a family who are prominent in the English Royal Court.”

“What could Alasdair Griffin possibly have to do with people like that?”

“The eldest son was educated in Scotland, at the same school as Alasdair. He is now the Lord of the manor.”

“Ah.” That made more sense. It would be typical of Alasdair to call on old ties to help him. “What makes ye think he has taken Abby and Thomas there?”

“I have a reliable source who claims to have seen Alasdair there just two days ago. The source was visiting for the day so could not say whether Alasdair was visiting himself or staying there on a more permanent basis.”

“How many days’ ride is it to Ripon?”

“At least three days if we are to take it easy.”

“And what if we ride hard?”

“Kane. Jackson said ye are not to exert yerself.”

“I don’t give a damn what Jackson said. Every day longer we take is a day longer Abby has to endure being with HIM, a day longer that I don’t see my wife and my son. I’ve wasted enough time as it is.”

Sinclair sighed. “We could make it in less than two days but ye’ll never do it on that nag of yers.”

“I can take Abby’s horse, Juno.”

“Is that where ye want to go first, then, to Ripon?”

“Aye. If he’s been seen there, then that’s the best lead we have.”

“Very well. I’ll make the arrangements and we can be ready to leave first thing in the morning.”

Kane stood up, strode over to the door. “We’re leaving today.”

Sinclair followed him, put his hand against the door as Kane was about to open it. “Ye’re not in a fit state to go now. A good night’s rest and ye’ll be much stronger.”

“I’m not wasting daylight, Sinclair. Move yer hand from the door.”

Sinclair stayed where he was and they stared at each other. Kane knew Sinclair had his best interests at heart, but he couldn’t allow any further delay. “Ye’re either with me, or against me. Move yer hand.”

Sinclair moved his hand from the door, allowing Kane to open it and go out into the courtyard.

“Ye’re going to kill yerself, Kane.”

“Aye. Well, ye can enjoy saying I told ye so to my corpse.”

Sinclair stared at him for a moment, and then shook his head, laughing. “What does Abigail see in thee?”

“Apparently, my nose has a charm.”

Sinclair laughed again. “That’s one word fer it! Let’s get the horses saddled, then. I can see this journey is going to be long in more ways than one.”

---

Abby was pacing the length of her room, waiting for the nurse to bring Thomas to her. She knew he was ready for a feed because her breasts were leaking milk, and she was aching for him. She had begged Alasdair to let him stay with her all the time because he was feeding so often, but he had refused. As a consequence, she was stuck in a ridiculous cycle of Thomas being brought to her ten or twelve times a day, her feeding him, and then him being taken away again. This had been going on for nearly a fortnight. Thomas was thriving physically, growing bigger every day, but Abby was worried he was not getting the emotional love he needed. She could hear him crying at all times of the day and night, and no one seemed to be soothing him. Abby was exhausted, and helpless. Before Alasdair took them away she and Thomas had been together all the time and they had developed a routine of feeding and sleeping that allowed her some rest. And she had had Marcus, of course, to care for him while she slept. Now there was just this relentless cycle, and Abby barely slept at all. It was Alasdair’s way of torturing her, punishing her for what she had done. She wasn’t going to give up, though, give in. She lived for the moments she had with Thomas, tried to make the most of them, and in between she thought of Marcus, worried about him, wondered if he was alright, if he was out of the gaol, and looking for her.

The door opened and the nurse walked in with Thomas in her arms. He was snuffling, as though he had been crying for so long there were no tears left in him. Abby ran towards the nurse, snatched him out of her arms and retreated to her chair by the window. The nurse didn’t speak to Abby, and Abby didn’t speak to her, but they had developed an unspoken agreement. Abby didn’t cause any fuss, and the nurse stood outside the door, giving her precious time alone with her son. Thomas reached for her breast and she kissed his head as he latched on and started suckling. These moments used to be so happy and now she always wanted to cry because they made her think of Marcus, and how much he had enjoyed watching her feed their son, endlessly amused by the noises Thomas made and the way his eyes sometimes rolled back a little with pleasure. Now Marcus was missing out on these moments. He didn’t know that Thomas was focussing on Abby’s face more, that he grasped her finger when she tickled his palm, or that he could hold his head up for a few moments when she sat him up to wind him. She saved the crying for when he had gone, though. Instead, she told Thomas tales of his father, and how they had met, and Thomas closed his eyes and she imagined him listening, taking it all in.

“My beautiful boy,” she said, as she stroked his hair. “Your father is thinking about you all the time. He misses you so much. When you were born, Thomas, he cradled you in his arms, and he called you his wolf cub, and you know something that will always be true? A wolf never deserts his pack.” She kissed the top of his head again. “He’s coming for us, my darling, I can feel it.”

Thomas opened his eyes and she smiled at him. He smiled back at her for the first time, and she thought her heart would burst with happiness until milk came spurting out of his mouth all over her chest. She had forgotten that at this age, a smile was more of a warning of imminent disaster than it was an expression of emotion. She laid him on the bed while she cleaned herself up and then picked him up again, walking round the room with him laid against her shoulder, rubbing his back gently, hoping he would drift off to sleep before the nurse came back. He hardly ever went to sleep in her arms now, there was so little time, and she missed that, missed the heavy warmth of him, his gentle snores. She even missed the pins and needles she got in her arms from not wanting to disturb him.

The door opened and she turned around with a sigh. The time had passed too quickly, as it always did. It wasn’t the nurse standing in the doorway, though. It was Alasdair. She hadn’t seen him for a few days and it was a shock to find him standing there. Abby held Thomas tighter to her. It was a reflex, brought on by her own fears, for he had never shown any violence to the boy.

“How’s my son?” he said as he walked towards Abby.

“He’s not your son.”

Alasdair shook his head, tutting at her. “Must we have this conversation every time I see you, Abigail?”

“We can have this conversation until the cows come home, Alasdair. He is not your son, he will never be your son, no matter what you try and tell yourself.”

“Your opinion is irrelevant. He’s a Griffin through and through, aren’t you, William.”

Abby scowled. She hated hearing Alasdair call Thomas by that name. Hated him looking at the boy, touching him, holding him. Alasdair held his arms out for her to hand Thomas over but she clutched him to her.

