Who will be looking after you?
Meet the tour guides ...
As the main organiser Ian Alexander will be on as many of the trips as possible, assisted by one or more of the team of guides, couriers and carers, most of whom have years of experience either in the armed forces, police, or public service. We also have guest speakers/guides who accompany us on various specialised tours.
IAN ALEXANDER: main organiser, courier/guide
Ian was born in Huntly, Scotland, and served for 25 years in the police force in the Midlands, mostly on CID and Regional Crime Squad duties. He has been visiting the Battlefields as a guide for over 25 years and, along with colleagues, formed The War Research Society as it is today. His grandfather fought with the 38th Welsh Division and was wounded at Mametz Wood and his father was a Piper in the Gordon Highlanders during the 2nd World War. Ian was made an Honourary Citizen of the town of Albert, Somme in 1996.
JEANNIE ALEXANDER: catering/well-being
Jeannie, Ian’s wife was also born in Scotland and has spent most of her life in Nursing. She's in charge of catering for you on the coach and generally looking after your well-being. Jeannie’s father was with 45 RM Commando during the 2nd World War, and she lost an uncle at St. Valery with the 51st Highland Division.
MIKE HEAVEN: office manager
Mike, our office manager, hails from Birmingham and is a retired Materials Manager at Land Rover Vehicles, Solihull. He will be your first contact in the office and will be able to advise you on the tours, visits and anything else you may not be sure about. He will be personally dealing with your queries and bookings.
BOB MARSHALL: courier/guide, researcher
Bob is a civil servant from Warwickshire. Bob's grandfather fought in the Great War and his father in the Second World War and he's had an avid interest in the First World War since his schooldays. Bob is a keen and dedicated courier/guide who also undertakes research – we're sure you will enjoy his company.
TERRY WEBB: courier/guide
Terry spent 25 years in the RAOC being commissioned through the ranks, before working as a Logistics Manager for London Underground. He now pursues his passion for history as a battlefield courier/guide. His military experience and logistics background combine to bring a battlefield tour alive whilst acknowledging the practical difficulties on the ground.
JIM HILL: courier/guide, driver
Jim hails from Angus and retired after 30 years in the Thames Valley Police, mostly on CID. Jim is a Police Advanced driver and is in charge of our seven seater car which is used to make Special Visits in 'out of the way places'. Jim also acts as a courier/guide.
MALCOLM HALLIDAY: courier/guide, piper
Malcolm, who hails from beside Edinburgh, served with the Royal Scots. He is a retired officer in the West Midlands Police who accompanies us as a battlefield courier/guide; Malcolm is also the official War Research Society Piper.
RAY ALMOND: courier/guide, film-maker
Ray served many years in the army as a signaler. His father was killed during World War 2. Ray later served in the diplomatic service with the Foreign Office before entering the financial industry in the City of London. He retired as a director of a major international merchant bank. Ray acts as a courier/guid, but he is also an expert film-maker and is in charge of the video section of the Society, which records most trips.
CAROL PEARCE: courier/guide, researcher
Carol is a serving police officer in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and has an avid interest in the First World War in which she lost two Great Uncles. Carol assists as a courier/guide and also undertakes research.
TOM VAN SOEST, Lt. Col. (Rtd.): courier/guide
Tom, of the Dutch Army, accompanies our Dutch/German tours. He saw many years service in the Far East, was born near Arnhem and assisted the Airborne Recce troops during the Battle of Arnhem.
NICK FEAR: courier/guide
Nick is a retired police officer, and has now joined us as a guide. His years of experience in visiting the battlefields, and caring for veterans shows in his great knowledge of the conflict and the many stories he has learned from the veterans themselves. His kind and caring personality makes him an excellent travelling companion.
DICK BLAND: courier/guide
Dick is a retired Regular Army Officer who, after 31 years service around the world, is now one of our Second World War guides. His wide military experience and extensive subject research enable him to describe the battles in a way that the layman and veteran alike can understand and enjoy.
IAN MC LEOD: courier/guide
Ian was commissioned into the Parachute Regiment, serving in the British Army for 36 years. Since retirement from the army he has worked with various peace implementation and humanitarian organisations in many parts of the world. He has always had an avid interest in military history and in visiting battlefields wherever he finds himself. Ian will be leading our North African tours
MANITA MISHINA: courier/guide
Manita lives in Sevastopol. She is a university graduate, author, interpreter and Crimean War Battlefield Tour Guide, with many years experience, both of the battlefields and the history of Russia. Manita leads our Russian tours.