Speaking and Events
An engaging and enlightening speaker, panellist and panel moderator, Matt gives talks on Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War and about topics on the margins of the Second World War, with a specific focus on troop morale and wellbeing, his PhD research, and the stories he shares in the Historical Ephemera newsletter.
Whether in person at festivals, bookshops, libraries, community centres and halls, virtually on radio and podcasts, or for press and interviews, Matt enjoys sharing the unexpected stories and people he finds in his research with audiences curious about the lesser-examined aspects of history.
Please use the contact form if you would like to book or interview Matt.
Upcoming Events and Appearances
02 December 2026 - 19:00
Keeping the troops mentally fit, and morale high: the changing relationship between the British Army Welfare Service and the Entertainment National Services Association (ENSA) in Italy 1943-46.
University of birmingham
Drawing on private diaries, War Office and Treasury papers, and welfare policy and logistical coordination, the paper examines how the relationship between ENSA and the British Army changed during this period.
Past Appearances
01 October 2026 - 19:00
Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War Book Signing
Great Gidding Village Hall
Main Street, Huntingdonshire, Great Gidding, PE28 5NUJoin me for a glass of wine and to to learn more about the incredible Virginia Vernon and her extraordinary wartime journey, resilience, courage, and the unyielding power of hope in the darkest of times.
26 September 2026 - 15:00-16:00
Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War Book Signing
ReaL Magic Bookstore Weekend
Wendover community library, High Street, Wendover, HP22 6DUDelighted to be appearing at the fifth Real Magic Weekend hosted by my local book store, Real Magic Books, in association with the library and hosted by Jane Larkham as part of the National Year of Reading 2026 campaign. Come along to learn more about the incredible Virginia Vernon and her extraordinary wartime journey, resilience, courage, and the unyielding power of hope in the darkest of times.
10 September 2026
Panel and Book Signing Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War
We Have ways fest - Cambridge IC “Big Wing” Fringe
blackpit brewery, blackpit farm, silverstone Road, Buckingham, MK18 5LJI was thrilled to join my fellow panellists, Micheal Caldwell, Charlotte Carty, Chris Donkin, and Stuart Burbridge, on the eve of the UK’s largest World War Two festival as we explored not only the fabulous Virginia Vernon - ENSA’s secret weapon, but also Japanese Yosegaki Hinomaru (good luck) flags, the 39-hour march that saved India, Churchill’s plan for war with the Soviets, and the defection of Cosford Ju88.
28 August2026
WW2TV - Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War: Battling to Bring (ENSA) Entertainment to the British Troops
WW2TV
ONLINEI joined Paul Woodadge on his WW2TV podcast to share Virginia Vernon’s extraordinary wartime journey, from Arras in 1939 to VJ Day in Rangoon: a story of resilience, courage and the unyielding power of hope in the darkest of times.
19 August 2026
Book Launch - Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JFAdam Fairclough and I launched our new book, Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War, at the wartime nerve centre of the Entertainment National Services Association’s (ENSA) international operations, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. There could be no better place to honour her legacy and the pivotal role she played in ENSA.
20 June 2026
Organised Entertainment in the British Army and Its Influence on Morale
Military Welfare History Network Conference 2026
Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Rapoca, Romania - OnlineI joined a panel with Dr Michael Robinson from the University of Birmingham, UK and Muhammed Junaid, University of Hyderabad, India and hosted by Dr Paul Huddie to present “Keeping the troops mentally fit, and morale high: the changing relationship between the British Army Welfare Service and the Entertainment National Service Association in Italy 1943-1945.” I joined a panel with Dr Michael Robinson from the University of Birmingham, UK and Muhammed Junaid, University of Hyderabad, India and hosted by Dr Paul Huddie to present “Keeping the troops mentally fit, and morale high: the changing relationship between the British Army Welfare Service and the Entertainment National Service Association in Italy 1943-1945.”
