Tom Greenshields studied at Oxford and Durham Universities. He worked throughout his career in the Ministry of Defence - plus spent eight years in the Territorial Army, achieving the rank of Captain. For many years, Tom ran the living history group, "The Gordon Highlanders 1914-1918".
His research into the Highland soldier during the First World War culminated in 2019 in his first book, "Those Bloody Kilts, The Highland Soldier in the Great War".
The Society for Army Historical Research (SAHR) awarded the publication a Runner-Up prize for Best First Book.
This presentation isn't about famous Highland regiments. Instead, it looks at the life and character of the Highland soldier during the First World War.
Tom will examine the reality of the Highland soldier's experience of the war, including some difficult areas, such as the exercise of discipline, self image and reputation, ferocity and compassion, courage and failure.
His talk is based on years of research in the archives: drawing conclusions from original letters, diaries, and accounts of serving soldiers and officers.
Tom will address the truth behind some of the myths. What, if anything, made the Highland soldier unique? Or to what extent were his experiences simply the same as those of the ordinary Tommy?
The talk will be a candid appraisal of the Highland soldier.
Image: IWM (Q 332)