Online and Onsite Lecture: British historical memory and Marshal of the RAF Sir Arthur Harris
Schedule
Wed, 25 Jan, 2023 at 05:15 pm
Location
University of Wolverhampton | Wolverhampton, EN
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Dr Harry Raffal (RAF Museum) will discuss the course of British historical memory relating to “Bomber” Harris and assess some of the controversies surrounding his wartime role.This is an RAF Museum event organised in collaboration with the University of Wolverhampton. The lecture will be held live at the University of Wolverhampton at 5.15PM on 25 January 2023.
Talk Outline
‘A Certain Gentleman Called Butch’: British historical memory and reference to Marshal of the RAF Sir Arthur Harris
Arthur Harris has become a contentious figure in the RAF’s history. Harris spearheaded RAF Bomber Command’s strategic bombing campaign through the key years of the Second World War. The heavy causalities that Bomber Command suffered, and the destruction it wrought on Germany, resulted in Harris becoming a controversial figure. This remains the case today, both in public memory and historical works on the Second World War.
This talk will outline the course of British historical memory relating to Harris. The controversies which are attached to Harris, from his responsibility for the area bombing of Germany to the origin of his wartime nickname ‘Butch’, will be explored. The current British public perception of Harris will be discussed, and it will be argued that Harris was a far more complex individual than he is often painted in historical narratives.
Location
The lecture will take place at the University of Wolverhampton, in the MA Wulfruna Building, on Wednesday 25 January 2023. This lecture will begin at 5.15PM.
Tickets
This lecture is free of charge however we do ask that you register now as tickets are limited. Registrations for this event are being managed by the University of Wolverhampton. Booking is quick and easy, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-certain-gentleman-called-butch-talk-with-dr-harry-raffal-raf-museum-tickets-504454315437
Please note: That this lecture will also be available to watch remotely via the Museum’s Crowdcast Channel at: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/wlv-harris/register
To access the lecture you may need to check your internet browser is compatible. It is currently reported that Google Chrome provides the best experience for using Crowdcast.
About Harry Raffal
Harry Raffal is the Royal Air Force Museum Head of Collections and Research. He holds a doctorate from the University of Hull for his thesis on the operations of the RAF and Luftwaffe during the evacuation of Dunkirk. Harry is a Committee member of the RAF Historical Society (ex-officio), the British Commission for Military History and the Royal Aeronautical Society, Aeronautical Heritage Group. He has previously published research on the Third Afghan War, the RAF in the Battle of France, and the online development of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces. His book, Air Power and the Evacuation of Dunkirk, was published by Bloomsbury in 2021.
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Where is it happening?
University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
