David “Taff” Simon
Founder, Dark History Tours & Experiences
Originally from Wales, Taff moved to England where he read Geography, History and Archaeology at Winchester, majoring in the latter.
His archaeological thesis focused on WW2 German defensive structures in Normandy and the Channel Islands.
Explaining Luftwaffe tactics over a beer in the Hofbräuhaus. (Leah Sherman-Kish)
His love of history can be traced back to his childhood. When not getting war stories from his grandfather who served on the Atlantic convoys, he had his head in history books or was watching the seminal documentaries like “The World at War”.
At the age of 15 he took part in his first serious archaeological excavation – and the rest, as they say is history. He was hooked.
Taff became involved in historical living history researching and displaying periods as diverse as the early medieval period through to WW2 and often spoke to the public on these subjects. Taff built a body of knowledge in this area, often working with prestigious clients such as English Heritage, The National Trust, the Fighter Collection Duxford and Station X Bletchley Park to name but a few.
In 2000 he moved to Berlin, working as an archaeologist. Living there gave him fantastic opportunities to interview important eyewitnesses of WW2, both Soviet and German, soldiers and civilians alike.
Returning to the UK in late 2002 for archaeological work, Taff excavated on a variety of sites such as prehistoric houses in Scotland, Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England and Medieval houses on the Welsh border. In this period he was also involved in a research project excavating WW2 aircraft wrecks, advising on, excavating and recording aircraft such as the legendary Spitfire and Lancaster to German types such as the Heinkel 111 and Junkers 88.
He relocated to Munich late in 2007 and founded Dark History Tours & Experiences soon after.
Passionate about life-long learning, his aim was to make the past accessible, fascinating and above all, relevant. Aware of how objects can convey information in a way that spoken words alone cannot, Taff ran tours from the outset where guests were invited to examine ancient artefacts such as pottery, coins and more modern items such as original documents, money and photos.
Recording a mid 7th century AD female burial near Augsburg. This previously unknown site, located on farmland, was due to be developed
As well as running tours Taff continues to be heavily involved in local archaeological excavations, working on sites as diverse as Neolithic settlements, Bronze Age barrow cemeteries, Roman villas and urban Medieval sites.
Most recently, he was supervising archaeologist on the redevelopment of the former Messerschmitt works at Haunstetter Straße in Augsburg, a role he performed for two years under challenging conditions; heavily bombed in WW2, excavations there required extra vigilance and coordinating with EOD specialists on a daily basis.
Taff with a very recently defused US41 Fragmentation bomb, dropped 1944-5
He has also worked in film and theatre as a military and historical advisor as well as a background artist for the London International Film School and Channel 4 Films.
As of 2024, he is a member of the Guild of Battlefield Guides.
His skill set and experience make him uniquely qualified to guide you through some ‘dark history’.
Taff also gives archaeology talks to local schools