Alasdair sighed. “I am growing tired of this charade, Abigail. There is a wet nurse in the village who can be here at a moment’s notice, and when you are no longer needed, what will become of you? Give me my son.”

Abby handed Thomas to Alasdair and he held him in the air, shaking him, pulling faces at him. Thomas gurgled with pleasure and Abby bunched her hands into fists. It was all she could do not to lunge at Alasdair, poke her thumbs in his eyes and press until they popped.

“Be gentle with him. He has just been sick.”

“Don’t tell me how to be with my son. You are not his mother, you are nothing more than a dairy cow.”

Abby laughed. He obviously meant that to be insulting but she didn’t care what he thought of her. “That may be, but your ‘son’ needs me. He is thriving, and that’s what you want, isn’t it?”

The nurse entered the room and Alasdair gave Thomas to her. “See that William is bathed and put to bed. I will be up to see him shortly.”

Abby watched with a deep ache in her heart as Thomas left the room. A piece of her died every time, and she sometimes felt she was disappearing, little by little. Her world had shrunk to this room, to Thomas, the nurse, a maid, and Alasdair. She wasn’t allowed out; the maid brought her meals, water to wash with, removed her chamber pot. She was as much a prisoner as Marcus had been, albeit she was comfortable, whereas she didn’t like to think about the conditions he must have endured.

“You are feeding him well, I will give you that,” said Alasdair.

“When can I go outside, Alasdair? I need sunlight, fresh air. It is good for my milk, for… William.” It was painful uttering that name, but she had pushed her luck with Alasdair already today. He dangled the threat of her losing Thomas over her head like the Sword of Damocles and she had to tread carefully, for fear of shaking it loose.

“It is laughable to me that you think I would trust you for even one second after you betrayed me for months, giving yourself to that monster, lying to my face.”

“And it is laughable to me that you can say that when you know you betrayed your brother in the cruellest way possible, robbing him of his life, his child of her father, his wife of her husband. YOU are not to be trusted.”

Alasdair shifted uncomfortably as he always did when she brought up the subject of Jacob. “I did that for you. You did what you did for yourself.”

Abby shook her head. “The two cannot be compared.”

“No, they cannot, because I am a respected Laird and you are a dirty whore. There is no comparison to be made between us.”

“Alasdair. Whatever you think of me, I only have William’s best interests at heart. Who is taking care of him when I am not with him? He cries all the time, he doesn’t seem to be comforted, or nursed. Has he even been outside?”

“None of that is your concern.”

“Perhaps not, but I beg you to consider what I have said. Do not punish the child for my acts.”

Alasdair gave her a penetrating look, and then turned to leave. He stopped at the door, and turned back, a sly smile on his face.

“By the way, your Wolf is free, and he has been looking for you.”

Abby’s heart leapt. Marcus was alive, and coming for her. She tried to keep her face as still as possible but her lips must have tugged into a slight smile because Alasdair nodded.

“That’s right. Smile at the news. It won’t be long before you see him again.”

Abby frowned. Alasdair seemed unconcerned that Marcus was on his way to rescue her. “What do you mean?”

“He is coming here, and I am ready for him. The Wolf is heading for my trap, and this time he won’t escape.” He grinned at her, and then left the room, locking the door behind him.

Abby was left standing staring at the space where he had been, her heart thumping, her stomach churning. She should have known Alasdair wouldn’t honour his agreement to leave Marcus alone if she came quietly. She had played her part, done as she was told, and it had made no difference. She didn’t know how long it would be before Marcus arrived, for she wasn’t sure where she was. She knew they hadn’t gone too far, certainly not to France, or London. She had to try and escape with Thomas before Marcus got here, had to warn him somehow, but she had no idea how she was going to do it. She sat in her chair and looked out of the window. She could see the moorland just the other side of the wall. It represented freedom, and home, so close, and yet so far away. She was locked in a room in a tower, behind thick walls taller than three men. There was no way out that she could see.

The next day, when Thomas was brought to her, it was a different nurse than usual. This one was young, and had a nice face, with chubby cheeks and warm brown eyes. She handed the baby to Abby with a smile. Abby decided to risk talking to her in the hope that Alasdair had not yet poisoned her heart and mind against Abby as he had done to the last one with his tales of her betrayal that were far worse than anything she had actually done.

“Where is the usual nurse?”

“I don’t know, Mistress. I was summoned this morning from the village.”

“You are not a wet nurse?” Abby was alarmed. Was this the woman from the village Alasdair kept threatening her with? Surely not; she was far too young to have a baby of her own.

“No. I am here to comfort the child and bring him to you when he is hungry.”

“I see.” So, Alasdair had listened to her after all, and had got rid of the nurse who was neglecting Thomas. This was an interesting turn of events.

“He is a bonny baby, Mistress.”

“Yes, he is. He’s just like his father.” Abby settled in her chair and let Thomas feed.

“Really? He doesn’t look much like the Master to me.”

Abby smiled. She was warming to this girl already. “What is your name?”

“Marianne.”

“Do you know why I am locked up in here, Marianne?”

The girl looked down at the floor. “Only the rumours, Mistress.”

“And what are they?” Thomas had drunk his fill from her breast, and she shifted him to the other to see if he wanted more.

“That you have gone mad, since the baby.”

“Ah.” Abby laughed. “Do I look mad to you?”

Marianne shook her head.

“I have displeased the Master, and that is why I am in here. He may tell you all sorts of tales about me, but they are not true, I want you to remember that.”

“I will, Mistress.”

“Are you going to take Thom… William outside today? He has not had much fresh air lately.”

“I am to take him into the grounds, but not beyond the walls.”

“He will enjoy that. When you next bring him to me, will you describe where you have been to me? What the outside looks like? I have been inside for so long I have quite forgotten what it is like out there.”

“Oh, I will, Mistress, yes. I am very good at describing. My pa always says I…”

“Thank you, Marianne,” said Abby, cutting the girl off before she launched into the long story that Abby felt sure was coming. “I would like a moment alone with my son, if you don’t mind. Just a moment.”

“Oh, yes, of course. I will be outside.”

