From the Romans to the Soviets, our speaker Rob Poole will tell us how the Thames area was protected and defended, starting with the Battle of the Medway equal only to Hastings in its consequences for Britain. Moving on, the timeline takes in the Battle of Benfleet, the sack of Gravesend by the French in 1380 and the fascinating history of the amateurish preparations to meet the threats of the Armada and the Dutch. After looking at the Napoleonic era, it’s on to the two World Wars and the defence arrangements for these huge conflicts, including the spy of Hartley and the only German P.O.W to escape from the UK. The talk finishes with the Cold War and the consequences of a nuclear war.

We'll be there from 6:45 pm and the talk starts at 7:30pm. As always guests are warmly welcome.

We do hope you will join us.

Smarden Local History Society