Chris John

Accredited Guide Number: 32

Chris comes from both an RAF ( Father AC2 to Flt Lt.) and a police ( Grandfather London PC, Uncle, Met Inspector) family. Chris undertook 40 years in Radiology in the NHS as a radiographer both in clinical practice and in management.

An active member of the Western Front Association he began guiding by organising regular trips to the Western Front for his local WFA branch. Interest in developing his guiding skills led to membership of the Guild of Battlefield Guides. Chris is proud to have been accredited with Badge 32. He is also proud to have been a member of the first GBG guiding team to accompany the initial H4H Great Battlefield Bike Ride through Northern France.

The Guild has helped to widen his areas of interest to V weapon sites within the Nord Calais area.

Chris also has lately developed an interest in historic sites around his Lichfield home from the Civil War sieges of Lichfield cathedral, WW1 encampments on Cannock Chase, with the Messines Terrain model and CWGC and German cemeteries there, to the history of Castle Bromwich airfield in both world wars, with the many local burials of WW1 aviators, and their individual histories.

Chris is a regular weekly volunteer guide at the National Memorial Arboretum both for normal weekday visits and participation in the many special events held there, Armistice Day service, New name dedications, Ride to the Wall ( 5000 motorbikes on a special day), new memorial unveilings, remembrance parades and many others.

Battles

WWIWWII

Countries

BelgiumFranceWestern Europe

Caters For

Battlefield WalksBespoke GroupClubs and SocietiesEvening PresentationsFamiliesIndividualsMilitary & VeteranPilgrimage GroupsSmall Groups

Areas of Expertise

Ypres Salient, St Eloi tunneling and mining, mining Messines Ridge.
The Somme 1916
Interesting sites in Central England, Civil war sieges of Lichfield Cathedral.
WW1 Cannock Chase Camps and cemeteries, Castle Bromwich airfield , training the RFC in WW1 to Spitfire production in WW2.
The National Memorial Arboretum with associated memorials and areas of Remembrance.

Chris is currently on the WFA speakers list having given talks to many WFA branches. He is happy to deliver illustrated talks on above or research and deliver on agreed subjects.