Do you need a talk, lecture or course? Below are examples of the many on offer. All courses are multi-media (PowerPoint) and can be tailored for single evenings, days, five week  or ten weeks etc. (unless stated). All equipment such as projector supplied. Handouts etc. supplied as required by subject. If requested, all courses can include at least one field trip to a battlefield or site of historical significance.

The Art of War on Land
This examines the development of tactics and military strategy from ancient times to the end of World War Two. It begins with an introduction to the language of war, the effects of terrain and movement on tactics and the seven basic tactical manoeuvres. You will look at different battles and the tactics employed. The determining factors such as military thinking at the time, weapons, strategic goals and logistics are also considered. Examples include, the Greeks and Romans, the Hundred Year War, Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, Franco-Prussian War, Sino-Russian War, World War One and World War Two.

The History and Development of Arms and Armour
This talk traces the development of arms and armour from the earliest days of warfare through to World War Two. It examines the constant arms race between manufactures of weapons and personal defences. And, how much influence science and tactics had on their development. This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in military history of all educational levels.

Understanding history

This is the ideal primer for anyone wishing to study history for pleasure. It introduces historiography, what are sources, how to use and find them. It also examines some of the underlying principles such as ‘historical significance’, ‘cause and consequence’, ‘historical interpretation’ and ‘historical enquiry’. If time allows, there is a case study “Richard III fact and fantasy”.

The History and Battles of the Hundred Years War

This examines the causes, consequences and history of the war from Edward III’s invasion of Cambrésis in 1339 to the final British defeat at Castillon in 1453. It also looks at the famous British victories of Crécy, Poitiers and Agincourt, plus the rise of Jeanne d’Arc. It examines the forces involved, and the military revolution that took place during the war, including developments in tactics and the rise of gunpowder.

Medieval Warfare

This examines medieval warfare from the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 to the Battle of Flodden in 1513. It looks at the armies themselves, tactics, arms and armour as well as the role of the mercenary, gunpowder and siege warfare. This course is suitable for anyone interested in this turbulent period of history, as well as wargamers, reenactors and military enthusiasts of all educational levels.

The Wars of the Roses

This examines the often forgotten dynastic struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster that ultimately led to the rise of the Tudors, one of the most successful dynasties in English history. It considers the causes of the wars, the battles, political manoeuvrings and personalities involved. This course is suitable for anyone interested in military history, as well as wargamers and reenactors of all educational levels.

Britain and the Fall of France 1940

2010 is the 70th anniversary of this famous defeat that ultimately led to the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force at Dunkirk in May 1940. This examines not only the how's and why’s of the defeat but also the road to war, the German invasion of France and the forces involved. It also seeks to answer the question ‘What is Blitzkrieg’ and studies the British counter-attack at Arras plus the sacrifice and ultimate destruction of the 2nd Division as well as the evacuation itself.

The War in North Africa and the Mediterranean 1941-1945

Although these campaigns climaxed with the titanic struggle for control of Egypt between Generals Montgomery and Rommel at El Alamein, this examines the forces involved, the strategy and tactics as well as the numerous battles that ensued through to the fall of Tunisia. It also asks the question why did it take Britain so long to learn the lessons of their many defeats.

The War in Italy 1943-1945

Italy was initially described as the ‘soft underbelly of Europe’ but it soon turned out to be a tough old boot. This examines this frequently forgotten part of the war that is often described as the closest thing to the hell of the trenches in World War One. It considers the Allies strategy, the forces involved and the many battles that took place including Anzio, Monte Cassino and the destruction of the German 10th Army in the Po Valley.

The Normandy landings and the subsequent campaign 1944

This examines the campaign that finally turned the tide. Starting with the strategy, it examines the planning involved, the landings themselves and subsequent battles such as Operations Epsom and Totalise plus the bloody battle for Hill 112. It also looks at the personalities, forces and equipment involved on both the British and German sides, as well as famous incidents such as the German tank ace Michael Wittmann’s rampage in Villers Bocage.

Propaganda  in World War Two

This examines the role of propaganda during World War Two from both British and German perspectives not only on the opposing forces but also on the home front. It considers the use of newspapers, radio and films as a medium as well as the poster campaigns that helped Britain survive during its darkest days. The course will also examine battlefield propaganda and its effectiveness.

Discovering a Battlefield – The Battle of Northampton 1460

The aim of this short course is that by its end, students will be able to investigate a battlefield on their own. It should ideally be over one day is in two parts, the first looks at the background of the campaign, the participants, weapons and warfare of the period, the different sources and the battle itself. The different theories of the site of the battle will also be explored. The second part is a guided walk of the battlefield where the different theories can be explored further and the landscape investigated so that the students can draw their own conclusions.

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