Tag: Queen Elizabeth II

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British Mandate

One area I have always wanted to cover for you is the attitudes of western countries in the 1930s toward Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Separately, one of our readers suggested I write about the British Mandate (ergo the blog title) and its background leading up to and including World War II. So, I decided to combine both topics since they overlapped one another.

The history of the British Mandate, or “Mandate for Palestine” from its inception to modern-day is very interesting but very complex (and its legacy evokes passionate emotions). I’m quite certain that I have likely failed to meet the expectations of our reader who probably desired a greater in-depth examination of the Mandate and for that, I apologize.

Map of the original British Mandate territories. Map by anonymous (date unknown).
Map of the original British Mandate territories. Map by anonymous (date unknown).

This is my attempt to frame an abbreviated history (albeit a “bird’s eye view”) of the role Palestine played within the context of Jewish refugees seeking a place to escape the Nazis. It is also about the unfortunate stance many countries took (including the United States) in turning away Jewish refugees due to political reasons as well as widespread anti-Semitism sentiments of politicians and citizens.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II’s profile faces right on every coin she’s featured on? The tradition is to reverse the profile with each succeeding reigning monarch. So, going back to Queen Victoria, her profile faces left while her son, Edward VII (r. 1901-1910), faces right. His son, George V (r. 1910-1936), looks to the left, but his second son, George VI (r. 1936-1952) also faces to the left. Did George VI (Queen Elizabeth II’s father) break tradition? Not really. It was George V’s eldest son, Edward VIII who chose to break tradition and during his short reign of eleven months (he abdicated in December 1936), the coins were minted with his profile facing left. After the abdication, George VI took the view that his brother’s profile should have been to the right and as such, opted to continue the tradition by facing left. His daughter carried on the tradition and her profile is to the right. Read More British Mandate

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Prince, King, and … Traitor?

For those of you who read our blogs, you may remember the one about Coco Chanel and her wartime activities (click here to read the blog, Coco Chanel: Nazi Spy or Collaborator?). Well, today’s blog touches on a similar theme only this time, we examine the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and their attitudes, sympathies, and activities with the Nazis that certainly raised suspicions about their loyalties to England.

Did You Know?

Did you know that I wrote a blog about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion? (Click here to read the blog, The Ten Percenters).  It was the largest all-Black, all-female group to serve in World War II and its nickname was the “Six Triple Eight.” Not only were the soldiers presented with the herculean task of clearing a massive backlog of mail, but they were also met with discrimination at every turn. President Biden signed a bill in March authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal for the unit.

Romay Davis, 102, poses with a photo showing her in World War II. Photo by Jay Reeves (c. July 2022). AP Photo.
Romay Davis, 102, poses with a photo showing her in World War II. Photo by Jay Reeves (c. July 2022). AP Photo.

There are six surviving members of the Six Triple Eight. The oldest survivor, Romay Davis, 102, was recognized for her service at a ceremony at Montgomery (Alabama) City Hall. Romay said in an interview, “It isn’t mine, just mine. No. It’s everybody’s. The mail situation was in such horrid shape they didn’t think the girls could do it. But they proved a point.”

Yes, they did prove a point.

David, Prince of Wales, Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor, and Mrs. Simpson 

Born to the future King George V and Queen Mary as their eldest son, Edward Albert Christian Andrew Patrick David (1894−1972)⏤simply known as “David” to the family⏤became the Prince of Wales in 1911 after his father ascended the English throne. Despite a limited role in World War I, David learned to fly and took his first military flight in 1918.

Edward, the Prince of Wales in a post-World War I portrait. Photo by anonymous (c. 1919). PD-Copyright expired. Wikimedia Commons.
Edward, the Prince of Wales in a post-World War I portrait. Photo by anonymous (c. 1919). PD-Copyright expired. Wikimedia Commons.
Four of the five sons of King George V. From left to right: Prince George, Duke of Kent, King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert, Duke of York (future King George VI), and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). PD-Expired copyright. Wikimedia Commons.
Four of the five sons of King George V. From left to right: Prince George, Duke of Kent, King Edward VIII (later Duke of Windsor), Prince Albert, Duke of York (future King George VI), and Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Photo by anonymous (date unknown). PD-Expired copyright. Wikimedia Commons.
Queen Mary (third from left) and her son, Edward, the Prince of Wales (third from right). Photo by anonymous (c. 1915-1920). Bain News Service. PD-No known copyright restrictions. Wikimedia Commons.
Queen Mary (third from left) and her son, Edward, the Prince of Wales (third from right). Photo by anonymous (c. 1915-1920). Bain News Service. PD-No known copyright restrictions. Wikimedia Commons.

The Prince of Wales was a handsome and unmarried man. His favorite pastime was partying and developing relationships with married women. Some have characterized his behavior during the interwar period as “reckless.” His father was disappointed and believed David would eventually ruin himself. Read More Prince, King, and … Traitor?