John Alexander
@ac1shaw.bsky.social
Joint operations/headquarters collective trainer, mentor and coach. Air/land operations polemologist. Co-ed Close Air Support (Helion, 2024). Former RAF/RAuxAF Regiment, Kabul, Quetta, Islamabad, Baghdad, et al, CAS Fellow, concepts and doctrine.
Pinned
John Alexander
@ac1shaw.bsky.social
· Jan 13
BCMH Conference 2026 Call for Papers | British Commission for Military History
www.bcmh.org.uk
The call for papers for the @bcmh-news.bsky.social 2026 annual conference, 'Whither Operational Art', on 20 June 2026 at Oxford OTC, is here: www.bcmh.org.uk/bcmh-confere...
Reposted by John Alexander
Uncivil War, my book about the British Army and the Troubles in the early 1970s, is out in paperback on 15 January. Come and hear me talk about it at the National Army Museum on 13 February:
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/unc...
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/unc...
Uncivil War: The British Army and the Troubles, 1966-75
Join historian Huw Bennett as he examines the interactions between the British Army and paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland during the most violent phase of the Troubles.
www.nam.ac.uk
January 6, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Uncivil War, my book about the British Army and the Troubles in the early 1970s, is out in paperback on 15 January. Come and hear me talk about it at the National Army Museum on 13 February:
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/unc...
www.nam.ac.uk/whats-on/unc...
Reposted by John Alexander
A fantastic opportunity to share your research with an engaged audience. We host a wide variety of papers, from studies on archeology in East Anglia to research on African air power
⏰ Call for Papers still open ✈️
Submit a talk title (70 chars), abstract (max. 300 words) and biography (200 words) exploring Air Power — from aviation history and the RAF to ethics, strategy and future Air & Space Power.
🗓 Deadline: 23 January 2026
📧 ResearchNews@rafmuseum.org
💻 bit.ly/4aGg9px
Submit a talk title (70 chars), abstract (max. 300 words) and biography (200 words) exploring Air Power — from aviation history and the RAF to ethics, strategy and future Air & Space Power.
🗓 Deadline: 23 January 2026
📧 ResearchNews@rafmuseum.org
💻 bit.ly/4aGg9px
January 10, 2026 at 12:23 PM
A fantastic opportunity to share your research with an engaged audience. We host a wide variety of papers, from studies on archeology in East Anglia to research on African air power
The call for papers for the @bcmh-news.bsky.social 2026 annual conference, 'Whither Operational Art', on 20 June 2026 at Oxford OTC, is here: www.bcmh.org.uk/bcmh-confere...
BCMH Conference 2026 Call for Papers | British Commission for Military History
www.bcmh.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 6:33 PM
The call for papers for the @bcmh-news.bsky.social 2026 annual conference, 'Whither Operational Art', on 20 June 2026 at Oxford OTC, is here: www.bcmh.org.uk/bcmh-confere...
Reposted by John Alexander
Good to be able to join the @rafhistorical.bsky.social seminar on the RAF and Oman. Chaired by Sit Glenn Torpy, the first paper, from Graham Pitchfork, is providing context to the relationship by exploring the early history
October 15, 2025 at 9:53 AM
Good to be able to join the @rafhistorical.bsky.social seminar on the RAF and Oman. Chaired by Sit Glenn Torpy, the first paper, from Graham Pitchfork, is providing context to the relationship by exploring the early history
Reposted by John Alexander
⏰ Less than a week to go! The RAF Museum Annual Conference begins 4 Sept ✈️ Two days of inspiring talks on New Perspectives in Military Aviation Research.
Tickets £60 / £40 concessions 🎟️ Or watch every session FREE on Crowdcast 💻🌍
Book here 👉 bit.ly/4dQFyvU
#AviationHistory #AviationResearch
Tickets £60 / £40 concessions 🎟️ Or watch every session FREE on Crowdcast 💻🌍
Book here 👉 bit.ly/4dQFyvU
#AviationHistory #AviationResearch
August 28, 2025 at 12:58 PM
⏰ Less than a week to go! The RAF Museum Annual Conference begins 4 Sept ✈️ Two days of inspiring talks on New Perspectives in Military Aviation Research.
