LECTURE | THE BLACK WATCH IN SICILY 1943

Professor Niall Barr will tell us of Operation Husky – the invasion of Sicily – which was the centrepiece of the Western Allies effort in 1943. The 1st, 5th and 7th Battalions of The Black Watch took a full part in the invasion and capture of Sicily, experiencing heavy fighting at Gerbini and Sferro during the campaign. Operation Husky also represented the final Mediterranean destination for The Black Watch on their long march from Alamein to Tunis and onto Sicily. The talk will place The Black Watch battalions within the wider context of the 51st Highland Division while discussing some of the key personalities and events of the campaign.

Professor Niall Barr is Professor of Military History and Deputy Dean of Academic Studies (Education) in the Defence Studies Department at Kings College London, he is currently head of Defence Studies at The Defence Academy, Shrivenham. Educated at the University of St Andrews, Niall has previously taught at St Andrews and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He joined the Staff College in 2000, where he teaches on a wide range of military courses, including the Higher Command and Staff Course, and conducts numerous battlefield tours and staff rides. Nail’s main research interest concerns the Anglo-American alliance in the Second World War, but he also has an enduring interest in the Scottish military tradition. His current research project concerns the role and importance of food in war.

6:30pm drinks reception (drink included in ticket price), 7:00pm lecture commences
Tickets £11 | £9 Friends | reservation recommended | 01738 638152 Option 3