Cruise bans historian’s lectures on the Second World War after German passengers complain

A RESPECTED British historian booked for a military lecture series has been axed and told don't mention the war - after scores of complaints from Germans.

Veteran speaker Jeff Chandler, 83, was signed up to give talks on Essex-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ maiden round-the-world trip.

He delivered his first on the 120-day voyage on the evacuation of Dunkirk but some of the passengers took offence and complained.

Mr Chandler, from Swindon, then gave his second on the Crimea and announced his next was due to be about wartime leader Winston Churchill.

But around 30 of the 88 German travellers on board complain and his programme of talks were suddenly axed by CMV.

It meant a planned talk on Anzac Day on the Gallipoli campaign by Jeff has also been canned, disappointing the Aussies on the ship.

Freedom of speech campaigners and supportive travellers on board the Magellan liner blasted the ban.

Former Met Police officer and passenger, Ted Keogh, said it was an utter disgrace.

He added: "Jeff is a great speaker and simply tells it like it was without any bias.

"If some guests found the subject matter uncomfortable, surely they could just stay away from the talks?

";To silence him like this is appalling."

George Woollons, from Hull, said thought it might be a reaction to the Brexit vote.

He said: "Maybe they are getting their own back.

"Either way its a terrible decision.

"Cow towing to a few Germans is pretty pathetic."

MP Philip Davies, who is not on the ship, said it seemed strange when informed of the row.

He added: "I am not entirely sure if they couldn’t operate on the basis, if you don’t like it, don’t go.