Abby lifted Thomas into the air and kissed his nose. “You keep your eyes open, Thomas Robert, and tell me everything you see. You and mama are getting out of here.”

Thomas reached for Abby’s face, one hand grasping her nose, the other poking her in the eye. It made her eye water but she ignored it. She lifted him higher, and blew against his stomach, letting her lips vibrate and make a noise because it was something Marcus always did with him, and it made him wriggle with delight. Then the door opened, and Marianne came across to take him.

“I’m sorry, Mistress.”

Abby nodded. “It is alright. I will see you again soon.”

They left and Abby sat down in the chair, plotting her next moves. She would know more when Marianne came back and described the layout of the building and grounds to her. Then Abby had to obtain the key somehow. Perhaps she could persuade Marianne to help her, or distract her enough that she forgot to lock the door. Of course, she could always overpower Marianne, lock her in the room and leave with Thomas. Abby didn’t want to have to do that, but if the girl wouldn’t help, she would have no choice.

---

Studley Royal Park, Yorkshire

Kane and Sinclair crouched by the wall that surrounded the park in which Studley Royal House was set. The sun had set long ago, but they had waited, and waited, until they were as sure as they could be that any occupants of the house would be asleep. They had arrived in Ripon in the afternoon, exactly two days after they had set out from the camp at Broad Law, and had spent time in the Coaching Inn, replenishing their energy with hot food, and discussing their best course of action. Kane was tired from the hard riding but Juno was a horse that liked to gallop, and he had found she was happy to take the lead, needing very little guidance from him. He had been able to rest as they flew over the moors that flanked the Great North Road. Sinclair had done everything else, setting up their camp at night, fetching the water, making the potions up for Kane to drink, preparing the meals. Kane had protested at first but Sinclair had insisted and Kane was glad he had. He felt much more like his old self. It got dark late in August, and it had been torturous waiting for the right moment to break into the house so they could look for Abby. They had no idea where she might be, or whether Alasdair was with her. All their enquiries in the Inn had drawn a blank. No one had heard of anyone new arriving at the house, and no one had seen a woman and a bairn in the grounds or in the village. Kane wasn’t surprised; Alasdair was probably keeping Abby inside, unwilling to trust her after she had tried to kill him at Arkholm.

When he had deemed they had waited long enough, Kane looked at Sinclair. “It’s now or never.”

“Aye,” said Sinclair. “Let’s get this done.”

Kane boosted him up onto the top of the wall, and Sinclair reached down, grabbing Kane’s arm and pulling him up. They lowered themselves down the other side, dropping the final few feet and landing on the grass with a dull thud. The grounds of the house were enormous. They had chosen an area to the rear of the house where there was woodland and they weaved stealthily through the trees, the dim lights coming from the windows of the house just pinpricks in the distance but they were their only guide. When they reached the edge of the woods there was an expanse of lawn to cross that was longer than their entire camp back at Broad Law. If they were spotted running across here by a patrol there would be no hiding place.

“I will go first,” said Sinclair. “Wait for my signal.”

Sinclair crept out of the woods, looking all around him as he went. Kane’s eyes had adjusted to the dark, and he could see Sinclair as he ran across the lawn towards the wall of the house. He made it to the other side safely, and beckoned Kane, who followed, his heart beating fast. He reached Sinclair and they stood with their backs to the wall.

“The last time I did this, ye caught me,” whispered Kane.

“Aye, and ye held a knife to my throat, threatened to cut me from ear to ear.”

“Good times,” said Kane, and Sinclair snorted as he tried to hold his laughter in.

“The door should be just along here.” Sinclair headed east along the wall of the house and Kane followed him until they came to a door. Sinclair turned the handle and it opened. “Told ye it would be open,” he said, and disappeared inside.

Kane hesitated. It all seemed too convenient to him; a heavily guarded house with a door that was left open so that the young master of the house could sneak his unsuitable mistresses in without his father knowing. Kane didn’t know how reliable Sinclair’s source was. It could be a trap, and if it was, he was about to walk to his doom. Sinclair poked his head round the door. “What are ye waiting for?”

Kane nodded and entered the house. He was here now. In for a penny, in for a pound. They emerged into a large kitchen and walked across it to another door which led to the back stairs. This was the way to the servants’ quarters but Sinclair’s source had told him there was a door off the second flight that opened into the main house, and the floor where the Lord and his family and guests slept. The stairway was cold and damp, lit by a series of candles set in the stone walls. Sinclair’s shadow loomed over Kane as he led the way up to the second floor. There was a landing and the door was set to the left. Sinclair opened it and they slipped through into the main part of the house. The hallway they were standing in was much better lit than the stairs, which was helpful to aid their search but left Kane feeling exposed. The door they had emerged from was at one end of the hallway, with a much grander staircase leading down to the ground floor. Ahead of them was a long hall with many doors off each side.

“How many rooms are there?” whispered Kane.

“There are sixteen bedchambers.”

“That’s a lot of rooms. We’ll take a side each.”

The split up to check the rooms. There was no way of knowing who was in what room, if anyone, or whether anybody they encountered would be awake. They just had to open the doors as quietly as possible and hope for the best. It wasn’t a very good plan, Kane realised now that he was standing here, looking at the first door. So many things could go wrong, but they had little choice and they had decided when they were talking it over at the Inn, that if anything went wrong they would simply fight their way out, and somehow also find Abby and Thomas. It was a very bad plan. He sighed, and reached out to put his hand on the doorknob, turning it with aching slowness, putting his shoulder to the door to ease it open. As soon as there was a gap big enough to poke his head round he did. The room was large, and the bed was at the far end, but Kane could see it was not being slept in. The room was empty. He closed the door and turned to see Sinclair doing the same. They both shook their heads at the same time. Kane did the same for the next room, and the one after that, and the one after that. By the time he had closed the door on the fifth room he was concerned that they were on a wild goose chase. Sinclair had come across one sleeping man on his side but it was not Alasdair or anyone he recognised. They met in the middle of the hallway outside the sixth doors. Ten rooms searched, six to go.

Kane stroked his beard as he contemplated the search so far. “I dinnae think she’s here, Sinclair,” he whispered.

“There are still six rooms,” replied Sinclair.

“Aye, but there’s no noise, no life. Where’s the sound of the bairn crying?”

