Shows
ValourMad HarryIn this episode Rich and Dave explore the life of Australia's most decorated soldier Harry Murray Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-02-0314 minValourThe RescueFrank McNamara earned the VC for a remarkable rescue in Palestine. His real life exploits may have even inspired one of the twentieth century's great fictional characters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-01-2117 minValourThe Pharmacists AssistantThomas James Bede Kenny was set to live an unassuming life as a pharmacists assistant in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. The events of the 20th century led him down a very different path. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-01-1815 minValourBefore Leroy JenkinsAfter a long hiatus we are back with the story of Jorgen Jensen. Danish born Australian who won the VC with a frontal assault on a German machine gun and subsequent capture of 50 counterattacking Germans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2026-01-1710 minValourRoy InwoodRoy Inwood the quiet man who fought in most of Australia's major battles of World War 1 and went on to win a VC in 1917. Join us for the story of "Snowy" Inwood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-11-1012 minValourMonty V Patton Part 3The gloves are off. Rich and Dave go toe to toe debating the about the two most contentious generals of world war 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-2821 minValourMonty Vs Patton Part 2In episode 2 of our great debate Dave examines the life of George Smith Patton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-1920 minValourSpecial Monty V Patton Part 1Dave and Rich have disagreed since childhood. Who was the greater General Patton or Monty? This is the first of a three part special. Rich looks at the life and career of Bernard Law Montgomery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-10-1536 minValourPasschendaeleIn episode 60 we explore the battle of Passchendaele to give some context to our VC stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-3012 minValourCometh the HourCharles Pope had to do something to save his men. Cometh the Hour. Cometh the Man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-2412 minValourThe TravelerRobert Grieve was just doing his bit when he single handedly rushed a machine gun post. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-1510 minValourJohn DwyerJohn Dwyer saved countless Australian lives in the battle of Polygon Wood by single handedly capturing 3 German Machine Guns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-1508 minValourI Will See The King TomorrowJohn Carroll performed a series of heroic acts during the battle of Messines which earned him a VC. What did or did not happen at his investiture made Carroll a legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-09-0410 minValourShake Your FoundationsAt Messines years of tunneling and meticulous planning paid off. The greatest man made explosion set off under the German fortifications led to the capture of the Messines Ridge opening the way for the Third Ypres Offensive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-3118 minValourUnstoppableAt Bullecourt Mick Moon pushed on in spite of multiple shrapnel and gunshot injuries as he lead his ever dwindling platoon to capture and hold positions on the Hindenburg line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-2710 minValourSnowyGeorge "Snowy" Howell packed a lot into less than 1 year on the Western Front. A Military Medal at Pozieres followed by a Victoria Cross at 2nd Bullecourt make Howell one of Australia's highest decorated soldiers. Injuries at Bullecourt ended Howells war but he signed up again for garrison duty in World War 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-2508 minValourBullecourtWe return to the Western front for the battles of 1917. the two battles at Bullecourt during the Arras offensive took a heavy toll on the Australian 1st and 2nd divisions. 1st Bullecourt providing an excellent lesson in how not to conduct an assault on the Western Front. 2nd Bullecourt showed what could be done with better planning and implementation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-1932 minValourThe Last KnightsNo podcast covering World War One is complete without a look at the air war. Join us as we look at the key technological developments during the war and the leading aces of the combatant nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-1132 minValourThree Admirals Enter. One Admiral LeavesIn our 50th episode we explore the largely forgotten Naval Battles of Coronel and the Falklands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-08-0439 minValourUnrestrictedFar less well known than the submarine campaigns of World War 2 the U-Boat campaign of the great war set the stage for what was to come. With limited counter measures the submarine menace was not to be underestimated and ultimately, was a major factor in the US entry into World War 1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-2724 min
