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Saul David
Saul David
Saul David
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Julian Saul David (born 1966) is a British academic military historian and broadcaster. He is best known for his work on the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the Anglo-Zulu War, as well as for presenting and appearing in documentaries on British television covering imperial and military themes.

Key Information

Of Armenian ancestry through his father and originally named Davidian,[1] David was born in Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales, and was educated at various local schools in Herefordshire and Monmouthshire before studying for his A-levels at Ampleforth College.[2] He studied for an MA in history at Edinburgh University, for which he was awarded an upper-second class degree, and read for his PhD at the University of Glasgow.[2][3] He was Visiting Professor of Military History at the University of Hull for 2007 – 2008.[4] In 2009, he was appointed professor of Military History at the University of Buckingham and has since been directing the institution's MA programme.[5]

David's books include The Indian Mutiny, which was shortlisted for the Duke of Westminster's Medal for Military Literature,[3] Military Blunders, Zulu: the Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (a Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year[6]) and Zulu and Victoria’s Wars. He has presented and appeared in a number of BBC programmes, including Zulu: The True Story, Time Commanders, The Greatest Knight (2008) and Bullets, Boots and Bandages: How to really win at war (2012).[7][8]

Bibliography

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References

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Saul David

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Saul David (born 1966) is a British military historian, novelist, and broadcaster renowned for his works on modern conflicts, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Anglo-Zulu War, and special forces operations. Born in Monmouth, Wales, David was educated at Ampleforth College and later earned a History MA and PhD from the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. He began his academic career as a professor of military history at the University of Buckingham, where he served from 2009 to 2021 and directed the London-based MPhil program in military history. Currently, he holds the position of Professorial Research Fellow at the University of Buckingham’s Humanities Research Institute and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. In 2021, David founded the Military History Club, an online community for enthusiasts, and since 2022, he has co-hosted the Battleground podcast, which has garnered over 100,000 weekly downloads. David has authored sixteen history books (one edited) and three historical novels, many of which have achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. Key historical works include The Indian Mutiny (2002), shortlisted for the Duke of Westminster's Medal for Military Literature; Zulu: The Heroism and Villainy of the Anglo-Zulu War (2004), named Waterstone’s Military History Book of the Year; Operation Thunderbolt (2015), which won Amazon's History Book of the Year and inspired a 2018 film; SBS: Silent Warriors (2021), a Sunday Times bestseller; Devil Dogs (2022), awarded The Times/Sunday Times History Book of the Year; Sky Warriors (2024), another Sunday Times bestseller; and Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa (2025). His novels, such as Zulu Hart (2009) and The Prince and the Whitechapel Murders (2018), blend adventure with historical detail. David's writing often draws on primary sources to reexamine controversial events, emphasizing the human elements of warfare. As a broadcaster, David has presented numerous programs for the , , and , including Timewatch episodes, Bullets, Boots and Bandages (2012), and Prince Albert: A Victorian Hero Revealed (2020). He frequently lectures at institutions like the and , and leads history tours to sites such as and the . David resides in with his wife and three daughters.

Early life and education

Early life

Saul David was born in 1966 in Monmouth, , . He grew up near Monmouth on his grandparents' large farm in a close-knit family environment, surrounded by over 20 cousins who made up a significant portion of the local school's pupils. His upbringing spanned the border regions of and , where he lived in various farm buildings and walked across fields—often crossing the -England border—to attend primary school. David attended Welsh Newton Primary School initially, before transferring to St Weonards Primary School in around the age of six or seven. His early interest in was sparked by engaging lessons from his teacher, Mrs Tabor, at St Weonards. Additionally, as a , he was exposed to military topics through lively discussions around the family dinner table, where his father shared tales of great battles and commanders, initially drawing David's attention as a way to connect with him before evolving into a genuine passion for . After primary school, David attended secondary schools in the region, including Monmouth School and John Kyrle High School. He later transferred to for studies.

Education

David attended , a Catholic independent boarding school in , , for his studies, where he completed his A-levels, achieving grades of A, B, and C, along with a distinction in the Special Paper (S-level) in history. Prior to this, he had studied at local schools in and , including Monmouth School and John Kyrle High School, where he earned seven O-levels. He then pursued higher education at the , enrolling in and completing a four-year (Honours) degree in in , graduating with upper second-class honours (2:1). He was accepted to , but was unable to attend due to lack of funding for fees. During his time at Edinburgh, David's interest in deepened, influenced by his earlier exposure to the subject through a primary school teacher, Mrs. Tabor, who ignited his passion for historical narratives. Following a period of professional experience, David returned to academia to undertake a PhD in at the from 1997 to 2000, supervised by , then Professor of Modern History. His doctoral thesis, titled The and the Outbreak of the Indian Mutiny, examined the role of the East India Company's in the events leading to the 1857 rebellion, providing a detailed analysis of military, social, and political factors. This work established the foundation for his specialization in British imperial and military .