Sinclair shrugged. “He’s asleep.”

“That would be a first. We’ve been in the house a good while now, and nothing. He’s a noisy wee thing. I cannae believe he’s not wanting his mama.”

“For all we know he’s with her now, and they’re curled up behind one of these doors. Just get them searched and then we’ll know.”

Kane returned to door number six but his heart was heavy. They were in the wrong house, he knew it. He turned the door and was surprised to see someone lying in the bed, their back to him. He crept across the floor to the other side of the bed so he could see their face. It was a young man. Kane hardly felt disappointed because he was expecting it not to be Abby. He retreated and shut the door quietly. Sinclair held up two fingers to him to indicate he’d found two people in the room but he shook his head. They were not Abby and Thomas. Door number seven was empty and that left one room on each side. It also meant that if Alasdair, Abby and Thomas were here, then they would be behind these doors. Kane could only hope that they were in separate rooms. He couldn’t bear the thought of opening this door and finding Alasdair in bed with Abby, Thomas lying next to them. The thought made him feel sick. He took a deep breath and opened the final door. This room was much larger than the others he had seen, and the bed was a large four-poster with curtains around it. The sound of someone snoring drifted out from within, soft snores, gentle, just puffs of escaping air. Abby snored like that sometimes. Kane felt hope rise in his chest, and he crossed to the bed quickly, pulling the curtain back without thinking. One of the two people within sat up startled, knocking their snoring partner with their elbow, waking her up. Kane didn’t know who these people were but they weren’t Abby or Alasdair.

“What in damnation!” The man yelled and swung his legs over the bed to get up. The woman grasped the sheets to her and started screaming. Kane ran for the door.

“Sinclair!” he shouted as he pulled the door behind him, holding on to it as hard as he could while the man in the room pulled in the opposite direction.

Sinclair came running out of the other room. “Keep yer voice down!”

Kane shook his head. “It’s too late!” The door behind him rattled and Sinclair���s eyes opened wide.

“Oh,” he said.

“Run!” said Kane, and he let Sinclair get a head start before releasing his grip on the door and following him as quickly as he could. Sinclair yanked open the door to the stairs and they ran down the stone steps taking them two at once. Other voices were rousing now, some coming from the servants’ rooms above, the rest the voices of the men they had encountered in their search of the rooms. The door opened above them and Kane could hear one man giving instructions to another.

“Go through the main house, cut them off.”

Sinclair pushed open the door to the kitchen and Kane followed him through. They skidded to a halt when they saw a large man standing at the stove, a meat cleaver in his hand. The cook must have risen to start his working day while they were searching the rooms. He was so startled that he didn’t move and Kane pushed Sinclair towards the back door. Sinclair had his hand on the doorknob just as the cook shouted “Hey!” and headed towards them, the cleaver raised ready to strike.

“Shit!” said Sinclair. The door was sticking and he couldn’t get it open.

“Get out of the way,” shouted Kane, and he pulled on the door with all his strength. It gave way more easily than he expected and he flew backwards, still clutching the door. Sinclair steadied him and then grabbed his arm and pulled him through the door. The clouds had lifted and the moon was bright. They ran across the lawn and made it to the trees just as two men came around from the front of the house and joined the cook in the chase.

“The things ye are getting me into,” panted Sinclair as they ran through the trees, stumbling over exposed roots, branches hitting them in the face.

“Never a dull moment,” replied Kane. “Here, let me give ye a leg up.” They had reached the wall and Sinclair stood on Kane’s laced hands to boost himself up so he could grab the top of the wall. Kane lifted him and then reached out for Sinclair’s arm, scrambling his feet up the wall to give himself purchase as Sinclair pulled him up and over the top. Kane looked back briefly before he jumped down to the other side. The men’s shouts were getting louder and as they emerged from the trees and looked up at the wall Kane smiled at them, and then dropped down to the ground, landing with a painful bump as his knees buckled and his hip took the force of the fall.

“Fuck!” he cried as the pain washed over him, making him dizzy for a moment.

“Take my hand,” said Sinclair and he grabbed Kane, pulling him to his feet and then dragging him along behind as they ran through the maze of streets until they found where they had tied up their horses. Kane could hardly get his foot in the stirrup, let alone lift himself onto Juno, but Sinclair put both hands on his arse and shoved him so hard momentum swung him up onto the top of the horse. He squeezed Juno’s flanks with his thighs and she responded, setting off at a gallop through the streets until they were beyond the limits of the village and only the dark moorland lay ahead.

When he was certain they were not being followed, Kane pulled on the reins to bring Juno to a halt. Sinclair stopped beside him, his breaths as loud and ragged as Kane’s were. They were silent for a moment while they gathered themselves.

“That was a close thing,” said Sinclair with a laugh.

“Aye, it’s been a while since I had that much excitement.”

“We need to rest,” said Sinclair, “set up the camp.”

“No. I don’t know what Alasdair was doing in that house, if he was ever there, but they’re not there now. We need to get to Northumberland, to Bamburgh Castle. She’s there, I know she is.”

“Aye, we do, but not until after we’ve had some rest. Ye’re still recovering.”

“There’ll be time to recover once we’ve got them back. I’m not waiting, Sinclair. Ye can either come with me or I’ll go alone.”

Sinclair sighed and shook his head. “This is a folly, Kane, ye know it is.”

Kane shrugged. Whether it was a mistake or not, he couldn’t wait any longer. “Are ye coming or no?”

Sinclair turned his horse so that it was facing north east. “Lead on.”

Kane turned Juno in the same direction and set off across the moor at a slower pace. As tempting as it was to gallop the whole way, he knew even Juno would tire long before they made it to Bamburgh. He had to be patient, protect the horse, conserve all their energies as much as he could so that he was ready to face Alasdair and get Abby and Thomas back. The North Sea was calling; he could almost smell it, taste the salt on the air, feel the black water ice cold as it flowed through his veins.

“Let’s go and find your mistress,” he said to Juno, and sat back in the saddle, letting the horse lead the way.  

