Why Traditional Publishing Mostly Fails Military History Authors

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Disclosure: As of January 2026, this blog contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase books through these links, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the ongoing research and content on The War Years.

According to Richard Godwin, a columnist for The Guardian, around 200,000 books are published in the UK each year.1 Most military history books sell only 200 to 300 copies before going out of print. The competition for readers' attention has never been more intense. However, many first-time authors will find that their publisher does very little, if anything, to actively promote their book.

Publishing military history requires more than just research and writing; it also involves navigating the submission process, securing image licenses, and collaborating with editors, each of which presents its own set of challenges. In recent months, I have gained a better understanding of these practical realities as I have submitted my second manuscript and worked through the complexities of traditional publishing.

Manuscript Submission and Image Licensing

In January 2025, my first book, A History of the Guards Armoured Formations 1941-1945, was published by Pen & Sword Military. In July 2025, I submitted the manuscript for my second book to Fonthill Media. My submission included the manuscript, 18 photographs, 2 diagrams, 1 map, and a comprehensive list of captions. The manuscript needed to be formatted according to the publisher's 20-page Submission and House Style Guide. Formatting the manuscript proved to be a surprisingly tedious and time-consuming process. Publishers also require the completion of multiple forms and questionnaires for marketing and sales purposes. This seems odd, since they rely heavily on authors to promote their own books. Overall, the administrative burden accounts for a significant portion of the submission process.

The Cost of Illustration

Finding suitable photographs to illustrate military history books takes time and money. For my latest book, the average copyright licensing fee was around £50 per image. Authors are responsible for these costs, as publishers do not cover image licensing expenses.

The final licensing fee per image is based on several factors. Cover images generally incur higher fees than those used inside the book because of their greater visibility. Additionally, the print run size, distribution methods, and other considerations influence the final price. Different jurisdictions have varying regulations regarding public domain materials and the expiration of copyright.

In the UK, copyright typically expires after 70 years, though exceptions exist. The Imperial War Museum (IWM) provides an excellent source for Second World War imagery. However, Crown Copyright applies to many photographs, allowing the institution to charge perpetual licensing fees that support its operations.

Some images are free to use, including those with Creative Commons licenses, public domain materials, and content from free stock photography sites. However, it is important to properly attribute the image creator.

If an author wants to include maps and diagrams in their book, they will either need to create the artwork themselves or hire an illustrator. Hiring an illustrator is an additional expense for the author, not the publisher. I hired a qualified graphic designer to produce the maps that appear in my first book, for example.

An author may choose to take their own photographs to illustrate their book; however, institutions often require licensing fees for images of artefacts in their collections, even if the photographs are original. Don't assume you can take a picture of a military vehicle on public display and simply publish the image. Always request permission and check whether fees apply before proceeding.

The Financial Reality: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

The economics of military history publishing become stark when examined systematically. Based on my own experience, the following table illustrates author expenses against realistic earnings for military history books:

Expense Category	Typical Cost Range	Notes
Image licensing (15–20 images)	£750–£1,200	£50 per image average from IWM, TNA, Getty
Archival research (multi-day visits)	£400–£800	Travel, accommodation, document fees (TNA, IWM)
Professional map design (2–3 maps)	£300–£600+	Graphic designer/illustrator fees
Marketing and promotion	£200–£500+	Website hosting, social media ads, review copies
Professional memberships	£100–£250	SAHR, RHS, SOA, HWA annual fees for credibility
Total Author Investment	£1,750–£3,350	Before any research and writing time is invested

Against the costs outlined in the diagram above, typical returns for military history books remain modest. Advances have become increasingly rare in military history publishing. Typically, only established and successful authors receive advances. In my case, I received a small advance, which was then deducted from my royalties until paid off.

The majority of first-time authors receive no advance whatsoever. Royalties of 7-10% on net receipts represent the industry standard for traditional publishers. Based on a retail price of £25 and a typical print run of 500-1,000 copies for specialist military history, selling 300 copies generates approximately £525-£750 in total royalties. For authors who received no advance, this represents their complete earnings from the book. Many authors will receive less. This calculation excludes the time investment required to research and write a history book.

A typical military history book requires 400-800 hours of research, writing, and editing. At even a modest £15 per hour, this represents a labour value of £6,000- £12,000. The financial reality is unambiguous: traditional publishing of specialist military history operates as a subsidised endeavour, with authors effectively paying publishers for the privilege of seeing their work in print. If you are in it for the money, you would be better off taking a job with a supermarket chain, as you will earn more than most authors and the money is guaranteed.

Why Most History Books Fail

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that most military history books do not provide a return on investment. The military history publishing sector reflects a broader crisis identified by James McConnachie, editor of the Society of Authors Journal. He observed that "far more books are published than could ever succeed" because publishers are "underinvesting in editing or marketing while outsourcing much of the risk to authors".2

For military historians, this imbalance is particularly severe. Authors face significant upfront expenses, including an average of £50 per image for copyright licenses, commissioning map and diagram costs, and fees for conducting archival research at institutions such as The National Archives. At the same time, they are expected to manage their own marketing campaigns with minimal support from publishers.

The Marketing Burden

The promotional workload expected of authors has expanded dramatically. Since my first book was published in mid-January 2025, I have invested approximately 2-3 hours weekly in marketing activities. This includes maintaining a presence across Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, with occasional posts on Instagram and TikTok.

Content production involves creating posts, video material, and occasional blog articles analysing military history topics to maintain audience engagement.

I have also worked with a local journalist who wrote several articles about my book and my family history research services for local residents. This generated regional awareness but required coordination time for interviews and fact-checking.

My publisher's contribution consisted of a single press release distributed to their existing mailing list and inclusion in their seasonal catalogue. A couple of social media posts, no review copy distribution to military history journals, no outreach to specialist bookshops or military museums. The expectation was clear: authors handle their own promotions, or their books disappear without a trace.

