CRISPIN SWAYNE
Social and military historian, Crispin Swayne presented and co-wrote the critically acclaimed television series, Great Battles on Discovery Channel, in which he passionately retraced and told the stories behind decisive battles throughout history. Most recently, apart from appearances on John Simpsons Radio 4 show Where in the World and BBC 1s The Peoples War, Crispin presented Greatest Military Clashes, a prime time series for Five, where he examined iconic weapons of the 20th Century, pitted them against each other and discussed with veteran soldiers which was the most superior.
Crispin could truly be described as a renaissance man. A former Gallery Manager for Sothebys, his great passions are poetry, art and music throughout history. He contributed music and poetic voice-overs to Travels with Pevsner and Monet Moments for BBC TV. Hes an accomplished poet who was published at just seventeen years old, and has supported artists such as Moby, Lemon Jelly and The Alabama 3. He is an accomplished pianist and composer, and is a popular MC and DJ. He even owns an eco friendly juice bar, which can be found major festivals
Crispin won a scholarship to Christs Hospital, where he excelled at music, art and athletics. He went on to study for a BA in Mediaeval History and English before attending Sandhurst, and a commission in the Blues and Royals. After three years as a tank commander in Germany and the former Occupied Berlin, Crispin truly sensed his place in history whilst gleefully taking his part in the destruction of the Berlin Wall with a jackhammer borrowed from a sculptor friend.
As an officer he was regarded as somewhat unorthodox in his approach, but his ability to inspire and develop personnel was nonetheless recognised and fully utilised during a posting to the Guards Depot, Pirbright, where he received a Commandants Commendation for record pass rates for his recruits and early promotion to Captain. His skill for nurturing talent was further honed as Training Officer to the Canadian Special Forces where he served for two years in places as diverse as the Arctic Circle as a Survival Instructor, and as an Intelligence Officer during the first Gulf War. He received the Governor Generals Commendation for integrating training between the regular army and the militia. He has acted as historical and military advisor on films such as Atonement, Batman Begins and Shawn of the Dead and The Magic Flute (set in WW1) by Kenneth Brannagh, who said Crispin turned my actors into soldiers, which was invaluable for the plausibility of the production. His period knowledge is excellent.
Since leaving the army, Crispin has used his considerable military experience in personnel development to become a respected freelance recruitment consultant working with people such as Virgin, Sky, The Mirror Group, the Princes Trust, Channel One and Bank of Scotland. He advises on a variety of issues including project management and creative solutions to staff retention.
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Guards Depot Passing Out Parade - 14 June 1985 - (Part 1 of 3)by ANMC20202,476 views
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