Some of Kitchener's Mob on the Somme
About the talk: For many people, Kitchener's Army is synonymous with the raising of the Pals battalions. This talk revisits the recruiting of Kitchener's Army, and examines all aspects of this pivotal period in the Great War. In particular, it looks again at the 'First Hundred Thousand' and those who came after. Based on my book co-authored with Chris Foster, Kitchener's Mob: The New Army to the Somme.
About the speaker: Peter Doyle (pictured) is an historian specialising in the understanding of military terrain, particularly in the two world wars. As an author, he focusses on the British experience of war, and its material culture. A member of the British Commission of Military History, he is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and was secretary of the Parliamentary All Party War Heritage Group. A regular conference speaker, he has also given numerous specialist battlefield talks and tours, and has been consulted on archaeological digs at home and abroad. Emeritus professor of history at London South Bank University, Peter talks on Great War trench warfare at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Where we meet: We meet at the Royal British Legion Club, Queensway, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 1DH. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month (Jan-May and Sep-Nov). The talks start at 19:30, though the doors (and the bar) open at 18:30. We do not charge entrance fees but do welcome donations of £5 or more towards our costs.
Getting there: The club is next to Morrison's supermarket and Petts Wood railway station. Parking at the rear of the club is free but you need to type your car registration into the machine (on the left as you enter the club). Failure to enter your registration can lead to a £50 fine. There's easy free parking in adjacent side streets.