Academic career

Early appointments

Following the completion of his PhD in 2000, Saul David's initial formal academic appointment came in 2007, when he served as Visiting Professor of at the for one . In this capacity, he engaged with the university's history department to support advanced initiatives, drawing on his expertise in British campaigns and imperial conflicts. David's role at Hull involved mentoring postgraduate students, particularly in refining their dissertation topics to ensure originality and potential for broader scholarly impact. This advisory work allowed him to contribute to the development of emerging military historians, emphasizing rigorous analysis of primary sources and the contextual nuances of 19th-century warfare. During this transitional phase in his career, David's tenure at Hull marked an important step in establishing his academic profile, bridging his independent background with institutional teaching and supervision responsibilities prior to his permanent professorship.

Current position and research

Saul David served as Professor of at the University of from 2009 to 2021 and has held the position of Professorial at the university's Humanities Research Institute since 2009, where he contributes to the institution's focus on historical scholarship. From 2009 to 2021, he directed the London-based MPhil programme in , guiding postgraduate students through advanced in warfare and . David's research centers on British imperial wars, the operations of , and key 20th-century conflicts, with particular attention to events such as the Zulu War, the Indian Mutiny, and Second World War airborne operations. These interests reflect his broader examination of , , and societal impacts in historical contexts. In recognition of his contributions to historical research, David was elected a of Historical Society in 2021.

Writing career

Non-fiction works

Saul David's non-fiction works focus on , examining pivotal conflicts, strategic errors, acts of heroism, and the human cost of warfare. His books draw on extensive , eyewitness accounts, and declassified documents to provide detailed narratives that challenge conventional interpretations and highlight the complexities of command decisions and experiences. Spanning imperial campaigns to modern , David's oeuvre emphasizes themes of blunders leading to catastrophe, the valor of underdog forces, and the brutal realities of , often informed by his academic expertise in . David's early non-fiction book, Military Blunders: The How and Why of Military Failure (1997), analyzes catastrophic errors in from ancient times to the , attributing defeats to factors like poor intelligence, overconfidence, and logistical failures. Examples include the and the fall of , illustrating how and incompetence can doom armies despite superior resources. The book received positive reviews for its engaging style and psychological insights into flaws, becoming a foundational text on the subject. In The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (2002), David offers a comprehensive account of the Sepoy Rebellion, detailing its origins in cultural clashes and greased cartridges, the brutal reprisals by British forces, and the rebellion's role in ending the Company's rule. Drawing on primary sources from both sides, he portrays the event as a pivotal clash of empires, with over 100,000 Indian deaths and widespread atrocities. The work was shortlisted for the Duke of Westminster's Medal for Military Literature, praised for its balanced perspective and vivid reconstruction of sieges like . David's Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 (2004) re-examines the , critiquing British commander Lord Chelmsford's arrogance and the invasion's preemptive nature against King Cetshwayo. Focusing on battles like —where 1,300 British troops were annihilated—and Rorke's Drift, the book underscores Zulu tactical brilliance and the war's pyrrhic cost, with over 10,000 Zulu casualties. It won Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year award and was lauded for debunking myths propagated by films like Zulu. Complementing this, Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire (2006) surveys Britain's 19th-century colonial conflicts, including the , , and Indian Mutiny, to trace the expansion of the Victorian empire through aggressive diplomacy and military innovation. David highlights the era's technological shifts, like rifled muskets, and the moral ambiguities of , with Britain annexing vast territories amid high civilian tolls. The book was well-received for its thematic breadth and critique of jingoistic narratives. Shifting to 20th-century operations, Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History (2015) chronicles the 1976 hijacking of Flight 139 and Israel's daring rescue of 102 hostages from , involving elite commandos. Based on interviews and archives, David details the planning under time pressure and the raid's near-flawless execution, which freed all but three hostages. It won Amazon's History Book of the Year and was commended for its tense, multi-perspective storytelling. The Force: The Legendary Special Ops Unit and WWII's Mission Impossible (2019) explores the Allied (SAS) and Special Boat Section (SBS) in and , focusing on daring raids like against Bordeaux shipping. David portrays these units' evolution from misfits to elite forces, emphasizing innovation in and amid high attrition rates. The book highlights heroism in improbable missions, earning acclaim for its archival depth. Crucible of Hell: The Heroism and Tragedy of Okinawa, 1945 (2020) narrates the , the Pacific War's bloodiest engagement, where U.S. forces suffered 50,000 casualties capturing the island from 100,000 Japanese defenders, many dying in kamikaze attacks or banzai charges. David integrates American, Japanese, and Okinawan accounts to depict the 82-day ordeal's strategic importance as a staging ground for invading . Shortlisted for the Military Book of the Year, it was praised for humanizing the carnage. Expanding on special forces, SBS: Silent Warriors – The Authorised Wartime History (2021) provides the first official chronicle of the from WWII canoe raids to modern counter-terrorism, using declassified files to detail operations like the . David underscores the SBS's maritime expertise and resilience, with the book becoming a for its insider access and thrilling vignettes. Devil Dogs: King Company, Third Battalion, 5th and the Fiercest Battles of the (2022) follows U.S. of K Company through , , and , capturing the ferocity of island-hopping campaigns where they faced entrenched Japanese defenses and horrors. David uses veterans' diaries to convey the bonds of , framing it as the Pacific's "Band of Brothers." It won and Sunday Times History Book of the Year. Sky Warriors: British Airborne Forces in the Second World War (2024) traces the Parachute Regiment and Glider Pilot Regiment from Bruneval to , emphasizing operations like and , where 17,000 troops dropped amid fierce resistance. David analyzes the airborne doctrine's highs and lows, with high casualties underscoring innovation's risks. A Sunday Times bestseller, it was noted for revitalizing overlooked Allied contributions. David's most recent work, Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa (2025), details the North African Campaign's climax from to the Axis surrender in , involving 800,000 Allied troops against Rommel's in battles like and Kasserine Pass. Drawing on multinational archives, it portrays the theater's logistical challenges and turning-point significance, with over 500,000 casualties. Early reviews hail its epic scope and fresh insights into Allied unity. David has also authored other notable works, including All the King's Men: The British Soldier from the Restoration to Waterloo (2012) and 100 Days to Victory: How the Great War Was Fought and Won (2013), contributing to his total of fifteen history books (one edited). With multiple bestsellers and awards reflecting their impact on popularizing rigorous military history, critics commend his narrative drive and avoidance of hagiography, often comparing his style to Antony Beevor for blending strategy with personal stories. Themes of flawed leadership and unsung bravery recur, establishing David as a leading chronicler of war's dualities.

