John Pimlott (historian)


John Pimlott was the Head of the Department of War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, also known as a prolific author of books on 20th century military history.

Early years and education

After studying at Brigg Grammar School, in Lincolnshire, and the University of Leicester, he received a PhD for a thesis on the administration of the British Army between 1783 and 1793.

Career

John Pimlott was the Head of the Department of War Studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1994, institution where he worked since 1973.
He is best known for editing books on 20th century military history for the general public. The subject matter of his books covers the conflicts of the First and Second World Wars, the conflicts in the Middle East and the Vietnam War, specifically focusing on the guerrilla warfare aspects of this conflict. Pimlott argued that the British approach to counterinsurgency was more successful than the approaches of other European overseas empires.

Works

His works include illustrated books as War in Peace, Nam: The Vietnam Experience 1965–75, Vietnam: The History and Tactics, Battle of the Bulge or Guerrilla Warfare.

Death

Pimlott died when two grenades picked up during a visit to a battlefield site exploded in his studio in Surrey.