Theres a very good analysis of the Angel of Mons story
http://www.worldwar1.com/heritage/angel.htm which I'm afraid says there was
nothing specifically odd about the cloud formations on the day. The story
does illustrate the power of a legend to touch the collective though.
Tim
>
> I was wondering whether these 'cloud-battles' might have any link
> to the story that armies were seen fighting in the sky during the
> First World War (at Mons, specificaly, I believe). I don't think
> these were storms as such but presumably the way that the clouds
> can take on shapes (as Hamlet and Polonius discuss).
>
> The idea of armies in the sky was certainly one that I heard
> myself from my paternal father although it may have been mediated
> by my parents. I don't know if it has earlier historical
> antecedents. Isn't there something Homeric about this anyway?
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Richard
>
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