As McConnachie pointed out in an article in The Guardian, "traditional authors are doing much of the marketing anyway." This is concerning, especially given that the median income of full-time authors has dropped by about 60% since 2006, to just £7,000 per year.3 The figures are stark: Hundreds of hours spent in archives, thousands of pounds invested in illustrations and permissions, and extensive time devoted to social media promotion—all for books that most publishers acquire cheaply and produce with minimal investment, often with ineffective promotion.

This situation transforms what should be a scholarly pursuit into a struggle for financial stability, where authors end up subsidising publishers' profits while grappling to recover even their direct research costs, let alone receive fair compensation for years of specialised historical work.

Alternative Publishing Routes

Given the economic realities of traditional publishing, authors should evaluate alternative routes to market. Each approach presents distinct advantages and limitations. There is no perfect route to market here; everything is a compromise. And steer clear of websites and organisations that promise to do all the heavy lifting in terms of marketing and sales. If it seems too good to be true, that’s because it is. New authors should be wary of any company that demands upfront fees for vague services.

Academic Publishers

University presses such as Cambridge and Oxford remain the gold standard for scholarly credibility, but their commercial model has fundamentally shifted away from author earnings. Typical print runs for specialist military history monographs now range from 100 to 500 copies, down from approximately 1,500 in the 1980s.4 Oxford Historical Monographs, for example, publishes just 6-8 titles annually.5 Royalties typically sit at 8% of net receipts, not the cover price, meaning an author might earn approximately £1,008 total from a £70 monograph selling 300 copies after distributor discounts.6 Advances, when offered, are minimal: first-time academic authors report receiving "hundreds of pounds" rather than thousands. Pricing reflects the library-focused market, with British Academy Monographs ranging from £55 to £100 depending on length.

Authors considering open-access book publishing face high costs. Book Processing Charges at major presses include Cambridge and Oxford (£8,000-£12,000), Palgrave Macmillan (£10,000), and Routledge (£10,000+).7 Academic publishers prioritise scholarly rigour over commercial appeal, which suits detailed military analysis, but authors sacrifice broader public engagement for credibility within historical research communities.

Specialist Military History Publishers

The UK specialist military history market is dominated by three publishers: Pen & Sword, Helion & Company, and Osprey. These offer substantially better terms than academic presses whilst maintaining professional trade distribution.

Pen & Sword Books (Barnsley) publishes over 350 titles annually across multiple imprints.8 Documented author contracts show 10% royalties on all print sales and 15% on eBooks, calculated on net price received rather than cover price. When books sell at trade discounts of 50% or more, effective royalties drop accordingly. The company accepts submissions from new writers but expects authors to do most of the marketing.

Helion & Company (Warwick) has carved out the specialist-academic niche, publishing approximately 100 titles annually and holding 1,200 books in its catalogue. Pricing ranges from £24.95 to £35 for paperbacks and from £35 to £45 for larger academic titles. Helion organises titles into period-specific series and provides US distribution through Casemate Publishers.9

Osprey Publishing (Oxford), currently owned by Bloomsbury, dominates the illustrated reference market with 3,100+ titles and a monthly output of 10-12 books. Osprey typically operates a work-for-hire model for series contributors rather than standard royalty contracts.10

Self-Publishing via Amazon KDP

Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing platform offers the highest per-copy margins but creates significant barriers to physical bookshop and library distribution. The royalty structure changed in June 2025: print books priced at or above £7.99 receive a 60% royalty (minus printing costs), whilst those priced below £7.99 receive only a 50% royalty. Ebooks qualify for a 70% royalty within the £2.99- £9.99 price band.11

Print production costs for a 300-page black-and-white military history paperback are approximately £3.85. At a £14.99 list price with 60% royalty, author earnings would be £5.14 per copy sold—substantially higher than traditional publishing's £1-2 per copy.

Professional service costs for self-publishing a military history title in the UK typically include: developmental editing (£1,300-£4,000 for an 80,000-word manuscript), copy-editing (£950-£2,400), proofreading (£350-£800), cover design (£250-£600), interior formatting (£250-£500), battlefield cartography (£300-£1,200 per map), and ISBNs (£89 single or £164 for ten from Nielsen).12

The distribution limitations are severe. KDP titles are not eligible for UK Public Lending Right because Amazon uses ASINs rather than ISBNs licensed for library systems. Most independent bookshops refuse to stock KDP publications, viewing Amazon as a direct competitor. The Expanded Distribution option reduces royalties to 40% whilst still failing to match traditional trade terms.

Hybrid Publishers

The Society of Authors issued its landmark report, Is It a Steal?, in April 2022, investigating 240 authors across 91 hybrid publishing companies. The conclusion was unambiguous: hybrid/paid-for publishing is "the worst option a writer can take" because sales are insufficient to justify the author's investment, and there are concerns about aggressive marketing tactics and opaque contracts.13

Troubador Publishing (Leicester), operating the Matador imprint, represents the more reputable end of the UK hybrid market. As an Alliance of Independent Authors Partner Member, Troubador offers bespoke pricing: eBook-only (approximately £650); print plus eBook with 200 copies (approximately £3,000); full service with 500 copies and marketing (approximately £6,000); and premium with website and digital marketing (approximately £7,500).14

Troubador's royalty structure pays authors 85% of net receipts on eBooks (after retailer discounts) and manages print royalties after a 15% commission for distribution and fulfilment. Crucially, Troubador operates selectively, rejecting manuscripts that don't meet quality standards, and provides genuine trade distribution through its own warehousing.

