Lectures
Geoff is an experienced and highly regarded lecturer on RAF history and the Battle of Britain. His presentations have been described as “excellent” with “good public speaking” delivery. He has spoken at a wide range of prestigious venues:
- University of Derby — public lecture “Who Were the Few?” (2016)
- Society of Friends of the Imperial War Museum — four presentations (Council member 2004–2009)
- British Modern Military History Society — “Who were The Few?” (November 2022)
- St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, Biggin Hill — two addresses
- RAF Stations — after-dinner speeches at Coningsby, High Wycombe, Lossiemouth and Valley
- Oxford Union — fundraising dinner for Help for Heroes
- Manchester Metropolitan & Bournemouth Universities — guest lecturer on public relations
A recording of Geoff’s University of Derby lecture is available on YouTube.
“It’s vital to remember that experiences … are always buried somewhere in the mind.”Geoff Simpson, on interviewing veterans
Database of the Few
Geoff serves as consulting editor for the Database of the Few, maintained by the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust. This major online resource provides biographical information on each of the approximately 2,940 Allied aircrew who served under RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
The database draws on decades of research, including Geoff’s own work meeting and corresponding with several hundred veterans and their families. He has produced over 1,000 new and re-written entries. It continues to be updated as new information emerges, including the addition of newly recognised pilots by the RAF’s Air Historical Branch.
The database can be viewed electronically at The Wing visitor centre at the National Memorial to the Few, Capel-le-Ferne, Kent.
Hellfire Corner Tours
Geoff has led guided coach tours of “Hellfire Corner” — the Dover–Hawkinge–Folkestone triangle — starting at the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, Kent, and visiting places linked to the aerial fighting of 1940. As the Trust’s historian, these tours drew on his unrivalled personal knowledge of the Battle of Britain aircrew and their stories.
Articles & Publications
With over 50 years as a journalist, Geoff has contributed hundreds of articles to national and regional newspapers, consumer magazines, specialist publications and websites. His writing now focuses primarily on military history and travel. Regular publications include:
- Britain at War — was regular contributor; played a leading role in the “Last of The Few” supplement
- Specialist publications — The Dalesman, This England, Heritage, Family Tree, Best of British, Evergreen
- Military media — RAF News, Spirit of the Air (published by the RAF for senior officers)
- National press — Daily Telegraph, and numerous regional newspapers
Geoff has also participated in television and radio broadcasts on RAF history and the Battle of Britain, and has written for the Pen & Sword blog on the recognition of new members of the Few.