Shows
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History126 Christmas at War 2025 WW2Heartwarming festive tales of WWII. Cry. Laugh. Learn. German POW story, "Last Flight" Lancaster tale, Wilf Shaw goes to church, Stop Press headlines, much more. Your free christmas gift: The Fighting Through digital jigsaw: Here's something to entertain pending the next episode, a Fighting Through puzzle, courtesy of Lisa Loftis! #puzzle #ww2 Play at https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1d5d66386b74 James Papalia's book - The Secret Portalhttps://amzn.to/3KGPAG2 I'm recommending this service for FREE automatic new epsiode notifications: Fe...
2025-12-131h 27
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History125 (Pt 2) Britain's Darkest WW2 Newspaper Headlines 1940 PART TWOBritain's Darkest WW2 Newspaper Headlines 1940 PART TWO Part Two of a Stop Press Party as we read through more fascinating newspaper headlines of Second World War 1940 - the London Blitz, Battle of Britain, bombers, blimps and the silly adverts. Hear about all the war time drama as it happened yesterday! This is Part Two See Episode 124 for Part One I'm recommending this service for FREE automatic new epsiode notifications: FeedSpot automatic email service for free email notifications. Find the Fighting Through Podcast on the list at this link. Fill in y...
2025-11-2656 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History124 (Pt 1) Britain's Darkest WW2 Newspaper Headlines 1940 PART ONEPart One of a Stop Press Party as we read through the exciting newspaper headlines of Second World War 1940 - the London Blitz, Battle of Britain, bombers, blimps and the silly adverts. Hear about all the war time drama as it happened yesterday! This is Part One See Episode 125 for Part Two FeedSpot automatic email service Use Feedspot for free email notifications. Find the Fighting Through Podcast on the list at this link. Fill in your details and get notified every time an episode drops. https://podcast.feedspot.com/world_war_ii_p...
2025-11-2554 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History123 (Pt 3) Battle of Stalingrad Through German Eyes WW2 BY Jonathan TriggPart Three of a preview of Jonathan Trigg's blockbuster book Stalingrad Through German Eyes. Operation Uranus sees the Russians attempting to oust the Germans from their frozen enclave in the city of Stalingrad. Part One starts in episode 121. Part Two starts in episode 122. FeedSpot automatic email service Use Feedspot for free email notifications. Find the Fighting Through Podcast on the list at this link. Fill in your details and get notified every time an episode drops. https://podcast.feedspot.com/world_war_ii_podcasts/ The book - Battle of Stalingrad...
2025-10-251h 20
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History122 (Pt 2) Battle of Stalingrad Through German Eyes WWIIPart Two of a preview of Jonathan Trigg's blockbuster Stalingrad Through German Eyes. Part One starts in episode 121. The fighting advances into the Russian city of Stalingrad itself. Battle of Stalingrad Through German Eyes. Jonathan Trigghttps://amzn.to/3WcBFtn Jonathan Trigg Website https://jonathantrigg.co.uk/ The Fighting Through Podcast 'German eyes' collection:https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/categories/german-eyes/ Fighting Through website - Show notes and photos (none for this episode:https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/122-battle-of-stalingrad-through-german-eyes-ww2 Buy Me a Coffee
2025-10-221h 29
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History119 Ch 24-25: Post-war Germany - Oberhausen, Essen and DuisburgBill's sobering police tour around defeated post-WWII Germany takes in sights and experiences of Oberhausen, Essen and Duisberg, including a poignant and memorable 1945 Christmas. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Show notes and photos: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/119-Post-war-Germany-Oberhausen-Essen-Duisberg Episode shortlist - Full episode listing for the podcast
2024-12-1034 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History118 Ch 22-23: Germany, Hamburg, Devastation at the end of WWIIChapter 22/23 Bill recovers from his wounds and gets back into training in England. He returns to the battlefront to his comrades in WW2 Germany and witnesses first hand the devastation caused by allied bombing and the uprooting of the displaced peoples of Europe, during the second world war. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. ...
2024-12-0952 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History117 Ch 20-21: D-Day plus 1 to D plus 30 - Bill Cheall's WWII memoirsD-Day plus 1 to D plus 30. The Green Howards fight through France the next few weeks after the invasion. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Show notes and photos: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/117-Ch-20-D-Day-contd-Bill-Cheall-WW2-memoirs Episode shortlist - Full episode listing for the podcast https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co...
2024-12-081h 08
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History116 Ch 18-19 D-Day - Bill Cheall's WWII memoirsD -1 to D-Day. Bill and his comrades cool their heels on board ship whilst the invasion is postponed. They land under horrific fire with the first wave of troops on Gold beach. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Show notes: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/116-D-Day-Bill-Chealls-WWI-memoirs Episode shortlist...
2024-12-011h 00
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History115 Ch 15-17 D-Day Preparation, Bill Cheall's memoirsHear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Bill returns home via bombed-out Liverpool. He trains hard and prepares for D-Day, witnessing some awful happenings in England before the invasion even begins. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Show notes and photos: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/115-Chapters-15-16-17-England-Scotland-Preparing-for-D-Day Episode shortlist - Full episode listing for...
2024-11-2955 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History114 Ch 13-14 Sicily, Bill Cheall's memoirs, WW2 history.Bill trains in the desert heat before invading Sicily, experiencing bombardment and action around the Primasole bridge and Catania airport, before cooking a meal for Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery! Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Show notes and photos:https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/114-Chapters-13-14-Sicily-WW2-history Episode sh...
2024-11-291h 01
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History113 Ch 10-12: North Africa, Battle of Wadi Akarit,. Bill Cheall's memoirsChapters 10 The Desert (Egypt), 11 Back to the Green Howards, 12 Wadi Akarit, Into Battle WW2. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. Please do subscribe or follow in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Show notes and photos:https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/113-Chapters-10-11-12-Egypt-Wadi-Akarit-Into-Battle-WWII Episode shortlist - Full episode listing for the podcast https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/about/...
2024-11-291h 02
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History112 Ch 8-9: Queen Mary voyage to N Africa, Bill Cheall's memoirs. WW2 history.Chapters 8/9 - I Am Posted. Bill cools his heels in Britain before finding out he's going to do some travelling - on the Queen Mary ship - to the Middle East. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. "When Bill Cheall joined up in April 1939, he could not have imagined the drama, rewards and near continuous action that lay in store. First and foremost a Green Howard (a Northern regiment), as a m...
