On Friday 23 October representing the FSG Roger Thomas presented a lecture at the Artillery Centre in Larkhill as part of the annual Shrapnel Lectures 2026 

The Royal Artillery Historical Society hold the Shrapnel Lectures annually. The 2026 lectures were: 

  • The threat in 1940. Operation SEALION: The planned invasion of Britain 1941 - Dr Spencer Jones RA Regimental Historian
  • Defeating the V1- rapid adaptation to a threat. Lessons for the 21st Century? - Lt Col Mike Blair RAHS Member
  • Cold War: Building for Nuclear Confrontation 1946-1989 - Mr Roger Thomas Fortress Study Group
  • 1983: The World at the Brink - Mr Taylor Downing FRHS - Author and Producer

A long-standing FSG member and recently retired from Historic England, Roger was eminently qualified as the co-author of Cold War: Building for nuclear confrontation 1946-1989 to speak about this subject. 

Roger said, "It was an honour to contribute with my fellow speakers to what I believe was a very strong event. I was pleased to be able to represent the FSG and share my research on the Cold War with such a knowledgeable and engaged audience. It was clear that RAHS members recognise that we can learn a lot from history about how to approach the challenges of today."