TV historian who had ‘magic way with words’ dies at 65

The professors, known for his TV documentaries on warfare, was described as an irreplacable historian, who had a magical way with words.

He died in hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, chief executive of ABF, the Soldiers’ Charity, said: “I’m absolutely mortified by his early death.

“He was a most wonderful historian with an incredible recall. He also had a most engaging wit and humour and the way in which he conveyed the historical message was sublime.

“One has lost an entire library with his death.

“He was a wonderful man, a good family man. Above all he was a great raconteur, wonderful to be with, entertaining. He was an enchanting man to know.”

He said the professor, a friend for 20 years, contributed greatly to the charity.

The professor had been suffering from ill health for some time and is understood to have been battling with myeloma, which affects the bone marrow and weakens the immune system.

The historian who was based in the Winchester area, leaves a wife, Liz, and two grown-up daughters.

Steph Muir, who was his personal assistant for about 15 years, said: “He was a unique person. They broke the mould after he was made.

“He was one of life’s gentlemen, in the best sense of the word. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. His depth of knowledge was amazing and he had a magical way with words. He touched so many lives.”

Mr Holmes wrote more than 20 books and presented several BBC programmes, including documentaries on the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and Oliver Cromwell.

He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, as well as Northern Illinois and Reading Universities, and taught military history at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for many years.

Generations of senior servicemen are said to have sat at his feet listening to him speak about military strategy and operations.

Mr Holmes spent 36 years in the Territorial Army, rising to brigadier, and commanding 2nd Battalion the Wessex Regiment.

He became the first reservist to hold the post of director of reserve forces and cadets. He also became professor of military and security studies at Cranfield University.

Mr Holmes held numerous posts, including president of the British Commission for Military History, and Patron of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.

He was made a CBE in 1998.

Major Graeme Cooper, of the Guild of Battlefield Guides, said: “He was the doyen of the industry of battlefield guiding.

“He was so endearing and interesting and such a friendly person, who had the ability to engage the public with his oratory. It’s the end of an era. There is nobody that will step into his shoes.

“I don’t thing we will ever find anybody in our lifetime who will come anywhere near his degree of capability.”