It is with deep regret that the Western Front Association has learned of the death today (30 April 2011) of Professor Richard Holmes, aged 65.
Richard is best remembered by the general public for presenting two series on television entitled "War Walks". In addition, he has been a prolific author on military history. His First World War-related books include: The Little Field Marshal - A Life of Sir John French (1981); Riding the Retreat (1995); The Western Front (1999); and Tommy - The British Soldier on the Western Front (2004).
After attending university at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, Northern Illinois University and Reading University, Richard lectured at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst until 1985. In 1989, he joined the Royal Military College at Cranfield, becoming Professor of Military and Security Studies in 1995. He retired in 2009.
Besides "War Walks", Richard's other television documentaries included: Wellington: The Iron Duke; Rebels and Redcoats; and he also presented a piece in support of Oliver Cromwell in the series "100 Greatest Britons".
Richard joined the Territorial Army in 1964 and he was commissioned two years later, eventually becoming the country's senior serving reservist as a Brigadier. Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1998, Richard was president of the British Commission for Military History and patron of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.
Richard holidayed in Cornwall every year and had a passion for vintage ports.
Above all, by his passing, we lose a great historian and advocate of the study of the Great War.
We send our deepest condolences to his wife and daughters.