2024-11-2941 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History111 Ch 5-7: Dunkirk Aftermath, Bill Cheall's memoirs,WW2Chapters 5,6,7, The Aftermath, Reorganisation, Training. Bill recovers from Dunkirk and the Green Howards re-equip and reorganise for war. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. "When Bill Cheall joined up in April 1939, he could not have imagined the drama, rewards and near continuous action that lay in store. First and foremost a Green Howard (a Northern regiment), as a member of the British Expeditionary Force he saw the sharp end of Hitler's Ma...
2024-11-291h 01
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History110 Ch 4: Dunkirk. Bill Cheall's memoirs, WWII history.Chapter 4, Dunkirk. Bill's horrific experience in France continues. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. "When Bill Cheall joined up in April 1939, he could not have imagined the drama, rewards and near continuous action that lay in store. First and foremost a Green Howard (a Northern regiment), as a member of the British Expeditionary Force he saw the sharp end of Hitler's May 1940 Blitzkrieg and was evacuated exhausted from Dunkirk. His next mo...
2024-11-2923 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History109 Chapter 3, British Expeditionary Force, France, 1940. Bill Cheall's memoirs of WW2 history.Chapter 3, We Join the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and fight in France 1940. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. "When Bill Cheall joined up in April 1939, he could not have imagined the drama, rewards and near continuous action that lay in store. First and foremost a Green Howard (a Northern regiment), as a member of the British Expeditionary Force he saw the sharp end of Hitler's May 1940 Blitzkrieg and was evacuated exhausted f...
2024-11-2929 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History108 Chapters 1-2, The Beginning. Bill Cheall's WW2 memoirsChapter 1, The Beginning - joining The Territorial Army Reserve in 1939. Chapter 2, Call-Up Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS EPISODE 107. Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. "When Bill Cheall joined up in April 1939, he could not have imagined the drama, rewards and near continuous action that lay in store. First and foremost a Green Howard (a Northern regiment), as a member of the British Expeditionary Force he saw the sharp end of Hitler's May 1940 Blitzkrieg and was evacuated exhausted fr...
2024-11-2924 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History107 Bill Cheall's complete war memoirs - Dunkirk intro & Prologue. The Book, Fighting Through From Dunkirk to Hamburg - by Bill CheallIntroduction & Dunkirk Prologue. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST, STARTS here on EPISODE 107. Bill joins the territorial reserve army and fights in Dunkirk, living to escape and fight another day. He experiences the wonderful spirit and hospitality of the people of Cardiff, Wales. Hear the complete book, now ON THIS PODCAST - Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, by Bill Cheall. The story of one British man's second world war. STARTS EPISODE 107. "When Bill Cheall joined up in April 1939, he could not have imagined the drama, rewards and near continuous action t...
2024-11-2921 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History103 Matt Cain interview on Lady of Mann, Dunkirk Little Ship, Manxmen in WW2Boat enthusiast Matt Cain enthralls us with the history and restoration project behind one of Dunkirk's most famous rescue ships. The Lady of Mann from the Isle of Man. Matt and Paul discuss the Dunkirk operation and stories behind it. Manx veterans talk about their experiences on Manx Radio. "Scary, fascinating and hilarious" Please do subscribe or follow the show (for free forever) in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fightingthrough ...
2024-08-292h 03
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History102 Arctic Convoy with WW2 memoir Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean, by Paul GillA thrilling family memoir from Paul Gill from USA who sailed in the Arctic convoys during the Second World War. "The enemy planes were flying just a few feet over the surface of the water on our starboard bow, towards the head of the convoy. I started to count them: 1, 2...13, 14…"Damn it! Look at them!" I yelled." "The general alarm sounded for submarine attack and all hands rushed to their stations with their helmets and life jackets, prepared for action." Please do subscribe or follow the show in your listening app as it help...
2024-08-112h 36
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History101 Legacy of D-Day WWII, AKA Get off the beach, lads! AKA New Tank Tracks, Coffee and Donuts!Three veterans' sons coming together to discuss all things D-Day 80. Facts, stats, legacy, beaches, movies and … more beaches. A discussion amongst Angus Wallace of the WW2 Podcast, Steve Erskine, curator and researcher at the Green Howard's museum and myself, Paul Cheall. PS During the discussion, I dismally failed to answer Angus's question about how many chapters of Dad's book covered the beaches. The answer is …. One! There are five chapters in total for the Normandy campaign itself! Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fightingthrough Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/Fi...
2024-06-241h 14
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History100 D-Day 80th anniversary special – Gold, Omaha and moreA special episode to commemorate the events of D-Day 6 June 44. The 80th anniversary. Four veteran accounts of the landings. D-Day Episodes mentioned: Bill Cheall: Episode 3 William Hershel Nelson: Episode 99 Eric Clarke: Episode 42 D-Day 75 - Landing Craft Tank in WWII - Eric Clark D-Day veteran memoir Brian Moss: Episodes 2, 3 and 13 Through German Eyes in the Second World War: Episodes 46/47 All D-Day/Normandy episodes: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co.uk/category/d-day/ Buy Me a Coffee - get option of a video reply. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/fightingthrough
2024-06-0451 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History86 Mighty Eighth podcast USAAF WW2 V2A preview of a brand new podcast all about the United States Air Force in the guise of the Mighty Eighth - and their role in Britain during the war. And as a prelude I'm going to chat with Johann, one of the hosts. More great unpublished history! Mighty Eighth websitehttps://mighty8thpodcast.com/ Book mention in the show:Bomb Group: The Eighth Air Force's 381st and the Allied Air Offensive over Europe Paul Bingley and Mike Peters Support:Salvation Army Ukraine Crisis A...
2022-11-0559 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History85 Bill Turner, POW, and the Cockleshell Heroes, WW2 CommandosHow the Cockleshell Heroes upset Nazi supply lines with canoes! The Cockleshell Heroes, Operation Frankton, was a commando raid on ships in the German occupied French port of Bordeaux in southwest France PLUS: How British Royal Fusilier, Bill Turner, survived for 3 years as a German POW. Featured in Episode artwork. More great unpublished history! Support the Cockleshell 2022 team for December 22 and donate to the Royal British Legion: https://bit.ly/CockleshellFightingThrough Paul Britton, Senior reporter at Manchester Evening News. Twitter: @PaulBrittonMEN Facebook: www.facebook.com/PaulBrittonjournalist...
