Taff Gillingham
I have been studying British Military History for over twenty five years. My main area of interest is the period between 1899 and 1960 - covering The Boer War, 1899-1902; The Great War, 1914-1919; The Second World War, 1939-1945 as well as all other aspects of the period such as life in India in the 1920s and '30s and the life of the National Servicemen both at home and during conflicts such as The Korean War and The Malayan Emergency.
I collect uniforms and equipment of the British and Commonwealth soldier of the first half of the 20th Century and have amassed a vast knowledge of the subject. In 1990 I co-founded The Association for Military Remembrance aka 'The Khaki Chums' - a group of historians, authors and collectors who study the life of the British soldier. I lead tours to former battlefields where the members of the Association have to live as the soldiers of the period would have on active service - without the use of tents - only rubber groundsheets for protection against the elements and with only the most primitive equipment to cook and wash with. This is a unique way to learn about the uniforms and equipment of any one given campaign, and to compare them with previous and subsequent items. I also study the correct foot and rifle drill for each period.
The Association is not a re-enactment group. We take part in events for Regimental Associations, but more often are to be found lecturing in museums, schools and colleges or raising funds for ex-service charities such as The Royal British Legion. For an example of our attention to detail, a visit to http://www.hellfire-corner.demon.co.uk/chums.htm will give you some idea of our level of commitment.
With my broad base of knowledge about the wars, battles and campaigns of the 20th century, combined with a 'first hand' experience of the every day life of the soldier, I found myself in a unique position - able to offer an all-round service to the film, television and theatre industry.
To this end, I set myself up in a professional capacity to offer help and advice on any aspect of British Military History from 1899 to 1960, whether it be answering questions on the weather conditions of a particular campaign, to providing exact replicas of Great War corned beef labels. As a co-founder of Khaki Devil I now undertake a wide range of projects.
I have been employed as Historical Advisor on many film and television projects and also as Art Director. I am often interviewed on television and radio about military history and current affairs, and on occasions, have provided voice-overs too.
My background is in film and television design. I have run a busy Audio Visual Department for BT and have worked for several production companies producing and directing programmes. This allows me to be more objective than many historical advisers. I will tell you what is correct, but I do understand the need for compromise in order to make an entertaining programme. In other words, I am not too much of a pain in the backside for directors and producers!
I am a former trustee of The Suffolk Regiment Museum and the current chairman of the Suffolk Branch of The Western Front Association.
I am always pleased to discuss any project.
Taff Gillingham
07889 289821