Key red flags of vanity press operations include accepting all manuscripts regardless of quality, aggressive cold-calling tactics, pressure to purchase immediately, vague distribution claims, and hidden costs that appear after signing. The Independent Book Publishers Association Hybrid Publisher Criteria establishes 11 standards for legitimate hybrids, but these criteria are voluntary and non-binding.15

Practical Advice for Aspiring Military Historians

Based on my experience navigating military history publishing, the following recommendations may help authors avoid common pitfalls and establish realistic expectations. I want to specifically acknowledge the Society of Authors for their invaluable advice and practical assistance as I approach the publication of my second book.

Questions to Ask Publishers Before Signing

Publishers should provide clear answers to specific questions before authors commit to contracts. Essential enquiries include:

• What editorial support will be provided? Request details about structural editing, copy-editing, and proofreading processes, including whether these are included in the contract or represent additional author expenses.

• What marketing activities will the publisher undertake? Obtain specific commitments regarding review copy distribution, social media promotion, and outreach to specialist retailers and military history platforms.

• Who covers image licensing costs? Clarify whether the publisher provides a budget for photograph licenses or whether authors must fund these expenses independently.

• What is the expected print run and pricing strategy? Understanding initial print quantities and retail pricing helps establish realistic sales projections and royalty calculations.

• What rights revert to the author if the book goes out of print? Ensure contracts specify clear conditions for rights reversion, enabling authors to pursue alternative publishing options if the publisher ceases promotion.

Building an Online Presence Before Publication

Publishers increasingly expect authors to arrive with an established social media presence. Beginning author-brand development 12-18 months before manuscript submission provides several advantages. A research blog demonstrating expertise in your subject area builds credibility with both publishers and readers. Regular social media posts analysing primary sources, discussing historiography, or exploring archival discoveries establish your authority whilst generating content for promotion. Social media engagement with military history communities, museums, and fellow historians creates networks that support book launches. Publishers view authors with 2,000+ engaged social media followers as lower-risk investments, though the quality of engagement matters more than follower count.

Identifying Low-Cost Image Sources

Image licensing represents a significant expense, but several strategies reduce costs without compromising quality. Wikimedia Commons hosts substantial collections of military history under Creative Commons licenses, particularly for pre-1945 material. The U.S. National Archives offers extensive Second World War imagery in the public domain. The UK's national archive provides free images for non-commercial use. In contrast, other national archives, such as the Nationaal Archief (National Archives of the Netherlands), offer some images that are out of copyright. Regional museums and regimental archives may also waive fees for authors who give prominent credit to the institution. Additionally, building relationships with military vehicle preservation societies and re-enactment groups can grant access to contemporary photography of historical equipment. However, it's essential to obtain written permission before using any of these images. Your publisher might help you find license-free images or negotiate prices with stock libraries. For example, Pen & Sword Books offered to search for license-free images while I was working on my first book.

Creating Your Own Maps and Diagrams

Professional map production costs £150-£250 per map, but several tools enable authors to create acceptable alternatives. QGIS, an open-source geographic information system, provides sophisticated mapping capabilities for battle maps and campaign movements. The learning curve is steep but worthwhile for authors planning multiple books. Inkscape offers vector graphics editing suitable for organisational charts, order-of-battle diagrams, and tactical illustrations.

For authors lacking design skills, commissioning university geography or design students provides high-quality results at reduced rates, typically £50- £100 per map. Always retain source files and copyright for any commissioned work to enable reuse in future publications. These approaches require time investment but reduce direct costs and provide valuable skills transferable across multiple projects.

You can find freelancers on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. However, based on my own experience, the quality of work can vary greatly, and prices can escalate quickly. If you need to redo work because the quality is poor, the cheap option can end up costing more.

Conclusion

Like many first-time authors, I approached the publication process with expectations shaped more by optimism than by reality. I anticipated that my publisher would guide my manuscript through substantive editing, using their expertise to transform my first draft into a commercially viable history book. Unfortunately, that professional support never materialised. I received little editorial help, which left me to figure out the complexities of historical storytelling and pacing mostly on my own. Because of this, I now see that my book didn't reach its full potential. It wasn't due to a lack of research or hard work, but rather because I mistakenly thought that professional editing would be part of the publishing process.

My second book shares a different experience. While working with a new publisher, I have received valuable editorial support and guidance. This shows what good collaboration in publishing looks like. I have received helpful feedback, suggestions for the structure, and expert advice, which I hope will turn solid historical research into an interesting, engaging story. This time, I am hopeful that the final product will highlight my research skills and reflect the quality that comes from a strong editorial partnership. This shows that support greatly improves the quality of the final work.

However, my new publisher has been absorbed by a larger industry player, which will undoubtedly impose its own rules and cost-cutting measures, leaving minor authors with little support and minimal expectations. For me, personally, it means books that I’d planned to write on the Falklands War and Operation Market Garden have been shelved.

The fundamental tension in military history publishing lies between credibility and compensation. Academic presses offer institutional validation for scholars, but financial returns are measured in hundreds of pounds. Specialist trade publishers provide professional production and bookshop distribution at royalty rates of 10-15% on net receipts. Self-publishing through KDP maximises per-copy margins whilst sacrificing access to physical retail and library channels. For military historians, the reality is that Pen & Sword and Helion dominate the accessible trade market. This means that most pre-production costs and the ongoing marketing responsibilities fall on the author, who is very unlikely to ever see a return on their investment.

References

1. Godwin, R., 2025. More are published than could ever succeed: Are there too many books? The Guardian, 21 March. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/mar/21/more-are-published-than-could-ever-succeed-are-there-too-many-books [Accessed 6 January 2026].

2. McConnachie, J., 2024. The Crisis in Book Publishing: Why Authors Are Paying the Price. The Guardian, 15 October. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/oct/15/book-publishing-crisis-authors [Accessed 6 January 2026].

3. Society of Authors, 2024. Authors' Earnings 2024: A Survey of UK Authors. London: Society of Authors.

4. Thompson, J.B., 2023. The Future of the Monograph in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences: Publisher Perspectives on a Transitioning Format. Publications, 11(1). Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9946702/ [Accessed 6 January 2026].

