things about researching history is that it almost always brings you into contact with people you would otherwise never have met. Naturally this has an added advantage in that you are able to chat to people who share your passion and interests and so I was particularly thrilled to begin a new conversation with Ken Parker who is the co founder of the Bedford Boy's Tribute Centre in Bedford, Virginia. When I wrote my book on the SS Empire Javelin and her role in D-Day, I had no