The Shape of Battle

Join us for a members’ exclusive event with Allan Mallinson and Justin Maciejewski as they look at six battles across the centuries, considering their unique contexts and common characteristics.

Attend in person:

• To attend this event in person, book your ticket here

Watch online:

• All members will receive an email explaining how to watch the event online.

​​​​​​Every battle is different. Each takes place in a different context - the war, the campaign, the people, the weapons. However, battles across the centuries, whether fought with sticks and stones or advanced technology, have much in common.

So why were battles fought as they were? What gave them their shape? Why did they unfold as they did, resulting in victory for one side and defeat for the other?

In conversation with Justin Maciejewski, the Director of the National Army Museum, Allan Mallinson will address these fundamental questions through the stories of six defining battles in British history: Hastings (1066), Towton (1461), Waterloo (1815), D-Day (1944), Imjin River (1951) and Operation Panther’s Claw (2009).

Running order:

6.00pm – Doors open (café open for refreshments)
6.30pm – Event begins
7.30pm – Event ends
8.15pm – Doors close

About Allan Mallinson

A professional soldier for 35 years, Allan Mallinson has published a number of history books including 'Too Important for the Generals' and '1914: Fight the Good Fight', which won the British Army Military Book of the Year award. He is also the author of an acclaimed 14-part series of novels chronicling the life of a fictitious cavalry officer before and after Waterloo, which began with the bestseller 'A Close Run Thing'.

Allan Mallinson reviews for the 'Spectator' and the 'TLS'. He also writes for 'The Times'.