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.
'War Walks: Somme 1916' - Alan Reed
Experienced battlefield guide, Alan Reed, takes us on a walking tour around the key landscape of the Somme with particular focus on the movements of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. HIs presentation will provide a clear understanding of the geography of the battlefield and the movement of the opposing forces.
Alan retired from teaching in 1996 to concentrate on guiding school and adult groups around the sites of the Western Front. He co-authored the book 'Meet At Dawn Unarmed' which covers the Christmas Truce, 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.
