Governor's Lecture Series - "The Battle of the Tennis Court"
Governor's Lecture Series - "The Battle of the Tennis Court: Kohima, April – June 1944"
Date: Wednesday 25th February 2026
Join us for a powerful and insightful lecture on one of the most decisive battles of the Second World War. Bob Cook, Curator of the Kohima Museum, will explore the dramatic events of the Battle of the Tennis Court, a pivotal engagement within the wider Battle of Kohima.
Often described as one of the most important battles of the entire war, Kohima marked the furthest point of the Japanese advance into India. Until this moment, Japanese forces had rarely been defeated—after Kohima, they were never victorious again. The fighting on the small, improvised tennis court at the Deputy Commissioner’s bungalow became one of the most intense and symbolically significant clashes of the Burma Campaign.
Guest Speaker:
Bob Cook
About Bob
Bob Cook is a retired Warrant Officer Class 2, Royal Signals, with 34 years and 118 days of service—plus an early breakfast, as he proudly notes. His family’s connection to Crown service stretches back to 1847, and his own dedication to preserving military history is equally longstanding.
Based in York, Bob has served as Curator of the Kohima Museum since 2008. He has visited the Kohima battlefield 14 times, guiding veterans and families across the ground where their loved ones fought, fell, and endured.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 25 February
Location: The Soane Stable Yard (Entrance via Chelsea Gate)
Schedule:
- 18:00 - 18:30 - Drinks reception at Heidi Bakery
- 18:30 - 19:15 - Lecture
- 19:15 - 19:30 - Q&A session
Ticket Price: £15 per person (Includes a complimentary drink).
All ticket revenue supports the ongoing care and wellbeing of our Chelsea Pensioners.