
Picture: This is part of an Iron Age chariot burial. It is in a large Celtic necropolis of about 230 tombs, dating from about 300 BC, in France's Aisne valley. In 1915, it was accidentally discovered by German troops digging trenches and has only only fully explored and excavated in the years since.
About this talk: The discovery mentioned above is but a tiny part of the bigger picture. From Salisbury Plain to Flanders, from Salonica to the Dardanelles, as the Great War descended into a troglodyte existence, millions of men dug downwards in defence, often on historic ground and uncovering incredible finds. This talk looks at the war through the eyes of archaeologists who served with the colours and highlights some of their finds that exist in our museums today.
About the speaker: Clive Harris is a familiar face at Petts Wood, where he is a regular and popular speaker. Previously in the Royal Signals and the Hertfordshire Constabulary, Clive embarked on a military history career in 1998. Author of "Walking the London Blitz", "Wander through Wartime London" and "The Greater Game" he has contributed to 'Time Team', 'Time Watch', 'Blitz Spirit' and CBS's 'Legacy of War'. His specialist battlefield subjects are The Great Retreat of 1914, the Ypres Salient, 1918, the London Blitz and the Italian Campaign of 1943-44. He holds Guild of Battlefield Guides badge number 33 and is a member of the British Commission for Military History. He joined the Western Front Association as a child and has provided regular talks and lectures since leaving the Army in 1991. Clive holds a Master's in Great War Studies from the University of Wolverhampton, where he is currently working on a doctorate. His favourite battlefield to visit remains Gallipoli.
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 each month (except August and December). They start at 19:30, with the doors (and the bar) opening at 18:30. No entrance fees but we do welcome donations of £5 or more towards our costs.
How to get there: The club is next to Morrison's supermarket and Petts Wood railway station (trains from Charing Cross, Cannon Street, and Victoria). Parking at the rear of the club is free but you need to enter 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.