Andrew Lambert

Naval historian Professor Andrew Lambert marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with a look at the part played by Gibraltar.

Lambert will focus on some of the key events involving Gibraltar and its naval base. These included the disabling of the French Vichy fleet at Mers-El-Kebir in July 1940 by a British fleet from Gibraltar; relief convoys to Malta from Gibraltar, particularly Operation Pedestal in August 1942, which broke the siege of Malta; and the planning of Operation Torch – the invasion of North Africa – by General Eisenhower in Gibraltar in November 1942 when the general became the only non-Briton to be appointed Commander-in-Chief, Gibraltar.

Lambert is professor of naval history at King’s College London.  His books include Nelson: Britannia’s God of War, Admirals: The Naval Commanders Who Made Britain Great and Franklin: Tragic Hero of Polar Exploration. His history of the British Navy, War at Sea, was turned into a three-part television series on BBC 2.

The Gibraltar Lecture is delivered each year at the festival and takes the form of an address, an ‘in conversation’ or a debate. It is devoted to matters of major cultural, historical or international importance at the invitation of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar.

The event will be introduced by the Hon Fabian Picardo, QC, MP, Chief Minister of HM Government of Gibraltar.

Sponsored by the Gibunco Group.