Your Guide David Grainger
As your Guide, I feel it is important to provide you with some background about myself. I have had a lifelong interest in military history, stemming from a line of family members who served the colours from the late 19th century (12th Lancers); through the Great War (Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, East Kent Regiment (The Buffs), Royal Garrison Artillery and Canadian Field Artillery); The Second World War (Royal Artillery); to the end of the 20th century and my own 25 year career in the Royal Air Force, serving in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Falkland Islands.
My specialist interests are in the battlefields of the First and Second World Wars in Western Europe; in particular the efforts of the BEF in France of August and September 1914; the actions of the Royal Artillery at the Battle of Messines Ridge in June and July 1917; and the movements of 8 British Corps from their landing at Normandy in June 1944 to the end of the Second World War, this with a special emphasis of 8 Army Group Royal Artillery (8AGRA) and the actions of 25 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
Though I specialise in these areas, I am always keen to expand further. To this end I am currently working on the battles of the Italian wars of independence, in particular the Battle of Solferino of June 1859, a battle that has impacted on all warfare since; being the catalyst to the foundation of the International Red Cross movement.
I am a member of the Western Front Association and vice-chair of the Lincoln & North Lincolnshire Branch of the Western Front Association. I am also a member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides and currently working towards their badge.
In choosing me to act as Guide for your chosen battlefield, you will obtain first class service and an empathy for your needs, however great or small.
