British Modern Military History Society

A not-for profit society raising funds for military charities

Who are we ?

The British Modern Military History Society (usually abbreviated to BMMHS) is a UK-based, non-profit military history society founded in 2019. We focus on modern military history from roughly the Napoleonic era through contemporary conflicts, with a strong emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.  

Some key things about the society:

  • BMMHS was founded by Andy and Jerry Cockeram along with Nigel and Linda Parker after meeting through shared military-history interests.  
  • The group organises regular talks and lectures featuring historians, academics, authors, former military personnel, and subject-matter experts. Topics range from the World Wars to Cold War history, special forces operations, imperial conflicts, and strategic studies.  
  • Events are held both in person at Woodcote Village Hall in South Oxfordshire and online via Zoom.  
  • The society is explicitly “not for profit,” with proceeds helping support military charities.  
  • Unlike many historical societies, BMMHS does not operate as a formal membership organisation — people can attend talks individually by registering or paying at the door.  

Their talks cover a wide variety of subjects. Recent and past examples include:

  • the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege and SAS Operation Nimrod,
  • the Dambuster Raid,
  • the Korean War,
  • Churchill’s Citadel,
  • the Indian Mutiny,
  • the Battle of Kursk,
  • postwar conflicts in Asia after 1945.  

We also publish articles, book reviews, and fundraising books the proceeds of which go to veterans’ causes.  

BMMHS Village Hall Meetings Logo
BMMHS Meetings are held in Woodcote, South Oxon
Chris Parry VH 1
Rear-Admiral Chris Parry on the SAS rescue on South Georgia
BMMHS Zoom Talks Logo
BMMHS hold monthly Zoom talks
Royal British Legion
BMMHS Has raised ££ several thousands for military charities
Events 2026
Events 2027

BMMHS Publications - Raising funds for Military Veterans

BVUK Logo
Veterans With Dogs
Glimpses of War Volume 2 Front Cover
AOW Articles Of War

Click of the book covers above to order your copy

All of these BMMHS Books are available on Amazon with proceeds going to military charities

During COVID we requested our supporters to send in their own and family accounts of wartime experiences – any war, any role, military or civilian. Such was the response that we published Glimpses of War Volume 1 in April 2021, over 500 pages of moving accounts of heroism, tragedy, hardship and resilience.   All profits are donated to the charity Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan’s). Glimpses of War Volume 2 was published in October 2021 and Glimpses of the Falklands War was published in June 2022 in time for the 40th anniversary of the Liberation of the Falkland Islands.  The reviews of Glimpses of War have been outstanding from all quarters.

In 2026 we published Articles of War, a collection of articles which cover a portrait of modern conflict from Napoleon to the present written by historian Nick Brazil. Proceeds from the sale of this BMMHS publication  go to support Veterans With Dogs, which is a charity dedicated to training and providing assistance dogs to support veterans with mental health conditions, enhancing their quality of life and independence

What you are saying about BMMHS

"It was a lovely evening and fantastic atmosphere in the room. Very happy to come back in 2021 to speak on my (then) new book on MI9 escape and evasion."
Dr Helen Fry
Dr Helen FryHistorian, Writer, Broadcaster
"For anyone interested in Military History, the BMMHS is a must. The monthly meetings cover a wide range of topics, with high quality speakers giving thought-provoking talks. In addition, the quality of facility and refreshments is exceptional, and the audience interesting and welcoming. Highly recommended."
Chris Leworthy
Chris Leworthy
“Just wanted to say how impressed I was by the talk last night and indeed by the meeting itself – the first I’ve been able to attend.  An excellent speaker and a well organised meeting!”
Dave Rushton
Dave Rushton
"…. We’re very impressed with the line-up of talks arranged for the next year and will endeavour to attend as many as possible …. We found the ‘Arnhem’ talk most interesting – a very different ‘take’  on the topic from the usual battle on the ground analysis. Congratulations to you, Nigel, Linda and the team, you’re doing a great job."
Bill King
Bill KingHistorian, Writer, Broadcaster
"If I may say so, the BMMHS's first few months have been most impressive and a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm the four of you have put in. Everything on Wednesday went well, turnout, seating, notice-boards, drinks and especially the food!
"
GR
GR
"…I would like to thank you and your team for another great evening. The talk was brilliant… looking forward to the next one…"
WM
WM
"MANY THANKS for Wednesday night most enjoyable, met some nice chaps, have new dates on the calendar, looking forward to the next talk"
Tina John
Tina John
"As with the first BMMHS meeting I attended.... I really enjoyed last night’s presentation. You and your pals have done a great job in getting the BMMHS set up and running smoothly & efficiently, including an excellent website plus arranging for some really interesting presenters and subjects every month."
Peter Bull
Peter BullShropshire
"A most amazing lecture. To say it was interesting is understating it - it was mind-blowing to think of the courage of those women, who agreed to be SOE agents, despite knowing what awaited them if they were found out. It was fascinating to hear what training they went through, and to learn what some of them did and how they ended up. Many thanks for another brilliant lecture"
Pauline G
Pauline G
“ If you are like me, and you enjoy the study of a wide range of military history topics, with a bit if a twist, then BMMHS will be right up your street. With its informative panel of expert speakers and on occasion quirky topics, there is something for everyone interested in learning more of their military past. I can thoroughly recommend the BMMHS zoom talk experience. You won’t be disappointed!”
Renny Gold
Renny Gold Margate, Kent
BMMHS Logo Vulcan V3 Small
BMMHS Events
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Click to see full BMMHS event listing pages.

Contact us at [email protected]

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Images © IWM & NAM

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