Description

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The complete story of the evolution and organisational history of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps.

Formed in 1860 as the Army Gymnastic Staff, the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) has been keeping the British Army in shape for just over 150 years. Drawn from every regiment in the army, prospective candidates undergo 30 weeks of intensive training before qualifying as a Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor.

Based at the Army School of Physical Training in Aldershot, over the course of its history the RAPTC has trained countless instructors, including Olympic medallists Dame Kelly Holmes and Kriss Akabussi.

This is a complete history of the RAPTC from its formation to the present day, illustrated with stunning images from the regimental collection, including historical photographs, commissioned pictures of objects and fine art, and facsimile reproductions of documents.

About the Author

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Nikolai Bogdanovic is a highly experienced military history editor. Born in the UK in 1970, in 1998 he joined Osprey Publishing, one of the world's leading military history publishers. He has previously co-authored The British Army: The Definitive History of the Twentieth Century in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, London, and has a particular interest in 19th- and 20th-century conflicts. In addition to writing and research, Nikolai has edited hundreds of military history books for a wide range of publishers. He currently works as an independent publishing professional specializing in military history from his home in Devon.