ONLINE: 'Lancers: From the Boer War to the Great War' by Maj Phil Watson, Retd, MA
14 Jan

About the speaker: Phil joined the 9/12 Lancers in 1976 and served with the regiment in Cyprus, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and the Gulf War. Commissioned from the ranks in 1988, he returned to regiment duty – after various staff appointments - to command Headquarters Squadron. He left the 9/12 Lancers in 2012 after 35 years-service and was appointed Assistant Regimental Secretary, a mainly welfare role. He is an adult volunteer with Lincolnshire ACF, after completing three years as the commandant for Leicestershire, Northampton, and Rutland. He is also Chair of SSAFA Leicestershire and Rutland. He holds an MA in military history from Wolverhampton University, tutored by Prof Gary Sheffield and Dr Spencer Jones. He has recently returned to Wolverhampton where he is studying for his PhD in the development of doctrine and military thinking. Phil is a published author and has written three works, the first two are on the First World War: The Last Charges; and Audregnies: The Flank Guard Action and the First Cavalry Charge of the Great War, 24 August 1914. His last work is Their Greatest Hour: The Rearguard Action of the 12th Lancers Dunkirk 1940. Overview: Phil's aim is to give a 'warts and all' account of events and move the narrative away from mythology, folklore and personalities to one derived from historical accuracy.

Reconstruction

About the talk: This talk looks at the evolving role of the Lancers during a period of great military and technological change. It examines the regular British cavalry's roles and characteristics, composition, and the Reserve Regiments of cavalry. It discusses the equipment issued to the different types of cavalry regiments resulting from the lessons learned from the Boer War. It will conclude by looking at the arme blanche debate and examine what the impact to the army would have been if the regular British cavalry had been converted to Mounted Infantry and asks what capability would it have lost?

This online talk: opens at 19:20 for a 19:30 start, ending at about 20:35. Participating is quick and easy. The only equipment you need is a computer, or a tablet, or a smart phone. Simply email wfa.nwkent@gmail.com for your link and the passcode. We'll also automatically add you to the mailing list to keep you updated with future events.

Royal British Legion Club, Queensway, Petts Wood, Orpington, Kent BR5 1DH
14 Jan 2025 19:20