Fiction works

Saul David's foray into draws heavily on his expertise as a military historian, blending meticulously researched events with adventure narratives centered on themes of identity, , and imperial intrigue. His novels feature the recurring protagonist George "Zulu" Hart, a mixed-race navigating the complexities of Victorian Britain and its colonial frontiers. This series exemplifies David's ability to crossover from to , infusing plots with authentic historical detail while delivering fast-paced storytelling. David's debut novel, Zulu Hart (2009), introduces George Hart, the illegitimate son of an Irish actress and a Zulu princess, who joins the British Army as an officer in the King's Dragoon Guards amid pervasive racial prejudice. Disillusioned, Hart travels to South Africa, where he becomes entangled in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, facing betrayal, survival challenges, and a pivotal choice between his dual heritages. Set against the backdrop of Victorian military life and colonial conflict, the novel explores Hart's quest for self-worth and inheritance, earning praise for its brisk action and compelling hero; it sold nearly 100,000 copies in the UK and reached No. 4 on the Daily Telegraph's hardback fiction bestsellers. Endorsements from authors like Bernard Cornwell highlighted its "rattling good yarn" quality, positioning it as a bridge between historical accuracy and entertainment. The sequel, Hart of Empire (2010), continues Hart's adventures as he undertakes a covert mission for Prime Minister during the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880). Tasked with stealing the Prophet's Cloak—a revered relic fueling Afghan resistance—Hart goes undercover in , allying with a rebellious princess while evading capture and grappling with the moral ambiguities of empire. The narrative unfolds in the rugged terrains of British India and , emphasizing loyalty and cultural clashes, and was lauded by the Daily Telegraph for its unyielding grip and "boy's own hero" protagonist. In The Prince and the Whitechapel Murders (2018), the third installment, Hart returns to in 1888 as a war hero assigned to safeguard Prince Albert Victor, Queen Victoria's grandson, from scandals tied to his secret visits to the East End. As gruesome murders reminiscent of unfold, Hart uncovers potential royal links to the killings, navigating a web of assassins, societal taboos, and personal outsider status. Set in the fog-shrouded slums of , the thriller reimagines Ripper lore with historical precision, receiving acclaim from for its suspense and from BBC History Magazine for breathing new life into familiar events through David's scholarly lens. Across these works, David weaves with adventure, leveraging his background to authenticate settings like the Zulu and Afghan Wars while critiquing through Hart's marginalized perspective. Critics have noted the series' success as accessible , appealing to fans of authors like for its blend of fact and invention.

