Black Yanks is the story of how an African American soldier from Missouri ended up on death row in D-Day Britain – and the extraordinary campaign that set him free. The drama plays out over a tumultuous six weeks, set against a backdrop of the most audacious sea-borne invasion ever attempted.
The subject of the biography, Lieutenant General Sir George Lea, is one of the lesser-known post WW2 Far East counter insurgency specialists. Lea played a significant role in the Malayan Emergency in the mid 1950s when commanding 22 Special Air Service Regiment and then in the Indonesian Confrontation in the mid 1960s as Director of Operations. He was very much a “soldiers’ general” who, through his fantastic people skills, and leadership qualities could always bring the best out of those around him.
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.
Author and military historian Dr Linda Parker’ podcast covers Anglican chaplains, and this episode looks at how these ‘shell-shocked prophets’ faced up to their formidable challenges in ministering to and motivating their men. It then focuses upon two chaplains, Tubby Clayton of the Toc H movement and the poet activist Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy (‘Woodbine Willie’), tracing their later social engagement back to an overwhelming need to bring meaning out of the “War to end all Wars”.
Author and military historian Dr Linda Parker explores the Tokyo War Crimes Trial, where 28 Japanese leaders faced justice in a case that still sparks debate over victors’ justice, command responsibility and the legacy of international law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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