Tickets £60 / £40 concessions 🎟️ Or watch every session FREE on Crowdcast 💻🌍
Book here 👉 bit.ly/4dQFyvU
#AviationHistory #AviationResearch
Tickets £60 / £40 concessions 🎟️ Or watch every session FREE on Crowdcast 💻🌍
Book here 👉 bit.ly/4dQFyvU
#AviationHistory #AviationResearch
I am looking forward to participating in the @rafmuseum.bsky.social conference again next week, giving a paper on reconceiving J. C. Slessor's Air Power and Armies as applied history, and engaging with the other fascinating papers. Thank you @drmeganekelleher.bsky.social for organising it.
✈️ The RAF Museum Annual Conference returns 4–5 Sept!
Explore New Perspectives in Military Aviation Research in London or watch FREE via Crowdcast 🌍💻.
Tickets £60 / £40 concessions (includes lunch and refreshments)
🎟️Don’t miss out – book now
👉https://bit.ly/45esnRG
#airpower #RAFMconference
Explore New Perspectives in Military Aviation Research in London or watch FREE via Crowdcast 🌍💻.
Tickets £60 / £40 concessions (includes lunch and refreshments)
🎟️Don’t miss out – book now
👉https://bit.ly/45esnRG
#airpower #RAFMconference
August 25, 2025 at 10:08 AM
I am looking forward to participating in the @rafmuseum.bsky.social conference again next week, giving a paper on reconceiving J. C. Slessor's Air Power and Armies as applied history, and engaging with the other fascinating papers. Thank you @drmeganekelleher.bsky.social for organising it.
Reposted by John Alexander
Fantastic to see Close Air Support out as an Ebook. Lots of hardwork editing with @ac1shaw.bsky.social to produce a volume covering the FWW to the present and exploring CAS inoperations beyond those usually considered. At £16 it is a steal!
August 23, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Fantastic to see Close Air Support out as an Ebook. Lots of hardwork editing with @ac1shaw.bsky.social to produce a volume covering the FWW to the present and exploring CAS inoperations beyond those usually considered. At £16 it is a steal!
Delighted that @rafhistory.bsky.social and my 'Close Air Support' is now available as an eBook at a launch price of £16. www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
August 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Delighted that @rafhistory.bsky.social and my 'Close Air Support' is now available as an eBook at a launch price of £16. www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
My third and final edition of the Journal of the @rafhistorical.bsky.social as editor is in print. It's the proceedings of the RAF culture seminar at @rafmuseum.bsky.social , organised by @sophyantrobus.bsky.social , @rafhistory.bsky.social, wonderfully guest edited by @sophyhiggins.bsky.social.
August 13, 2025 at 6:41 PM
My third and final edition of the Journal of the @rafhistorical.bsky.social as editor is in print. It's the proceedings of the RAF culture seminar at @rafmuseum.bsky.social , organised by @sophyantrobus.bsky.social , @rafhistory.bsky.social, wonderfully guest edited by @sophyhiggins.bsky.social.
I am delighted my review of Rich Milburn's fascinating examination of Sir Charles Portal as a strategist is published in the RAF Chief of the Air Staff's Reading List 2025. Also includes @paul-cyfecta.bsky.social review of Arutunyan & Galeotti's 'Downfall' airspacepower.com/wp-content/u...
airspacepower.com
August 12, 2025 at 4:24 PM
I am delighted my review of Rich Milburn's fascinating examination of Sir Charles Portal as a strategist is published in the RAF Chief of the Air Staff's Reading List 2025. Also includes @paul-cyfecta.bsky.social review of Arutunyan & Galeotti's 'Downfall' airspacepower.com/wp-content/u...
Reposted by John Alexander
Fantastic to be at the RAF Historical Society as Gus MacDonald was presented the Two Air Forces Award for his chapter in @ac1shaw.bsky.social and my work onClose Air Support www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
June 11, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Fantastic to be at the RAF Historical Society as Gus MacDonald was presented the Two Air Forces Award for his chapter in @ac1shaw.bsky.social and my work onClose Air Support www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
Reposted by John Alexander
Approaches to Offensive Counter Air, 2025.
RAF (top) Ukraine (below)...
RAF (top) Ukraine (below)...
June 1, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Approaches to Offensive Counter Air, 2025.
