Unutterably Silly Quiz

[Kumabjorn]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

The Right Nail!

Now, does that ever make me feel a little silly.

[Shayne Parkinson]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

The Right Nail!

The right answer! Well done.

4. Ada?

Yes, that's it. "Ada" starts "a dame school".

[Shayne Parkinson]

Originally Posted by Kumabjorn

Now, does that ever make me feel a little silly.

No need to. Answers are inclined to be obvious in hindsight.

[Shayne Parkinson]

Some cryptic crossword clues:
1. The direct route preferred by the Roundheads [5,3 letters] Short cut. Bookpossum, 1 point.
2. When hammering, take care to hit this [5,4 letters] Right nail. Bookpossum, 1 point.
3. Much that could be got from a timber merchant [5,4 letters] Great deal. Bilbo, 1 point.
4. The right sort of woman to start a dame school [3 letters] Ada. Bookpossum, 1 point.
5. The War (anag) [6 letters] Wreath. Bilbo, 1 point.
6. The little fellow has some beer: it makes me lose colour, I say [6 letters] Impale. Bilbo, 1 point.

Scores so far: Bilbo and Bookpossum, 3 points each.

These questions have a common origin. 5 points for what that origin was.

The questions were all part of a particular crossword with an interesting history. While the crossword itself is an obscure part of the whole, it's associated with something much better-known. Let's see how many clever questions and strategic clues it takes to get to the answer - and those five remaining points!

I'm heading for bed soon. See you in all too few hours.

[Bilbo1967]

The only story that I can think of to do with crosswords was about the Telegraph crossword that was published just before the D-Day Landings that coincidentally contained many of the code names of the landing beaches (Omaha, Utah, Juno etc..). Is it that these clues were also from that crossword?

[Bookpossum]

That sounds like a winning answer to me!

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by Bookpossum

That sounds like a winning answer to me!

Let's hope so. it's the only answer I have

[Shayne Parkinson]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

The only story that I can think of to do with crosswords was about the Telegraph crossword that was published just before the D-Day Landings that coincidentally contained many of the code names of the landing beaches (Omaha, Utah, Juno etc..). Is it that these clues were also from that crossword?

That's a brilliant answer, despite not being correct. But you've identified the period: WWII; the place: Britain; and even the newspaper connected with this: the Telegraph.

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by Shayne Parkinson

That's a brilliant answer, despite not being correct. But you've identified the period: WWII; the place: Britain; and even the newspaper connected with this: the Telegraph.

Damn!

Could it be something to do with the Bletchley code breakers then?

[Shayne Parkinson]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

Damn!

Could it be something to do with the Bletchley code breakers then?

And we have a winner! Very well-deduced, Bilbo.

To quote from a Guardian blog post:

In late 1941, a mysterious Mr Gavin wrote to the paper to offer £100 to be donated to charity if anyone could solve a Daily Telegraph crossword in less than 12 minutes. The competition was held at the Telegraph offices in Fleet Street. Those who managed it were deemed to have the right sort of mind to break the German codes, and a few weeks after the competition they received letters asking them to report to military intelligence, which sent them on to Bletchley Park.

More here:
http://www.theguardian.com/crossword...ving-the-world

8 points to Bilbo, 3 to Bookpossum. Thanks for playing, and over to Quizmaster Bilbo!

[Bookpossum]

Fun quiz and an interesting article Shayne. I knew about the cryptic crossword puzzlers being invited to Bletchley but hadn't come across the reference to the particular puzzle before.

Thank you!

[Shayne Parkinson]

Thanks, Bookpossum! I came across this in a rather enjoyable book by Michael Rosen, called Alphabetical : how every letter tells a story, and hunted around to find a few more of those original clues to include. Too good a story not to share!

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by Shayne Parkinson

Thanks, Bookpossum! I came across this in a rather enjoyable book by Michael Rosen, called Alphabetical : how every letter tells a story, and hunted around to find a few more of those original clues to include. Too good a story not to share!

I read about it, and the D-Day landings clues tale I related, in a book called "80 Years of The Telegraph Crossword". It includes reprints of crosswords from the last 80 years as well as anecdotes like those above.

As I'm struggling for time today (it's Mrs B's birthday and I'm taking her shopping shortly followed by a meal out this evening) and with apologies for those who don't necessarily like cryptic clues, I'll just post three more cryptic clues which are in the book I mentioned and are favourites of three different Telegraph crossword setters;

1. You may have seen a cakedance but have you seen plenty of this? (9)
2. Lots of lucre but little luck. (5, 7)
3. " !" (1, 6, 1, 4)

[Bilbo1967]

Hmmm...OK, I can take a hint as well as the next man. Would somebody else care to put up a quiz more to people's liking.

I'll be over here in the corner, eating worms.

[Glorfindel]

I really have no idea