The BCMH was founded in 1968 as the national branch of the International Commission for Military History. It serves as a forum for the discussion and promotion of military history in the broadest sense, that is naval and air as well as army aspects without any specific time limits.

The BCMH holds at least three conferences every year. Recent themes have included "The Classical Legacy in Warfare", "Logistics - Powering War"; and "Commemorating War in the 21st Century".

There is a regular newsletter, Mars & Clio and an annual battlefield tour.

The membership comes primarily from those working in military history in universities, museums & archives, defence and the armed forces as well as the media, heritage and cultural studies and private individuals.

Forthcoming Conferences and events notified to the BCMH