KINLAY H. FRANCIS  MILITARY AND NAVAL HISTORIAN

 

Kinlay H. Francis is an Accredited Orkney Green Badge Guide and member of the Orkney and Scottish Tourist Guides Association. He is qualified to guide in all areas of Orkney‘s history, culture, flora & fauna, crafts, food and drink. Kinlay runs his own tour company, Orkney Uncovered, which specialises in Military History and Ancient Orkney sites and structures.

Kinlay is a recognised expert in Military history. He developed his knowledge and experience from a keen interest in his environment, growing up within half a mile of the first British civilian casualty of WWII in Orkney, and through researching family history which again had strong links to the Armed Forces.

 

Kinlay's late Grandfather Lt Cdr Alan H. Francis was a Gunnery Officer in WWII and served on a variety of Destroyers and Armed Merchant Cruisers in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Kinlay also works as the Historian for the Royal Naval Association in Orkney, this involves provision of information and support and advice to members of the Royal Naval Association and authors both civilian and military on aspects of Wartime Orkney and Scapa Flow. He also co-ordinates and raise money for WWII Veterans to come back to visit the naval anchorage of Scapa Flow.

 

 

TOPICS:

 

History of Scapa Flow - British Fleet base in WWI and WWII

 

The Scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet

 

The Sinking of HMS Royal Oak

 

The Churchill Barriers – History and lasting legacy

 

The Italian Chapel – Miracle of Camp 60

 

Orkney’s Coast Defence Batteries.