The story behind the tours
Welcome to your Guide:
Lt Col (Retd) Peter Bates OBE, MA
Peter served for over four decades in the British Army, gaining extensive operational and leadership experience, working worldwide with both Commando and Airborne Forces, commanding in combat and at 23 yrs old experienced his own D-Day landing during the Falklands War in 1982.
Recognised for his service to the nation by being made an OBE by King Charles III
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A Personal Connection to Normandy
Peter's connection to the battlefields of Normandy is deeply personal. His grandfather landed at Sword Beach on D-Day and was killed while attacking the Hillman strongpoint on 6 June 1944.
This family history reinforces Peter's commitment to telling the stories of those who served with authenticity, accuracy and respect.
A Lifetime of Military Experience
Peter has a Master's Degree in Military Studies, a published work on the Influence of Religion on the Battlefield, and years of teaching battlefield tactics, leadership and military operations.
This background brings a distinctive perspective to every tour - helping visitors understand not only what happened, but the planning, decisions, terrain and human experiences behind the events.
Peter with Princess Anne,
and King Charles III
What Makes Us Different
More Than a Battlefield Tour
Our tours combine professional military knowledge with a personal, thoughtful approach to exploring the battlefields. We aim to make history clearer, more meaningful and more memorable.
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Small groups - Typically 3-8 guests, creating a more personal experience.
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Combat experience - A guide who understands military operations from first-hand experience.
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Expert guiding - Professional insight into tactics, leadership and battlefield decisions.
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Professional military analysis - Context and interpretation grounded in military knowledge and research.
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Flexible itineraries - Tours shaped around the location and interests of the group.
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Personal family connections to the battlefields.
Our Mission. Our Vision.
Our vision is be the most trusted and respected provider of military battlefield tours, known for combining professional military expertise with personal connection, intimate group sizes, and an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and respect for those who served.
Our mission is to honour the memory and celebrate the legacy of those who served by providing deeply informed, respectful and personal battlefield tours that connect visitors to the real experiences of soldiers, the decisions of commanders, and the profound human cost of war.
Understand the History. Honour the Legacy.
Whether you're exploring a major military campaign, discovering a battlefield for the first time, or following the footsteps of someone from your own family, we want your visit to be meaningful.
We invite you to explore the places, stories and decisions that shaped history with us.