associates

We are privileged to be able to work with some extraordinary professionals.

RESUMES

Dr Mike Taylor, MA PhD FMA

40 years of experience in the museum sector at all levels and across a wide range of activities: natural history collections; collections management; collection research; exhibition origination; general management; policy development and implementation; accreditation (applications, mentoring and assessment).

After local authority worked six years at Museums Galleries Scotland managing Recognition Scheme for nationally-important collections.

Interested in the history of collecting and collections.

Fellow of the Museums Association.

Military historian. MA (Distinction), 2007 in British First World War Studies. Awarded doctorate in 2017 for the study of an infantry brigade on the Western Front.

Author of many articles, short notes and No Bad Soldiers: 119 Infantry Brigade and Brigadier Frank Percy Crozier in the Great War (Helion, 2022)

Still passionate about the value of real things and the discovery of new topics to explore.

Reviews for No Bad Soldiers:

This is a meticulously researched and well written history which is packed full of fascinating statistical information to support the author’s comprehensive analysis. There is considerable emphasis on the typology of the officers and soldiers of the Brigade and their disciplinary record which, to my surprise, includes a mutiny by members of the 12th Bn SWB on November 1916. The author also reveals how the background, occupations, education and experience of his men influenced their individual and collective morale and performance on the battlefield; the so-called human factors of war …

Sadly, relatively few Brigade histories have been published for either the First or Second World Wars but “No Bad Soldiers” is not a simple, chronological account, the like of which would, to a certain extent, be mirrored by many similar formations during the War, but is a detailed and fascinating analysis of the impact of human factors on the performance of the Brigade set in the context of life at the front. As such it actually demonstrates the shallowness of narratives such as the “History of the 40th Division” by Lt Col F E Whitton CMG, published by Gale & Polden in 1926.

“No Bad Soldiers” really is a splendid book and is compelling and essential reading for all who seek to look beyond, and behind, the often bland narratives of the First World War based mostly on contemporary War Diaries. Most highly recommended.  

Brigadier (Retd) Clive Elderton CBE
Chairman The Military Historical Society