The Battle of the Somme 1916 Revisited' - Gary Sheffield
The Somme was perhaps the most controversial battle of the First World War. Was it a bloody catastrophe for Britain and the Allies, as is popularly believed? Or was it a victory, as some historians have argued? Or does the truth lie somewhere in between?
In this talk Professor Gary Sheffield reassesses this crucial battle. Visiting Professor at King's College London, he has published extensively on the First World War, especially on Douglas Haig, and the Somme.
'A Tour of the Somme 1916' - Alan Reed
Experienced battlefield guide, Alan Reed, takes us on a tour along the Front Line in the Somme, visiting the historical sites commemorating the events of 1st July, 1916. These include preserved section of No Man's Land, mine craters, cemeteries and monuments. His presentation will provide an understanding of some of the key moments of that fateful day together with particular individual stories associated with it.'
Alan has co-authored four books about the Great War including 'Where are the Boys?' about the British attack on the 1st July 1916 in the Somme and 'Meet At Dawn Unarmed' which covers the Christmas Truce of 1914.
'By God They Can Fight!' - Paul Jaques & Dave Vaux
Royal Warwickshire Regiment historians and collectors, Paul Jaques and Dave Vaux investigate the actions of the 1/6th and 1/8th Battalions of the regiment on 1st July 1916, the first day of the Somme Offensive. Their detailed analysis, drawn from many years of research, will be illustrated by relevant historical objects and displays.
Paul Jaques and Dave Vaux are military historians who specialise in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment during World War 1. Paul & Dave have provided many talks and displays for schools as well as advised on the creation of a replica WW1 trench in a Birmingham school.