5. Wikipedia, 2025. Oxford Historical Monographs. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_Historical_Monographs [Accessed 6 January 2026].

6. Oxford University Press, 2025. Royalties and payments for UK Office Agreements. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/pages/authoring/books/royalties/royalties-uk [Accessed 6 January 2026].

7. Cambridge Core, Publishing an open-access book. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/authors/publishing-an-open-access-book/ [Accessed 9 January 2026].

8. Pen and Sword Books, Blog, About. Available at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/blog/about/ [Accessed 9 January 2026].

9. Helion & Company, 2025. Military History Books. Available at: https://www.helion.co.uk/ [Accessed 9 January 2026].

10. Wikipedia, 2025. Osprey Publishing. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey_Publishing [Accessed 9 January 2026].

11. Dibbly, 2025. Amazon KDP Royalty Changes 2025: What to Know and Do. Available at: https://dibbly.com/amazon-kdp-royalty-changes-2025-what-to-know-do/ [Accessed 9 January 2026].

12. Ex Why Zed, 2025. How Much Does It Cost to Self Publish a Book in 2025? Available at: https://exwhyzed.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-self-publish-a-book/ [Accessed 9 January 2026].

13. Society of Authors, 2022. Is It a Steal? An investigation into ‘hybrid’ / paid-for publishing services. Available at: https://writersguild.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/is-it-a-steal-an-investigation-into-hybridpaid-for-publishing-services.pdf [Accessed 9 January 2026].

14. Troubador Publishing, 2025. Pricing. Available at: https://troubador.co.uk/pricing [Accessed 9 January 2026].

15. Independent Book Publishers Association, 2022. IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria. Available at: https://www.ibpa-online.org/page/hybridpublisher [Accessed 9 January 2026].

SAS Battle Ready by Dominic Utton – a compendium of forty Special Air Service operations

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SAS Battle Ready is the latest book from journalist and author Dominic Utton. The book is an anthology of forty Special Air Service (SAS) operations since the unit’s formation in 1941.

The book is divided into three sections. The first section, Forged in War, briefly explains the early history of the SAS from inception during the North Africa campaign to Operation Archway three and a half years later. The next section of the book examines the period between 1952 and 2000. During this period the SAS evolved with the changing nature of global threats from the decline of the British Empire to the rise of international terrorism and hostage-taking. During this time, SAS operations spanned Malaya, Oman, Somalia, the Iranian Embassy siege, London, and the Falklands War. Finally, the book concludes with the Regiment’s most recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the post-9/11 so-called War on Terror.

Perhaps due to his background in journalism, Dominic Utton has a talent for being able to summarise some of the world’s most complex conflicts in just a few brief sentences. In fact, he succeeds in telling the dramatic story of forty SAS operations from the early ‘shoot-and-scoot’ missions across the Libyan Desert to hunting for Scud missile launchers in Iraq with remarkable economy. The book also contains some fascinating facts, such as the SAS suffered 330 casualties during the Second World War while they manage to inflict around 31,000 losses on Axis forces. Clearly, David Stirling’s belief ‘that a few men could inflict more damage – with less risk - than in a traditional attack’ was fully proven.

Although SAS Battle Ready is a perfectly readable and informative book, I do have reservations about it. Firstly, a quick glance at the book’s bibliography reveals that no primary research was done whatsoever. If Mr. Utton did conduct his own research but simply neglected to cite his sources, then I stand corrected. Nonetheless, the book appears to be largely a compendium of other writers’ works. Because of Dominic Utton’s economy of research, SAS Battle Ready has nothing new to tell us about the SAS that hasn’t been said before. I, personally, have never attempted to conduct any research on British special forces. However, ex-SAS veterans like Rusty Firmin and Robin Horsfall are no longer hard men to find. In fact, both men have their own websites and are easily contactable via LinkedIn.

The lack of any evidence of primary research brings me to my second question, criticism, or concern about the writing of SAS Battle Ready, and that is why bother? Surely, given the right inputs an AI (artificial intelligence) application like ChatGPT or Google’s Bard could have produced something similar. Of course, the obvious, rather cynical answer to my own question as to why write yet another book about the SAS is that they’re popular and likely to sell. The ex-SAS soldier turned prolific author Steven Mitchel (pen-name Andy McNab) is a veritable one-man publishing house, turning out over 30 fiction and non-fiction titles based on his time with the Regiment.

It is difficult to give an exact number as new books about the Special Air Service are constantly being published. However, it is safe to say that hundreds of books have been written about the SAS since the end of the Second World War. Andy McNab’s Bravo Two Zero (1993) and Immediate Action (1995) have both become international bestsellers. More recent books like SAS: Rogue Heroes - The Authorised Wartime History by Ben Macintyre (2016) have been adapted for television and spawned a plethora of films, TV documentaries, reality TV shows, podcasts, and computer games. Audiences seem to have an insatiable appetite for all things SAS related. Luckily for the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Regiment’s Winged Dagger unit insignia and famous ‘Who Dares Wins’ motto is Crown copyright protected, which hopefully contributes to our dwindling defence budget, but I digress. Military history and the media and entertainment industries have always had a symbiotic relationship, and long may it continue. However, writing books about the SAS that have nothing new to say and simply rehash other authors’ works seem a little cynical and opportunistic.

I’m sure Dominic Utton’s SAS Battle Ready will sell, and the publisher will no doubt see a return on their investment. Overall, I cannot help feeling a bit cheated by the book’s lack of effort. Perhaps, whoever plays it safe also wins.   

SAS Battle Ready by Dominic Utton is published by Michael O’Mara Books Ltd., 2023.

The enduring importance of studying military history

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Allied Forces in the United Kingdom 1939-45 Belgian troops advance with fixed bayonets during training in Wales, 8 July 1941.

This is photograph H 11614 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums.

