The answer is simple – as his advisers will have told Donald Trump before he attacked Iran, it is almost impossible to clear a passage through a minefield when the shoreline is held by the enemy, without being prepared to take significant casualties. And this, it seems, the US is not prepared to do.
It is one thing to bomb a less technologically sophisticated enemy from the air, but quite another to get involved in a real fight at sea level with an opponent who has been planning this form of asymmetric warfare for a very long time.
History gives a stark lesson on why America needs to tread warily – a page from the First World War.
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It was March 1915. The “straits” concerned were the Dardanelles – the narrow passage linking the Mediterranean to the Black Sea and giving access to Istanbul. The Turks were the defenders, the British and the French the attackers.
They were in the middle of a shooting war. A vital waterway, which would normally be open for the world’s commerce, was closed because of the actions of Turkey, the bordering power. The coastline was heavily defended, and there was a high probability that mines had been laid to block the channel.
HMS Irresistible, abandoned in the Dardanelles, in northern Turkey, on 18 March 1915. She hit two mines, the second of which destroyed her main engines, and 600 men had to be rescued (Library of Congress/Royal Navy)
A decision was made by the British and French that the straits were to be reopened by force – and a very considerable force was assembled for that purpose.
It comprised no fewer than 14 “capital” ships (in those days “battleships” and “battlecruisers”) supported by escorts and a large force of minesweepers.
The plan was a good one. The capital ships would stand off in clear water and bombard the shore defences. When these had been silenced, the minesweepers would go ahead and sweep another clear area.
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The capital ships would then move forward again into swept water and recommence their bombardment – successive waves of big ships moving up, but always into water which had been swept for mines. In this way, the whole channel would be cleared, and the straits reopened.
The big push commenced on 18 March 1915. To start with, it all went well. Four capital ships – HM ships Queen Elizabeth, Agamemnon, Lord Nelson and Inflexible – formed the first attacking line.
The second line was composed of four French ships, Gaulois, Charlemagne, Bouvet and Suffren. They, in turn, were to be supported by six more British ships – HM ships Ocean, Irresistible, Albion, Vengeance, Swiftsure and Majestic – which would form a third line to pass through and relieve the French in line two.
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The bombardment was started by the RN ships in line one at 11am. By 12.20pm, the French ships of line two had steamed through the first line to take up their advanced positions.
By 1.45pm, the fire from the shore batteries had slackened under the onslaught of the guns of the eight capital ships, and it was deemed safe enough to send in the minesweepers for the next phase. The third line of six ships was also called up to move the force forward.
However, 15 minutes later, everything started to go wrong. FS Bouvet hit a mine, and in a matter of minutes, she capsized and sank. There were only 75 survivors out of a ship’s company of 718.
The action continued. HMS Irresistible of the third wave was bombarding the forts when she, in turn, struck a mine at 3.14pm. She developed a severe list but continued with the action until she hit another mine, and her main engines were put out of action completely.
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An attempt was made to take her in tow, but the situation was hopeless, and the order was given to abandon ship. More than 600 men were taken to safety.
Meanwhile, shortly after 4pm, HMS Inflexible struck a mine. She remained capable of steaming slowly and was ordered to withdraw. However, she had a 30ft x 26ft hole below the waterline and had to be beached to save her from sinking. She was later towed to Malta for repairs and was out of action for three months.
A Royal Navy cruiser painted in dazzle camouflage in the Dardanelles, 1915 (Getty)
After these disasters, Vice-Admiral John de Robeck, the British admiral in charge of the Allied naval forces during the crucial stages of the campaign, finally decided that the waters which had been considered to be safe and swept of mines were anything but.
Accordingly, at 5.50pm, less than seven hours into the operation, he signalled a “General Recall” to withdraw the ships and return to the safe waters outside the straits.
Fifteen minutes later, at 6.05pm, HMS Ocean struck another mine, developed a major list and was deemed not to be capable of being saved. The ship’s company were taken off and she was left to her fate. Both Irresistible and Ocean later sank.
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Fourteen major warships had attempted to force the straits. Within four hours, three of them had been sunk and one had been so badly damaged that she was out of action.
This one day of disaster was the end of trying to take the Dardanelles passage by solely naval means. The attempt was never repeated.
USS Abraham Lincoln conducts US blockade operations related to the Strait of Hormuz on 16 April 2026, in the Arabian Sea (US Navy)
From that day on, the focus shifted to “boots on the ground” to conquer the Turks on land – but as is well known, this likewise failed.
A relatively weak opponent had defeated the combined forces of the two largest navies in the world by its use of asymmetric warfare and, most importantly, by the deployment of mines.
A lesson for our times, Mr President.
