150K+ views
Speaking & Lectures
Talks on WWII, Kokoda, and Gallipoli.
Peter Williams is available for lectures and keynote talks drawn from his published work. Published by Cambridge University Press and Pen & Sword; recent long-form interview on WW2TV has passed 150,000 views. Based in Canberra.
Six subjects, plus bespoke commissions.
Each subject draws on published scholarship. Tone is adjusted to the audience, from cruise lecture to academic seminar.
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“Kokoda: Myth and Reality”
Where the popular Kokoda story departs from the primary sources. Numbers, supply, withdrawals, and command decisions in 1942.
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“Japan's Pacific War: Voices of the Emperor's Warriors”
What Imperial Japanese Army and Navy veterans said about the Pacific War, and how the testimonies compare to the English-language record.
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“Gallipoli from the Ottoman Side”
The Gallipoli campaign from Ottoman positions: the artillery, the defence of Kanlısırt, the 25 April 1915 landings read from Turkish material.
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“Interviewing the Enemy”
A methodology talk, told as memoir. How you build the trust that makes a former Imperial Japanese Army veteran willing to talk about the Pacific War.
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“The Kokoda Track Today: Walking the History”
A practical orientation for travellers on the Track. The terrain, the phases of the 1942 campaign, and what you're looking at from Imita Ridge.
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“Australia in the Second World War: The Pacific Campaigns”
A wider lecture on Australia's Pacific war, from Singapore through New Guinea to the home front. Single keynote or 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
On camera.
Long-form interviews on WW2TV. A useful sample of how Peter works with 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
Built on the published record.
The talks draw on Japan’s Pacific War (Pen & Sword, 2021), The Kokoda Campaign 1942: Myth and Reality (Cambridge University Press, 2012), and the scholarly articles, chapters, and commissioned reports Peter has published since 2005.
Enquiries.
Email askme@peterdwilliams.com with date, venue, audience, and the subject you have in mind.
Enquire about a talk