The Second World War had a significant impact on the world we live in today. The study of military history has played a crucial role in understanding the causes and consequences of global conflict. This article explores the importance of military history and how it can shed light on the reasons behind conflicts, the motivations of those who took part, and the impact of technological innovations on warfare. It also discusses how the study of military history can broaden our understanding of the world and develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

The Second World War was a defining moment in human history, marking the end of the world as people knew it and paving the way for a new era of international relations, politics, and global economic power. It was a time of intense political, social and military upheaval, where nations and ideologies collided in a struggle for dominance and survival. Today, many years since the end of the war, the study of military history remains an important discipline, one that provides valuable insights into the causes and consequences of global conflict.

Lessons learned from a world at war

There are several reasons why the study of military history is important. First, military history helps to shed light on the reasons behind conflicts and the motivations of those who took part in them. This understanding can help to prevent similar conflicts from occurring in the future. For example, the lessons learned from the Second World War have helped to shape the modern world, including the establishment of the United Nations, the creation of international human rights laws and the promotion of democracy and free trade. However, on the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine, it is also tragically clear that the lessons of history do not prevent old enmities and new conflicts from happening.

Of course, military history can only teach us what we are willing to learn and does have practical applications that are relevant to the modern world. For instance, military history is used by policymakers, military planners and international organisations to inform their decisions and shape their strategies. Understanding the lessons of past conflicts can help to inform present and future military operations, improving the effectiveness of military interventions and reducing the risk of unintended consequences.

Technology and innovation

The study of military history can also provide insights into technological developments and innovations that have had an impact on warfare. For example, the Second World War saw the development of new weapons, tactics and technologies that changed the face of warfare forever. By studying the development and application of these technologies, military historians can help to inform future innovations and ensure that new technologies are used in the most effective and responsible manner possible.

The Second World War saw the development of many technologies that went on to transform post-war life.

The development of cryptography during the Second World War led to the creation of the first computers, which were used to decode enemy messages. The first electronic computers, such as the American ENIAC and British Colossus, were developed during the war and laid the foundation for the digital revolution that would transform post-war life. The use of computers in business, research, and everyday life has become ubiquitous, and the ability to process and store vast amounts of data has revolutionised every field of human endeavour.

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de Havilland DH.106 Comet

Similarly, the development of jet engines during the war helped transform aviation. In 1949, the de Havilland DH.106 Comet became the world’s first commercial passenger jet. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the commercial airline industry reached 38.9 million flights globally in 2019.1 The jet engine made air travel faster, more comfortable, and more accessible to the public. But emissions from aviation have also made a significant contribution to air pollution and possibly climate change.

The jet engine also had a profound impact on post-war military aviation, enabling supersonic flight and the development of fighter jets with unprecedented speed, stealth, agility and firepower. The impact of the jet engine on travel, commerce, and military power is still felt today. For example, it is believed that the use of western warplanes like the F-16 and Gripen fighter by the Ukrainian Air Force could prove decisive in the war against Russia. Of course, only time will tell.

Critical thinking and analytical skills

In addition to its practical applications, military history is also important in a more general sense, as it helps to broaden our understanding of the world. The study of military history provides a context for understanding the complex relationships between nations, and the motivations behind political, economic and military actions. This understanding can help to inform our understanding of the world today and the events that shape it.

Furthermore, military history is an important tool for teaching critical thinking, analytical skills and historical awareness. By studying military history, students can learn how to evaluate evidence, think critically about historical events, and understand the context in which they occurred. This knowledge can help to develop the skills necessary for a successful future, whether in the military, government, private sector, or academia.

In his 1961 paper, The Use and Abuse of Military History Michael Howard discusses the role of military history in the study of war and its use and abuse by politicians, military leaders, and the public.

Howard argues that military history is an essential tool for understanding the nature of war, but it is often misused for propaganda purposes. Military history should be studied objectively, without political bias, and used to inform policy decisions. However, politicians and military leaders often use selective historical examples to justify their actions, leading to a distorted understanding of history and potentially dangerous policies.

One of the key conclusions of the paper is that military history should be used to illuminate the realities of war, rather than to glorify it or justify particular policies. Howard emphasizes the importance of studying the social, economic, and political context of war, as well as military tactics and strategy. He argues that a more nuanced understanding of history can help prevent the mistakes of the past from being repeated in the present.

Overall, Howard's paper is a call for a more critical approach to the use of military history, both in academia and in the public sphere. It highlights the potential benefits and pitfalls of using history to inform policy decisions and stresses the importance of a clear-eyed understanding of the complexities of war.2

Certainly, I would agree with Howard’s premise that military history should be studied in breadth, depth and within the context of the times to try and gain an unbiased perspective of events. To the school pupil and casual observer, history might appear dusty, static and linear, but that is seldom the case. The study of history is a dynamic, interpretive, and iterative process that welcomes new viewpoints and encourages debate. 

The utility of history as a military training aid

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British Cromwell tanks assembled for Operation Goodwood, 18-20 July 1944

Operation Goodwood was a British offensive launched on July 18, 1944, during the Normandy Campaign. The operation involved a massive armoured and infantry assault against German forces in the Caen sector, with the aim of drawing German forces away from the American offensive, Operation Cobra, further west. The operation was supported by a massive aerial bombardment.

Despite the numerical superiority of the Allied forces, the operation met with mixed success. The British armoured units suffered heavy losses from German anti-tank guns, self-propelled (SP) guns and tanks, while the infantry made only limited gains. Nevertheless, the operation resulted in the destruction of many German tanks and artillery pieces but at a high cost in terms of Allied casualties. Immediately after the conclusion of Goodwood on 20 July 1944, controversy began about the operational intentions of the plan.

