2025 conference to chart Roger Keyes' path from the Dardanelles to the Dover Patrol

6 June 2025

The Western Front Association and Gallipoli Association are pleased to announce details of one of the featured presentations at their joint conference, taking place on 1st November 2025 at the RAF Club in London. As part of the 110th anniversary commemorations of the Gallipoli Campaign, the conference will examine connections between the Dardanelles and Western Front campaigns through the experiences of key military figures.

Sketch Of Vice Admiral Sir Roger Kyes 1872 1945 Kcb Cmg Cvo Ds — Sketch of Vice Admiral Sir Roger Kyes 1872 1945 Kcb Cmg Cvo Ds

From the Dardanelles to the Dover Patrol: Roger Keyes at Gallipoli and on the Western Front

This joint presentation by Clive Harris and Michael Keegan will be an illustrated discussion in front of the audience, with time for questions afterwards. A bit less formal than a traditional power-point presentation, between them, they will cover Roger Keyes incredible life, including how his actions during the Boxer Rebellion made his reputation prior to Gallipoli, the experiences and lessons he learnt during the Gallipoli campaign, leading onto his command of the Dover Patrol, relationship with Sir Douglas Haig and the Zeebrugge Raid to cover the Western Front. They will conclude with discussing how these often-non-conventional warfare operations lead to his time at Combined Operations to present the view that he should be regarded as the founding father of today's special forces.

Clive Harris

Clive Harris served in the Royal Signals and with Hertfordshire Constabulary as a communications officer before embarking on a career in military history in 1998. He is the author of "Walking the London Blitz", "A Wander through Wartime London" and "The Greater Game" and has contributed to Time Team, Time Watch, The BBC Gallipoli 100 coverage and CBS's Legacy of War. His specialist battlefield is Gallipoli having led over 60 tours to the Dardanelles. Clive is a badged member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides and a member of the British Commission for Military History in 2010. He completed his Master's degree in Great War Studies in 2017 and was the 2020 Douglas Haig Fellow, he is a proud Freeman of the City of London.

Michael Keegan

Michael Keegan is a PhD research student at the Department of War Studies of Kings College London, where he has recently completed his MA. Michael's research interest centres around the Naval and Political career of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes and his relationship with Winston Churchill. Prior to his PhD studies Michael had a 40 year career in business and held executive management positions with Fujitsu, MasterCard and NatWest Bank. He was until 2024 Vice Chair of TechUK, a member of Corporate Advisory Board of the Princes Trust and a Crown Representative for the Cabinet Office seconded to the MOD. Michael is currently writing a comprehensive biography of Roger Keyes.

Join us at the RAF Club

Mark your calendars for 1 November 2025 when the RAF Club in Piccadilly becomes the setting for an exceptional day of military history. This joint conference brings together world-class historians to explore the fascinating connections between Gallipoli and the Western Front.

What to expect:

Six distinguished speakers.
Networking opportunities with fellow military history enthusiasts.
Access to specialist books and items for association stores.

Conference ticket (£60) includes working lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Registration opens at 9.15am, with proceedings running from 10.00-17.00.

Fancy making it a full evening?

The Gala Dinner (£65) kicks off at 7pm with a three-course meal, preceded by drinks at the cash bar from 5.30pm, where you can also order and pay for your choice of wine from the wine-list.

Both events welcome non-members and guests.

Ready to book?

Visit "Courage without Glory" Conference & Dinner 2025 or contact Hester Huttenbach at events@gallipoli-association.org