OMRS Kent Branch

09/09/2026

A great meeting last night at Gillingham Golf Club with Douglas Hamandishe (the Mayor of Medway) and Jim Carver (Noonan’s auction house). Jim gave us a fabulous talk on a family pathfinder casualty, bringing home the personal sacrifice so many families made during the Second World War with personal letters and photos. I’d also like to thank Douglas for coming along, and helping to promote our club to a wider audience.

To find it more about our monthly meeting and the fantastic talks we host, check out the talk list on this page.

08/07/2026

The OMRS Kent Branch recently staged an engaging display at a local beating retreat, turning the evening into a lively meeting point for anyone with an interest in military history and medal collecting. Throughout the event, a steady stream of visitors stopped to talk with members, learn about the society’s work, and examine a selection of medals brought along for the occasion. Conversations ranged from the stories behind individual decorations to broader discussions about collecting, preservation, and research.

A highlight of the night came when The Mayor of Medway, Douglas Hamandishe, and The Lady Colgrain, The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, visited the stand. Both took time to speak with members, ask about the awards on display, and show genuine interest in the history represented by each medal. Their presence added a sense of recognition and civic pride to the event, underscoring the value of sharing military heritage with the wider community.

The evening not only showcased the branch’s expertise but also demonstrated how public events can spark curiosity, encourage conversation, and bring people together through shared history.

15/04/2026

A list of upcoming talks this year:

Jan 13th - This is the month members bring in their best buy of 2025

Feb 10th - 'Regiment succession of titles' - David Simons

March 10th - 'The Albert Medal' - Martin Stoneham

April 14th - 'Wittmann' - Peter Hall

May 12th - Show and tell - Club members

June 9th - 'The development and deployment of Es**rt Carriers in WW2' - Dr Ray Carter

July and August - No meetings due to holidays

September 8th - 'A pathfinder casualty in the family' - Jim Carver from Noonans auctioneers

October 13th - The men they left behind - Dunkirk evacuation miracle' - Terry Matson

November 10th - To be confirmed

December AGM and Quiz

10/04/2026

This Tuesday! Join Us for a Fascinating Evening of Military History!

The OMRS Kent Branch invites you to an in‑depth talk exploring the life, battlefield reputation, and historical impact of Michael Wittmann, one of the most debated tank commanders of the Second World War.

📅 14th April
🕖 7:00pm
📍 Gillingham Golf Club

It’s a chance to separate fact from legend and gain a clearer understanding of the period’s complex military history.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or simply curious about tank warfare and WWII operations, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

👉 Everyone welcome — join us for an insightful and thought‑provoking session.

21/03/2026

Join Us for a Fascinating Evening of Military History!

The OMRS Kent Branch invites you to an in‑depth talk exploring the life, battlefield reputation, and historical impact of Michael Wittmann, one of the most debated tank commanders of the Second World War.

📅 14th April
🕖 7:00pm
📍 Gillingham Golf Club

It’s a chance to separate fact from legend and gain a clearer understanding of the period’s complex military history.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or simply curious about tank warfare and WWII operations, this is an evening you won’t want to miss.

👉 Everyone welcome — join us for an insightful and thought‑provoking session.

10/03/2026

TONIGHT!!!!

📣 OMRS Kent Branch – Next Talk Announced!

Join us on 10 March at 7pm at Gillingham Golf Club for a fascinating evening as Martin Stoneham presents an in‑depth talk on the Albert Medal — one of the rarest and most historically significant awards for gallantry.
Discover the stories, the heroes, and the remarkable legacy behind this extraordinary decoration. Whether you're a seasoned medal enthusiast or simply curious about acts of bravery from history, this is a talk you won’t want to miss.

📍 Gillingham Golf Club�🗓 Monday 10 March�🕖 7:00pm

Everyone is welcome — come along, learn something new, and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts!

09/03/2026

📣 OMRS Kent Branch – Next Talk Announced!

Join us on 10 March at 7pm at Gillingham Golf Club for a fascinating evening as Martin Stoneham presents an in‑depth talk on the Albert Medal — one of the rarest and most historically significant awards for gallantry.
Discover the stories, the heroes, and the remarkable legacy behind this extraordinary decoration. Whether you're a seasoned medal enthusiast or simply curious about acts of bravery from history, this is a talk you won’t want to miss.

📍 Gillingham Golf Club�🗓 Monday 10 March�🕖 7:00pm

Everyone is welcome — come along, learn something new, and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts!

17/02/2026