We in the west (and we need input from an historian here) must never forget how our coastal villages were raided by Africans in the 13th century (date ?)

Have you got any factual historical articles or proof of this? Very interesting if what you have typed is true, because I've never heard of it, not doubting you, it just seems a bit implausible. The arabs/egyptians might have had the technology to do this, but not sure the Africans would way back then. Debate is good on here at the moment, some interesting discussions.