Today, Operation Goodwood continues to generate historical debate and controversy regarding its intentions and results. Subsequently, it has become a popular subject for writers, journalists, historians, and military theorists. In 1980, General Sir William Scotter proposed that German defensive tactics used at Goodwood might provide a template for NATO forces to repel a Soviet armoured offensive in northwest Europe. General Scotter’s proposition suggested that the German defensive strategy during Operation Goodwood, which involved using a combination of anti-tank guns, minefields, and concealed infantry positions to halt enemy armour, could be effective against Soviet tank formations. The idea was that NATO forces, like the Germans, could use a combination of conventional and unconventional tactics to slow down and disrupt Soviet tank offensives. This strategy was seen as especially useful for defending key chokepoints and urban areas.3

In 1982, Charles Dick sought to refute the so-called ‘Goodwood concept.’ Dick argued against this proposition, pointing out that the Soviet army had evolved since the Second World War and had developed new tactics and weapons systems. He argued that a strategy based solely on the German model would be insufficient to defeat a modern Soviet army. Moreover, it can be argued that the German defensive strategy was ultimately unsuccessful during Operation Goodwood. After all, the Allies were still able to achieve limited success and write down tanks, troops, and equipment that the Germans could not afford to lose or easily replace. Nevertheless, a generation of British Army officers visited the Goodwood battlefield, escorted by key protagonists such as Major-General Roberts, commander of the 11th Armoured Division, and Colonel Han Von Luck, 21st Panzer Division, and quite possibly learned the wrong lessons from a study of the operation.4

According to the U.S. Army’s Centre of Military History, staff rides (a combination of battlefield tours and exercises) represent a unique and persuasive method of conveying the lessons of the past to the present-day Army leadership for current application. Properly conducted, these exercises bring to life, on the very terrain where historic encounters took place, examples, applicable today as in the past, of leadership, tactics and strategy, communications, use of terrain, and, above all, the psychology of men in battle. It is true that staff rides are widely used by military organisations across the globe as a teaching aid, but not universally.5

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reject the type of learning-from-history model typified by the staff ride. The IDF prefers to rely on practice and its own experience to prepare for future operations rather than the study of history. In The Staff Ride: A Sceptical Assessment, Anthony King argues that staff rides are of limited practical utility for preparing military leaders to face the unique challenges and stresses of combat. Instead, he contends that staff rides are primarily a social networking exercise, which helps unify the officer corps and create personal bonds between them. Secondly, he believes that staff rides also help fortify commanders when faced with making difficult decisions, knowing that their predecessors experienced similar challenges.6

As every conflict is a unique, never to be repeated event, the staff ride might be of limited practical use to the fledgling military commander. Nevertheless, the study of military history highlights the many similarities as well as the differences between conflicts, which in turn can provide useful templates to help inform and fortify the decision-making of tomorrow’s commanders. The British Army believes that military history can provide examples of courage, leadership and resilience that can be applied in a variety of contexts. However, it is also clear that we should be critical of how we choose to interpret historical events and the lessons we believe they teach us.

A deeper understanding of identity

The study of military history can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of their nation's identity and place in the world. In the United Kingdom, for example, military history is seen as an important part of national identity and heritage. According to The Royal British Legion studying military history can help individuals understand the significance of the role the Armed Forces have played in shaping the nation.

Military history also helps to preserve the memory of those who served and died in wars. The Second World War was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, with millions of lives lost. By studying its history, we can honour the sacrifices of those who fought and died and ensure that their memory is not forgotten.

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Rover Scout Crew, British and Commonwealth PoWs, Stalag-383

Studying genealogy, which is the study of family ancestry and lineage, can help someone gain a greater sense of identity by providing them with a deeper understanding of their family history and cultural heritage. Learning about one's ancestors, traditions, values, and experiences, can help individuals connect with their roots and develop a sense of belonging to a larger family community. By exploring their family history, individuals may discover inspiring stories of military service, resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity, which can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation. Overall, studying genealogy can help individuals better understand and appreciate their identity and place in the world.

In conclusion, the study of military history remains an important discipline that has both practical and academic applications. By studying military history, we can learn the lessons of past conflicts, inform future military operations and shape our understanding of the world. Whether we are students, policymakers, military planners or simply interested citizens, the study of military history provides us with a valuable tool for understanding the world and ensuring a safer, more peaceful future.

The study of military history can also teach us to be more critical and analytical and question our assumptions and biases because it provides us with a unique perspective on the past and the present. By examining historical events and military strategies, we can gain a deeper understanding of how decisions were made, what factors influenced them, and what the consequences were. This can help us develop critical thinking skills, as we learn to evaluate evidence, weigh different perspectives, and analyse complex situations.

Furthermore, studying military history can expose us to a range of different cultural and political perspectives, allowing us to see how biases and assumptions can impact decision-making. By understanding the context and motivations behind historical events, we can develop a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the world and our place in it. This can help us become more empathetic and open-minded, as we learn to appreciate different viewpoints and challenge our own assumptions and biases.

Overall, the study of military history can help us become more critical and analytical thinkers, better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world and make informed decisions based on a deeper understanding of the past.

Sources:

1. Number of flights performed by the global airline industry from 2004 to 2022 (2023), Statista.com, <https://www.statista.com/statistics/564769/airline-industry-number-of-flights/> [accessed 20 February 2023].

2. Michael Howard, ‘The Use and Abuse of Military History,’ Parameters 11, no. 1 (1981), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.1251.

3. General Sir William Scotter, ‘A Role for Non-Mechanised Infantry’, The RUSI Journal, 125.4 (1980), 59–62.

4. Charles J Dick, ‘The Goodwood Concept - Situating the Appreciation’, The RUSI Journal, 127.1 (1982), 22–28.

5. CMH Staff Rides, U.S. Army Center of Military History, <https://history.army.mil/staffRides/index.html> [accessed 28 February 2023].

6. Anthony King, ‘The Staff Ride: A Sceptical Assessment’, ARES& ATHENA Applied History 14, Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research (CHACR), (2019), 18-21.