RAF (top) Ukraine (below)...
RAF (top) Ukraine (below)...
Reposted by John Alexander
📢 Join us at the RAF Museum London on 20 May, 12pm for a Lunchtime Lecture: “The Smuts Report 1917: A New Perspective” with historian Neil Datson ✈️
Was the RAF's creation a bold vision—or a strategic misstep? 🤔
🎟️ Free in-person (registration req’d) or livestream via Crowdcast
🔗 bit.ly/4knavu1
Was the RAF's creation a bold vision—or a strategic misstep? 🤔
🎟️ Free in-person (registration req’d) or livestream via Crowdcast
🔗 bit.ly/4knavu1
Lunchtime Lecture - RAF Museum
The Smuts Report 1917: A New Perspective On Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 12pm, Neil Datson will explore the legacy of the Smuts Report. This talk will […]
bit.ly
May 13, 2025 at 1:09 PM
📢 Join us at the RAF Museum London on 20 May, 12pm for a Lunchtime Lecture: “The Smuts Report 1917: A New Perspective” with historian Neil Datson ✈️
Was the RAF's creation a bold vision—or a strategic misstep? 🤔
🎟️ Free in-person (registration req’d) or livestream via Crowdcast
🔗 bit.ly/4knavu1
Was the RAF's creation a bold vision—or a strategic misstep? 🤔
🎟️ Free in-person (registration req’d) or livestream via Crowdcast
🔗 bit.ly/4knavu1
Working on a proposal which contrasts Thomas Hippler's idea of early strategic bombing theory as ahistorial historicism with Slessor's intent for his history based Air Power and Armies to allow practitioners to be 'be wise before the event'. @drmeganekelleher.bsky.social @rafhistory.bsky.social
✈️ RAF Museum CFP for our 2025 annual conference — just 1 week left! ⌛
📅 Deadline: 25 April
We're seeking bold new takes on air power: untold stories, fresh methods, & environmental impacts.
🎓 ECRs welcome!
💸 Bursaries available
📍 4–5 Sept | RAF Museum London
🔗 Full details at bit.ly/3QWgJUS
📅 Deadline: 25 April
We're seeking bold new takes on air power: untold stories, fresh methods, & environmental impacts.
🎓 ECRs welcome!
💸 Bursaries available
📍 4–5 Sept | RAF Museum London
🔗 Full details at bit.ly/3QWgJUS
April 22, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Working on a proposal which contrasts Thomas Hippler's idea of early strategic bombing theory as ahistorial historicism with Slessor's intent for his history based Air Power and Armies to allow practitioners to be 'be wise before the event'. @drmeganekelleher.bsky.social @rafhistory.bsky.social
Reposted by John Alexander
✈️ RAF Museum CFP for our 2025 annual conference — just 1 week left! ⌛
📅 Deadline: 25 April
We're seeking bold new takes on air power: untold stories, fresh methods, & environmental impacts.
🎓 ECRs welcome!
💸 Bursaries available
📍 4–5 Sept | RAF Museum London
🔗 Full details at bit.ly/3QWgJUS
📅 Deadline: 25 April
We're seeking bold new takes on air power: untold stories, fresh methods, & environmental impacts.
🎓 ECRs welcome!
💸 Bursaries available
📍 4–5 Sept | RAF Museum London
🔗 Full details at bit.ly/3QWgJUS
April 18, 2025 at 10:16 AM
✈️ RAF Museum CFP for our 2025 annual conference — just 1 week left! ⌛
📅 Deadline: 25 April
We're seeking bold new takes on air power: untold stories, fresh methods, & environmental impacts.
🎓 ECRs welcome!
💸 Bursaries available
📍 4–5 Sept | RAF Museum London
🔗 Full details at bit.ly/3QWgJUS
📅 Deadline: 25 April
We're seeking bold new takes on air power: untold stories, fresh methods, & environmental impacts.
🎓 ECRs welcome!
💸 Bursaries available
📍 4–5 Sept | RAF Museum London
🔗 Full details at bit.ly/3QWgJUS
Twenty per cent discount today on @rafhistory.bsky.social and my co-edited Close Air Support: Case Studies on the Integration of Air Power on the Battlefield. Order here www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
April 21, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Twenty per cent discount today on @rafhistory.bsky.social and my co-edited Close Air Support: Case Studies on the Integration of Air Power on the Battlefield. Order here www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
Reposted by John Alexander
Still plenty of time to sign up to John Alexander's online talk this Thursday, which looks at army-air cooperation on the Northwest Frontier.