2022-08-011h 43
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History80 Ukraine 2022 AppealInsights into the 2022 Ukraine crisis from 1944. Various family stories and an opportunity to donate to one of the several charities supporting the refugees. Plus: An insight into Operation Manna and the allied response to the massive food shortage in Holland. Donate To Salvation Army Ukraine Crisis Appeal https://bit.ly/FightingThroughSalvationArmy Red Cross/ Disasters Emergency Committee https://bit.ly/FightingThroughRedCross Sources of news/discussion BBC's Newscast and Ukrainecast podcasts Economist magazine podcast dated March 7 Full show notes, photos and transcript at: https://www.fightingthroughpodcast.co...
2022-03-1347 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History79 German Submariner Part 2: Atlantic U Boat!A thrilling Part 2 of German submarine U-111's tour of the North Atlantic during the second world war. By Kurt Schoenthier. Sinkings, survivals and POW's. Plus stacks of family stories and more. LINK TO KO-FI LINK TO BUY ME A COFFEE Song For The Bad Guys from Next Exit From Babylon by Nick Feint There are 11 tracks on his brand new album. Below is a link to Bandcamp where Nick's music is hosted. https://nickfeint.bandcamp.com/track/song-for-the-bad-guys Nick's Facebook page https://www.facebook...
2022-02-211h 42
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History78 German Submariner Part 1: Atlantic U-Boat, POW in Canada.German submarine U-111's tour of the North Atlantic during the second world war. By Kurt Schoenthier. Sinkings, survivals and POW's. Plus stacks of family stories, including a Green Howard Padre's account of the Dunkirk beaches. LINK TO KO-FI LINK TO BUY ME A COFFEE Western Approaches museum https://liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk/ Military Combat Stories https://www.facebook.com/groups/776796136302975/?ref=share Battle of the Atlantic 1939 to 1945. https://www.facebook.com/groups/140314613337524/?ref=share Royal Army Chaplains' Museum, Army Museum, Swindon...
2022-02-111h 19
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History77 CBI Hump Pilot lost in China - The SeabeesThe Able Queen, Tales of an Indiana Hump Pilot Lost in the Himalayas, China - by Rainy Hovarth - Extracts from the true story, told in his own words, of highly decorated CBI Hump Pilot, Robert Binzer, who flew combat transport missions with the 14th Air Force from China, 1943-1945. Plus: - V-discs - vintage wartime music - Major Mahony's VC story - How to pronounce Aluminium! Links: Link to Wikipedia on Vdiscs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-Disc Lakeview Hot Record Club: http...
2022-01-032h 16
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History76 Christmas at War 2021 WW2 History- This Christmas in the South Pacific would be far more festive than last time. - Three US soldiers came upon a small cabin in the woods. - We followed the side of the bomb and found a second fuse A few more yards. I clambered onto the train – Yess! - Our Christmas Mission Was to fly Chinese troops up North! - 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the tent, Not a creature was stirring, the rats had all went. More Great Unpublished Christmassy! ...
2021-12-021h 22
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History69 German Boy Soldier WW2, Willi LangbeinThe memoir of a 13 year old boy soldier who witnessed six years of world war two, from Jewish persecution to hand-to-hand fighting on the front line - Wilhelm Johannes Langbein. "I tell my father's story in his own words, without judgement or apology. His is the report of an eyewitness and unwitting participant in the horror of the Third Reich, seen from his perspective as a child". Heidi Langbein-Allen Daughter Heidi's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Heidi-Langbein-Allen-Author-103406341734780/ LINK TO BUY ME A COFFEE ...
2021-05-261h 53
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History68 Leslie Cook 5 - Australian in Burma WWIIPart Five - More entertaining WW2 tales plus some great family stories from Gabriel Cervantes and Sidney Topf. Australian Leslie Eric Cook was in the second 14th of the Australian Imperial Force. He served in Greece, Crete, New Guinea, Borneo and Japan. If the links below are not visible, go to http://www.FightingThroughPodcast.co.uk to find show notes. Web site episode page - Full episode show notes, links, photo and transcript - http://www.FightingThroughPodcast.co.uk/68 Web site home page - http://www.FightingThroughPodcast.co.uk
2021-04-232h 00
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History67 Leslie Cook 4 - Sand, Sangers & Home Sweet HomePart Four 1943/4 - Various entertaining WW2 tales Australian Leslie Eric Cook was in the second 14th of the Australian Imperial Force. He served in Greece, Crete, New Guinea, Borneo and Japan. Web site episode page - Full episode show notes, links, photo and transcript Web site home page Feedback/reviews - Apple Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel - Loads of my own videos - Dunkirk Mole, Gold Beach, much more.
2021-04-211h 21
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History66 Leslie Cook 3 Aussie in New Guinea WW2Part Three 1942/3 - New Guinea adventures and more. Australian Leslie Eric Cook was in the second 14th of the Australian Imperial Force. He served in Greece, Crete, New Guinea, Borneo and Japan. Australian War Memorial website. Loads of pics and background. https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/remembering-war-new-guinea Web site episode page - Full episode show notes, links, photo and transcript Web site home page Feedback/reviews - Apple Twitter page Facebook page
2021-04-111h 46
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History65 Leslie Cook Part 2 Greece PLUS The Great Escape!Part Two - Circa 1941 Greece adventures, plus an exclusive Canadian family story about the Great Escape! Web site - Full episode show notes, links, photo and transcript Web site home page Feedback/reviews - Thank you. Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel - Loads of my own videos - Dunkirk Mole, Gold Beach, much more ... Links: Royal Indian Navy mutiny: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Indian_Navy_mutiny New Links page for researchers etc: https://www.figh...
