New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – The Battle of Ulundi

While much popular attention has been given to the Battle of Isandlwana and the Defence of Rorke’s Drift, the events of the final engagement of the Zulu War, at King Cetshwayo’s capital of Ulundi, are often overlooked.

Despite earlier victories in the conflict, the Zulu army was ultimately defeated on 4 July 1879 at the Battle of Ulundi. This resulted in the fall of the famous dynasty, the division of this part of Africa, and widespread heartbreak for years to come.

In this revealing talk, Michael Nicholas will focus on the events leading up to and including the Battle of Ulundi, as well as its tragic aftermath.

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – Churchill’s Intervention in Northern Russia: 1918-20

North Russia was the entry point for supplies from the Allies throughout WW1. The Revolution in 1917 changed everything. Peace in the east would release enemy troops for the Western Front. Bolshevism might change the world. Churchill wanted to stop both. Tired, desk bound officers, second rate conscripts, released prisoners and several mutinies. This talk covers the politics, the motivation, the local plan and conditions, and why it was allowed to fade from memory.

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – U-Boat War 1914-1918

Spencer Jones has kindly agreed to return in 2027 to give BMMHS another Zoom talk this time on the U-Boat War 1914-1918

New Zoom Talk for 2026 – LRDG

LRDG Pirates of the Desert will focus on the units formation, its key personal and some of the units operations in the Western Desert. Jerry will also cover the LRDG’s role of a taxi service for the SAS.

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – Air War Korea

We welcome back historian James Goulty, to give another talk on the Korean War. in this talk James will focus on the air war in that conflict including operations by the USAF, Commonwealth and Fleet Air Arm.

The Origins of the Schlieffen Plan – Additional Reading

The Schlieffen Plan was a German military strategy for attacking France and Russia in World War I. The plan was developed by Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen and put into action in 1914 by his successor, Helmuth von Moltke. Following Ross’ excellent talk – attached is his additional reading list.

The Origins of the Schlieffen Plan

German War Planning up to July 1914

By Ross Beadle

The Schlieffen Plan is a name given after the First World War to German war plans, due to the influence of Field Marshal Alfred von Schlieffen and his thinking on an invasion of France and Belgium, which began on 4 August 1914. Schlieffen was Chief of the General Staff of the German Army from 1891 to 1906. In 1905 and 1906, Schlieffen devised an army deployment plan for a decisive (war-winning) offensive against the French Third Republic. German forces were to invade France through the Netherlands and Belgium rather than across the common border.

Books & articles on the origins of Schlieffen and Moltke’s strategic plans

To see the reading list from Ross’ Zoom talk click here

New Village Hall Talk Booked for 2027 – Battle for Berlin

The Battle of Berlin (April–May 1945) was the final major offensive in the European theater of World War II. Soviet forces, commanded by Marshals Zhukov and Konev, encircled the German capital with overwhelming manpower and firepower. Fierce urban combat ensued as Nazi defenders, including regular troops, SS units, and civilian militias, resisted desperately. Adolf Hitler remained in his underground Führerbunker, issuing futile orders before committing suicide on April 30. By May 2, Berlin surrendered, and shortly after, Germany capitulated unconditionally. The battle caused massive destruction, high civilian casualties, and marked the collapse of the Third Reich, ending the war in Europe.

BMMHS Village Hall Meeting Booked for May 2027

About the speaker – Matthias Strohn

Matthias Strohn, MSt (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon), FRHistS, is Head of Historical Analysis at the Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, the British Army’s strategic think tank, Visiting Professor of Military Studies at the University of Buckingham, and a member of the academic faculty at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Matthias was educated at the universities of Münster (Germany) and Oxford. He holds a commission in the German Army and is a member of the military attaché reserve, having served on the defense attaché staffs in London, Paris and Madrid. Prior to this, he served as Military History Instructor at the German Staff College in Hamburg. He deployed to Iraq (with the British Army) and Afghanistan (with both the British Army and the German Bundeswehr). Matthias has published widely on 20th century German and European military history; he has authored and edited 14 books and numerous articles.

New Village Hall Talk Booked for 2027 – Battle for Burma Meiktila

In early 1945, Lieutenant-General William Slim executed a daring diversion: British–Indian forces feigned an advance on Mandalay while sending the motorised 17th Indian Division toward Meiktila, a vital Japanese supply and communication hub. On 28 February, the division attacked from multiple directions with artillery and air support. Meiktila fell within four days, depriving Japanese forces of a critical base. The town’s airfields became indispensable for aerial resupply and reinforcements. Despite fierce Japanese attempts to retake it, the garrison held firm—thanks to tenacious defense by RAF Regiment units and air support—marking a pivotal turning point in the reconquest of Burma.

New Village Hall Talk Booked for 2027 – Britains Atomic V Bombers

The Royal Air Force’s V Bombers were Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent during the Cold War, consisting of three aircraft: the Vickers Valiant, Handley Page Victor, and Avro Vulcan. Entering service in the 1950s, they provided high-altitude, long-range nuclear strike capability, ensuring the UK’s independent nuclear deterrence. The Valiant served first but was retired early due to structural fatigue, while the Victor and Vulcan adapted for low-level penetration as Soviet defenses improved. They later saw roles in conventional bombing and refueling, notably during the Falklands War. The V Bombers were gradually replaced by Polaris submarines, ending their nuclear mission by 1969.

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – Second World War Internment in the UK and USA

In this talk, Rachel Pistol will share insights from her book, Internment During the Second World War: A Comparative Study of Great Britain and the USA. She will explore how wartime fears led to the internment of civilians, many of them refugees in Britain and people of Japanese ancestry in the United States.

BMMHS Zoom talk Booked for February 2027

In this talk, Rachel will share insights from her book, Internment During the Second World War: A Comparative Study of Great Britain and the USA. She will explore how wartime fears led to the internment of civilians, many of them refugees in Britain and people of Japanese ancestry in the United States.

Category: BMMHS Events

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – The Battle of Ulundi

BMMHS Zoom talk Booked for July 2027

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – Churchill’s Intervention in Northern Russia: 1918-20

BMMHS Zoom talk Booked for April 2027

New Zoom Talk Booked for 2027 – U-Boat War 1914-1918

BMMHS Zoom talk Booked for December 2027