ABOUT US

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.

Lieutenant-General Jonathon Peter Riley, CB, DSO is our ‘Chief Military and Historical Adviser’.

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.

Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards is our historic aviation adviser.

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.

What you should expect from a Classic Battlefield tour

“We want to make the tours interesting and thought-provoking so we use a range of different guides for their experience and expertise.

Where possible we like people to have a hands on experience by offering the opportunity for them to drive tanks, or shoot weapons.

Hotels with character which reflect the region or country are given priority combined with excellent restaurants for the evening chat and wind down after a long day.

We prefer the smaller to medium size group of up to 20 people to get the most out of these tours.
There is a tour leader to ensure that your trip runs smoothly and good company with fellow professionals is an important part of the overall experience and enjoyment.
Once the tour is over you have the option to renew the friendships you have made with fellow comrades as we invite you to further group events including lunching and talks at famous London clubs or a unique day out to private museum or collection.”

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our famous tours.

James & Charles Stewart-Smith