99% Invisible Great Bitter Lake Association
Oct 30, 2019
Vivian Leigh, a producer for 99% Invisible, shares captivating tales from history, focusing on sailors stranded in the Suez Canal during the 1967 Six-Day War. She reflects on the jarring camaraderie formed in isolation, leading to the creation of the Great Bitter Lake Association. The sailors' resourceful trading and unique celebrations fostered lasting friendships despite geopolitical strife. Amid these narratives, the discussion also touches on the influence of stamps in political lobbying, showcasing the quirky intersections between history and personal stories.
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The Curious Stamp
- Eric Carlson, a philatelist, discovered an unusual Cinderella stamp on eBay.
- The stamp featured a crude red bird, yellow background, and the letters 'GBLA'.
Trapped in the Suez
- Peter Flack, a merchant navy sailor, was aboard the Agapinor during the Six-Day War.
- His ship became trapped in the Suez Canal's Great Bitter Lake amid the conflict.
Witness to War
- Israeli warplanes used Flack's convoy as cover during a surprise attack on Egypt.
- Flack witnessed the first wave of the Six-Day War from the ship's bridge.