A former NATO Commander and British military chief who served on the front-line and in the corridors of international military power will give the Martin Edmonds Memorial Lecture at Lancaster University on November 19.

The former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Sir Richard Shirreff will speak about the war in Ukraine and what it means for the UK and the security of Europe.

The event, on November 19, is organised by the University’s Centre for War and Diplomacy, Security Lancaster and the Lancaster Military Heritage Group.

In his 37-year career, General Shirreff commanded soldiers on operations at every level from platoon to division.

This included combat in the Gulf War of 1991 as a tank squadron leader and again in Iraq as a divisional commander, together with other operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Bosnia.

In addition, he had extensive staff experience at brigade, Army HQ and in the Ministry of Defence. He commanded NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and his final military assignment was NATO’s 4 Star Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR).

In February 2016 he co-founded Strategia Worldwide Ltd, a global risk advisory company, which has since built up a sizeable portfolio of clients across different sectors.

One of the organisers and Professor of International History and Security at Lancaster University’s School of Global Affairs Professor Marco Wyss said: “It is an honour to be able to welcome such a distinguished military leader and strategist to Lancaster.

“Students, colleagues, and members of the public will have the opportunity to gain key insights into the war in Ukraine, as well as the defence and security challenges we face, from someone who was at the centre of British military operations and NATO defence policymaking.”

The free event in the Cavendish Lecture Theatre in the Faraday Building (5pm to 7pm including a reception following the lecture) on Lancaster University campus is open to all and does not require booking.

The Martin Edmonds Lecture is held annually in memory of internationally renowned pioneer of defence studies the late Professor Martin Edmonds, of Lancaster University.

More information please go to the Lancaster University CWD website.