ValourFleet ActionsIn episode 48 we explore the key surface actions of World War 1 and the naval strategies that helped win the war.Rule Brittania adapted from a poem by James Thompson (1700-1748). Lyrics Thomas Augustine Arne (1710–1778) performed by Albert Farrington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-2442 minValourLittle Sideshow of HorrorsThe Balkans was a savage sideshow of World War 1 featuring all the horrors that modern industrial warfare could create. Add in extreme cold during Winter and Tropical diseases during the warmer months and you have a uniquely miserable campaign.Sources: Balkan Battlegrounds (US Army Center of Military History, 2002), The First World War by John Keegan, The Salonika Front by Alan Wakefield, Australian War Memorial, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Charles Bean, Vol. III) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-2210 minValourDestroyer of EmpiresThe Eastern Front of World War 1 involved Millions of Soldiers fighting across a seamingly limitless frontline. It involved Epic Victories and defeats for all sides involved and often shaped the strategic thinking that shaped Australia's war time experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-2022 min
ValourFlers Courcellette and?Rich wants to cover the battle of Flers Courcellette which primarily involved New Zealanders, Canadians and the first ever use of tanks. Dave questions Rich incessantly about the diversion from our primarily Australian content.Sources: The Eastern Front 1914–1917 by Norman Stone, The First World War by John Keegan, New Zealand and the First World War 1914–1919, Official History of Canada in the First World War by G.W.L. Nicholson, Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Australian War Memorial.https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/ Hosted o...
2025-07-1714 minValourToffee Apples, Whiz Bangs and Moaning MinniesArtillery was the most deadly Weapon of World War 1. The full horrors of massed artillery were particularly noticed at Verdun and on the Somme. In episode 44 we explore the common weapons, shell types, fuses and tactics used.Sources: Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Australian War Memorial, The Somme by Robin Prior and Trevor Wilson, World War I Artillery (Imperial War Museum archives). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-1611 minValourCastleton and CookeIn this episode we look at the VC actions of two postumous VCs from Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. Thomas Cooke and Claud Castleton.Sources: Australian War Memorial, London Gazette (September 9 and 26, 1916), Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Eastern Daily Press (July 1, 2006), Wikipedia (List of First World War Victoria Cross recipients) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-1410 minValourMucky FarmMouquet Farm was a battle within the broader battle of Pozieres which in itself was a battle during the Somme Offensive. This small area saw 6800 Australian casualties within a few weeks.Sources: Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Australian War Memorial records, London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Scott Bennett’s Pozières: The Anzac Story, Anzac Portal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-1011 minValourBroken But Never BeatenMartin O'Meara a strapping young lad from Lorra Ireland Migrated to Australia to make his way in the world A VC action and significant injury at Mouquet Farm subsequent woundings at Bullecourt and Messines Ridge all took their toll. O'Meara's story testament to the everyday heroism and the everyday trauma of the Western Front.Sources: Australian War Memorial, Australian Dictionary of Biography (Richard E. Reid, 1988), London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Ian Loftus’s The Most Fearless and Gallant Soldier I Have Ever Seen, National Museum of Ireland, Irish Times. Hosted on Acast. See ac...
2025-07-0811 minValourAlso Known AsA young man, an adventurous spirit and 3 different wars in South Africa. Sources Australian War Memorial, Australian Dictionary of Biography (Merrilyn Lincoln, 1981), London Gazette (December 23, 1915) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-0614 minValourJohn LeakeJohn Leake single handedly cleared a German machine gun post at Pozieres. His subsequent desertion speaks volumes to the traumas that soldiers suffered, particularly on the Somme.Sources: Australian War Memorial, London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Wikipedia, InDaily, National WWII Museum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-0320 minValourThe Gunbar RaiderWilliam Jackson's story during a trench raid near Armentieres is truly remarkable. Join us for his amazing story.Sources: Draws on Australian War Memorial records, London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Harry Willey’s biographies, and Hay Historical Society research. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-2911 minValourOur Little Somme of HorrorsPozieres was Australia's horrific Somme experience an experience that saw approximately 20% of the AIF become casualties in a period of 6 weeks.Script draws on Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918, Australian War Memorial records, and secondary sources like Pozières: The Anzac Story by Scott Bennett. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-2715 minValourThe Worst of Both WarsArthur Blackburn had a unique experience encompassing the most awful locations Australians found themselves in both world wars. Blackburn was a scout at Gallipoli and made it further inland on day 1 than any other Australian soldier in the whole campaign. He then won the VC at Pozieres before being invalided home with pleurisy. Pursuing a legal career between wars Blackburn packed away the wig and robes to command a machine gun battalion in WW2 where he fought the Vichy French in Syria and the Japanese in Java. Blackburn was taken prisoner by the Japanese and spent 3 years in POW...
