WWI Engineers' Instruments: the Stories Objects Tell

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In this episode, we take a close look at some objects I have been wanting to feature on this channel for a while: a set of engineers' instruments from the First World War, which I received as a gift at the age of 8. Not only are these objects fascinating mechanically, but they also tell the the fascinating stories of the three men who owned and used them during the Great War: Major John Travers Lewis, Major Thomas Sydney Morrisey, and Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Irving Stevenson.
1914 Abney Level Manual: upload.wikimed...
SOURCES:
jasonclarkeant...
sextantbook.co...
rochesteravion...
www.mhs.mb.ca/d...

[@Youtubeguy543]

I find it rather interesting that Mr. Thomas Morrisey's birth certificate in 1890 was done using excellent cursive penmanship and with what appears to be a fountain pen, while his death notice in 1975 was completed using crude print with a ballpoint pen.

[@mattwilliams3456]

The personal service histories was a nice unexpected bonus.

[@theknifedude1881]

It’s amazing that your aunt would send such high quality “Tools” to an 8 year old. And even more amazing that the 8 year old would still have them.

[@warrenjones744]

Your box sextant is a wonderful example of instrument making. Nothing like well made tools and instruments.

[@bradlevantis913]

The amount of detective work you did for this video is amazing.

[@stevelacher8092]

My wife who works for a mining company took me to one of their remote offices wherein was a display case with a great device. It was an old brass compass held in a gyroscope mount. The compass glass had markings for a spirit bubble and the rings on the gyroscope were marked out so as to get inclination and heading. The whole thing would fit into a loosely closed hand. And thank for your great videos!

[@ChrisAthanas]

Would love to see these pieces actually used in the field and how the data was exactly recorded, these manual methods are very fascinating

[@davefellhoelter1343]

Thank you for KEEPING History ALIVE with Real People!

[@zuke-ci4vd]

This should be required viewing, if not for everyone, at least Canada. Outstanding work!👏👏👏😎👍

[@theknifedude1881]

I’m glad to see you passing 40,000 subscribers. I find it hard to believe you don’t have more. It seems like you have acquired the last 2,000 subs fairly quickly compared to the first 38,000. Your videos are wonderful and I hope you are able to call KZbin your career.

[@davidholder3207]

A wonderful tribute to the men and the instruments.

[@mikemorgan5015]

MLRS used to have Abney levels in their kit for ensuring the rockets didn't plow into masking terrain. We used them during firing point selection or fire missions with short range and low QE. They got rid of them and we used M2 compasses for the task. The Abney level was WAYYYY better for this.

[@tomvdb9369]

Fascinating video 😀 please continue your excellent work. Thank you 😊

[@JTA1961]

The sextant segment is definitely W~A~Y over my head.

[@wailingalen]

I am fascinated with vintage instruments and other types of analog computers!

[@jonjackson6470]

Again a very interesting lecture. And very well and clearly explained. Thank you

[@malcolmgibson6288]

What a great gift to receive.

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

Salut Gilles! I've only just recently started watching your channel. This specific video hit closer to home for me though as I am both a Montréalais born and raised, as well as a trained land surveyor and outdoors enthusiast. Pretty cool video, and really a great channel! Cheers!

[@daviddavidson2357]

The story of Lewis has again shown me that war is a real ball ache.

[@gordtc]

Congratulations on 5000 subscribers!

[@plunder1956]

Early in my Photography life I bought a Westonmaster selenium light meter in a metal body - in a robust leather case. It was black, but in many ways it was a WW2 era design, no battery needed. Far more robest than my current SECONIC L308S light & flash-meter. Even that would now seem like an antique to current photography people. As a land surveyor in the 1970s-90s most levels & theodolites came in very robust site rated cases made of metal, composite or wood. They were more like military equipment.

[@madzen112]

This really reminds me of looking in boyscout supplies catalogues as a kid for some reason

[@FalkinerTim]

My old hiking compass is like the first you showed. It is marked MK IX No 10507 J.W. Handley Melb Australia 1941. The dial is mother of pearl but blacked out in the centre and the case has been painted black.

[@GenaTrius]

I was wondering what was up with the two ghosts standing behind you through the whole video. Those service records make them make more sense

[@poorboysadventures4636]

I cant stop watching your videos. I am addicted to your channel and Technology Connections.

[@greggweber9967]

I see this and feel bad about the many things with many stories that have crossed my path but I wasn't able to obtain or keep. IMHO so many people have no imagination. Think of the stories and lessons missed.

[@51WCDodge]

I have a Mk7 Vernier Patent, dated 1917. Marked FJ. On this version when you shut the cover down it automatically locks the card.

[@TimPerfetto]

Please stop eating my hair

[@DennisFahlstrom]

I used theodolites for aligning shipboard weapons systems for many years. After retiring I found an Austrian made theodolite on eBay that was made in the late 19th century. It is still functional and I wonder about its value. Do you have any idea about that? It’s a beautifully made precision instrument, far more accurate than a transit.

[@cokdnlokd1238]

Gilles, you remind me of someone, myself but your education is far and above mine. However, my mechanical inquisitiveness matches yours. I suspect I actually do a bit more actual physical construction and destruction of things than you do or maybe just different things. Keep it up you inspire me to no end. by the way I have spent off and on a couple of years in Halifax, Antigonish, Mulgrave and St. Johns about 2 years past.

[@jonr6680]

Aged 8. Destiny actualised!!

[@najroe]

very interesting

[@johnwhitacre7063]

Is that a K&E slide rule on the shelf behind you on your right? Brings back college memories.

[@larryfisher7056]

Looks like a Pickett to me.

[@someonespadre]

I have a K+E Foresters Compass complete with Jacobs Staff.

[@wormyboot]

Invalided is my new favorite word.

[@garrockwaters304]

That is fantastic!

[@jimmydesouza4375]

How bright was radium paint when new? I have only ever seen it depleted.

[@kyledean4512]

Where can I buy a box sextant I want one

[@233kosta]

Eh... I'd still stay well away from the radium paint. Some of its decay products are gamma emitters, for instance. Also radon gas comes to mind. I wouldn't spend long periods of time near that thing. Apart from that, if you wanted to, it wouldn't take much to freshen up the phosphors so they glow again. Just don't put the brush in your mouth!

[@xidarian]

I suspect Major Lewis didn't have any descendants.

[@clairekholin6935]

What was the clip at the beginning from?

[@oscarfloyd2678]

"Blackadder goes Forth"

[@clairekholin6935]

Thanks

[@harlech2]

Shot in the balls.... I can imagine the cause of death. It just took a while.

[@silverkotka2174]

w