Broadcasting career

Television and documentaries

Saul David has established himself as a prominent presenter and expert contributor in television documentaries on , appearing on major British and international channels since the early 2000s. His work often explores the human and logistical aspects of warfare, drawing on archival footage, expert analysis, and on-location investigations to provide nuanced historical narratives. In 2003, David served as historical consultant and on-screen expert for the Timewatch episode Zulu: The True Story, which examined the of 1879, highlighting the British defeat at and the defense at Rorke's Drift while tying into themes from his book Zulu. He also appeared as a military expert in the series (2003–2004), where contestants simulated historical battles using computer simulations, with David providing tactical insights across six episodes. David presented the 2008 Timewatch documentary The Greatest Knight, investigating the life of medieval knight William Marshal through the lens of brutal tournaments, including reconstructions of his combat techniques and weapons. In 2012, he hosted the three-part series Bullets, Boots and Bandages: How Wars are Really Won, focusing on the Crimean War's medical and logistical challenges, such as disease prevention and supply lines, to illustrate how conflicts are decided behind the front lines. David presented Prince Albert: A Victorian Hero Revealed for Channel 4 in 2019 and PBS in 2020. More recently, David contributed as a talking head expert to the 2021 Netflix and Discovery UK series WWII in Color: Road to Victory, a ten-part documentary using colorized footage to analyze key World War II turning points, including Dunkirk and the Eastern Front, where he offered commentary on strategic decisions and leadership. He has also presented programs for other channels, such as World War Two: A Timewatch Guide (BBC Four, 2016), which used BBC archives to trace evolving narratives of the war, and Russia: A Timewatch Guide (BBC Four, 2016), exploring Russian history through archival lens. Additionally, his appearances extend to international outlets like the History Channel's Presidents at War (2019) and PBS's Revolutions: The Ideas that Changed the World (2019), appearing in the episode on the smartphone.

Radio and podcasts

Saul David has made numerous appearances on , contributing to historical discussions and presenting programs on military and topics. He has been a guest on In Our Time, hosted by , where he explored events such as the in 2008, the Rise and Fall of the Zulu Nation in 2010, Custer's Last Stand in 2011, and Clausewitz and in 2012. Other notable contributions include presenting How the Rest Got Home in 2010 and discussing scenarios like "What if the Zulus had defeated the British in 1879?" on What If? in 2004. He has also appeared on the Today Programme to address historical accuracy in feature films in 2005 and 2009, and contributed to The Long View on the Prince Regent in 2004. David's radio work extends to other BBC stations, including debates on heroism and failure on Free Thinking (Radio 3) in 2015 and discussions on on Proms Plus (Radio 3) in 2018. Additional appearances feature interviews on The Simon Mayo Show (Radio 2) in 2013 and the Richard Bacon Show (Radio 5 Live) in 2012, focusing on his historical expertise. In 2022, David co-launched the Battleground podcast with military historian and former war correspondent Patrick Bishop, initially focusing on 20th-century conflicts through a multi-part series on the to mark its 40th anniversary. The podcast features interviews with veterans and experts, such as Lord Luce and Jeremy Thompson, blending social and narratives. It later expanded to cover contemporary events, including ongoing episodes on the war in , with discussions on frontline developments, foreign volunteers, and strategic shifts, often featuring guests like war reporters and analysts. As of 2025, the podcast launched a series on the , and David appeared on in September 2025 to discuss Tunisgrad. Battleground is available on major platforms and emphasizes turning points and characters in modern conflicts.

Other activities

History tours

In 2021, Saul David founded the Military History Club, an exclusive global forum dedicated to enthusiasts of , which offers members access to such as newsletters, podcasts, videos, and magazines, alongside organized events focused on historical military sites. David has personally led guided history tours to key locations tied to imperial and modern conflicts, drawing on his expertise in British from the 19th and 20th centuries. For instance, he has conducted tours to , exploring sites related to the Indian Mutiny and colonial campaigns, and to the , highlighting battles from the . More recently, David announced a six-day "From Dunkirk to D-Day" tour in , scheduled for 2026 in association with Tripsmiths, which traces the British Army's experiences in through visits to pivotal sites like the beaches of and Normandy landing zones, guided by narratives from his own books on the subject. These initiatives integrate David's scholarly focus on imperial wars—such as those in and the —with modern conflicts like , providing participants with immersive, expert-led explorations that blend on-site visits with contextual analysis.