[thomasross90]

The Costly Business Of Data Recovery

The modern world we live in thrives on big data. We already lost track of the number of devices we use on our own, at home, or in public and we likewise access various online platforms for school, work, and recreation. Social media is so popular that it has become an extension of our personal lives. Not only that, we take so many pictures, videos, and all sorts of multimedia that we have files stored on our phones, computers, handy flash drives, or even up in the clouds. However, life is not always a bed of roses. Technical problems arise either by accident or over time. The issue now is now everyone has prior tech knowledge on how to deal with these problems and they may end up paying more than necessary for data recovery services in their desperate attempt to retrieve their lost files.

Data recovery services can be offered to individuals, groups, or organizations and it usually comes at a hefty price. However, it is a precaution everything is taking now with the rising prevalence of online bugs like malware that threatens to steal other people’s information and valuable data that is not always replaceable. It is why these services become more popular because there is a high demand for it and people are willing to shell out the cash as long as they don’t lose any more of their precious data. Big organizations even the ones running the cloud invest in reliable data recovery services because they understand the value of data both to them and their customers. As we all know, disasters can strike anywhere and anytime of the day both manmade and natural, so the least we can do is to be prepared for the time when it comes and to have a backup plan in place.

Backup, disaster recovery, and virtualisation management firm Veeam has announced the acquisition of N2WS, a Florida-based enterprise backup and disaster recovery firm focused on Amazon Web Services (AWS) workloads.

The all-cash deal, valued at $42.5 million, is expected to strengthen Veeam’s disaster recovery offering, combining Veeam’s existing capabilities in protecting virtual, physical, and cloud environments with N2WS’ AWS-specific data protection.

(Via: http://www.zdnet.com/article/veeam-invests-in-aws-disaster-recovery-with-42-5m-n2ws-acquisition/)

The digital game is robust and strong. If the rise of services like this is any indication that we all take data seriously, so is data recovery. It simply follows that we don’t want to lose the data we have created, taken, and have saved because of technical glitches or a lack of foresight on our part. If you are not careful enough, you may lose years’ worth of memories and have all your files gone in a snap. It is even more crucial now that most processes and services are web and cloud-based. Businesses and organizations must be cautious in securing their data or face costly consequences and the wrath of their customers, something that has happened quite often than we wanted to in the past years.

Veeam has struck a takeover deal to boost its cloud-centred enterprise availability for AWS workloads. Veeam shook hands on a $42.5m all-cash buyout of N2WS, an Iaas data protection firm specialising in disaster recovery solutions with Amazon cloud.

As part of the deal, N2WS will continue to exist as a standalone organisation with its main offices in Edinburgh, UK as well as premises in Florida, US and Haifa, Israel. Jason Judge will stay as CEO of the business and all teams are to stay intact. Cloud-native enterprise backup specialists at N2WS are poised to strengthen Veeam’s ability to protect AWS deployments for business.

Iaas is the fastest-growing cloud segment, with the market set to hit $88bn by 2022. Big hitter AWS leads the sector, standing astride 44.2{42c07f7f4ed3da5e2b17ff80184aca1c09c0d2cc98cfc328fb1b32a3f56d2786} of the market, according to the latest figures from Gartner. Companies across the board are demanding improved data protection guarantees to reduce costly downtime.

(Via: https://www.cbronline.com/news/veeam-aws-backup-data-recovery-software)

You can’t just ignore the risks anymore when you see malware attacks occurring in all parts of the globe more often now. No need to be surprised anymore of major investments like this since it is a must for everyone to protect their businesses especially that it involves working on people’s data 24/7. People will feel at ease working with these businesses if they feel that they can trust them with their personal details that it will be there when they need it and that unauthorized people won’t be able to access it without their permission.

If they do their job well, then they no longer have to worry about common complaints most tech users experience. Pricing for data recovery is here: https://www.harddriverecovery.org/pricing.html and https://www.harddriverecovery.org/raid-pricing.html. Even smaller servers may experience data loss now and then especially when 3rd-parties try to bypass security measures they put in place and retrieve files they want to exploit and use for their own benefit.

42c07f7f4ed3da5e2b17ff80184aca1c09c0d2cc98cfc328fb1b32a3f56d278642c07f7f4ed3da5e2b17ff80184aca1c09c0d2cc98cfc328fb1b32a3f56d2786postlink42c07f7f4ed3da5e2b17ff80184aca1c09c0d2cc98cfc328fb1b32a3f56d278642c07f7f4ed3da5e2b17ff80184aca1c09c0d2cc98cfc328fb1b32a3f56d2786 Read more on: http://www.harddriverecovery.org

From https://www.harddriverecovery.org/blog/the-costly-business-of-data-recovery/

from https://harddriverecovrygroup.wordpress.com/2018/04/30/the-costly-business-of-data-recovery/

[automaticreviewwhispers-blog]

