Our Patron: James Holland
Our MVT Patron is the highly respected English historian, writer and broadcaster James Holland.
Born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, James was educated at Chafyn Grove School, Salisbury and King’s School, Bruton and attained a BA in History at St Chad’s College, Durham University, graduating in 1992. His elder brother Tom Holland is also a writer and historian. His Great Uncle was the famous Olympic road cyclist, Charles Holland, one of the first two Britons to ride in the Tour de France. |
James has written many best-selling non-fiction books about WW2 but has also written 9 engaging period set novels for different target audiences - most notably young adult fiction.
One of his most recently published written work is 2021's Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, which follows the Sherwood Rangers, a British tank regiment, throughout multiple battles.
He has appeared on many television and radio programmes including live broadcasts from Normandy, BAFTA-shortlisted programmes and historical series such as Michael Wood’s Battle of Britain: The Real Story (BBC 2 film September 2010), Normandy '44: The Battle Beyond D-Day (BBC2 6 June 2014), Nazi Megastructures (National Geographic 2013 - 2016) and Hunting Hitler (History 2016-2018).
One of his most recently published written work is 2021's Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, which follows the Sherwood Rangers, a British tank regiment, throughout multiple battles.
He has appeared on many television and radio programmes including live broadcasts from Normandy, BAFTA-shortlisted programmes and historical series such as Michael Wood’s Battle of Britain: The Real Story (BBC 2 film September 2010), Normandy '44: The Battle Beyond D-Day (BBC2 6 June 2014), Nazi Megastructures (National Geographic 2013 - 2016) and Hunting Hitler (History 2016-2018).
Alongside fellow WW2 expert Al Murray, he produces the popular podcast “We Have Ways of Making You Talk”, has his own collection at the Imperial War Museum and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. |
In addition to his work as an author and broadcaster, James is the co-founder and co-chair and programme director of the Chalke Valley History Festival; the largest festival dedicated entirely to history in the UK.
He is also a member of the British Commission for Military History and the Guild of Battlefield Guides. He is an enthusiastic and effective advocate of all things historical, most notably helping to get “First Light” by Geoffrey Wellum into print. His passion for history is evident as he brings whatever topic he writes or talks about and in whatever format, to life and we are proud to have him as our patron. |