2021-03-271h 33
Fighting Through WWII Stories & HistoryPromo - 24 Christmas at War Reissued - 60 secs listenNotification of revised episode 24 More stories, more music - more tissues! To listen, delete your old 24 and re-download the latest 24, issued 22/12/20
2020-12-2201 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History64 Cpl Leslie Cook Part 1, Australian in Burma & New Guinea WW2Six full years of an Australian soldier's second world war, in what I think is one of the finest set of stories you could ever hope to come across - over 80 in all. Web site - Full show notes, links, photo and transcript Web site home page Feedback/reviews - Thank you. Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel - Loads of my own videos - Dunkirk Mole, Gold Beach, much more ... More great unpublished history! Second world war
2020-12-071h 43
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History63 Jean Lindsay, Child of the Second World WarJean was a youngster when the second world war broke out. She describes her first sinister sighting of a German airship – a Zeppelin She tells of her evacuation from Norfolk to Nottinghamshire early on in the war. She's got stories of deadly WW2 Doodlebugs and Bombings Learn about the rather naughty practical joke she and her friend played on allied airmen. And there're yet more japes with the British Home Guard and the local American troops. There's a return to rationing as a young girl recalls her experiences Learn how the Americans lo...
2020-11-111h 27
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History62 Churchill's Hellraisers by Damien Lewis PART 2 WW2 historyTHIS IS PART TWO - LISTEN TO PART ONE, EPISODE 61, FIRST Damien Lewis is the author of new book CHURCHILL'S HELLRAISERS: The Secret Mission to Storm a Forbidden Nazi Fortress. It's the TRUE story of a hodge-podge team tasked with sneaking through enemy territory and breaching an otherwise impregnable fortification in Northern Italy, liberating Italy from Nazi control. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Below: Albert Stevens with flight line crew and test pilots incl famous chief test pilot Alex Henshaw - at castle Bromwich spitfire factory - Amazing bit...
2020-09-091h 36
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History61 Churchill's Hellraisers preview - Damien Lewis, WWII HistoryPART ONE Damien Lewis is the author of new book CHURCHILL'S HELLRAISERS: The Secret Mission to Storm a Forbidden Nazi Fortress. It's the TRUE story of a hodge-podge team tasked with sneaking through enemy territory and breaching an otherwise impregnable fortification in Northern Italy, liberating Italy from Nazi control during the second world war. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel - Loads of my own videos - Dunkirk Mole, G...
2020-09-041h 55
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History60 Omaha PART 5 - D-Day WW2LISTEN TO EPISODES 56-59 BEFORE THIS ONE The FIFTH and FINAL instalment in the memoir Overseas and Over the Top by Morris Prince. Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge and beyond - in multiple episodes. One man's complete and personal memoir of the entire period from leaving America for England and onto Germany in the Second World War. Full show notes, links and photos Some place names mentioned. Also see a Google Maps link. England: Bude Titchfield Folkestone (Beachburrow-House) Braunton Camp S...
2020-07-193h 17
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History59 Omaha PART 4 - D-Day WW2LISTEN TO EPISODES 56 -58 BEFORE THIS ONE The FOURTH instalment in the memoir Overseas and Over the Top Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge and beyond - in multiple episodes. One man's complete and personal memoir of the entire period from leaving America for England and onto Germany. Some place names mentioned. Also see one map below plus a Google Maps link. France: Vierville-sur-Mer Columbieres Isigny Valognes Beaumont-Hague St. Jean De Daye Mortain Mayenne Cherbourg Kerlogué Le Conquet
2020-07-1558 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History58 Omaha PART 3 - D-Day WW2LISTEN TO EPISODES 56 AND 57 BEFORE THIS ONE The THIRD instalment in the memoir Overseas and Over the Top, second world war history Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge and beyond - in multiple episodes. One man's complete and personal memoir of the entire period from leaving America for England and onto Germany. Full show notes, links and photos Some place names mentioned. Also see one map below plus a Google Maps link. Vierville-sur-Mer (Near Omaha Beach) Columbieres Isigny Valognes Beaumont-Hague St. Jean...
2020-06-172h 00
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History57 Omaha PART 2 - D-Day WW2 historyLISTEN TO EPISODE 56 BEFORE THIS ONE The second instalment in the memoir Overseas and Over the Top Omaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge and beyond - in multiple episodes. One man's complete and personal memoir of the entire period from leaving America for England and onto Germany. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel More gr...
2020-06-101h 17
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History56 Omaha PART 1 - D-Day WW2. Overseas and Then Over the TopOmaha Beach to the Battle of the Bulge and beyond - in multiple episodes. One man's complete and personal memoir of the entire period from leaving America for England and onto Germany. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel More great unpublished history! Second world war
2020-06-061h 50
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History55 Les Rutherford interview - Lancaster bomb aimer, WW2 historyLes Rutherford was part of the rear-guard defence of Dunkirk in 1940. He escaped to England in a most novel fashion and later volunteered for the Royal Air Force, becoming a bomb aimer on WWII Lancasters. He completed 23 operations with 50 Squadron from RAF Skellingthorpe but was shot down by a fighter on his 24th operation. He spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III, the location of the famed Great Escape. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews - Thank you. Web site home p...
2020-05-121h 40
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History54 Okinawa - Saul David - Crucible of Hell WW2The Last Great Battle of the Second World War Featuring passages from Saul David's new book, Crucible of Hell. When the battle of Okinawa was over, almost a quarter of a million people had lost their lives, making it by far the bloodiest US battle of the Pacific. The horror of the battle ultimately determined President Truman's choice to use atomic bombs in August 1945. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook pa...
2020-04-1651 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History53 Sniper Harry Furness, Second World WarSome smashing sniping stories to share. Top of the bill is a tale of a British sniper, Harry Furness, from the 6th Green Howards which I'm using with kind permission of the author of a book called Sniper Anthology. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel More great unpublished history of the Second world war
2020-03-191h 05
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History52 For You the War is Over - POW podcast previewFor You the War is Over - special guest preview of the brand new podcast by Dave and Dave. More great unpublished history! World War Two
2020-03-031h 08
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History51 Episode Fifty Special! Pt Two - Dunkirk 80 & morePart Two, Episode Fifty anniversary special Celebrate Dunkirk 80 with this special episode. Take a trip down the Second World War memory lane of Dunkirk, D-Day, Lancasters, tanks, the Blitz, POW's, the WW1 battle of Gallipoli and much more. Old stories, new stories and bloopers. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel More great unpublished history! World War Two
2020-03-032h 09
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History50 Episode Fifty Special! Pt One - Dunkirk 80 & moreCelebrating Episode 50! Take a trip down the Second World War memory lane of Dunkirk, D-Day, Lancasters, tanks, the Blitz, POW's, the WW1 battle of Gallipoli and much more. Old stories, new stories and bloopers. Full show notes, links and photos Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Web site home page Twitter page Facebook page YouTube channel More great unpublished history! Second world war
2020-02-261h 49
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History49 Christmas at War 2019, Second World War History and PoetryAnother helping of soldierly stories wrapped up in rhyme. We've got a poignant verse written to a soldier by his tank comrades whilst he was laid up wounded in a military hospital. A poem written by German soldier Heinrich to his girlfriend. He never came back from the front but his loving lines have been re-enacted for us by Kessie and Rolf. And there's a recce mission for us all to work together on! I'm going to be asking for listeners' help in locating Nancy, the long lost wife of a soldier killed...
