Norman Carless
I have been a musician for as long as I can remember.( I have also emptied parking meters and trained as a computer programmer) Most of my working life was spent with the South African Navy Band, where I rose to the position of Bandmaster.
Since leaving the Navy in 2003 I have farmed pigs, taught music to disadvantaged children, driven a taxi, managed a Youth Hostel/Backpackers and currently, own a small and spectacularly unsuccessful indigenous plant nursery.
What do I do for fun? Performing music (on Flute, French Horn, Trumpet or Keyboard Instrument) is my absolute favourite pastime, but reading up on History and Military History, re-arranging music for small groups of players, cooking, gardening and watching the season's brood of chicks and ducklings develop from little fluff-balls into sleek adults also give me great pleasure.
Did I mention that I also love to share a lifetime's accumulated knowledge via the written word and, where possible, in a teaching environment?
Latest Articles
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Slaughtering, Dressing and Cooking Your Thanksgiving Turkey
Add a new dimension to your Thanksgiving Celebration by putting a really fresh turkey on your table.
Nov 24, 2010
- Norman Carless
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The Battle Between HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran: 19 November 1941
In this naval engagement off the Western Australian coast, an up-to-date cruiser was sunk, with the loss of all hands, by a converted cargo-ship.
Nov 19, 2010
- Norman Carless
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The Battle of Taranto - Inspiration for Pearl Harbour
On 11 November 1940, 21 British Aircraft mauled the Italian Fleet in Taranto Harbour. Their success helped the Japanese plan their attack on the US Navy.
Nov 11, 2010
- Norman Carless
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Why Veterans Day and Armistice Day Both Fall on 11 November
All around the world at 11am on the 11 November, people fall silent to remember those who have given their lives in service of their countries.
Nov 10, 2010
- Norman Carless
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The Battle of the Cocos Islands - End of the Emden
At 09h30 on 9 November 1914, HMAS Sydney engaged the German commerce-raider SMS Emden off Direction Island in the South Keeling (or Cocos) Islands.
Nov 9, 2010
- Norman Carless
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Karl Friedrich Max von Muller - Officer and Gentleman
Karl von Muller was captain of SMS Emden during her famous 1914 cruise. He gained accolades from friend and foe alike for his courteous and daring conduct.
Nov 9, 2010
- Norman Carless
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The Cruise of SMS Emden
For 10 weeks in 1914, the German cruiser SMS Emden disrupted shipping in the Indian Ocean. Over sixty warships were involved in the search for her.
Nov 9, 2010
- Norman Carless
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Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
The Gunpowder Plot is celebrated annually on 5 November - 405 years after its failure. What caused the plot, what was it, and what happened to the plotters?
Nov 5, 2010
- Norman Carless
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Popoffkas - Circular Warships of the Imperial Russian Navy
A major naval arms race began in the 1860's, that brought many innovations to the art of Naval warfare. Popoffkas were not one of the era's triumphs.
Nov 3, 2010
- Norman Carless
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Viking Founders of The Russian State?
Legends claim that Swedish Vikings, in their quest for trade and plunder, played an important role in the genesis of the Russian State.
Nov 1, 2010
- Norman Carless
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