2025-06-2310 minValourThe SommeRich and Dave give a high level round up of the battle of the Somme to give some context to the Australian involvement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-1625 minValourFrom HellMarch 1916 the ANZACS arrive in France and are deployed to the Nursery Sector near Armentieres. In July 1916 they are engaged in a diversionary action intended to draw German reserves away from the Somme. The result is a one sided slaughter. Australia's heaviest loss of life in any single day of combat. Charles Bean referred to the battle of Fromelles as a "tactical abortion" The diggers just called it "From Hell". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-1209 minValourSetting the StageIn this episode we pick up on the Western front from March 1915 to April 1916. We also look at the reconstruction of the AIF after Gallipoli. It is this return to Egypt for training, expansion and specialisation that gave the ANZACS the foundation to build an elite fighting force. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-0525 minValourConscriptionThe issue of replacing killed and injured troops leads to intense debate which split Australia with Church and Union leaders pitched against conservative politicians. The outcomes of the conscription referenda would echo through Australia throughout the twentieth century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-0127 minValourDon't Sound The RetreatHow did the allies evacuate from under the noses of the Turks? and how was Cape Helles evacuated virtually unopposed 18 days after the ANZAC withdrawal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-2612 minValourSpecial The Night WarriorsThe Gurkhas have a proud history dating back to 1815. In this special episode we look at the VC action of Lalbahadur Thapa in Tunisia 1943. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-2008 minValourThe Premiers SonHugo Throssell Won the VC for his actions on Hill 60. Fighting with the 10th Light Horse Throssell saw combat in Gallipoli and Palestine. These experiences including the loss of his brother saw Throssell return home as a pacifist, searching for answers. Throssell struggled in his post war life which ended tragically. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-1827 minValourHamilton Keysor and ShoutDave and Rich wind up the Lone Pine Story with a look at John Hamilton, Leonard Keysor and Alfred Shout Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-1323 minValourPompey Wants His Revolver BackRich and Dave continue their exploration of Gallipoli’s heroes, focusing on William John Symons VC, another Australian who earned the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915. Following Episode 27’s look at William Dunstan, Frederick Tubb, and Alexander Burton, we dive into Symons’ life before the war, his military career, his courageous actions at Lone Pine, and his remarkable life and achievements after the war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-0817 minValourGoldenstedt's TrifectaRich and Dave dive into the extraordinary stories of Frederick Harold Tubb VC, William Dunstan VC and Alexander Stewart Burton VC. Three Australian heroes who earned the Victoria Cross for their bravery during the Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-0526 minValourSpecial - The Real MaverickA tribute to our friend Matthew Kellow. Rich and Dave look at the careers of Dale Snodgrass and Scott Altman. The real life fighter pilots behind the movie Top Gun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-2622 minValourThe August OffensiveHamilton had a plan and the plan was good. Land 20,000 troops on a new, relatively undefended beach and rush inland while Turkish forces are diverted by ANZAC attacks at Lone Pine, The Nek and Chunuk Bair. Perhaps Hamilton didn't realise the 20,000 men at Suvla were poorly trained, poorly equiped and in Frederick Stopford poorly led. In a campaign full of missed opportunities Suvla is the crowning failure. This is contracted by the ANZACS who fought magnificently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-2426 minValourSpecial Not Without My PJsDuane Hackney became the most decorated enlisted man in the USAF with over 200 pararescue missions in Vietnam Hackney racked up an impressive array of medals including The Airforce Cross, 4 Distinguished Flying Cross's, Silver Star, Airmans Medal, 2 purple Hearts and 18 Air Medals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-2121 minValourCounter Attackon May 19th 1915 The Turkish counterattacked with 42,000 men aiming to push the ANZACs into the sea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-1643 minValourSpecial: Cpl Stein and The Howling DevilIn this special episode Rich and Dave explore the actions of USMC legend Tony Stein. A skilled Machinist, Stein modified an aircraft machine gun into a somewhat heavy and ammo hungry weapon. In the right hands it also proved to be highly effective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-1332 minValourKrithiain the Cape Helles sector, the British and French fought three battles aimed at capturing Krithia and a nearby hill called Achi Baba. All resulting in failure and heavy losses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-0935 min