Members and non-members can register for free at: my.demio.com/ref/7vqiBVpQ...
Members and non-members can register for free at: my.demio.com/ref/7vqiBVpQ...
February 10, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Still plenty of time to sign up to John Alexander's online talk this Thursday, which looks at army-air cooperation on the Northwest Frontier.
Members and non-members can register for free at: my.demio.com/ref/7vqiBVpQ...
Members and non-members can register for free at: my.demio.com/ref/7vqiBVpQ...
Reposted by John Alexander
The great American drone panic is most likely a case of mass hysteria. thehill.com/homenews/hou...
December 18, 2024 at 2:22 PM
The great American drone panic is most likely a case of mass hysteria. thehill.com/homenews/hou...
Reposted by John Alexander
🎙 In the latest Talking Strategy episode, we speak with Dr Harry Raffal @rafhistory.bsky.social (@rafmuseum.bsky.social) about ‘the architect and patron saint of modern air power’, Marshal of the RAF Viscount Hugh Trenchard. Learn more here: rusi.org/podcasts/tal...
December 17, 2024 at 11:35 AM
🎙 In the latest Talking Strategy episode, we speak with Dr Harry Raffal @rafhistory.bsky.social (@rafmuseum.bsky.social) about ‘the architect and patron saint of modern air power’, Marshal of the RAF Viscount Hugh Trenchard. Learn more here: rusi.org/podcasts/tal...
Close Air Support: Case Studies on the Integration of Air Power on the Battlefield, the anthology of 2023 BCMH and @rafmuseum.bsky.social CAS conference co-edited with @rafhistory.bsky.social, now available from Helion Books. Order here www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
December 17, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Close Air Support: Case Studies on the Integration of Air Power on the Battlefield, the anthology of 2023 BCMH and @rafmuseum.bsky.social CAS conference co-edited with @rafhistory.bsky.social, now available from Helion Books. Order here www.helion.co.uk/military-his...
Reposted by John Alexander
Secondly, my chapter examining the development and employment of Aerial Rocket Artillery helicopters by the US Army is in the collection Close Air Support, edited by
Harry Raffal (@rafhistory.bsky.social) and John Alexander (@ac1shaw.bsky.social) and published today by Helion.
Harry Raffal (@rafhistory.bsky.social) and John Alexander (@ac1shaw.bsky.social) and published today by Helion.
December 17, 2024 at 12:27 PM
Secondly, my chapter examining the development and employment of Aerial Rocket Artillery helicopters by the US Army is in the collection Close Air Support, edited by
Harry Raffal (@rafhistory.bsky.social) and John Alexander (@ac1shaw.bsky.social) and published today by Helion.
Harry Raffal (@rafhistory.bsky.social) and John Alexander (@ac1shaw.bsky.social) and published today by Helion.
Reposted by John Alexander
We launched our new website earlier this year and will be updating our content in the New Year to share more of our Journals and to keep you up to date with our events. rafhistoricalsociety.org.uk
RAFHS
Discover the RAF's rich history and heritage through our society.
rafhistoricalsociety.org.uk
December 10, 2024 at 3:48 PM
We launched our new website earlier this year and will be updating our content in the New Year to share more of our Journals and to keep you up to date with our events. rafhistoricalsociety.org.uk
Reposted by John Alexander
Call for Contributors – The Airfix School of History: The Development and Writing of Air Power History drrossmahoney.wordpress.com/2024/11/11/c... #airpowerhistory #aviationhistory #plsRT
Call for Contributors – An Airfix School of History: The Development and Writing of Air Power History
Air power history is almost as old as the application of air power itself. While histories were produced during the First World War, after the war, nations such as Great Britain were quick to creat…
drrossmahoney.wordpress.com
November 11, 2024 at 11:31 AM
Call for Contributors – The Airfix School of History: The Development and Writing of Air Power History drrossmahoney.wordpress.com/2024/11/11/c... #airpowerhistory #aviationhistory #plsRT