Tag Archives: World War II

Ulster Aviation Society Open Day



The Ulster Aviation Society is having an Open Day this coming weekend (25th August) to celebrate 70 years since the USAAF 8th Air Force arrived in Northern Ireland to fight in World War II. The UAS has an impressive collection of 15 aircraft, including a U.S.-built veteran of WWII in the shape of a Grumman Wildcat fighter, which is under restoration. Subject to weather, visitors will see a helicopter fly-in, as well as a wide assortment of military vehicles and displays dating back to World War II.

Given the global nature of Geek News Central, I don’t normally post this kind of local event but what made this a little special was the photo a friend sent along showing the Society’s aircraft hangar.

Ulster Aviation Society Hangar

It’s like my garage, only with bigger toys.

For bonus geek points, name the aircraft in the picture in the comments – there are ten in total. I’ll start off with the plane in the foreground: it’s an English Electric Canberra bomber. You can click through to a hi-res version of the photo for more detail.

Picture courtesy of John Martin.


Britain’s Greatest Codebreaker – Alan Turing



German Enigma MachineGeeks in the UK may be interested in “Britain’s Greatest Codebreaker” on Channel 4 tonight (21 Nov) at 9 pm. Described as a drama documentary, the program follows Alan Turing’s life, the mathematical genius instrumental in breaking the German Naval Enigma code. His homosexuality overshadowed his achievements, and two years after being convicted for gross indecency, he committed suicide in 1954 aged 41.

According to the notes, the program will feature “contemporary experts from the world of technology and high science, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

Set your PVR now.

The notes also say that the program will be available on 4oD shortly after transmission, but this is usually only available if you are in the UK or Ireland. 4oD is Channel 4’s on-demand Internet streaming service.