Each tour is well thought out to enhance the battlefield experience.
Managing director
James Stewart-Smith
James’s deep interest in military history started at an early age which was encouraged by his father, developed by a history master and finely tuned by reading and tours.
He founded Classic Battlefield Tours with his brother Charles after a successful career in the Financial Services sector. James’s aim is to offer a premium tour, with like-minded people and an after tour service.
Chief Military and Historical Adviser
Lieutenant-General Jonathon Peter Riley, CB, DSO
Jonathon has had a long and distinguished career in the army and on the 18th December 2007, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general and appointed deputy commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.
He was appointed Director General and Master of the Royal Armouries, early in September 2009. Subsequently, he was appointed Visiting Professor in War Studies at King’s College London. He has written numerous books on military history, and has conducted a number of leading tours.
Historic aviation adviser
Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards
Rick Peacock-Edwards was educated in South Africa from where he joined the RAF in 1965. He spent over 30 years in the RAF and retired as an Air Commodore in 1999. RAF appointments included Station Commander RAF Leeming, Deputy Commander RAF Staff Washington, Inspector of Flight Safety and Director of Eurofighter.
The son of a Battle of Britain pilot, his flying career has been spent mainly on fighters and he has over 1000 hours on each of the Lightning, Phantom and Tornado.
He is actively involved with the supervision of air displays and in this capacity he is currently Chairman of the Imperial War Museum Duxford Flying Control Committee (FCC). He is also a member of the FCCs for Farnborough, RIAT Fairford, Biggin Hill and Dawlish Air Displays.
Director
Ashley Toft
Ashley is an experienced Managing Director and CEO, passionate about adventure travel and the outdoors. He started as a trek leader in Morocco, he led more than 70 trips throughout Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Central America. He has always worked in adventure travel, most recently as Managing Director of a leading UK adventure travel company.
Chief Guide
Dan Hill
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated by military history, a subject which since has become my full-time occupation. In truth, calling it an ‘occupation’ does not do it justice – I love what I do and feel incredibly privileged to wake up each morning and work in a field that is also my passion.
I am very proud to be able to work full-time as a freelance military historian. I hold a Masters Degree in British Military History from the University of Wolverhampton and spend much of my working time leading groups as a battlefield guide across Europe, acting as a historical consultant for a number of organisations and conducting research for some of the United Kingdom’s leading military charities, broadcasters and commemorative organisations.
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Administrator/Tour Co-ordinator
Louise Marston
Louise is an enthusiastic, clear-thinking professional with excellent communication skills. She strives to provide the highest level of customer service to all our clients. As a mother herself she understands the importance in making sure all our students have an enjoyable time on every tour, together with ensuring the school tour process is as straightforward as possible for all teachers and staff involved.