Caption: A Rolls Royce armoured car in the desert (Courtesy: IWM Q24318)
About this talk: This challenges the notion that special forces sprang into life newly created and fully formed in the Second World War. Dr Prichett's extensive research demonstrates that special forces and special operations are as old as mythology itself. Theirs is not a history of revolution, but of steady evolution, with new chapters written either when the terrain was wrong for set piece battles or where an inspirational commander found enthusiastic volunteers with specialist skills. For instance, a Wooden Horse was used to capture Troy (C12th BC), and Alexander the Great's men scaled the Sogdian Rock to attack an 'impregnable' fortress from above (C3rd BC). Similarly, in 1759, General Wolfe found skilled and nimble light troops to scale a cliff, sidestep formidable defences and take Quebec. Fast forward to the Great War, where the Zeebrugge Raid and Rolls Royce armoured cars in the deserts of the Middle East are prime examples.
About the speaker: Dr James Prichett (pictured) is War Studies lecturer at the University of Hull, teaching strategic/military history and theory. He has been researching special forces for several years, presenting papers reflecting his research at the British Commission for Military History's New Researcher's conferences in 2022 and 2023. He is an experienced and entertaining speaker.
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.