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John Clark is a former Royal Naval Reserve officer who commanded various minesweepers and minehunters during his service
Virgil van Dijk’s 100th-minute header to win the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will live long in the memory as pressure eased on Arne Slot, who will be hopeful of ending a four-game winless run against Palace that has included three successive losses – including in the Community Shield at Wembley in August. The 13th-place Eagles head to Merseyside unbeaten in four domestically, but with much of the focus now on their quest to reach the Conference League final.
The show is written by Tony Schumacher, who is known for his work on The Responder.
Filming took place in Bolton and Tockholes.
Smith and Socha feature as casino workers Leanne and Matty, respectively, who get drawn into a high-stakes crime story.
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A synopsis for the series shares: “When Leanne and Matty discover they are both robbing from the safe at the inner-city casino they work in, their lives are set on a collision course; with each other, the local gangster they’re stealing from, and the police.”
The Cage was shot in and around Liverpool and Merseyside and is directed by Al Mackay, best known for his works on Without Sin and Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story.
Discussing her character of Leanne, Sheridan Smith shared: “Leanne is a cashier at the casino and she’s a single mum.
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“She cares for her Nanna who has dementia, she has a son of 17 and a daughter who’s 12.
“They’re losing their housing and Nanna has to go into care, so she’s in this turmoil.
“Matty is her co-worker at the casino, and they discover they’re both on the rob, which entwines their lives because they’re in it together then.
“It’s a bit Bonnie and Clyde-y, but in a really chaotic, bonkers way.”
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Giving a bit of insight into Matty, Michael Socha shared: “Matty is the manager of the Envoy Casino.
“He’s also addicted to gambling and is in quite a lot of debt from it.
“He’s an alcoholic.
“He’s just trying to keep his head above water at the beginning, and it feels like the whole world is against him, both inside and outside the casino.
“He’s not doing himself any favours.
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“Everybody is against Matty, including himself.”
The Cage full cast list
Sheridan Smith as Leanne Chapel
Michael Socha as Matty Flynn
Geraldine James as Nancy Packer
Barry Sloane as Gary Packer
Sophie Mensah as Detective Sergeant Fen Ning
Freya Jones as Emily Flynn
Anton Bibby as Thomas
Louis Emerick as Paul
Sue Jenkins as Shelagh
Eileen O’Brien as Nanna
Shaun Mason as Alan
Lewis Ian Bray as Ben
Julia Papp as Irina
Eithne Browne as Annie
Max Ainsworth as Neil
Rose McDermott as Ruby
Mona Goodwin as Trace
Lee Morris as Kendo
Dave Hart as Danny
Abby Mavers as Kelly
Gemma Barraclough as Jade
Isobel Khan as Paige
Natasha Jayetileke as Sarah
Claire Hackett as Kath
Menyee Lai as Mai
Terri Reddin as Taylor
Raymond Waring as Mr Charles
Lucie Shorthouse as Miss Helbury
Recommended reading:
When will The Cage be on TV?
The first episode of The Cage will air at 9pm on Sunday, April 26 on BBC One.
After that, the remaining four episodes will air in the same timeslot over the coming weeks.
Alternatively, episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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Will you be watching The Cage on BBC One? Let us know in the comments.
The incident happened on Kipling Road at around 3.40pm on Friday (April 24).
The boy was injured in a crash involving an off-road bike and was taken to hospital for treatment. He suffered cuts and bruises and was kept in overnight as a precautionary measure.
The rider of the bike did not remain at the scene.
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He was on a black motorbike and was wearing a green helmet, a grey coat, black jogging bottoms and grey shoes.
Anyone with information, doorbell footage or dashcam footage can call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference SE26077055.
Klaudia Zakrzewska has died after the devastating crash in Soho
An influencer who was run over outside a nightclub in London’s Soho has died after fighting for her life for days.
Klaudia Zakrzewska succumbed to her injuries today after being hit with two other people outside the Inca club on Argyll Street at 4.30am on Sunday.
The 32-year-old, who had amassed a huge following on TikTok and Instagram under her handle Klaudiagram, was left with catastrophic injuries after the crash and fell into a coma.
Klaudia Zakrzewska’s mum said previously she believed her daughter had a chance although doctors did not ‘believe she will survive’
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘We would like to express our deepest sympathies to Klaudia’s family and friends in light of this tragic update. Our thoughts are also with everyone impacted by this incident.
‘We recognise that this case has generated significant interest and discussion on social media; however, we would urge the public to refrain from further speculation.
‘We also ask that people do not share graphic footage out of respect for Klaudia’s loved ones and for those who have been injured.
‘The circulation of such material could also undermine our ongoing criminal investigation and potentially prejudice future court proceedings.’
A 58-year-old man also suffered life-changing injuries in the collision.
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Gabrielle Carrington, 29, from Manchester was previously charged with attempted murder, grievious bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving.
Her charge of attempted murder will be changed to murder, the force said.
