The British Soldier: Training for War explores how WWII British infantry, commandos, and paratroopers were trained in the British Isles. Utilising diverse historical sources, it reveals their preparation through drills, weapon skills, battle schools, and exercises, ultimately building their combat skills, endurance, and confidence for global conflict.
During WWII, several British individuals committed treason by collaborating with Nazi Germany. Notable figures include Oswald Mosley, who led the pro-Nazi British Union of Fascists, and John Amery, who recruited for the British Free Corps. Thomas Haller Cooper, influenced by his German heritage, also joined the Corps. Eddie Chapman, a double agent known as Agent Zigzag, feigned collaboration with Germany while secretly aiding Britain. Harold Cole, motivated by self-interest, betrayed many to the Nazis, resulting in multiple arrests and eventual death in a shoot-out. William Joyce, “Lord Haw Haw,” broadcast Nazi propaganda, was captured, and executed for treason..
The concept of airlifts began in the early 20th century, with the first operation executed by French forces during World War I to evacuate injured troops. Notable airlifts include the 1928 Kabul Airlift during the Afghan Civil War, the Spanish Army’s airlift in 1936, and the India-China Air Ferry from 1942 to 1945. A pivotal moment was the Berlin Airlift (1948-1949), where Allied forces supplied West Berlin amidst a Soviet blockade, demonstrating aviation’s burgeoning logistical capabilities. Since then, airlifts have continued, providing crucial support during conflicts in areas like the Congo, Biafra, and Afghanistan, underscoring their significance in humanitarian and military operations.
The talk challenges the tenacious myth that the Great War liberated women, suggesting instead that many were instead preoccupied with mundane, but heroic struggles, to maintain their homes and families on limited budgets.
As the conflict wore on and submarine warfare escalated and food shortages became more severe, so did attempts to reduce waste and feed the nation more economically. Food preparation and preservation became issues of national importance.
Housewives faced a plethora of advice, guidance and surveillance even potential fines for wasting bread. As housewives struggled to cope, there were however often subject to criticism, not sympathy. The conflict entered the home in ways never seen before.
The talk follows events in the summer of 1940 when two members of my family, fighting with the British Expeditionary Force in northern France, were both separately captured by the Nazi Germans. Both men managed to escape and, together with fellow officers, make their way through France to Spain where they were again captured and held by the authorities. It was at this point they were brought together by the British Embassy in Madrid. Their final destination was Gibraltar where sadly events in west Africa led to a Vichy bombing raid on Gibraltar and not all of the party were to complete a ‘home run’.
Secret Alliances. Special Operations and Intelligence in Norway 1940-1945, and describes our close cooperation with and support for the Norwegian resistance during the war.
Articles of War is available in both Paperback and hardback on Amazon. This publication a collection of articles from the British Modern Military History Society (BMMHS), written by historian Nick Brazil. Proceeds from the sale of this BMMHS publication will go to support the charity Veterans With Dogs.
The Steps to Glory traces the evolution of British officer commissioning from 1660 to 1914. It examines all routes into Britain’s Land Forces, from purchase in the Regular Army to patronage in the East India Company and competitive exams in the British Indian Army, as well as officer entry through the reserves and cadet forces.
This afternoon talk took place on Tuesday 23rd June. Jerry Cockeram opened with an update on BMMHS during the lockdown and also the progress of Operation Bookworm.
Then Linda Parker gave an interesting talk on Airborne Padres in the Second World War which was well received by the audience of 27 people. It was nice to see some familiar faces and some new ones too and there was also an interesting Q&A session at the end. The talk went well with only a few minor technical glitches, which we are working to overcome. Feedback from members on the “Zoom” was enthusiastic and appreciative, with most people willing to make a donation or contribution towards the cost of future Zoom talks.
Ice Stations to Action Stations by Linda Parker.
This talk tells the story of the “curious little war” that took place on the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard 1941-1945. The island of Spitsbergen was the site of confrontation between the allies and Germany as the weather stations both sides attempted to maintain there were strategically important for the course of the war in Europe, Including D day.
The men involved on both sides had been prominent polar explorers in the interwar years, and Alexander ‘Sandy’ Glen in particular used the skills he had acquired in his pre-war exploration of the archipelago in the game of cat and mouse that took place as each side sought to obtain the advantage of obtaining regular weather forecasts and knowledge of Atlantic and Arctic conditions.
The BMMHS had a successful visit yesterday to the Battle of Britain Bunker the former underground operations room used by No 11 Group Fighter Command RAF during WW2. Fighter aircraft operations were controlled from here throughout the war but most noteably during the Battle of Britain and on D-Day. There is also a new visitors centre opened in March 2018. The tour guide Chris Leworthy was excellent and the day was enjoyed by all. A highly recommended place to visit.
The Main Hall, will be redecorated at the time of this April talk by Gary Sheffield. Gary’s talk will go ahead in the next door Function Room. However this has halved our capacity to 50 people for this one talk and all seats have now been reserved. Apologies to those who had hoped to attend. Normal service in the refurbished Main Hall will resume in May for all future talks.
BMMHS is pleased to announce that we have appointed Linda Parker as our Schools Liaison Officer. Linda’s role now includes a focus on establishing links with local schools and colleges with a view to broadening our audiences into a younger generation.
Please if you can provide us with contacts and advice in this area then contact us via [email protected]
Our previous talks have been sold out but thanks to the help from both Jenny & the Yoga team, we are now moving into the Larger Main Hall, in Woodcote Village Hall.
In order to secure a seat for future events, please contact us on [email protected] and we will confirm availability.
On Monday 14th October 2019, Wantage held Two Services of Remembrance commemorating the first casualties of the Second World War from the town .
Watch this space!
An excellent talk followed by a book signing by naval author, Philip K Allan, author of the Alexander Clay series. Following a lifetime’s love of the wooden warships of the Napoleonic era, Philip took a packed house through a fascinating presentation of what it was like to live and work in the navies of the day.
Last night saw the first event of the BMMHS, with a fascinating talk by local historian Bill King, assisted by his wife Flora, on how Britain intended to repel a German invasion in 1940 through the use of ‘underground’ resistance fighters.
Click on Unit Badge for meeting details
Thank you to Barbara Taylor of The Western Front Association for kindly announcing the formation of the British Modern Military History Society to members at the Thames Valley Branch meeting on Thursday 28th March 2019.
Copyright © 2026 bmmhs.org – All Rights Reserved
