Jon's interest in the First World War was sparked as a young boy listening to the stories of veterans in his village. His interest in the military and the Great War increased and blossomed when he researched his own relative's actions and became fascinated by the part that they played. This fuelled his interest which subsequently turned into a passion.

Jon served in the Territorial Army for five years, furthering his understanding and knowledge of the military. This furthered his love of history which he went on to study at degree level. Having completed his History degree in 2005 he took the decision to move with his family to the Somme and convert this passion into a career.

In 2006 Jon became a full time battlefield guide for the Musée Somme 1916, Albert, a role he continues to fulfil on a part-time basis. When not in the museum, Jon pursues his passion by taking people around the battlefields as an independent guide and researcher. When not on the battlefield, Jon can often be found in the excellent Old Blighty Tearooms in La Boisselle, which is run by his wife Alison.

Jon helped revive the Somme Branch of the Western Front Association where he now holds the post of Research and Development Officer.



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Page last updated: 24 October 2020.