Trained as a journalist, James has worked as a writer and editor for over a decade, launching three history magazines and one true crime magazine.

He knows a worrying amount about some of the strangest things

VC Valour on D-Day (Britain at War issue 146)

VC Valour on D-Day (Britain at War issue 146)

James Hoare

As the only Victoria Cross of the Normandy landings went to a Yorkshireman, I felt as though I had a moral responsibility to tell the story of Company Sergeant Major Stan Hollis, a larger than life figure who went from a North Riding chip shop to 4th Battalion The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment).

Unfortunately there was no space for his early life among the battered haddock of Robin Hood’s Bay, but as part of the larger D-Day 75th anniversary special I was free to focus on the man rather than the wider context of his actions.

VC Valour on D-Day appeared in Britain at War issue 146, priced £4.80. Find out more at britainatwar.keypublishing.com.

"One Didn't Expect a Tank to Float" (Britain at War issue 146)

"One Didn't Expect a Tank to Float" (Britain at War issue 146)
The Battle of Paadeberg (Britain at War 145)

The Battle of Paadeberg (Britain at War 145)