h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

When I first read this novel, I was struck by how Sharpe (and Cornwell, of course) realised that the bombing of Copenhagen would be what really amounts to a War Crime.

Not being the type to research this type of history, I have never really given it much thought until I read this article today:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianpolitics/story/0,,2056185,00.html

This is the opening paragraph:

"Dodgy intelligence, fake weapons of mass destruction and red faces in Whitehall are exposed today by a leading academic in a political scandal which predates the invasion of Iraq by 200 years."

Plus ca change, as they say.

I think the Iraq parallels are a bit dodgy. Mainly because the Danes DID possess the second biggest navy in Europe and had the French got hold of them they COULD have used them to invade Britain. However Iraq DIDN'T possess WMD's, and COULDN'T have attacked Britain, the USA or Israel, as claimed.

I agree that the whole affair is tantamount to a War Crime, but drawing parallels with Iraq just seems like a tenuous way to get publicity.

I completely agree - but it's interesting to see this particular episode picked up. Waterloo, Trafalgar even the Crimean War are heavily trumpeted and discussed, but until I read the Sharpe book I'd never come accross this particular battle.

That's probably because there's not much glory in setting fire to civilians. How often do we hear about the RAF bombing Dresden compared to the Blitz?

well, given where I am, I bring it up a lot when I hear about it. Also the bombing of the Rhur valley (those flippin' dambusters) etc etc.

But Copenhagen isn't within living memory, so it's going to be interesting to see how this is taught.