On Sunday 29 March 2026 I was privileged to chair a discussion at the Oxford Literary Festival. I have only appeared at this festival once before, about 20 years ago, when I spoke in the historic and opulent surroundings of Christ Church College. This time I was in a soulless modern lecture theatre in the […]
I recorded an episode recently with my friend and former student Mark Martin, in which I discuss my book In Haig’s Shadow. It focuses on Major-General Hugo De Pree, a little-known but extremely interesting and significant British commander of the First World War, and also his relationship with his cousin, Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. It
My review of an important new biography of a First World War New Zealand fighter ace has just been published: Adam Claasen’s Grid. So, if you’re in need of extra yuletide reading, have a look at it (and then buy the book!) Follow this link. I hope that everyone has a wonderful and peaceful Christmas.
Over the summer, Engelsberg Ideas asked me to write something on the history of the British Army, linked to what is going on today. I decided to write something about Britain’s Reserve Forces. This is based on my longstanding academic interest in the Territorials (as they used to be called), and also on my experience
Brian Bond was one of the leading British military historians of the last half century. He was my friend and mentor, and a huge influence on my career. This piece is an extended version of a piece that appeared in the Journal for the Society of Army Historical Research in September 2025. I am indebted
Welcome to my brand new website and thank you for stopping by. I shall be updating the site with new information and thoughts as appropriate, so please have a look around, bookmark the site and check back regularly to find all my latest news, publications and other activities in my ‘post-career career’ – I seem