2019-12-181h 55
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History48 Captain H E Hovell - First World War History"We went up the line in the trenches at Vimy Ridge. We prepared our emplacement for a raid by the Canadians, to capture prisoners to gain information for the big attack that was to come. We were to fire gas shells during the early hours, followed by smoke, to give the Canadians cover. "I was first in line but I had to stop for a few moments to feel for my boot in the mud, empty the mud out, and put it on again. I lost my place so then I was ninth in line. Then Jerry...
2019-11-102h 02
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History47 D-Day Through German Eyes Part Two - Jonathan Trigg PreviewPart Two of D-Day Through German Eyes, How the Wehrmacht Lost France by J Trigg. A reflection on how the war was lost by the Germans and won by the Allies from D-Day onwards during WW2. Please note that some of the narrative in this episode is quite gory, more so than on previous episodes. If you don't like imagery of blood, body parts and violent death scenes, I recommend you don't listen on this occasion. "There was a vast number of ships, absolutely vast. I can tell you that my throat went...
2019-10-234h 02
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History46 D-Day Through German Eyes Part ONE in the Second World WarStories about the German side of the Second World War. "There was a vast number of ships, absolutely vast. I can tell you that my throat went dry painfully dry, and my hands began to shake. I wasn't the only man to be affected that way, one of the very young lads began to retch as if he was going to be sick. It was the effect of pure fear." "For a couple of days the two sides just existed on opposite sides of a meadow with a tense safety. The Germans could hear the...
2019-10-131h 18
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History45 Gold Beach Normandy trip WW2Accounts of my trip to Normandy - including Gold beach and Omaha. An exclusive preview of the new British Normandy Memorial which is dedicated to the 22,000 British, French and other foreigners killed during the World War two Normandy campaign. Some excellent D-Day passages from a book I've been reading about the D-Day landings, D-Day the Battle for Europe. "There was little sleep that night. The first squadrons were off in the night." "There was a pause in the bombing attacks about four in the morning and my son climbed onto the...
2019-08-301h 41
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History44 Sidney Stevens Lancaster Pilot WW2 historyFlt Lt Sidney Stevens was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) during WWII raids bombing industrial Germany in 1943. "This thing was bumping up and down and sometimes you could lose 600 feet and you'd just drop vertically ... "I came out of the clouds and the German fighter was there waiting for me ... DFC citation: Pilot Officer Sidney George STEVENS (149614), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 57 Squadron. This officer has displayed great skill and determination throughout his tour of operations. One night in October, 1943, he piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Leipzig...
2019-07-011h 40
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History43 Canadian Seaman Ray Fitchett and HMS Exeter, POW WW2HMS Exeter was sunk in Pacific waters during the second world war. Ray Fitchett made a recording of his tale of survival in Japan – abandoning ship in shark infested waters followed by three years' captivity as a POW of the second world war. Hear the terrifying tale of how he survived. "They decided to put some of us down the coal mine but I didn't fancy that. So I went to the tail end of the queue of guys and I thought I'd get a job at the top of the mine". "If yo...
2019-05-311h 25
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History42 Dunkirk to D-Day 75, Second World War HistoryCommemorating the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings with memoirs about the tough training for D-Day and stories about Landing Craft Tanks delivering their cargo of hardware and humans to the battle-strewn WWII beaches. "We had delivered to Juno and Gold and were returning our Landing Craft Tank to England. We were close to our shores when we pancaked down so hard in the sea that we broke our craft's back. "A German armoured machine gun truck with infantry squad stopped next to the American soldiers. The officer barked "Raus! Raus mit den Händen ho...
2019-05-061h 30
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History41 A last coffee with Wilf Shaw, WW2 historyA final dose of fun and adventure with war hero Wilf Shaw. "We're done for" said Wilf's mate as a cloud of desert dust appeared on the horizon, signifying the approach of a very large force of enemy troops. "One day, on board ship, they decided to run a Battalion boxing tournament and Sgt O'Grady asked the assembled company for volunteers - not a single hand was raised - until Jeff nudged me and said, 'I'll have a go Shaw if you will'. More great unpublished history of World War 2 Links...
2019-04-191h 32
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History40 Four Brits and a Frenchman at Dunkirk WW2, Gallipoli WW1The extraordinary turns of events that brought four Brits to the shores of Dunkirk at the same time as a Frenchman. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Fred Bates interview on YouTube https://youtu.be/g4365J5p5xY Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FightingThroughPodcast Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ww2-fighting-through-from-dunkirk-to-hamburg-war-diary/id624581457?mt=2 Full show notes ...
2019-03-011h 18
The Casual Birder PodcastPaul Cheall My Norfolk Garden BirdsThis week my guest is Paul Cheall, host of Fighting Through podcast. He tells us about the birds he sees in his Norfolk garden and, following on from my last episode, there's some further tips about feeding garden birds. The Casual Birder Podcast Don't miss an episode - subscribe to the show (Subscribing is free) Follow me on - Twitter: https://twitter.com/CasualBirderPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casualbirderpodcast/ or join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CasualBirderPodcast/ ...
2019-01-0733 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History39 Stan Perry - Listener Feedback and Quiz, World War 2 HistoryA bonus episode with listener feedback on the Capt Stan Perry interviews, episodes 37-38 plus end of year WW2 history quiz! Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Show notes link here Facebook page Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Link to feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you.
