Tony Bray
Speaker Topics
History
Locations Covered
Anywhere
Fees
£75 - £150
Availability
Short Notice
Profile Bio
Tony Bray – Military & Aviation Historian
In 2022 I converted my life-long interest in military history into becoming a military and aviation historian. I started my working life at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, before being commissioned into the Royal Corps of Transport.
Along the way I flew light aircraft at Blackbushe, and gliders at Lasham. I have also visited many of the principal battlefield sites in Northern Europe. I can now offer the following six talks, which highlight many aspects of military and aviation history from new perspectives.
They are not boring regimental histories, but instead snapshots of significant events, and the charismatic people who caused them to happen. My talks are well illustrated with photos, videos, and animated diagrams, all of which engage the audience in the story.
In addition, some of my talks include recently-recorded interviews with veterans, who can recount the story from the experience of taking part. My talks last for an hour, after which I will be pleased to answer questions.
I am based in Leamington Spa, so I am happy to travel to most places. My usual fee is in the range £75 to £150, plus reasonable travel expenses. Any of my talks can be given using Zoom, if that is appropriate.
Talk Description
The Glider Pilot Regiment
In the early months of 1940 British armed forces were in a perilous state. Churchill realised we needed to develop airborne forces, and parachute troops were quickly formed and trained. But it was soon realised that paras are very limited by what they can carry into battle.
So large military gliders were developed, which enabled artillery guns, jeeps, and eventually tanks to be landed in the middle of the battlefield. And over 3,300 volunteer soldiers were selected and trained to fly the gliders. This is their story.
The Regiment flew their gliders in four main Operations. Operation Husky in July 1943, which was the invasion of Sicily. Operation Overlord in June 1944, which the invasion of Normandy. Operation Market-Garden in September 1944, which was the ill-fated attempt to capture the road bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem. Operation Varsity in March 1945, which was the successful crossing of the Rhine.
Other Talks
1. By Sea, Land, and Air
This talk explores why our Navy, Army, and Air Force each have mini versions of the other services, and be prepared for some surprises! The story unfolds chronologically, with the formation of the Royal Navy, then the Army, and the other services as they are mustered.
Two major technological advances changed the nature of warfare – air power and armoured fighting vehicles – and you will see how and when they were brought into service.
2. Lighter than air – the story of airships.
It’s hard for us to imagine the impact of seeing huge airships flying over our towns and cities. Airships brought in the best and worst of human nature – causing death and destruction in civilian populations, and bringing the joy and pleasure of cruising the skies in comfort.
The talk takes you through the early years, passing from the domination of the skies by the German Zeppelins, through to the promising development of future luxurious, and safe airships.
3. The fortress of Eben Emael
Dawn on the 10th of May 1940 and the long-dreaded land war in Europe was about to start. 70 German soldiers, equipped with two new secret weapons, neutralised the huge fortress of Eben Emael, with its garrison of 1,000 Belgian soldiers, in under 30 minutes.
How did it happen? This talk will take you on a tour of Eben Emael, revealing the huge number of gun emplacements, and show how the 70 fallshirmjager carried out their daring task.
4. Manna from Heaven – the story of air resupply
As airborne forces grew is size they were increasingly dropped further from the forward edge of the battle area. Keeping 25,000 soldiers equipped with all they need to carry on fighting quickly became a huge logistic operation.
This talk explores what happened in WW2, and then tracks the further development of air resupply to modern times.
5. How rotary winged flight has changed our world
Watching the humming bird motivated humans to develop aircraft which could take and land vertically, and hover safely for extended periods. This talk shows how the development occurred, from early experiments to today’s stunning helicopters.
With use of animated graphics I explain how rotary wings work, and with video clips show how modern life, both military and civilian has been impacted.