4 Reasons to Research Your Ancestor's Military Service History

Malindine E G (Capt), No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Genealogy, or the study of family history and ancestry, has become increasingly popular in recent years. It allows individuals to discover their roots, learn about their ancestors' lives, and connect with their heritage. One aspect of genealogy that can be particularly fascinating is researching an ancestor's military service history.

In this blog post, we'll explore why researching an ancestor's military service history can be of great benefit to individuals and families.

1. Gaining a deeper understanding of your family history

One of the main benefits of researching an ancestor's military service history is that it allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their family history. Military service records can provide details on an ancestor's rank, service dates, and where they served. This information can help individuals develop a clearer picture of their ancestor's life and experiences. For example, The National Archives provides access to military service records for British Army soldiers who served between 1914 and 1920. By examining these records, individuals can discover where their ancestors served, what battles they may have fought in, and even details about their injuries or medals awarded.

2. Connecting with national heritage

Researching an ancestor's military service history can also help individuals connect with their national heritage. In the UK, military service has played a significant role in shaping the country's history and identity. By researching an ancestor's military service, individuals can gain a better understanding of the contributions made by their family members to the country's military efforts. This can help individuals develop a stronger sense of connection to their country and its history. For example, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in London has a collection of over 1 million items that tell the story of modern war and conflict, from personal accounts of soldiers who served in the British Army to numerous films, photographs, and publications. These documents can provide a first-hand look at what life was like for soldiers on the front lines, and help individuals connect with their ancestor's experiences.

3. Discovering previously unknown information

Researching an ancestor's military service history can also uncover previously unknown information about their life and experiences. Military service records may provide details about an ancestor's family, occupation, and other aspects of their life that were not previously known. For example, The National Archives notes that military service records can include details about an individual's next of kin, address, and occupation before and after their military service. By discovering this information, individuals can develop a more complete picture of their ancestor's life.

4. Honouring an ancestor's military service

Researching an ancestor's military service history can also be a way to honour their service and sacrifice. By uncovering the details of an ancestor's military service, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges they faced and the contributions they made. This can be especially meaningful for individuals whose ancestors were killed in action or suffered injuries during their service. For example, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) maintains records of individuals who died in military service during both World Wars. By researching these records, individuals can pay tribute to their ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

In conclusion, researching an ancestor's military service history can be a valuable and rewarding aspect of genealogy. By gaining a deeper understanding of family history, connecting with national heritage, discovering previously unknown information, and honouring an ancestor's service, individuals can develop a stronger sense of connection to their past and their family's contributions to history. The UK is home to a wealth of resources for researching military service history, including the National Archives, the Imperial War Museum, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. By utilizing these resources, individuals can unlock the fascinating and often poignant stories of their ancestors' military service.

If you want to know more about your ancestors' military service, please contact me today.

6 tech tips for tackling your master’s in military history

THE ROYAL NAVY DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. © IWM A 10438

When I started my master’s degree in military history, one of the first things I did was browse the Internet for guidance on undertaking research, managing my time and dissertation writing techniques. Although I did find plenty of general information about undertaking a master’s degree, I did not discover anything specific to military history. During my course induction, the university did recommend some online resources and advice on conducting research. However, I quickly realised that I would have to develop my own methods of study and find the tools to match. In the remainder of this blog post, I have laid out six apps and devices that helped me succeed with my research and writing. I do hope you find it useful.

When undertaking a master’s degree in military history, you naturally spend a lot of time doing research at archives, museums, and libraries. As a part-time student, holding down a full-time job, I seldom had the opportunity to spend days pawing over war diaries, letters, or official documents. Instead, I had to maximise my available time and access to archive resources. Additionally, five months after I started my course, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, closing many public buildings for long periods. When I was able to secure a visitor’s slot at The National Archives, for example, I had to scan and save as many pages of as many documents as possible. Luckily for me, the Adobe Scan mobile app proved the perfect solution.

1.       Adobe Scan

Once installed on your smartphone or tablet, Adobe Scan enables you to easily capture and convert documents to PDFs. The app is free to use, which is always a bonus when you are a student. When you create a free Adobe Document Cloud account, all your scanned documents are automatically backed up, and are available from anywhere with an Internet connection. The free service provides you with 2-GB of Cloud storage and text recognition for documents up to 25-pages. Adobe Scan is available for Android and Apple iPhone.

During my research project, I scanned hundreds of pages of war diaries. Frequently, the diary entries were written by hand in faint pencil. This made them hard to read and difficult to capture as an image using a smartphone camera. However, Adobe Scan has some very handy features, such as filters, which can transform illegibly faint scribble into clearly discernible text. Once you have found the right filter, simply click the ‘Apply to all pages’ button, and your document is transformed. Adobe also makes it easy to download documents to your device, share via email and save a copy to Google Drive.

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Screen grabs from Adobe Scan mobile app

2.       Samsung tablet computer

I mainly used my laptop computer for desk research and writing. For field research, I purchased an inexpensive Samsung Galaxy tablet (other brands are available), a 7-inch screen and 32-GB of storage. I found the smaller 7-inch form factor more convenient to use than the larger 10-inch screen, but I guess it is a matter of personal preference. Additionally, I got a hard-shell protective case, which doubled as a stand, and a Bluetooth wireless keyboard. The only apps I installed on the tablet were Adobe Reader, Adobe Scan, Kindle and Mendeley, which I will come to later. Using My Files on the Galaxy tablet, I created a very simple filing system. Next, I downloaded every research document onto the device as my project progressed. This put all my research documents at my fingertips and allowed me to work anywhere without being reliant on an Internet connection.