2018-12-2321 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History38 Sergeant Eion McEwan - Paras WWII historyThe dramatic WWII diary of a 5th Scottish Para in France, Italy and beyond. The secret story of a WW2 mutiny by British soldiers. And what a great new set of revelations we're about to learn about the war! There'll be some paradoxical encounters with Greek resistance fighters and legal hysterics on the back of a mutiny by the British soldiers. Great Unpublished History! World War Two Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/FightingThroughFromDunkirkToHamburg/ Feedback/reviews in Apple P...
2018-12-151h 25
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History36 Tank Captain Stanley Perry PART ONE, WW2 historyCapt Stanley Perry was in the British tank regiment the Sherwood Rangers and saw a lot of action in Normandy and Germany. He survived battles, bombs and booby traps to tell of his amazing WWII exploits some 75 years later! Great Unpublished History! Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Link to feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Show notes link here.
2018-10-071h 39
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History37 Tank Captain Stanley Perry PART TWO, WW2PART TWO. Continuing with Part two of Capt Stanley Perry's WW2 interview. Recommended you listen to Part one, episode 36, first. Stan was in the British tank regiment the Sherwood Rangers and saw a lot of action in Normandy and Germany. He survived WWII battles, bombs and booby traps to tell of his amazing exploits some 75 years later! Great Unpublished History! Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war L...
2018-10-071h 09
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History35 Freddie Linacre POW WW2 veteran interviewInterview with Freddie Linacre, a British veteran of the North Africa campaign and POW in World War 2. Soldiers survived or were killed or captured. Learn how one man nearly did all three. Hear the painful tricks POW's pulled to get out of work duties. Learn how being a Catholic POW, even in Italy, guaranteed you an even harder existence! Great Unpublished History! Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Link...
2018-09-2147 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History34 Wartime Holidays in WW2Hear the WWII diary Anne Cheall wrote on holiday in Wales in July 1943. A brief sojourn before returning to the bomb making factory. Paul tries out his foreign language skills. The secret sayings and proverbs which guided Anne throughout her life. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Link to feedback/reviews at Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Show notes link here.
2018-09-1122 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History33 WRENS & Wartime Recipes in WW2A Wren's Story, by Audrey Johnson - the memoirs of a WREN in a signals team during WW2, based in N Ireland. How Anne Cheall made the best of limited rations with her wartime recipes. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Link to feedback/reviews at Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Full show notes here Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Twitter page here Facebook page Web sit...
2018-08-291h 49
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History32 Women at War, Anne Cheall, WWIIAnne Cheall describes her life as a civilian in WW2, as a 17 year old. How she staved off the threat of hunger, the dangers of working in a bomb factory, the humour from working for a German boss, and how she stood in as a surrogate agony aunt for one of her friends who thought she was pregnant! More great unpublished history Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Link to feedback/reviews at Apple Pod...
2018-07-201h 12
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History31 Child of War - An interview with German Volker Wehrum, WW2Volker, born 1944, tells some fascinating tales about the dangers his Dad faced in returning to his home country ahead of the advancing Russians, as WW2 ended. Many family stories include a daring escape from Stalingrad and escape from a train bound for Siberia. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Link to feedback/reviews at Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Show notes link here.
2018-06-2541 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History30 The Queen Mary in WWIITwo WW2 servicemen. Two accounts of the same very special voyage upon the iconic Queen Mary in 1943, taking allied troops from Scotland to Egypt. "I relieved Tommy as lookout on the quarter deck, he reported Queen Mary sighted with HMS Curacao in the fare of her. What happened in the next few moments was too quick to be true, unfortunately it was true. "For three days, I didn't care whether I lived or died; that's how bad it was. I would never forget Christmas 1942 "The escort for the American trip was organised like a relay race, with six d...
2018-06-041h 20
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History29 Prisoner of War, Brian Asquith WWIIThe cracking story of Brian Asquith, who was a Rifleman in the Kings Royal Rifle Corps and was captured at Dunkirk in 1940, WWII. A dangerous but heart-warming adventure in war-time Poland. Learn how the Polish people and the human race come out on top despite deadly dealings by the Nazis. "Suddenly through the haze we saw a flight of 20 large planes in arrow formation at about 10,000 feet. As they came nearer we realised they were American Fortresses". "We found a courtyard with steps leading to a cellar and decided this would be our hiding...
2018-05-082h 20
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History28 Wilf Shaw RIP Tribute28 Wilf Shaw RIP Tribute It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of WWII veteran Wilf Shaw in hospital on 21 March 2018. His family advise that he passed away very peacefully in the early hours in hospital. He had enjoyed exceptional health for his age until a few weeks ago, when the breathing difficulties he had had trouble with during the past eighteen months worsened quite dramatically. Special episode about WW2 veteran Wilf Shaw RIP. Listener tributes plus the best and funniest parts of his interviews. "You were always a rebel Wilf and it...
2018-03-3151 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History27 D-Day Veterans remember - Bennett and Cheall, WWII92 year-old Royal Marine Roy Bennett remembers his WWII Juno beach landing and more: "There was a horrendous noise as we landed, people were dying leaving the landing craft ..." Bill Cheall re-visits France and Gold beach on the 50th anniversary of D-Day in 1994. "We arrived 50 years later at 12.15 hrs and it was still drizzling with rain, and windy, just like it was on D-Day, WW2". More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Link to feedback...
2018-03-0149 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History26 The Zilken Letters - WW2 army secrets exposed!WW2 veteran, Fred Zilken, reminisces in letters written 50 years after the war ended. "In the hot desert, while on guard, some of us drank the rusty water from the radiators of the Bren Gun carriers. I would lie on my back - mouth under the drain plug of the carrier! "I didn't get far before Jerry had me in range and dropped a few mortars all around me. I froze, as each bomb seem to get nearer. I could feel the heat off them as they exploded …". "They were all court martialled and two or...
2018-02-1059 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History25 Sgt Rufty Hill meets Winston Churchill in WW2Poignant tale of 5 brave WWII comrades. The story goes back to the start of the war, how these lads met, what special connection brought them together, and what tragedy was to befall some of them. Lance Sergeant William Allan 'Rufty' Hill and Bill Vickers are both honoured in this tragic but poignant tale. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Please take my MOBILE survey! I'd be grateful for any feedback on the Fighting Through Podcast, or even...
