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

Photos By David Tattersfield, 16 July 2025
20 August 2026

First World War burials and rededication ceremonies in September 2026

Read more
Badneath Photo
15 August 2026

Drone footage of an abandoned munitions depot

Read more
Russia Karakurt Camo Mytishchi
13 August 2026

Dazzle Camouflage makes a comeback

Read more
E128 Header
12 August 2026

Stories from the Somme

Read more
34 37 2003 Basra 5
2 August 2026

Destruction of Basra War Cemetery Revealed in FOI Disclosures

Read more
Cavell Van Restored (1)
1 August 2026

The Cavell Van - to be featured on a forthcoming TV programme

Read more