3.       Amazon Kindle

During a degree course, you borrow and buy lots of books. Printed books take up a lot of shelf space. Whereas digital books (eBooks) only occupy storage space on your tablet, which can always be increased. I used Amazon Kindle as my preferred digital library. As well as the mobile app, you can access your Kindle library from any web browser using the Kindle Cloud Reader. Besides being accessible from anywhere, many Kindle eBooks are cheaper than printed editions. However, it was the search function on Kindle that I found most useful. Type any keyword or phrase into the search field, and Kindle will list every example of that word or phrase by chapter and page in a nice, neat, sequential list. The Kindle search feature saved me plenty of time during my research and while writing my dissertation. You can also bookmark pages and highlight text that you want to reference later.

Another useful money-saving tip for the cash-strapped student is to sign up for an Amazon Prime Student account, which offers you a wide range of discounts on everything from laptops to textbooks.

4.       Index tabs

Marking the pages of numerous books for reference purposes can be a chore. However, my project supervisor suggested a very effective low-tech solution. Sticky index tabs are brightly coloured, self-adhesive strips of plastic or paper, which are ideal for marking pages of books that you might want to refer to repeatedly. Post-it Page Markers are recyclable index tabs; the paper used to manufacture them is ethically sourced (other brands are available). Another advantage of using paper-based tabs is that you can write on them for indexing.

5.       Mendeley reference manager

Universities set out clear guidelines for footnotes and citations in military history papers such as the Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA) style guide. It is important that you follow these style guides to the letter. Today, there are a wide range of reference management tools available to help you. Initially, I tried Zotero research software. However, I did not find it easy to use. Next, I tried Mendeley and struck gold. Mendeley is a free reference management software available for Windows, Android, Apple, and Linux. Once installed, you can upload your research to build a library of documents and references. Mendeley generates references, citations, and bibliographies in a whole range of journal styles including MHRA. The Mendeley Cite plugin for Microsoft Word enables you to insert footnotes quickly and easily into your papers.

One note of caution when using Mendeley. If you intend to share a rough draft of a working document with your supervisor, remember to export your document in the correct format. If you simply save your Word document and send it, then Mendeley code will remain present. When the recipient opens your document, they might find the formatting confused or unreadable. This is a mistake you do not want to make on the submission of your dissertation.

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Mendeley Reference Management Software

6.       Microsoft 365

Prior to starting my course, the university’s IT department set me up with Outlook email and a Microsoft 365 account, which includes popular Office products like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Additionally, the Microsoft 365 Education plan provides tools and services like SharePoint, OneNote, Teams and Publisher. Microsoft provides a wide range of mobile apps to enable you to work from anywhere on any mobile device. However, I must admit that I seldom used Microsoft 365 during my research project. For non-students, Microsoft generously provides a free online version of Office.

Obviously, everyone who undertakes a master’s degree in military history will meet the challenges of their own research project differently. Nevertheless, technology can help you save time, energy, and money, which might otherwise be wasted. Lastly, check out websites like Save the Student and UNiDAYS for a wide range of discount codes and free stuff. And remember that many software and hardware vendors will offer educational discounts but sometimes you must ask them.

If you enjoyed this post, I would be very grateful if you would help spread the word by sharing it on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you!

Night of the Bayonets and the Battle for Texel Island

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Eric Lee’s book Night of the Bayonets: the Texel Uprising and Hitler’s Revenge, April-May 1945

The war in northwest Europe was supposed to have been over on the 8th of May 1945. However, Eric Lee’s new book, Night of the Bayonets tells a very different story. Instead, his book transports us to the Wadden Islands, where the Battle of Texel raged from 6th April until 20th May 1945. The central act in this real-life drama, the brutal massacre of some 400 German troops at the hands of their comrades, gives the book its menacing title. While the rest of the Continent celebrated VE Day, the Dutch inhabitants of Texel Island found themselves in the middle of a bloody conflict between German troops and their erstwhile allies of the Georgian Legion, itself part of the Wehrmacht.

Now an almost forgotten footnote to the Second World War, the Battle of Texel quickly became a propaganda vehicle for Dutch communists, the Soviet Union, and Georgian nationalists. In 1968, the story was even transformed into a Soviet film called Crucified Island. In Night of the Bayonets, historian and journalist Eric Lee tries to untangle the facts from the fiction. His book also asks some difficult questions about national and political loyalties versus morality and the human imperative for survival. Caught between starvation, disease, or a bullet in the neck, would you voluntarily take up arms for your enemy? Would you knowingly endanger civilians, many of them children, to save your own skin?

Basically, Night of the Bayonets is a book of three parts. First, Lee explains the turbulent history of Georgia from the First World War until its brief period of independence was eclipsed by the new Soviet state. Next, he focuses on how 800 Georgians ended up on the peaceful Dutch island of Texel, as part of the German army of occupation. He goes onto explain the planning of the Georgian uprising, the murder of 400 German troops, and subsequent battle. Finally, he discusses the aftermath of the battle and myth-making that quickly followed.

Eventually, Canadian military forces put an end to the battle for Texel. The estimated casualties were around 2,347 (killed, wounded, and missing) including 89 Dutch civilians. Of the 800 Georgians who fought in the battle, just 228 survived. Although the Germans were increasingly short of manpower as the war progressed, it does seem naive of them to have placed any trust in the loyalty of the Osttruppen (Eastern troops). Night of the Bayonets is well-researched and makes for an interesting read. However, the main protagonists, the Georgians, remained remote, opaque, unsympathetic figures. They changed sides, and then changed sides again. They killed 400 former comrades in cold blood, many of them while they slept. In a desire to save themselves, the Georgians threatened the lives of the island’s entire population. Perhaps it is no surprise that today’s islanders are ambivalent about this period in their history, and would rather leave the matter buried in the Russian Cemetery.     

Night of the Bayonets: The Texel Uprising and Hitler’s Revenge, April-May 1945 by Eric Lee is published by Greenhill Books, 2020. You can also visit NightoftheBayonets.com for more information.