2018-01-2639 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History24 Christmas at War Bill Cheall WW2 HistoryHow the Dunkirk spirit of 1940 became the Christmas spirit of '45. Bill Cheall keeps the peace as a regimental policeman in war-torn and defeated Germany and experiences the most heart-warming end to his war. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Facebook page Please take my MOBILE survey! I'd be grateful for any feedback on the Fighting Through Podcast. Replies are completely anonymous. Only 9 simple questions, so do please take a shufty! https://form.jotform.com/202945895781067 Link to feedback/reviews Thank you. Full show notes at www...
2017-12-051h 00
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History23 Wilf Shaw - WWII army veteran interview 3More coffee with Wilf Shaw of 6th Battalion the Green Howards, 50th infantry division, in the British Army. Wilf recounts many enchanting, funny and fearsome tales! Also joining us is Wilf's friend, Lesley Littlewood, whose father was in WW2 as a Bren gunner. Wilf was in many campaigns including fighting for Monty's 8th army at Alamein, Wadi Akarit in Tunisia, Sicily and of course Normandy. He was wounded twice and still returned to battle! More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by al...
2017-11-3000 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History22 Wilf Shaw WWII army veteran interview 2A coffee with Wilf Shaw of 6th Battalion the Green Howards, 50th infantry division, in the British Army. Also joining us is Wilf's friend, Lesley Littlewood, whose father was also in WW2 as a Bren gunner with 56 Reconnaisance battalion, part of 78th Division. Wilf was in many campaigns including fighting for Monty's 8th army at Alamein, Wadi Akarit in Tunisia, Sicily and of course Normandy. He was wounded twice and still returned to battle! More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast p...
2017-11-2654 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History21 Angus Wallace of the WW2 Podcast interviews Paul CheallAngus Wallace is the host of The WW2 Podcast and he interviews Paul Cheall about his Dad's WWII memoirs, Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, published by Pen and Sword. Angus' show involves chats with people who've had books published on military history. He asks Paul all sorts of questions about his Dad and his memoirs. If you subscribe to The WW2 podcast you may have already heard this interview before. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page
2017-11-1154 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History20 Dunkirk Little Ship Bee memoir - UNABRIDGED EDITION WWIIThe scary story of the part some British merchant sailors played in rescuing allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk. Link to feedback/reviews "How welcome a sight as nine of our fighters arrived. Straight into the Huns they went and soon those Jerries were screaming towards the earth in flames, while the others streaked away as fast as their planes would carry them". "A heavy bomb dropped near us and we shuddered badly. The next one I thought had us, for we went down with a wall of water towering above us...
2017-10-2641 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History18 Best of the First 5 years Part 1Revisit the first five years' favourites from episodes 1-17. The best, the bloopers, the funniest and scariest moments, plus loads of new material. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Please take my MOBILE survey! I'd be grateful for any feedback on the Fighting Through Podcast, or even early comments on the survey itself. Replies are completely anonymous. Only 9 simple questions, so do please take a shufty! https://form.jotform.com/202945895781067. Full show notes including transcript, maps and photos at www...
2017-09-3057 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History19 Best of the First 5 years Part 2Revisit my first five years' favourites from episodes 1-17. The best, the bloopers, the funniest and scariest moments, plus loads of new material. Happy International Podcast Day 2017! More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Please take my MOBILE survey! I'd be grateful for any feedback on the Fighting Through Podcast, or even early comments on the survey itself. Replies are completely anonymous. Only 9 simple questions, so do please take a shufty! https://form.jotform.com/202945895781067. Facebook page Best pod...
2017-09-291h 02
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History17 Gallipoli Part 2 WW1 Memoirs of Sgt Fred ReynardThe second instalment of the brutal, firsthand account of the savage WW1 battle of Gallipoli, written by Sergeant Fred Reynard of the Isle of Wight Rifles. There's more vicious fighting, as the troops continue their struggle to cross the peninsula to get to the waters of the Dardanelles. There's more trouble with snipers We learn about a game of cat and mouse in no-man's land And for a brief lull in the fighting, Fred describes a summer truce – but it's not to play football on the beach! Finally, we hear...
2017-09-1645 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History16 Gallipoli Part 1 - WW1 Memoirs of Sgt Fred Reynard A brutal, firsthand account of the savage WW1 battle of Gallipoli, written by Sergeant Fred Reynard of the Isle of Wight Rifles. He landed at Suvla Bay in August 1915. The allied troops fought for the strategic waters of the Dardanelles, and the Turkish capital city of Constantinople, in the Ottoman empire. Would the brave but over-confident allies find they'd bitten off more than they could chew in the face of opposition from the equally brave, confident and well-prepared Turks? "Then the firing stopped and with a yell of 'Allah, Allah' the Turks...
2017-08-1559 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History15 The WWII Poems of Sapper John Frederick Smith 2022In April 1940 John went to France with the British Expeditionary Force as a sapper in the Royal Engineers. And he took his weapons of choice with him - gun, pencil and paper! Poignant poetry of loyalty and comradeship, crafted during the London Blitz bombing! More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Link to full episode show notes here, including show transcript and many photos and other details which will enhance your listening experience. Please link to rate or review...
2017-07-2419 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History14 The Last Flight of Lancaster Lily Mars, WW2The story of WW2 Lancaster bomber LL678 together with its courageous crew during WW2 in 1944 | The Lancaster's veteran RAF crew of Canadian, Australian and English airmen had been on what was to be their last mission before they retired. | And on a mission with almost too many cruel twists to bear, we hear the last poignant letter sent by the pilot to his family in an unwitting but foreboding prediction of the WWII mission's fate. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Link to full episode show...
2017-07-1337 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History13 Blitz bomb disposal memoirs of Sgt Brian Moss, Royal EngineersThe story of one man's brave war against unexploded bombs in wartime London, during the 1940 Blitz: Brian Moss, Platoon Sergeant in 233 Field Company, Royal Engineers. "Imagine the shock when your pick clangs against steel. You wonder if you have started the clock ticking. On your knees, you use a trowel to carefully uncover the bomb." More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Full show notes and photos at ...