What Is ‘Rack' In Ruby

The Dell PowerEdge R320 is an enterprise-class, 1-socket server, with the appropriate computing power, scalability and value in a dense chassis — best for your core business applications. Really significantly like a biological program can respond to specific stimuli with out obtaining to go all the way to the brain. AFCO Server Cabinet is an best resolution for your information center. This industry top cabinet supplies exceptional functionality and guarantees your worthwhile IT assets are housed in the ideal achievable environment. Lets assume you are not maxing these out. Lets say 400W every single. So you have a 4KW heat supply. I hope you have appropriate power and cooling available. The DSS 7000, with its server nodes pulled out of the back. Disk drives slot in from the leading. If the information is not offered by way of SNMP I encourage you to wait till feb-2013 considering that I've programmed publishing an article covering how to monitor HP devices employing RIBCL. An e mail notification will be sent to you anytime this item is offered in stock. The Dell PowerEdge R320 is an enterprise-class, 1-socket, 1U rack-mount server created to deliver the proper mixture of functionality, redundancy and worth in a dense chassis. Virtual media assistance allows servers to access storage media attached to the KVM, enabling out-of-band file transfers and OS patch deployments. Our custom servers are available in a 1U rack mount or desktop pedestal form factor. In addition, we offer you some of the most power-effective servers in the business. They have been optimized to function at the lowest attainable expense to the enterprise that demands a trustworthy storage server resolution that can deal with a full range of computing and network needs. Get a lot more info about our servers by going to our Rackmount Server or Desktop Server pages. Rack units are universally the same, but the sort of thread three can differ depending on the rack. Mounting rails can be No. 10-32 tapped ( Unified Thread Regular ), No. 12-24 tapped, metric M6 threaded or universal square holes. Universal square holes are becoming the most widespread as these permit the insertion of replaceable cage nuts for the kind of thread required. This prevents stripping of the threading on the rails and allows for much more flexibility. Energy usage - Rack servers frequently call for attendant equipment like a cooling program to function properly, driving up the power consumption of a single server. Blade servers move several of the components that you would usually see on a tower or rack server into what is referred to as the chassis - a mount into which the blades fit. For comparison with a consumer portion, a rackmount server operating beneath a moderate load with excellent ventilation is normally at least as loud as a reference AMD Radeon R9 290X graphics card with the fan operating at 100%, which is about 65 dBA. Count on even a lot more noise below suboptimal operating situations, potentially up to 75-80 dBA. Many older models may possibly not have automatic fan speed handle at all and therefore constantly operate at the maximum noise level. The R420 is a really very good selection for a little organization server rack. The impressive performance we saw from this server came from a configuration that charges more than $ten,000 list cost, not every modest company will be able to afford that efficiency. Dell is warning its consumers that there is malware on some server motherboards. By contrast, the 2U x3650 can have a RAID five configuration internally by utilizing four drives - three for RAID and a single as a hot-spare. These drives, like those in blade-server housings, can be changed to accommodate bigger storage wants, but it really is unlikely that administrators will modify drives when a unit is in service for a production application. It would be best if you can keep this on it really is own circuit. A dedicated 20 Amp circuit if you program on employing a lot of hardware. The most current Intel Xeon processors, with up to 28 cores per server, along with next-gen DDR4 memory with twice the capacity of the prior generation, boosts workload performance. DDR4 memory yields a 50 % overall performance enhance and up to 50 percent energy savings over earlier-generation memory. The RD350 also offers generous storage capacity with help for up to eight hot-swap tough drives. My firm is searching into this type of information cabinet correct now. The company we're going with even provides something referred to as seismic cabinets, which are made to fully resist any type of unfortunate accident or interference. Thanks for sharing your insights about this! I chose the motherboard and processor models mainly as a price saving measure. The cost/performance ratio for the Intel E5645 processor is amazing, but they are considerably outpaced by the newest chips. Consequently, I chose a motherboard which supports this processor but tops out with the E5500/E5600 series. That means there is truly no area for improvement in the CPU space. ServerMonkey gives the Dell PowerEdge R320 in different options that are guaranteed to fit the wants of your organization. If one particular of our preconfigured options isn't what you're looking for, then you can completely DIY with our hardware customization options. The Dell PowerEdge R320 comes with ServerMonkey's one particular year warranty. Warranty upgrades are accessible. The strong, 2-socket PowerEdge R430 rack server is developed for rack environments requiring peak 2-socket overall performance, sizeable internal storage capacity and quick chassis depth to overcome space constraints in rack environments. It is an exceptional fit for HPC, internet tech, and infrastructure scale-out. refurbished rack servers uk We have a total variety of Intel and AMD based rackmount servers with sizes from 1U by means of 5U that will suit all needs, from net servers, modest enterprise rackmount servers, virtualization servers, departmental storage and database servers to enterprise wide multi-processor, multi-core rack servers built to manage the most demanding applications. Much like a biological method I also believe you will commence to see intelligent network pipe cache systems with logic constructed in that will allow a packet request to not have to make a full round trip to a host server but brief circuit for a logical instruction cycle withing the 1st network node. Several companies will be looking to create, enhance or even replace their current IT provision this year, partly as a response to the improved capacity of IT hardware and the growing storage and processing requirements of their firms. To access the interior of the T330 server, just pull the latch situated on the side of the device and take away the panel. For an current space without the infrastructure or space to expand, there's little recourse for using the currently populated enclosures with close-coupled cooling. The UCoustic 9210i 42U cabinet properly removes up to 31dBA (99.9%) of IT noise, which is tech speak for saying that it will lessen server noise down to a whisper. An enclosure has a rack within it, but just as the name suggests, it is closed off and concealed for a neat appear. It is fantastic for house theater systems or workplace spaces exactly where you need your network elements organized but out of sight. Moreover, the enclosed space offers an further layer of safety and security to make sure your system keep in excellent shape. Whether your Apple device was purchased through HardSoft, as authorised Apple Resellers, or straight from Apple, the Device Enrolment Plan (DEP) enables you to handle all of your corporately owned devices. Mobile Device Management (MDM) makes use of over the air distribution of applications, information and configuration settings to make sure only authorized functions are obtainable to your employees. Spouse loves roses, so when we started planting stuff in our yard about 10 years ago we purchased a number of Queen Elizabeth rose bushes. They're light choose and rebloom numerous times among April and Oct. They're planted in front of our front porch and develop crazy tall, which Spouse finds comical. So we refer to them as Comical Roses rather than Queen Elizabeth roses.

