Andy travels the length and breadth of the country speaking at schools, conferences, museums, libraries and to specific groups. Increasingly, he is in demand abroad, undertaking an annual lecture tour in Canada and regular workshops with the Norwegian Army. For a full list of his forthcoming engagements see the events page. If you are interested in booking Andy as a speaker at your event, please contact :- ekhservices@gmail.com
Andy is currently offering talks via Zoom or other platforms, until in-person events can resume. He offers a wide range of talks that can be adapted for various audiences and age groups. His talks on trauma medicine and changes in warfare are now particularly relevant for GCSE and ‘A’ Level History students respectively. To illustrate his talks and engage with younger audience members, he can display some interesting World War One artefacts. An indication of audience suitability is now listed for each talk. Although best know for his expertise on First World War trench warfare, Andy is also an experienced speaker on Wold War Two topics. Here is a list of his most popular talks.
New talk :-
Andy will be talking about his experiences as military adviser on Sam Mendes’ latest film, “1917”. Andy worked with props, set design, costume, hair and make-up before going on location with the team.
Second World War talks:-
The Sharp End: The Experience of the British Soldier in World War Two
D-Day – 6 June 1944
From the Beaches to the Baltic: From D-Day to VE Day in Europe
Key topic talks for secondary schools:-
Developments in Trauma Medicine: The Royal Army Medical Corps in World War One
An excellent talk for Year 10/11 GSCE students studying the History of Medicine module, supplemented with period pieces of equipment and uniform.
“Thank you for a very enjoyable and entertaining talk yesterday. … You’ve generated a buzz among our students for medicine in the trenches.” Springwood School, King’s Lynn, Norfolk
The Changing Nature of Warfare 1790-1918
A fascinating look at military developments with particular relevance to ‘A’ Level students studying this module
From World War to Cold War
A look at how World War 2 led to a new kind of world conflict
Suitable for school and adult audiences:-
The Great War in Colour: The Real Experience of Trench Warfare
Everyday life for the average British soldier. A talk suitable for all audiences but a very useful introduction for Year 8 students who are planning to visit the Western Front battle sites
“Your talk on the Battle of the Somme from a different perspective was both thought-provoking and stimulating. The whole audience was gripped by your delivery , and you managed to pack in so much information in a limited period of time to great effect.” Chairman of Association, Royal Corps of Transport
Not Just a White War: The Great War and Empire
How the Great War impacted on people across the globe
Filming War Horse, the Movie
A more light-hearted and amusing talk in which Andy, explaining his role as historical advisor on Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, reveals how historical accuracy does not always win the day. Andy worked with the production team from the early days of script-writing to the last day of filming. He even managed a small acting role!
Bombs, Bullets and Bayonets: The Weapons of Trench Warfare
Illustrated with all the ‘inert’ weapons in question
Feeding Tommy: Rations and Cooking on the Western Front
How and what the average British soldier ate in the trenches
The Great War in Colour: The Real Experience of Trench Warfare
Everyday life for the average British soldier
“Your talk on the Battle of the Somme from a different perspective was both thought-provoking and stimulating. The whole audience was gripped by your delivery , and you managed to pack in so much information in a limited period of time to great effect.” Chairman of Association, Royal Corps of Transport
Suitable for adult audiences:-
Digging the Trenches: the archaeology of the Western Front
Based on 27 archaeological projects which featured in the television series ‘Finding the Fallen’ and ‘The Trench Detectives’
“Andy was great and got a very good response from the audience.” Wells-next- the-Sea Library
The Platoon: The life of Joseph Johns Steward on the Western Front, 1916-19
Based on an unpublished memoir this talk is a guide to researching a Great War ancestor
Ghosts on the Somme: Filming and photography of the battle June-July 1916
A look at the first film of soldiers in the Great War, as featured in the ITV documentary ‘The Somme: The Real Story’ for which Andy was lead consultant
The Real Flying Corps: 1914-18
A look at the early flying machines and their role in military strategy
WAACs and FANYS: The experience of women on the war front in the Great War
How women moved from the Home Front to the frontline as part of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry
Mud, Blood and Bandages: The Royal Army Medical Corps in the Great War
The developing role of the RAMC and the great strides made in trauma medicine in the first industrialised war
Feeding Tommy: Rations and Cooking on the Western Front
How and what the average British soldier ate in the trenches
The Year of Battles, 1917: A Study of Arras, Messines, Passchendale and Cambrai
The Horse in War: A study of the horse in military history
The Kaiser’s Battle: A study of the German offensives of March – May 1918
ANDY ROBERTSHAW 