Hybrid Fireside Chat 

Dr Robert Lyman - Operation Jericho

In 2022 Osprey are publishing Robert’s new book, ‘Operation Jericho’, which tells the story of the remarkable Mosquito raid on Amiens Prison on 28 February 1944.  Early 1944 was a time of massive intelligence activity across northern France in advance of D-Day, and in pursuit of the launching sites of the new German secret weapon, the V1. Large numbers of résistants were been captured by the Germans and imprisoned in gaols across northern France. Among these was Amiens. The raid was mounted as a debt of honour by both MI6 and the RAF to try to release the men who would otherwise be executed by the Germans for what was considered traitorous activity, for which the penalty was a firing squad. 
About 30,000 French men and women were executed during the war.

Dr Robert Lyman FRHistS is a writer and historian. He is a Research Fellow at the Changing Character of War Centre, Pembroke College, University of Oxford. After finishing a twenty year career in the British Army in 2001 he has published widely on the Second World War in Europe, North Africa and Asia.
He is Field Marshal Bill Slim’s military biographer. His presentation of the case for Slim won a National Army Museum debate in 2011 for Britain’s Greatest General and his case for Kohima/Imphal won a National Army Museum debate in 2013 for Britain’s Greatest Battle.
He was the BBC’s historical adviser for the VJ commemorations in 2015 and 2020 and is a regular contributor to documentary films on aspects of the war.

Time - 18:30
Dress Code - Club Dress/Suits