I have been asked by the local Historical Society to give a talk covering my grandfather’s experiences in WW1 & WW2. The talk is not until the end of February but I have started putting it together and revisiting all the sources. It’s a while since I’ve been into deep research and had half forgotten how absorbing it is!

I have titled it “While Memory Lasts – Grandfather’s Wars”, taken from the title of a paper Malcolm wrote and typed, late 70s early 80s, based on his views and memoirs. Add in the 7 hours of recordings he put down with the IWM, Battalion records, diaries etc.. etc.. and there are a good few sources to refer to and re-boost my memories!

It was sad to read Major Tonie Holt’s obituary recently in The Times, Wednesday 23rd October. A friend of mine remembers his tour coaches crossing The Somme for a number of years. And of course, he and wife, Valmai, produced those iconic guidebooks and maps. He was 91, so a full life lived well and long!

Major & Mrs Holt’s Battle Map of The Somme. I could not possibly leave out this classic gem – The Somme Battlefield on one map, easy to read. Just dug it out as we are off tomorrow and added extra reinforcing tape along the well used seams! Their guide book is great as well but I do not have my own copy otherwise it would have been up here too.

Linesman. Yes, I have the modern stuff as well! And it has worked well over the years, transferring from tablet to tablet easily enough. The sort of thing I really love, for an obvious example, is the ability to follow a front line to an accuracy of a foot or two. It is amazing out in the field getting under the skin of the front lines and following them with such precision.

Trench Maps – 90th Anniversary Special Editions produces by Defence Geographi Centre, Ministry of Defence. I was lucky enough to acquire two sets of these. This set I use in the field, the other set, in mint condition, I happily gifted to my ‘Somme Mentor’ as a thank you for introducing me to The Somme and what has been a life changing and life long interest!

Institut Géographique National – 2048 Ouest, 2408 Est, 2407 ouest, 2407 Est. Two of these date back to the 80s (donated by a friend who had updated!) but the roads have not changed in the areas of importance. You need all four to cover The Somme properly and some people I know have cut them up and stuck the four relevant areas back together to make one. I haven’t quite had the courage to do that yet. A proper map is invaluable, even in this age of GPS, online maps etc… These copies have been extensively used but have lasted well and have years still to give!

The Somme by Peter Hart. The last of my field books. This, however, even in hardback form is more than useful in the field, particularly when pre-marked up with your relevant references. The narrative flows in Mr Hart’s inimitable style and uses many first hand experiences derived from his time as an oral historian at The Imperial War Museum.

Of course there are many many others that could be used but these are my stock walking/cycling companions.