Carrington has over 365,000 followers on social media and she starred in the X Factor finals in 2013.
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She appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where she was remanded in custody.
She is due to appear in court next on Tuesday, May 19.
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The woman’s arrest comes after two boys, aged one and three, were tragically pronounced dead at the scene of a house fire in Wolverhampton
16:32, 25 Apr 2026Updated 16:39, 25 Apr 2026
Police have arrested a woman after two boys, aged one and three, were killed in a house fire in Wolverhampton.
The woman, aged in her 30s, remains in custody this afternoon as investigations continue into the blaze in Mason Street at around 8.30pm on Friday. Ambulance medics had “quickly administered advanced life support” to both children but without success.
Two other children and a woman were already out of the house before emergency services arrived, and did not need hospital treatment.
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Investigators say are working with fire service colleagues to establish the exact circumstances of the fire, with officers carrying out door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage of the area.
A cordon at the scene is likely to remain in place for some time, West Midlands Police said.
DCI Kylie Westlake, from the public protection unit, said: “This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts remain very much with those who loved the children who have been lost.
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“We understand the shock and distress this awful incident will have caused to many people and we are working at pace to ascertain exactly what has happened. Officers have arrested a woman on suspicion of causing or allowing the death of two children.
“While we would ask people not to speculate about this or the wider incident, we would ask that anyone who can help with our enquiries, and who is yet to speak with us, to get in contact.”
Anyone with information can call us on 101, or message via Live Chat on our website log 5640 of 24 April.
The Linlithgow-based brewery was invited to showcase the beer in the aptly named Strangers’ Bar inside the Palace of Westminster.
A West Lothian landmark has reached the heart of government this month as Strangers Brewing Co. saw its popular ‘Cockleroi’ ale go on tap at the House of Commons.
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The Linlithgow-based brewery was invited to showcase the beer in the aptly named Strangers’ Bar inside the Palace of Westminster. The guest spot came following a recommendation from local MP Kirsteen Sullivan, providing parliamentarians with a literal taste of West Lothian.
Named after the iconic hill (also spelled Cockleroy) that overlooks Linlithgow and Bathgate, the smooth and malty amber ale has been a favourite guest ale among MPs for whom the bar serves as their “local.”
Brett Welch, Director and Head Brewer at Strangers Brewing, made the journey to London to share a pint with the Linlithgow MP and to check that the beer was tasting perfect.
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“We’ve always had a strong local connection in our brewing, so seeing a beer named after our local hill being enjoyed in Parliament is a huge milestone for us,” said Mr Welch.
“We’re grateful to Kirsteen and the House of Commons team for the opportunity to put Linlithgow on the map – and on the taps – in Westminster.”
Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, added: “It has been a pleasure to introduce my colleagues to this fantastic local brew.
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“Strangers Brewing Co. is a brilliant example of a thriving local business, and I’m proud to see them go from strength to strength.”
Cockleroi was made available in the Strangers’ Bar as part of a scheme run by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), to which Strangers Brewing Co. belongs.
Kyle Bashford, 37, is the founder and head baker at Karrot Bakery, a family-run venture dedicated to Julie Bashford, who died of cancer in 2023.
He is keeping her memory alive by sharing the carrot cake recipe she baked for him and his brothers.
The bakery is a huge favourite at Bolton’s Heaton Fold Garden Centre’s artisan market, returning tomorrow (Sunday) for the first time this year.
The market brings together independent traders and activities for the family.
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The Bashfords (Image: Supplied)
“Growing up, my mum would always bake carrot cake,” said Kyle, from Blackburn.
“I just loved it and would have as many pieces as I could before my family members grabbed it.”
A few months before she died, Julie taught Kyle the famous family recipe.
“It was close to Christmas, and I made it for everyone on New Year’s Day.
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“Mum gave me the thumbs up,” he said.
After her death, Kyle began to consider turning the recipe into a business in her memory.
He experimented with different flavours, including chocolate, lemon meringue and cherry Bakewell.
The Bashfords (Image: Supplied)
After eight months of trial and error, he set up Karrot Bakery in 2024.
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Working from his home kitchen in Blackburn, Kyle now sells his cakes at markets across Blackburn, Bolton and Birmingham, as well as offering home delivery.
He said market events remain his most successful outlet.
(Image: Supplied)
The Bolton News first discovered the bakery at Heaton Fold’s Christmas market in December.
“I think customers are initially drawn to the cakes, brownies and cookies,” said Kyle.
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“When they see my mum’s picture and story, it adds meaning to the bakery.
“A lot of bakeries have a reason for starting out.”
(Image: Supplied)
Kyle also runs a filmmaking business with his twin brother, Liam Bashford.
“They’re completely different, but I love baking and filmmaking,” he said.
