September the Third

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"The gallant little Mayflower sail'd away,

Left the shores of England one fine day,

Landed at the Plymouth Rock they say

Founded the U. S. A."

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This song dates back to the middle of WWII, 1942 in fact.

September 3rd 1620

In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers decided to sail off to the New World. They sailed out of Southampton, England on the 3rd of September in two small ships called the “Mayflower“ and the “Speedwell”. It was not long after that the “Speedwell” began to leak and they had to put into Plymouth where it was decided to ‘go it alone’ in the “Mayflower”. She left alone, for the New World three days later.

September 3rd 1728

Mathew Boulton was born in Birmingham.

He was an English manufacturer and business partner of Scottish engineer James Watt. In the final quarter of the 18th century the partnership installed hundreds of Boulton & Watt steam engines , which were a great advance on the state of the art, making possible the mechanisation of factories and mills.

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In 1752 September 3rd did not exist!

In 1751 an Act was passed, which stated that in order to bring England into line with the Continent, the day following the 2nd of September 1752 was to be called the 14th of September.

September 3rd 1802

“Earth has not anything to show more fair;

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty.”

Upon Westminster Bridge - Wordsworth

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September 3rd 1939

Just over seventy years ago, at 11.15 on a warm Sunday morning, the whole country fell silent to hear the prime minister deliver the most momentous announcement ever broadcast.

That morning, Britain had delivered a final note to Hitler, threatening war unless he agreed before 11 o'clock to withdraw his troops from Poland.

Then, the awful words: 'I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received, and that consequently this country is at war with Germany.'

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September 3rd 1942

Slap band in the middle of World War II, this little fellow was born.

He weighed in at an amazing 8lb 3oz and it is interesting to note that the condition of his buttocks was described as ‘satisfactory’.

Well, I have to report that he has put on a few extra pounds, but I can happily state that after many years of excellent service, the buttocks are still ’satisfactory’!

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