Awards and honors

Saul David's contributions to military history have earned him numerous accolades, particularly for his non-fiction works. His debut major historical book, The Indian Mutiny: 1857 (2002), was shortlisted for the Duke of Westminster's Medal for Military Literature, recognizing its scholarly depth on a pivotal colonial conflict. In 2004, Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879 received the Waterstone's Military History Book of the Year award, highlighting its gripping narrative of the Anglo-Zulu War. David's 2015 publication, Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History, was selected as one of Amazon UK's Best History Books of the Year, praised for its detailed account of the 1976 . For Crucible of Hell: Okinawa – The Last Great Battle of the Second World War (2020), he was shortlisted for the British Army Military Book of the Year Award in 2021, acknowledging its comprehensive examination of the . Several of David's recent works have achieved commercial success as Sunday Times bestsellers, including SBS – Silent Warriors: The Authorised Wartime History in 2021 and Sky Warriors: British Airborne at War in the Second World War in 2024, reflecting their broad appeal to readers of . In 2022, Devil Dogs: First in, Last Out – King Company from to the Shores of was named a History Book of the Year by both The Times/Sunday Times and the Daily Telegraph, lauding its vivid portrayal of a U.S. Marine company's Pacific campaign experiences. Beyond literary prizes, David was elected a of the Royal Historical Society in 2021, in recognition of his sustained contributions to historical scholarship.

References

  1. https://sauldavid.co.uk/biography/
  2. https://sauldavid.co.uk/
  3. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/tunisgrad-victory-in-africa/
  4. https://www.the-independent.com/news/people/profiles/passed-failed-an-education-in-the-life-of-saul-david-historian-and-broadcaster-844773.html
  5. https://aspectsofhistory.com/author_interviews/saul-david-interview/
  6. https://sauldavid.co.uk/academia/
  7. https://theses.gla.ac.uk/1742/1/2001davidphd.pdf
  8. https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/study-military-history/
  9. https://sauldavid.co.uk/2021/05/fellow-of-the-royal-historical-society/
  10. https://www.amazon.com/Military-Blunders-Saul-David/dp/1780334931
  11. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57618.Military_Blunders
  12. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/zulu-the-heroism-and-tragedy-of-the-zulu-war-of-1879/
  13. https://www.amazon.com/Victorias-Wars-Empire-Saul-David/dp/0141005556
  14. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/operation-thunderbolt-flight-139-and-the-raid-on-entebbe-airport/
  15. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/the-force-the-legendary-special-ops-unit-and-wwiis-mission-impossible/
  16. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/crucible-of-hell/
  17. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/sbs-silent-warriors-the-authorised-wartime-history/
  18. https://www.harpercollins.com/products/tunisgrad-victory-in-africa-saul-david
  19. https://aspectsofhistory.com/authors/saul-david/
  20. https://www.fantasticfiction.com/d/saul-david/
  21. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/
  22. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/zulu-hart/
  23. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/hart-of-empire/
  24. https://sauldavid.co.uk/books/the-prince-and-the-whitechapel-murder/
  25. https://sauldavid.co.uk/broadcasting/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0875529/
  27. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b071gx2c
  28. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386245/
  29. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008s9l7
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1181757/
  31. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bpkjn
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16477402/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3565428/
  34. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rykqd
  35. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0112xfd/In_Our_Time_Custers_Last_Stand/
  36. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01hl293/In_Our_Time_Clausewitz_and_On_War/
  37. https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/whatif/
  38. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b061glf7
  39. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06hjpzc
  40. https://sauldavid.co.uk/2022/04/battleground-podcast/
  41. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/battleground/id1617276298
  42. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/battleground-4276422
  43. https://sauldavid.co.uk/category/updates/
  44. https://open.spotify.com/show/0v96h51r7KZU4OH02khvf1
  45. https://militaryhistoryclub.org/
  46. https://petersfraserdunlop.com/clients/saul-david/
  47. https://sauldavid.co.uk/2025/09/from-dunkirk-to-d-day-history-tour/
  48. https://tripsmiths.com/tours/world-war-two-saul-david
  49. https://sauldavid.co.uk/history-tours/
  50. https://www.perseusbooks.com/titles/saul-david/operation-thunderbolt/9780316245395/
  51. https://petersfraserdunlop.com/saul-davids-crucible-of-hell-shortlisted-for-the-bamby-2021-awards/
  52. https://www.amazon.com/SBS-Warriors-Authorised-Wartime-History/dp/0008394563
  53. https://sauldavid.co.uk/2022/12/a-times-and-daily-telegraph-history-book-of-the-year/
  54. https://files.royalhistsoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/23161452/Fellows-List-Feb-23.pdf
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