Welcome to the British Modern Military History Society

BMMHS NEWS

Welcome to the British Modern Military History Society. Formed in early 2019, we organise monthly talks for anyone interested in military history over the last 200 years from Nelson’s times to the present day.

With top quality talks given by writers, academics, former military personnel, and experts in their field with a wide variety of topics, we are based in Woodcote Village Hall RG8 0QY (near Wallingford) in South Oxfordshire. We can accommodate up to 100 people at each talk in pleasant surroundings, offering a warm and welcoming evening out.

BMMHS Events - Registration & Payment

We are delighted that we have now been able to resume live meetings in Woodcote Village Hall in addition we shall also continue our monthly Zoom talks. Check website for details. Please note we will not be recording or streaming any of our live meetings or Zoom talks.

Next BMMHS Event

The Women Who Flew for Hitler tells the extraordinary story of the only two female test pilots who served Nazi Germany, yet whose decisions and actions put them on opposite sides of history.

Brilliant glider pilot Hanna Reitsch became the world’s first woman to fly a helicopter, and later tested rocket planes, and even a manned version of a prototype cruise missile – the V1 flying bomb or doodlebug. A fanatical Nazi, in the last days of the war she begged Hitler to let her fly him to safety from Berlin.

Her nemesis, Melitta von Stauffenberg, test pilot for the Stuka dive-bombers that were synonymous with the Blitzkrieg, and exceptional aeronautical engineer, was part Jewish. In July 1944 Melitta secretly supported the most famous attempt on Hitler’s life, yet despite arrest her story did not end there… This talk takes you not only into the extraordinary lives of these women, but behind the scenes of the book.

Glimpses of the Falklands War

To mark the 40^th anniversary, the British Modern Military History Society is compiling a book of memories and stories of those who served in the Falklands. The latest book in the Glimpses of War series, Glimpses of the Falklands War, is currently being compiled and edited as we speak. As with other volumes of Glimpses of War, all profits will go to the charity Blind Veterans UK. BMMHS Plan to publish the book on Amazon in June 2022 #blindveterans

Click for more details

Future BMMHS Events

Glimpses of War

A compilation of military stories and eyewitness accounts to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK

Click above to order your copies

“I am delighted that the BMMHS has taken this initiative to record eyewitness accounts during the Lockdowns. For historians, first hand accounts are the building blocks of good story telling and to do so with fund-raising for BVUK in mind is doubly pleasing.”

“Highly recommended... from across the different wars of the 20th century comes this unique collection of inspirational narratives of human endurance, daring exploits, fighting spirit and sheer heroism”

An inspired and fascinating historical collection. Powerful first-hand accounts of individuals’ courage and tenacity in the face of conflict over the decades.

‘I am deeply honoured that my great grandfather Percy Statton, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915, is remembered in Glimpses of War and for such a great cause. I hope this volume and the subsequent ones raise lots of money for BVUK.’

“BMMHS are to be congratulated on the timely publication of this first volume of Glimpses of War. It was a pleasure and privilege to be involved in this fascinating project, together with one of our former patients and to support the valuable work of Blind Veterans UK.”

‘The breadth and range of this volume convey, as few others have, the comprehensive awfulness of war across the generations, and the effects it has on those directly involved, indirectly involved and on its periphery.’

‘What a marvellous time — during the many privations of ‘lockdown’ — to ask us all to turn out our family archives and contribute to the BMMHS’s first publication. And no better charity than Blind Veterans UK to receive any profit from this great initiative.’

“The BMMHS has found a splendid way of supporting BVUK by making readily available memories and research that might otherwise have disappeared.”

“The International Guild is delighted to support this venture by BMMHS as a contribution to the preservation and sharing of historical knowledge.”

‘Those of us who study, and maybe write about, military history deal with reports, statistics, dates, strategies and outcomes. It is, however, the human story, such as those we have here in Glimpses of War, that give flesh to the bones of our research. I consider it a privilege to have contributed to this current volume. It is made all the more appropriate that proceeds will be directed to Blind Veterans UK since I too am a blind person.’

"This is a fascinating selection of material which covers many facets of war and military service - and it is published for such a good cause. Congratulations all round."