Congratulations to Professor Peter Simkins on turning 80 today

7 March 2019

We are delighted to mark the 80th birthday of Professor Peter Simkins MBE, the President of The Western Front Association. 

A student of King's College, London and a keen jazz musician, in this interview Peter recalls how he selected a military theme for his undergraduate studies under Michael Howard and then went on to be the archivist of Liddell Hart's papers. Peter then moved to the Imperial War Museum as a Research and Information Officer, then Keeper of Exhibits which included the audacious saving of HMS Belfast, the opening up of Duxford and re-opening of Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms.

In 1976, back on an academic track as the Museum's Historian, Peter gave the best part of eight years to write Kitchener's Army: The Raising of the New Armies 1914-1916

To mark this occasion we invite visitors to enjoy this interview with Peter that was conducted a couple of years ago. 

We look forward to seeing you at the 8th President's Conference, this Saturday 30th March in Birmingham. Tickets are available on the door. 

Latest news

Password Reset
16 December 2025

Members area: Password reset

Read more
Xmas Opening Hours
16 December 2025

Christmas opening hours for the WFA office

Read more
Maxresdefault (5)
16 December 2025

Our YouTube channel hits a major milestone

Read more
The Western Front Association (WFA) logo
15 December 2025

Gary Sheffield stands down as President of the WFA

Read more
WFA Website Banner 20251107 1015
8 December 2025

Introducing Our New Website: A Quick Guide to Get You Started

Read more
DSC 0201 Web
30 November 2025

WFA member chronicles grandfather's journey from Boer War to Palestine

Read more