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“I want to keep pushing forward with the bakery to keep my mum’s legacy alive.”
(Image: Supplied)
Kyle’s younger brother, Pierce, and his father, Trevor, help run the market stall and support the business where they can.
He said his family were the original taste testers when he was setting up the bakery, and they “absolutely love it”.
The bakery can be found on Instagram by searching karrotbakery.
CAN you imagine, an English coach tour company regularly running holiday trips to tulip bulb fields, and festivals etc, into Europe.
They advertise months in advance tours to the fabulous Christmas Markets in Germany, only to arrive and find it closed.
They have booked hotels, for maybe two or three days, but find it’s the one day that the Christmas Markets are closed because blue badge users need to visit the city centre in that German city.
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York had nine million visitors last year, we need those visitors, that is why we are, in York, building more and more hotels to accommodate them, not to mention the bars and restaurants, that depend on them.
I would ask our City of York Council to be very careful before closing our very successful Christmas Market on Tuesday as proposed, there will be a very large ripple effect on many other local and European businesses.
Stuart Wilson,
Vesper Drive,
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Acomb
—
Where is the pride in Britain?
AN indication of how low morale and pride in one’s country has sunk was revealed this week when a survey of under 30s has shown half of them would not be prepared to fight for their country.
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This is a shocking indictment on those politicians and their policies from all parties which have governed in recent years.
Also, one has to ask all the Labour MPs who appear on the media saying they believe Starmer over his version of the Mandelson affair, are you purposely being blind, deaf or totally dumb to what is happening in the real word in which the rest of us inhabit, or do you enjoy being puppets on a string in Labour’s circus of a government?
Peter Rickaby,
Moat Way,
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Back-to-back league defeats for Mikel Arteta’s side has seen the Gunners slip to second and behind Manchester City by virtue of goals scored.
But with Pep Guardiola’s side in FA Cup action today, Arsenal can temporarily return to the league’s summit with a win against an out-form Newcastle side, who have one won of their last seven in all competitions.
Arsenal are set to be boosted by the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori to the matchday squad, but Jurrien Timber is expected to miss out once again.
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Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage
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Hello and welcome to Metro‘s live coverage of the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Newcastle United.
Stay with us for all the build-up, team news and match updates from the Emirates Stadium.
David Yates, from near Tonge Moor, found two long-lost cousins by responding to an appeal for photographs, which will be proudly placed on a war grave in the Netherlands.
He had never met his great uncle Walter Green, originally from Tyldesley.
David’s newspaper cutting. (Image: David Yates)
However, after seeing a BBC North West Tonight appeal looking for relatives of soldiers buried overseas, David realised one of the names listed could only belong to his family.
He said: “I thought there can’t be two Walter Greens from Tyldesley, it had to be my great uncle.”
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Walter Green, who died aged just 39 in 1945, is buried at Venray War Cemetery in the Netherlands.
It comes as the cemetery is looking for photographs of three others who come from Bolton, buried at Venray.
Walters grave, now with a new picture. (Image: Venray War Cemetery.)
Photographs of the other war heroes have been found by their families, all except Private Cecil Wood, Son of Thomas and Alice Wood.
Tom van Mierlo, Chairman of Venray War Cemetery, said: “We still live in freedom today because of the sacrifices that these 693 men, and many others, made back then.
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“Even for that reason alone, they deserve to have their memory preserved, especially today, because those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Volunteers have been working there to trace families and place photographs on soldiers’ graves, giving them a face as well as a name.
David Yates. (Image: David Yates)
David explained how the appeal sent him delving into family history, uncovering a forgotten newspaper cutting that had been kept in a box for decades.
He added: “My grandmother had a picture of Walter in her bedroom.
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“We even found a letter he sent her in June 1940 saying he was hoping to come and visit.”
Walter had spent some of the Second World War as a prisoner of war.
After being wounded, he eventually died from his injuries. Until now, his grave had no photograph.
The Venray graves. (Image: Venray War Cemetery)
David said: “The man in Holland who looks after the grave told me there were people interested in Walter, but they didn’t have a picture of him.”
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The discoveries didn’t stop there.
Through the appeal, David learned he had two cousins he never knew existed, including Walter’s granddaughter, who had never seen a photograph of her grandfather before.
“She’s absolutely over the moon,” said David.
A cross which separates some graves. (Image: Venray War Cemetery)
David believes the care shown by Dutch volunteers is a powerful reminder of the legacy left behind by Allied soldiers.
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He added: “I think a lot of this comes from gratitude. Tending to these graves is their way of saying thank you.”
Walter was one of nine children, with family roots stretching from St Helens.
David’s own family later moved to Bolton, where he grew up in Breightmet and now lives near Tonge Moor.
David added: “Of course, there are probably relatives out there who still don’t know who he was,” David added. “But now his story is being told again.”
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