This was my Grandfather’s army issue compass. OK technically he was my step-Grandfather. Made by J.M. Blauser, London, and dated 1938. I used to play with it ‘up the woods’. I suppose a 9 year old isn’t going to do it any harm after it survived 5 years of a real war! The book went with the compass, but wasn’t so interesting to a child. So while the compass did service as a ray gun, a walkie talkie, and on occasion a compass, the book stayed in the drawer. I also have a booklet simply entitled ‘Germany’ which is a guide to Germany and German culture for the occupying forces after WW2. Full of useful advice such as “Germany is a big country” and “YOU are going to Germany”. Oh and “the favourite German drink is beer”...

OK, I promise that when our part of the world emerges from beneath the big black cloud that we’ve been suffering all week, I’ll get out and take some more interesting pictures! I think they’re forecasting snow...!

A year ago today : My PotD Jan 21st 2003