England

An Oxford World War II Conference

Program No. 21453RJ
Immerse yourself in the story of WWII in Oxford, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the outbreak of the war through lectures and expert-led speaker discussions.

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At a Glance

On September 1, 1939 the threads of an increasingly tense web of international relations began to snap as German forces crossed the Polish border. One year later armed conflict was again in full swing across the world, with no end in sight. We invite you to join distinguished scholars and historians in Oxford, England for a historic conference event, the seventh in Road Scholar’s World War series. Delve into the origins, outbreak and early stages of the Second World War with leading experts at the conference.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking and standing up to 2 hours on some field trips.

What You'll Learn

  • Get insight from renowned experts, historians, authors, professors and broadcasters into the events of the Second World War with a special focus on 1941.
  • Focus on the events of 1941 in lectures: the war in North Africa, the struggle against the U-Boats and the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
  • Learn about the events of the war on land, sea and in the air, as well as daily life on the home front, in an expert-led discussion.
  • Enjoy the ambience of an Oxford College at St Hugh's, including dinner in hall, receptions and gala dinner and a gin tasting with John Harris.

General Notes

This conference program has a maximum of 120 like-minded participants, is classroom-based and features acclaimed experts. For field trips, the group will be divided into smaller groups. Double rooms are not offered on this program due to the rooming configurations at St. Hugh’s College. We offer a set of two single rooms with an adjoining area and shared bathroom facilities. Roommate matching cannot be offered.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Spencer Jones
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Darkest Year: The British Army on the Western Front 1917' (Helion and Company, 2021).

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

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Spencer Jones View biography
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Darkest Year: The British Army on the Western Front 1917' (Helion and Company, 2021).
Profile Image of Annette Barton
Annette Barton View biography
Before becoming a group leader, Annette worked in the Economic Development Department in a UK local government post, which took her to many countries in Europe and beyond. After taking early retirement, she lived and sailed in the Mediterranean for a few years before joining Road Scholar. In the following two decades, she has led groups in at least 18 countries, visited 24 countries as part of a world voyage and has assisted at international conferences.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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8 days
7 nights
16 meals
6 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive London, Reception, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Oxford
D
St Hugh's College

Activity note: Check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The college is within walking distance of central Oxford and Summertown, North Oxford with its cafes, restaurants, pubs, and shops. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Arrivals continue. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a Study Leader who will facilitate your educational content, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. Due to the high profile nature of many of our speakers, most will be confirmed by the time of the first set of Preparatory Materials, however there may be changes due to reasons beyond our control. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Following the meeting, we invite you to join us for a welcome reception with wine.

Dinner: Served dinner with wine, coffee, tea, and water.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Lectures Begin
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Breakfast: In the dining room, we'll choose from a breakfast buffet with a range of hot and cold items, as well as coffee, tea, water, and fruit juices.

Morning: We'll begin our lectures. Details of lectures and themes will be advised nearer the program date entitled

Lunch: In the dining room, we'll have a 2-course lunch with coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: Lectures continue

Dinner: In the dining room, we'll enjoy a 3-course dinner with coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure, or join Dr Spencer Jones for informal discussion.

DAY
4
Lectures Continue
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Breakfast: In the dining room.

Morning: We will gather for two more morning lectures.

Lunch: In the dining room.

Afternoon: Lectures continue.

Dinner: Served in the dining room.

Evening: Lectures continue.

DAY
5
Lectures Continue
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Breakfast: In the dining room.

Morning: Our lecture series continues

Lunch: In the dining room.

Afternoon: Lectures continue

Dinner: Served in the dining room.

Evening: After dinner this evening, we’ll join John Harris for an expert-led drinks tasting.

DAY
6
Lectures continue.
Oxford
B,L
St Hugh's College

Breakfast: In the dining room.

Morning: Morning lectures

Lunch: In the dining room.

Afternoon: Lectures continue

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: Free time.

DAY
7
Final Day of Lectures
Oxford
B,L,D
St Hugh's College

Breakfast: In the dining room.

Morning: For our last day of lectures. T

Lunch: In the dining room.

Afternoon: Lectures continue with the closing lecture by Dr. Spencer Jones.

Dinner: A gala dinner with wine served in the dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
8
Program Concludes
Oxford
B

Activity note: College check-out 10:00 a.m. See your program's "Transportation Information" regarding transfers.

Breakfast: In the dining room. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.

Morning: Transfer to Heathrow Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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