150K+ views
Speaking & Lectures
A military historian for programmes that want depth.
Peter Williams is available for talks on the Second World War, the Kokoda Campaign, and the Gallipoli campaign. Published by Cambridge University Press and Pen & Sword; long-form interview on WW2TV has passed 150,000 views. Based in Canberra, Australia.
Six talks — and bespoke commissions.
Each talk sits on top of published scholarship. Peter tailors tone and depth to the audience — from relaxed cruise-ship lectures to academic seminars.
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“Kokoda: Myth and Reality”
What the primary sources actually say about numbers, withdrawals, and command decisions on the Track in 1942 — and where the popular story departs from the archival record.
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“Japan's Pacific War: Voices of the Emperor's Warriors”
Years of fieldwork interviewing Japanese veterans — how the work was done, what the testimonies say, and how they compare with the familiar English-language accounts.
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“Gallipoli from the Ottoman Side”
Drawing on Turkish-language material, this subject approaches the Gallipoli campaign from Ottoman positions — the artillery, the defence of Kanlısırt, and 25 April 1915 from the other trench.
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“Interviewing the Enemy”
A methodology-as-memoir subject: how to build the trust that makes a former Imperial Japanese Army or Navy veteran willing to speak candidly about the Pacific War, and what the interviews are actually like.
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“The Kokoda Track Today: Walking the History”
A practical orientation for travellers preparing to walk the Track or reflecting on it afterwards — the terrain, the phases of the campaign, and what you're looking at when you stand on Imita Ridge.
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“Australia in the Second World War: The Pacific Campaigns”
A wider lecture on Australia's war in the Pacific — from Singapore's fall through New Guinea and the home front. Works as a single keynote or a short series.
Flexible to your programme.
Keynote lecture
45–60 minutes plus Q&A. Single talk on one of the topics above or a bespoke subject.
Lecture series
3–5 connected talks (typical for a cruise or conference). Themed arcs available on the Pacific War, Kokoda, or Gallipoli.
After-dinner talk
25–30 minutes, narrative-led, no slides required. Ideal for regimental dinners and fundraisers.
Q&A / panel
Joining an existing programme as an expert voice on WWII or Kokoda.
PhD History
Cambridge University Press author
Pen & Sword Pacific War author
150K+ views on WW2TV interview
40 yrs of research in the field
Recent on camera.
Long-form interviews on WW2TV — a good sample of how Peter delivers material to a general audience.
Booking FAQ.
What subjects does Peter Williams speak on?
The Second World War — especially the Pacific theatre — the Kokoda Campaign, the Gallipoli campaign from the Ottoman side, and Australian military history. Topics are drawn from his published work and can be adapted to a specific audience or programme.
What formats does he offer?
Keynote lectures (45–60 min plus Q&A), lecture series of three to five connected talks, after-dinner talks, and panel or Q&A appearances. Talks can be delivered with or without slides.
Where is Peter Williams based?
Canberra, Australia. He is open to engagements in Australia and overseas.
What are his credentials?
BA, Dip. Ed, MA, PhD. Published by Cambridge University Press, Pen & Sword, and Wiley. Contributor to the Sydney Morning Herald and Wartime Magazine. He has taught history in the Northern Territory and in Japan.
How do I book or enquire?
Email askme@peterdwilliams.com with the date, venue, audience, and the subject or theme you have in mind. He aims to respond within a few days.
The underlying work
Every talk sits on decades of scholarship.
Peter’s keynotes draw on his books and published articles — Japan’s Pacific War (Pen & Sword, 2021), The Kokoda Campaign 1942: Myth and Reality (Cambridge University Press, 2012), and more than a dozen scholarly articles, chapters, and commissioned reports going back to 2005.
Let's build the programme.
Email askme@peterdwilliams.com with your date, venue, audience size, and the theme you have in mind. Peter typically responds within a few days.
Enquire about a talk