TV Historian James Holland Speaks at Gilo Industries

Second World War historian, author and broadcaster James Holland delivered a passionate and informative speech at an event held at the Gilo Industries factory in Dorset; bringing together staff, family and friends.

During the speech, Holland argued it was time to rehabilitate the role of the British in the world narrative of D-Day and war on the western front, saying myths about the Second World War had become “very, very entrenched”. He added home-grown soldiers were often seen as “mincing around and constantly stopping for cups of tea” and being overshadowed by the more glamorous US troops. In reality, he said, British forces were far more technologically advanced than usually imagined, providing the manpower and innovation to win the war.

James was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and studied history at Durham University. A member of the British Commission for Military History and the Guild of Battlefield Guides, he also regularly contributes reviews and articles in national newspapers and magazines and appears on national radio. His many books include Fortress Malta, Italy’s Sorrow, The Battle of Britain and his fictional WW2 series featuring Sergeant Jack Tanner. James regularly leads Second World War battlefield tours for both the British military and privately. James is also the Co-Founder and Co-Chair and Programme Director of the Wiltshire-based Chalke Valley History Festival, which in 2014 is in its fourth year.

Jim Edmondson, CEO of Gilo Industries Group, said “We have been very privileged to have James come and share his vast knowledge on such a poignant and fascinating part of our history. His passionate and insightful speech was inspiring to us as an engineering company and underlined that by approaching challenges in a really determined and focused way you will always find a solution and are capable of unbelievable achievements - an ethos that we as a company share. I am very much looking forward to reading more of James’ new literary project; a revisionist two-volume history of the Second World War in the West.”