| | |  BMMHS News & Events May 2026
|
|
|
|
|
One of the most famous counter-terrorism operations in British history took place in May 1980. Gunmen overran the Iranian Embassy in London and took hostages. After a tense siege, the crisis was resolved when the building was stormed by the Special Air Service in front of the world's media.
|
|
|
|
Zoom Talk
Operation Nimrod - SAS in Action
by Guy Bartlett
Tuesday 5th May 2026: 7:30pm
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 my 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.
|
|
|
Details of our BMMHS Events & Zoom talks can be found on our website https://www.bmmhs.org
Contact us in...@bmmhs.org 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 speaker costs, licence fees and the charity donation. |
|
|
Woodcote Village Hall Meeting
The War that no one wanted:
The Origins of the Great War
by Dr Stephen Goss
Wednesday 13th May 2026 7:30pm
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. 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 on the door.
Entrance to village hall talks for students and under 21s is now free of charge.
Details of our BMMHS Village Hall Meetings can be found on our website https://www.bmmhs.org |
|
|
| | News Item
Articles Of War Is Now Available on Amazon
Click above to order your copy
Nick Brazil's book may be purchased on Amazon with paperback, hardback and Kindle versions are all now being available. The proceeds from the sales of the book go to the charity Veterans With Dogs.
Articles of War is a collection of articles which cover a portrait of modern conflict from Napoleon to the present written by historian Nick Brazil. Proceeds from the sale of this BMMHS publication will go to support Veterans With Dogs, which is a charity dedicated to training and providing assistance dogs to support veterans with mental health conditions, enhancing their quality of life and independence.
About Articles of War:-
"A wonderful selection of beautifully written snapshots, covering both very and less well known episodes of conflict, over almost two centuries. Written in a wise, knowledgable and reflective style, given added poignancy by the author’s passing just before publication.
Highly recommended and supporting a wonderful cause, so close to the author’s heart."
|
|
|
|
| BMMHS Upcoming Events 2026 |
|
|
|
The talk by Guy Walters scheduled for 15th July in Woodcote has been changed to a Zoom talk in June 2027 and Rupert Hague-Holmes has kindly agreed to step into the breach.
|
|
|
The British Expeditionary Force
from the Phoney War to the Blitzkreig, 1939 – 1940.
 by James Goulty
Click on the photo above to read this article. |
|
|
Review by Geoff Simpson
|
|
|
Review by James Goulty
|
|
|
Copyright © 2026 British Modern Military History Society, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email due to a previously expressed interest, via our website or BMMHS Event.
Our mailing address is:
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
