Professor Brian Bond (1936-2025): Eminent Military Historian

6 June 2025

We regret to advise members of the death of Professor Brian Bond, one of the leading historians of the Great War. Professor Bond, who was 88, served as Professor of Military History at Kingʼs College London from 1966 to 2001, where he taught generations of students and supervised over 50 PhD candidates.

He was President of the British Commission for Military History for many years and frequently spoke at WFA branches.

Among his most notable works were “The Unquiet Western Front” (2002), “Survivors of a Kind: Memoirs of the Western Front” (2008), and “Britainʼs Two World Wars Against Germany” (2014). Professor Bond was among the historians who challenged the prevailing “Lions led by Donkeys” interpretation of British leadership in the First World War.

Brian was well known to many members through his great support and the frequent lectures he gave to branches across the country. His scholarly contributions and dedication to educating others about military history will be greatly missed.

A full obituary will follow. Funeral details are available from the office.

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