ValourSpecial: The First VCIn our first special episode we explore the story of Charles Davis Lucas who was the first person to be awarded the Victoria Cross. Our special episodes will initially be placed in our main stream for free and will eventually be moved to our members section in patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-0630 min
ValourThe Man With The DonkeyJohn Simpson is a Gallipoli Legend. Rich and Dave explore the story, the campaigns to award Simpson the VC, the growth of the legend after Simpsons death and more recently the decline of that legend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-0230 minValourThe Tale of Roland SheenToday we break from our normal program to bring you a tale from the cold war. Roland was a warrior! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-3103 minValourAlbert Jacka VC, MC and Bar19 May 1915 Albert Jacka staged a one man counter attack at Courtney's Post that may have saved the ANZAC beachhead from collapsing. His actions earned him Australia's first Victoria Cross for World War 1. Jackas story did not end in Gallipoli as he went on to numerous epic feats of bravery on the Western Front. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-3014 minValourSix VC's before BreakfastApril 25th 1915 The French conduct a diversionary attack at Kum Kale on the Asian side of the Dardanelle's In support of the main British attack at Cape Helles. Strong Turkish defences exact a heavy toll particularly on the Irish regiments at V Beach. Dogged determination sees the British establish a foothold but, just like ANZAC Cove. the high ground is beyond their reach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-2517 minValourA Legend is Bornbefore dawn on April 25th 1915 Australian and New Zealand troops land at a beach that will soon be known as ANZAC Cove. The landing place is a kilometre North of the intended landing place. The ANZACS fight up the steep terrain and suffer 2000 casualties on the first day. Turkish counter attacks have left the ANZACS in a perilous position. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-2318 minValourAnswering the CallVolunteers from Australia and New Zealand answer the call to fight for King and Country. They embark on the largest convoy to leave Australian waters up to that time. A change of destination sees them diverted to Egypt for training and then to the Greek Island of Lemnos "It's a long way to Tipperary" Written by Jack Judge Performed by Albert Farrington, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-1815 minValourThe Deadly NarrowsFirst Lord of the Admiralty, Winston Churchill champions a plan to force the narrows using sea power only. Turkish forts and sea mines had other ideas. The British and French suffer a humiliating defeat which costs them 3 Battleships with further losses during the subsequent land campaign. Although there are some successes for submarines. It soon becomes clear that the Narrows won't be forced by sea alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-1614 minValourRomancing The Sick ManThe Ottoman Empire was in decline but it still held strategic land assets impacting supply routes to Russia and the Suez Canal. This made The Ottomans a vital strategic ally for all Major Powers. In this episode Rich and Dave explore the Geopolitical events that led to the sick man choosing his dance partner for world war 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-1113 minValourThe Battle of the Cocos IslandsHMAS Sydney was escorting the convoy carrying the ANZAC Corp. A strange telegraph message is received from a remote telegraph station. What follows is a naval engagement that a nation can be proud of. Perhaps more importantly the troops are kept safe on their journey to Egypt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-0915 minValourOpen WarfareRich and Dave provide a roundup of the battles of 1914 to Early 1915. This a summary to provide listeners some context before we start covering Australian Actions in World War 1. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-0315 minValourThe July Crisis1914, The Kings of England, Russia and Germany are cousins who grew up together and attended each other's weddings. These family ties were not enough to stop the machinery of war following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-03-0316 minValourRestless EmpiresGerman Unification and subsequent industrialisation upset the European order. The Austro-Hungarian Empire struggles keep itself together while Balkan states emerge and fight for their own place in the world. Europe lurches from crisis to crisis waiting for that one flame to reach the powder keg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-2420 minValourCarrying the TorchRich and Dave discuss the most influential figures to emerge from the Boer War and how they shaped the twentieth century and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-2015 minValourThe Lost Legion550 Australians, Rhodesians, Canadians and British stand their ground against 2500 - 3000 Boers on a small kopje at Elands River. Was this the birthplace of the ANZAC spirit? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-1218 minValourColenso - A VC Story4 VCs won retrieving the lost guns of Colenso. The death of a Field Marshall’s son leads to changes in the rules for posthumous awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-1017 minValourRescue One Nine Oh OneJames Rogers rescues his lieutenant under fire, then rescues two soldiers under fire then rescues 2 horses under fire. Rogers served in Gallipoli and went on to be one of our longest surviving VC winners. https://youtu.be/ZyI2Dyvl2fE?si=aZCThuj5DE18_i8t Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-0212 minValourScapegoats or Murderers?Australian soldiers face an English Court Martial charged with murdering Boer prisoners of war, Dutch teachers and a German missionary. In episode seven Rich and Dave debate the case that remains controversial to this day.Was the execution of Breaker Morant and Perter Handcock justified or were they scapegoats for the British Empire's dirty war?Recommended reading Peter Fitzsimons - Breaker Morant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-2118 minValourUltimate Fighting CavalrymanAnother Boer War VC another dramatic horse borne rescue under fire? Well yes and no. Leslie Maygar backed up his Boer War heroics with service throughout WW1. A key role at Gallipoli, a DSO at the 2nd battle of Gaza. Maygar was the ultimate cavalry officer. Commanding the 3rd Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba, Maygar was killed by one of the technologies which would soon spell the end of horse mounted cavalry on the battlefield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-1717 minValourService and Sacrifice in the WardsNellie Gould was an experienced matron who organised NSW first overseas nursing contingent. Serving in the Boer War and First World War she revolutionised military nursing. Frances Hines made the ultimate sacrifice in South Africa caring for her patients until too sick to continue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-1218 minValourCoer-de-LionFrederick Bell started his working life as customs clerk in Perth. He then followed a career in the military and colonial office that saw him wounded in combat twice, awarded the VC and progress through the ranks from private to Lieutenant Colonel running military logistics out of Plymouth. He angered a lion on a hunt which almost killed him but in the end it was the British Lion that turned on him for telling the truth at the Masai enquiry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-1036 minValourEmpire Vs The RepublicsThe Boers invade the colonies catching the British by surprise. After some heavy losses and tarnished reputations, the British build their numbers making conventional warfare impossible for the Boers. What happens next will lay the foundations of guerilla and counter insurgency warfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-0822 minValourThe Ride of the Tasmanian Imperial BushmenJohn Bisdee and Guy Wylly ride to the rescue when their unit is ambushed in South Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-0516 minValourSurgeon Soldier StatesmanWelcome to the first episode of the Valour Podcast. Today we explore the life of Neville Reginald Howse who won the Victoria Cross in the Boer War and went on to even greater achievements into World War 1 and afterwards. Please join us for an inspirational journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-01-0417 min