Rack enclosure solutions for networking applications: high-capacity cable management Superior cable management is imperative with today's rack enclosures packed to capacity with a mix of equipment. APC by Schneider Electric's rack enclosure systems supply higher-capacity cable management necessary to preserve cable density below manage. Whether or not it really is removable disk backup, tape or backup computer software - Dell delivers deduplicaton, archival, recovery and continuous information protection solutions for all firms. I really enjoyed reading your post and have decided to use your guidelines as the basis for an idea I've had mulling about in my head for a while now. The IBM BladeCenter HS23 is a two-socket blade server optimized for performance, and highly scalable I/ - best for most enterprise applications like virtualization, hosted client and SAP. The IBM® BladeCenter® HS23 supports the new Intel® Xeon® processor E5-2600 item family, and has constructed-in energy monitors that help save on energy expenses and consumption. Public Sector accounts have access to immediate 30-day credit terms, a dedicated technical pre-sales account manager and can also benefit from our signature hardware config solutions. Registered workplace address: Caledonian Exchange, 19a Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8HE. Rackmount servers collectively host, execute and manage an enterprise application or serve as a data center. Created to save physical floor space and other server resources, a rackmount server is typically housed with a horizontal rack chassis that can simultaneously hold a number of servers placed above every other. Graduating from Birmingham University in 1986 with an engineering degree, James went by way of Crosby Discs to Amada UK exactly where he spent 14 years just before setting up Maximise Engineering Services Ltd, established in 2003. A important to physical server safety is a procedure known as the two-man rule (click the hyperlink to view a post on the subject). Accelerate your huge applications (ERP, CRM, business intelligence) with the capacity to swiftly respond to business-growth demands. In addition to the normal server enclosures, a number of options are available for certain applications, which includes seismic-certified vibration resistant cabinets, and enclosures with constructed-in cooling options. Other examples focus on safety, portability, and enduring outside circumstances. There are even models particularly constructed with fiber optics in mind. Text is obtainable beneath the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License further terms may possibly apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , a non-profit organization. If your organization does any type of company on the web, from e-commerce sales to e mail communication, possibilities are you happen to be taking some methods to defend that information. The company is collaborating with Intel to develop the Triton answer, which is aimed at scale-out data center environments. Roll Your Own Firewall/VPN using a Linux distribution like Smoothwall or IPCop , you can turn your old server into a firewall. This way you can use its two network ports (most servers have more than one - if yours doesn't, you can add a second network card simply) to manage and protect your property network, and get familiar with advanced concepts like port forwarding, site visitors rack mounted server shaping, and bandwidth monitoring. Ultimate flexibility with the compact PowerEdge R210 II. Deployable in virtually any environment, R210 II has the energy you need to have to run your business and the scalability to aid it grow. Share, handle and safeguard your information, all with 1 program. Delivery Destinations: Pay a visit to the Delivery Destinations Aid page to see exactly where this item can be delivered. All the under portion numbers are Dell original parts and are interchangeable with every single other. Dell often use several various component numbers for things of the same specification. Thank you for your interest in our items. You will soon be contacted by a salesperson close to you. Rack mount gear normally do not have the quietest fans. Specially 1u servers. If I were you the very first thing I would appear into is some quieter fans. There are some 40mm fans offered on Amazon that claim to be silent and have very good evaluations. Our collection of server racks and ancillaries is constantly altering, so we advise checking back on a standard basis to see what’s new. For far more info or to talk about an order, get in touch with the ITC Sales group right now. Our aim is that with a quiet soundproof cabinet installed you will not hear that noisy server above the standard workplace ambient noise. Monster Mega Store Trading is rapidly emerging and expanding to grow to be 1 of the largest worldwide suppliers of digital equipment and electronic goods.

[scotianostra]

The Scottish nurse Catherine  Roy was born on January 24th 1883 in Drymen.

It’s been a quiet day for anniversaries, so I have left, in my opinion, the best and most detailed post till last. 

Born Catherine Murray Roy, one of eight children of Rev. John Roy, minister of the Church of Scotland at Drymen,  and educated at Glasgow High School and at the college in Edinburgh. 

She was a lifelong friend of  Annie Baird, sister of John Logie Baird.  having met  at the Ministers Daughters College, later Esdaile, in the Grange district of Edinburgh.

After college Catherine trained at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow.

Once qualified in 1909 she chose to join the army, instead of the more conventional job of working as a hospital nurse. She thought that it was better paid and offered more opportunities for travel.

At her interview, Catherine declared: “I want foreign service and I want active service.” She was to have both as she was accepted into Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, which was set up by Royal Warrant in 1902 to replace the Army Nursing Service, and she became what was known as a QA.

When the the First World War broke out in 1914, 50 nurses were sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force, just over a week after the declaration of war on August 4th. Catherine's friend Annie Baird was also in the group. In action almost at once, Catherine began to experience the demanding and dangerous life faced by an army nurse working near the front line.

This service early in the war qualified her for the 1914 Star and the right to the nickname ‘Old Contemptible’, although the term is not usually applied to women.

The nurses faced battlefield conditions for which no training or experience could have prepared them, dealing on a daily basis not only with devastating shell splinter and shrapnel wounds, amputations, gangrene and the effects of gas, but also shell shock, frostbite, diseases such as tetanus and dysentery, and the constant presence of violent death.

Soldiers injured on the battlefield followed a well determined route. If they made it back to their own lines, on stretchers, carried by soldiers or on their own, they were quickly patched up in a very rudimentary way, at the regimental aid post at the edge of the battlefield.

Next was the field dressing station behind the lines, where they might receive injections and emergency operations from medical officers and orderlies.

From here they went to the casualty clearing station, well behind the lines. This was, in effect, a well-equipped field hospital, often tented and staffed with nurses and doctors.

The final stage of this journey in France was the base hospital, to which they were usually transported by train.

After a period of recovery they were either sent back to Britain for further treatment, or returned to the battlefield. Sadly, at every stage of this journey, death was commonplace.

In general, nurses were attached to base hospitals and casualty clearing stations, but it was not unknown for them to work closer to the front line.

Catherine served in many of the major campaigns. She was at the Somme in 1916, meeting on a few occasions her brother Jim — 2nd Lieutenant James Ferrie Roy — who was fighting there with his regiment, the Black Watch, until his death at High Wood on July 30th.

On May 29th 1917, while a Staff Nurse, she was mentioned in despatches. In October the same year she was awarded the Military Medal, for ‘conspicuous gallantry displayed in the performance of her duties on the occasion of hostile raids on Casualty Clearing Stations in the Field’.

The citation in the London Gazette of October 1th7 stated: “17 Casualty Clearing Station: At Dozinghem, at 9.15pm August 20th 1917, during a Bomb Raid in which there were 68 casualties, including 14 deaths, this Lady showed remarkable presence of mind and amid the darkness and confusion, and gathered together the Staff of Nursing Sisters in an extraordinary short space of time, to attend to the injured.

“Her attitude throughout the night is deserving of the highest praise, and her assistance was of the greatest value in restoring the order and the comfort of the patients.  She maintained her presence of mind in a wonderful way.”

When the war ended in 1918, Catherine, by now a full Sister, stayed on in France to nurse victims of the Spanish influenza epidemic, and was awarded the Medal for Epidemics in Silver Gilt in March 1919.

