Friday Quiz 17

Thanks to not being able to sleep I get to post this weeks questions nice and early.

1. What is the commonly used name of the two handed swords used by Thracian's?

2. During the English Civil War the Royalists used the term `Roundhead` as an insult to troops loyal to Parliament, but who were the real Roundheads?

3. The British invaded the Zulu Nation in January 1879 without what from the British Government? 

4. Name the British pilot who shot down the first German Zeppelin?

5. Name the British ship that was intentionally exploded in the dry dock at St Nazaire?

Time for the answers, thanks for all the entrants again this week.

1. Rhomphaia was the answer I was looking for, caught a couple out with this one.

2. London apprentices were made to wear their hair short as a sign of their status. During the run up to the first English Civil War they were some of the more outspoken of the demonstrators against Charles I personal rule and so the term Roundhead was a derisive term that was to be extended to all those who sided with Parliament. Unfortunately many so called historian's actually like to portray Parliaments supporters as mostly being country squires and tradesmen whilst the gentry were for the king.

3. Indeed, the invasion was not sanctioned by the British Government and so expecting permission to be granted for the invasion just went ahead and invaded.

4. Flight Sub-Lieutenant Reginald `Rex` Warneford was the pilot who brought down the first Zeppelin (LZ37) but in fact did not shoot it down, rather he bombed it. His first two bombs failing to do the job his third was stunningly successful.

5. HMS Campbeltown was the ship in question though I was not aware of the background history of the event.