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TIL that the use of the word 'grog' to mean 'alcoholic beverage' comes from a nickname given to the 18th century naval officer Edward Vernon, who liked to wear a cloak made of grogram cloth.

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v1pb8 TIL Over 140 Polish pilots flew in the British Air Force during the Battle of Britain, making them the largest non-British nationality in the force. 2nd was New Zealand, and 3rd was Canada. Nearly a quarter of the pilots that fought for the RAF and RN in the Battle of Britain were not British.
Eve7 TIL The Ka-50 helicopter has a ejection seat. Before the rocket in the seat deploys, the rotor blades are blown away by explosives in the rotor disc.
loM4B TIL Children get more satisfaction from pets than from brothers and sisters. Children with dogs had lower levels of conflict and greater satisfaction. Research from University of Cambridge.
9YZGp TIL after rigorously training dogs for space travel, Soviet scientist had a dog named Bobik run away days before their flight. A replacement named ZIB who was an untrained street dog found running around the barracks, was quickly located and made a successful flight.
nWWRo TIL that George Washington lost as many battles as he won, but was the master of the Tactical Retreat, and accepted tactical defeats while working towards the strategic victory of defeat of the British Armies in the Thirteen Colonies.