In January 1920 she was awarded the Royal Red Cross 1st Class, an award specifically for nurses introduced at the behest of Queen Victoria in 1883, and she received it from King George V at an investiture at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh on July 5th.

During the 1920s and early 1930s, Catherine continued to serve as an army nurse, and travelled frequently to postings overseas, including Syria, China and Hong Kong.

A good manager and excellent with people, she rose steadily through the ranks of the nursing service.

In 1934 she was appointed Principal Matron at the War Office, an equivalent rank to Lieutenant Colonel, and then in April 1938 she was appointed Matron-in-Chief of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, the most senior post in the service.

In 1940 Catherine received the CBE from King George VI for her work during World War Two, then retired from the army and returned to Scotland, to look after her mother and her sister.

She settled into a way of life that enabled her to pursue her interests in art, music and all the pleasures of an intellectual life offered by Glasgow. At this point she met the artist Elizabeth Mary Watt (1885-1954), one of the ‘Glasgow Girls’, a famous group of women artists and designers. She painted a portrait of Catherine in uniform, wearing her medals, unfortunately my efforts to find this online were fruitless.

Catherine was also a crossword addict, and competed regularly with her brother to see who could complete the Glasgow Herald’s daily crossword in the fastest time.

Towards the end of her life, she moved to Helensburgh, near her childhood home, and she died on August 14, 1976 at the Western Infirmary, where she had trained, after a fall at the age of 93.

Her grave is in Drymen Cemetery.

Margaret Roy, her great-niece, who knew her well until she was ten, said that without that fall, Catherine could have gone on forever.

Catherine is second from the right in the photo.

[datarecoveryedinburgh-blog]

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[datarecoveryedinburgh-blog]

Our main goal is to help you recover lost data before it becomes lost forever. With this in mind we are on hand if you need to avail of our services in recovering your data from a wide variety of storage devices. Email or call us directly to speak to our friendly and professional recovery engineers.

[euroman1945-blog]

The Daily Thistle

The Daily Thistle – News From Scotland

Sunday 9th September 2018

"Madainn Mhath” …Fellow Scot, I hope the day brings joy to you…. Sunday, and the moon and stars are covered with a thick covering of heavy cloud, and we have been advised that today we have a 90% chance of thunderstorms, so Bella and I are out before the rain, which I can smell in the far distance arrives in the town of Estepona and we all get wet, School starts tomorrow so it looks as if the children will get wet walking in, but that’s tomorrow this today and there is coffee to drink that has just brewed and dog food to eat not by me I hasten to add…..

OFFENCES DROP ON SCOTLAND'S FIRST URBAN ROAD WITH AVERAGE SPEED CAMERAS…. Scotland's first urban road to feature average speed cameras has seen a huge drop in speeding offences. Officials monitoring the camera system on Old Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh said there was now an average of two offences recorded per day. Before the cameras were installed three in every five vehicles were speeding. Between 2013-15 there were six crashes where someone was injured on that stretch of road, including three resulting in serious injury or death.

PAISLEY DRUGS RAID RECOVERS £500,000 WORTH OF CANNABIS…. Cannabis with an estimated street value of half a million pounds has been recovered from a property in Paisley. Police officers, using a search warrant, made the discovery in Back Sneddon Street on Thursday 6 September. Two men, aged 20 and 29 years, have been arrested and charged in connection with the recovery. They are due to appear before Paisley Sheriff Court later. A full report into the incident is due to be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

WHALE STRANDING DEATH TOLL RISES TO 58 IN SCOTLAND AND IRELAND…. More whales have been found dead on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland following several strandings of the animals at the end of last month. Eleven whales were found dead over the course of one week in August. Whale and Dolphin Conservation said the toll had now risen to at least 58. In Scotland, 20 whales were found beached in the Western Isles, 16 in Argyll and Bute and two in the Highlands. Twenty have stranded in Ireland. One of the whales was found dead in Northern Ireland, and the rest in the Republic of Ireland. Many of the animals that died were Cuvier's and True's beaked whales, which are a deep-diving species. Some have been found dead along the shores of North Uist and Harris in the Western Isles. Last month, Whale and Dolphin Conservation asked the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Scottish government to investigate the strandings. The Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme and Inverness-based Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme are investigating,

THOUSANDS OPPOSE PUBLIC TOILET CLOSURES IN HIGHLANDS…. More than 20,000 people have signed a petition calling on Highland Council not to close its public toilets across the north Highlands. The local authority, the UK's largest provider of public conveniences, is reviewing the future running of the service. Campaigners gathered thousands of signatures from residents of Scourie, Kinlochbervie and Durness. Thousands more added their names using an online petition. Tourists have been among those to sign the petition, which is being handed to Highland Council. Petition organiser, Margaret Meek, from Kinlochbervie, said the success of the campaign had far exceeded campaigners' expectations. Highland Council's review runs until the end of next month. It said progress made so far included the emergence of a suggestion that "hub facilities" could be created. These sites could include toilets, campervan overnight parking with waste disposal facilities and electric car charging points. Allan Henderson, chairman of the council's environment development and infrastructure committee said: "It's important that we put the review into context and acknowledge that Highland Council is the largest provider of public conveniences in the UK. "Once the review is complete we will be able to confirm that there is a sustainable network of toilets across the authority area. "We will continue to identify further opportunities for public facilities with partners and are optimistic about making positive changes for the future."

STRANRAER POLICE DISCOVER SWAN IN BATHTUB…. A swan has been discovered in a bathtub in a property in the south west of Scotland. Police were called after a man and woman were spotted carrying the bird into a block of flats in Stranraer. Officers said the pair had taken it home with them for protection after seeing it being attacked by other birds. Police said they had removed the animal from the property and alerted the Scottish SPCA. "It reminded us of the time we found an injured swan near Kirkcudbright and gave him a lift in our car," said a police statement on Facebook. "Nothing quite like policing a rural beat!"

On that note I will say that I hope you have enjoyed the news from Scotland today,

Our look at Scotland today is of a beautiful morning in Nairn when Gordon Bain took this photo of the town's bandstand shortly before sunrise.

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Sunday 9th September 2018 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona…

All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in

Be safe out there…

Robert McAngus #Scotland #News #Spain