BMMHS Events – Update The talk by Guy Walters originally scheduled for 15th July 2026 in Woodcote has been changed to a Zoom talk in June 2027. This is because Guy has moved to Prague. In addition Guy has recently published a new book…. Also see his latest TV series.
Read MoreA not-for profit society raising funds for military charities
Welcome to the British Modern Military History Society.
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 in pleasant surroundings, offering a warm and welcoming evening out. BMMHS is not a membership society so please feel free to join our talks and for Village Hall Meetings – just pay on the door.
BMMHS NEWS
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Latest BMMHS Publication Now Available on Amazon
Proceeds from the Sale of Articles of War go to Veterans With Dogs
It is with great sadness that Nick Brazil passed away peacefully as we were finalising this book. Nick, a loyal BMMHS supporter and contributor, was very keen that his book Articles of War would help to raise money for Veterans With Dogs.
Click on the book cover to order your copy today
Upcoming Zoom Talks and Village Hall Meetings
Tuesday 5th May7:30pm
Operation Nimrod – The SAS in Action
On May 5, 1980, the Special Air Service (SAS) made their public debut under the direct command of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Their mission was to rescue hostages held captive within the Iranian Embassy at Princes Gate, London, by six armed terrorists.
The events of that day, broadcast live on national peak-time television, became a defining moment in history. The exploits of the SAS troopers, depicted in black assault suits, as they scaled balconies, planted explosives, and abseiled into the unknown, have left an indelible impression on the memories of those who witnessed them.
Join military historian Guy Bartlett as he delves into the intricate details leading up to the raid, exploring the meticulous gathering of intelligence, and examining the harrowing circumstances that nearly resulted in a catastrophic outcome.
This mission solidified the SAS’s reputation as one of, if not the, premier Special Forces, cementing its status as an elite force in the annals of military history.
About the speaker – Guy Bartlett
Guy retired from his role as a corporate trainer. Before this, he was a teacher. Since 2014, he has spent his spare time researching and giving history-based presentations focusing mainly on aviation.
Guy has helped to restore Vulcan XH558 to flight and has links to Concorde, the Avro Vulcan, Air Traffic Control and the Chatham Naval Officers Association.
Zoom talk - Payment and registration
Contact us on [email protected] to register for these Events and for Zoom talks the log-in details will be emailed to you on the morning of each talk. A donation of £5 is requested for each talk to cover things such as speaker costs, licence fees and donation to military charity.
Wednesday 13th May 7:30pm
Woodcote Village Hall, Reading Road, Woodcote, RG8 0QY
The war that no one wanted:
The origins of the Great War
We have now marked the centenary of both the outbreak and the conclusion of one of the most shattering conflicts of the 20thCentury – a war that reshaped global politics, societies, and military strategy in ways that still resonate today.
This talk explores the complex web of international developments that culminated in the First World War. It will examine the unification of Italy and Germany and the impact of these newly consolidated states on European military balances, as well as the internal political and strategic challenges faced by the great powers. The arms races that characterised the late 19th and early 20th Centuries – such as the Anglo-German naval rivalry and the expansion of mass conscript armies – will be assessed in the context of rising tensions.
Special attention is given to strategic implications of empire-building, the increasing role of military alliances in shaping national policies, and the Balkans as a flashpoint for conflict. By weaving together diplomatic, political, and military factors, this talk will provide a deeper understanding of why Europe was plunged into a devastating war and why, despite the widespread desire to avoid it, the great powers were ultimately unable to prevent a catastrophic military confrontation.
About the speaker – Dr Stephen Goss
Dr Stephen Goss is a former lecturer in history at Queen’s University and Life-long Learning lecturer at Stranmillis University College. A published academic, his area of focus is 19th and 20th Century British, Irish and imperial history, with a specialism in the Cold War. Having spent five years running an award-winning walking tour company in Belfast, he has been a popular speaker among local groups and historical societies for fifteen years, and is now also a private tour guide at the Churchill War Rooms and Imperial War Museum in London.
BMMHS Event Registration
Contact us on [email protected] to register for BMMHS Events and for Zoom talks the log-in details will be emailed to you on the morning of each talk.
BMMHS Village Hall Meeting Tickets
Entry cost is just £8, which includes your entry ticket to the talk, a Q & A, and refreshments (beer, wine, soft drinks). We ask for payment in advance. If you are unable to pay in advance there will be a facility to pay by cash or card on the door.
Entrance to village hall talks for students and under 21s is now free of charge.
Latest News
Book Review: The British Soldier: Training for War 1939-1945
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.
Read More
New Article – Sleeping With The Enemy
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...
Read More
New Article – On The Wings Of Angels
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...
Read MoreWhat you are saying about BMMHS
"It was a lovely evening and fantastic atmosphere in the room. Very happy to come back in 2021 to speak on my (then) new book on MI9 escape and evasion."
"For anyone interested in Military History, the BMMHS is a must. The monthly meetings cover a wide range of topics, with high quality speakers giving thought-provoking talks. In addition, the quality of facility and refreshments is exceptional, and the audience interesting and welcoming. Highly recommended."
“Just wanted to say how impressed I was by the talk last night and indeed by the meeting itself – the first I’ve been able to attend. An excellent speaker and a well organised meeting!”
"…. We’re very impressed with the line-up of talks arranged for the next year and will endeavour to attend as many as possible ….
We found the ‘Arnhem’ talk most interesting – a very different ‘take’ on the topic from the usual battle on the ground analysis.
Congratulations to you, Nigel, Linda and the team, you’re doing a great job."
"If I may say so, the BMMHS's first few months have been most impressive and a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm the four of you have put in. Everything on Wednesday went well, turnout, seating, notice-boards, drinks and especially the food!
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"…I would like to thank you and your team for another great evening. The talk was brilliant… looking forward to the next one…"
"MANY THANKS for Wednesday night most enjoyable, met some nice chaps, have new dates on the calendar, looking forward to the next talk"
"As with the first BMMHS meeting I attended.... I really enjoyed last night’s presentation. You and your pals have done a great job in getting the BMMHS set up and running smoothly & efficiently, including an excellent website plus arranging for some really interesting presenters and subjects every month."
"A most amazing lecture. To say it was interesting is understating it - it was mind-blowing to think of the courage of those women, who agreed to be SOE agents, despite knowing what awaited them if they were found out. It was fascinating to hear what training they went through, and to learn what some of them did and how they ended up.
Many thanks for another brilliant lecture"
“ If you are like me, and you enjoy the study of a wide range of military history topics, with a bit if a twist, then BMMHS will be right up your street. With its informative panel of expert speakers and on occasion quirky topics, there is something for everyone interested in learning more of their military past. I can thoroughly recommend the BMMHS zoom talk experience. You won’t be disappointed!”
Village Hall FAQs
Venue Address
Woodcote Village Hall
Reading Road
South Oxfordshire
RG8 0QY
Glimpses of War
A compilation of military stories and eyewitness accounts to raise funds for Blind Veterans UK.
Click above to order your copies
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