2017-05-0840 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History12 Claude Reynolds 2, WW2 Lancaster veteran interviewA privileged opportunity to hear 95 year old Flight Sergeant Claude Reynolds' WW2 memories, sometimes frightening, often fascinating, frequently funny! More about Claude's WWII flying action plus the trouble he got into in the Home Guard. What Claude did after the war in his home town of Wymondham in Norfolk, England. This is the second interview with Claude - Recommended that you consider listening to episode 5 first. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Full show...
2017-04-1145 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History11 Dunkirk little ship, The Bee memoir WW2The part some Isle of Wight British merchant sailors played in rescuing allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk – in Operation Dynamo. The third in a special Dunkirk series. Recommended that you also listen to Podcast Episodes 9 and 10 in this WWII series More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Links - Not supported by all podcast players: Facebook page Shownotes at www.FightingThroughPodcast.co.uk. Subscribe/Review on iTunes - http://bit.ly/WarPodcast. Please note that photos below may or may not display depending on which...
2017-03-0339 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History10 Dunkirk ship diaries of Capt Tom Woods OBEThe personal WWII diary and letters home from Capt Wood of the Lady of Mann offer a unique glimpse into the happenings of the Dunkirk evacuation during WW2 in 1940 Bill Cheall was plucked off the Dunkirk beaches by the ship Lady of Mann, which had an heroic part to play at Dunkirk The ship was captained by civilian seaman, Tom Woods, who would later be honoured with an OBE for his gallant efforts. Hear about the murderous threat of the German forces Learn about a mutiny on the big ships!
2017-01-2046 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History9 Dunkirk Diaries of Major Leslie Petch OBE WWII"Champagne and scrambled eggs for supper!" A dramatic blow by blow account of the Major's writings. The personal war diary and letters home from Major Petch offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the British soldiers during Dunkirk in 1940 WW2. "It'll all be over when it gets hotter" was the prevailing opinion. This changed in a matter of days as the weather did get hotter but the soldiers began a desperate fight for their lives in the face of Hitler's blitzkreig. Would they get off the beaches at Dun...
2016-12-041h 01
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History8 D-Day WWII poems of D E Gray"We're having a marvellous time!" When Company Sergeant Major Gray wasn't fighting for the Green Howards, sometime in 1944 he found time to compose some war poetry. Six linked poems paint a picture of the journey across the English Channel and onwards through Normandy, ending with a letter home to Doug's mum and dad, telling them what a marvellous time he was having. Composed with a great sense of humour, these WWII poems make essential listening for any war buff. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Full show not...
2016-10-1523 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History7 D-Day Diary of D Gray Part 2War memoirs of a WW2 military medal hero. "Cognac, Calvados and kisses!" The previous episode of the diary ended with Company Sergeant Major Gray winning the Military Medal. His battalion, the 7 Green Howards, had landed on Gold Beach on D-Day 6 June and advanced some distance into the dangerous French countryside. With many comrades already dead or wounded, CSM Gray must push on further into WWII Europe with Holland as the next destination. More hazards and humour await our heroes ... More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. ...
2016-10-0939 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History6 D-Day Diary of D Gray Part 1 - 7th Green HowardsDoug Gray was there on D-Day and beyond. He wrote his diary and even wrote a diary entry on the day he won his military medal - before he knew he'd won it! The diary's been supplied by Doug's family. The entries start just before D-Day and finish several weeks after, so it's quite a rare historical record because soldiers were forbidden to keep diaries in case they got captured. Doug's WWII diary tells a really excellent story with drama, tragedy and humour. 17 June 1944: "Poor old Topper runs into a Spandau and gets f...
2016-10-071h 04
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History5 Claude Reynolds - WW2 Lancaster veteran interview 1Lancaster Flight Sergeant Claude Reynolds' WW2 memories. Claude was rear gunner in a Lancaster during the 2nd world war and flew many sorties all over Europe. He experienced no end of scary moments during his time as a member of 49 Squadron in the much-regaled No 5 Group Bomber Command. So he's got plenty of WWII stories to tell. More great unpublished history - of the Second World War. Full show notes and photos at www.FightingThroughPodcast.co.uk Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Facebook pag...
2016-07-2043 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History4 Wilf Shaw - WW2 army veteran interview 1The memories of a Legion D'Honneur veteran A chat with Wilf Shaw of 6th Battalion the Green Howards, 50th infantry division, in the British Army of WW2. Wilf fought in many campaigns including fighting for Monty's 8th army in Alamein, Wadi Akarit in Tunisia, Sicily and of course Normandy. He was wounded twice and still returned to battle! This is the fourth episode in the WWII podcast series Fighting Through from Dunkirk to Hamburg, based around the book of the same name which features Bill Cheall's World War 2 memoirs. More great unp...
2016-07-091h 00
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History3 D-Day veteran - Sgt Brian Moss Royal Engineers WW2Graphic accounts of the D-Day landings taken from two veteran memoirs. Startling accounts from two different perspectives - one from an infantryman, the other from a Royal Engineer, both landing on Gold Beach under heavy fire. Graphic accounts of the D-Day landings taken from two veteran memoirs. Startling accounts from two different perspectives - one from an infantryman, the other from a Royal Engineer, both landing on Gold Beach under heavy fire. "Every second was vital; let's get out of this coffin! Our landing craft was getting so near now and we...
2013-05-1651 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History2 North Africa - Veterans' accounts, WW2Veteran accounts of the key battle which led to victory in North Africa, Second World War Wadi Akarit - World War Two's own Charge of the Light Brigade! "A patrol went out that night. Lance Corporal Joe Ryder of Spennymoor went with them. He was a long-term member of 2 Platoon and told us afterwards how they had penetrated the enemy positions and, encountering an enemy patrol, had lain doggo. A member of the enemy patrol had put a foot on Joe's hand as he lay there ..." Brian Moss, Sergeant, 233 Field Company, Royal Engineers
2013-04-1240 min
Fighting Through WWII Stories & History1 Dunkirk WW2 - Veteran Bill Cheall's story of the beachesGripping veteran account of the Beaches at Dunkirk, 1940, WWII. Bill Cheall's dramatic experience on the beaches at Bray-Dunes, France, 1940, trying to get back to England in WWII. Great unpublished history! Links and photos - Not supported by all podcast players: Full show notes here Feedback/reviews in Apple Podcasts - Thank you. Twitter page here Best podcast for World War 2 history and the second world war Facebook page Web site home page Second World War history, WWII Bill Che...
2013-04-1121 min