Peter Reese

Peter Reese, historian, author and long-serving member of FAMM, died in July 2023.

Peter did National Service in the Army in the Middlesex Regiment, then subsequently gained a regular commission in the Royal Army Educational Corps in which he served for many years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring from the Army, Peter became a full-time military historian and writer, publishing many books including titles on William Wallace; the Battle of Bannockburn; the Battle of Flodden; General George Monk; the Battle of Dunbar; and the bombing raids on London in both World Wars. Peter’s biography of aviation pioneer Samuel Cody, “The Flying Cowboy”, led him to study the history of British aviation which he detailed in a trilogy of works: “The men who gave us wings”; “Transforming the skies”; and “In turbulent skies”. His final book was a biography of Sir Henry Royce.

Peter took a great interest in the work of the Aldershot Military Museum and served for some 25 years on the FAMM committee. Throughout this time he took an active role in the Friends activities, and was prominent in our special exhibition and events for the centenary of Cody’s first flight in 2008 and for the centenary of the First World War in 2014. With his long military experience and tremendous depth of knowledge of military history Peter was an invaluable source of advice and information. His wife, Barbara, also served on the Committee throughout this period as Hon Treasurer.

Despite suffering various health issues, Peter’s indomitable spirit meant that he never stopped working on his various projects and interests, and even in the months before his final illness he was engrossed in research for another book. Peter was much loved by all who knew him and his loss is greatly mourned. We offer sincere sympathy to Barbara and to his family.