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Lecture | A Tale Of Two Retreats: The British Army In The Mons And Dunkirk Campaigns Compared’?

Monday 5th October
6.30pm-8.00pm

Join Professor Gary Sheffield as he compares two defining moments in the history of the British Army: the retreat from Mons in 1914 and the evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940. Drawing on letters, diaries, first hand accounts and war diaries, he examines the role of troops, air power, morale, discipline and leadership in shaping the outcomes of these campaigns. Exploring why one retreat ended in defeat while the other became a symbol of resilience and survival, Professor Sheffield offers a fascinating insight into the experiences of British soldiers during the First and Second World Wars.

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2 courses £25 | 3 courses £30

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In this lecture Professor Gary Sheffield will compare the experiences of soldiers in the British Army on the retreat from Mons in 1914 with their successes in the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. Drawing upon letters, diaries, first-hand accounts, and war diaries, he will discuss matters such as the importance of regular and territorial troops, air power, the role of fatigue and morale, the importance of discipline, and why one campaign ended in success while the other led to defeat and evacuation’.

Professor Gary Sheffield stepped down from full-time academia in 2021 after a 35 year, but he now has an extremely active retirement. He is Visiting Professor in the Defence Studies Department of King’s College London, based at the UK Defence Academy, where he is involved in teaching and research. This talk is based on a chapter in his current book, due to be published in 2027, entitled ‘Civilian Armies: the experience of British and Dominion soldiers in the two world wars’.

6.30pm Drinks Reception (Drink included in ticket price), 7.00pm Lecture Commences

£12 non members | £10 Friends

Become a Friends Member here

Why not Stay for a post lecture supper in the Bistro (See Menu)

2 courses £25

3 courses £30