Shows
Tales from the BattlefieldsD Day 80 - Episode 1In this first special episode, we travel to Normandy to tell the stories of the D Day landings on the 80th anniversary of this incredible historical achievement by the Allies. We tour the beaches and listen to the story of the Pegasus Bridge through the eyes of Major John Howard, and listen to Piper Bill Millin on Sword Beach. Why did he play his pipes? We visit the Montgomery memorial before going to Ranville to discover the story of the first casualty on D Day and find the stories of several soldiers (and a dog) buried in the Commonwealth War...
2024-06-111h 06
Tales from the BattlefieldsForgotten but now RememberedIn this episode we discover the stories of men who died in the Great War but were not correctly remembered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission until recently. We find out about the Officer whose named was added to the Thiepval Memorial just 20 years ago because his parents refused to accept his death during their lifetime. We also look at the tragic story of the young soldier who couldn’t face going to war and took his own life. And the victim of poison gas on the Somme, who died at home and was missed off the Commission’s records but...
2024-06-0651 minTales from the BattlefieldsOn the Trail of an Infantryman on the Western FrontIn this episode we travel to the Western Front following the story of a typical British soldier between 1916 and 1918, when he was killed in action. We travel from the Somme, to Arras and Passchendaele, before finding the location of where he died during the Lys Offensive in April 1918. What did he experience? How horrific were the conditions at Passchendaele? How did they achieve their objectives at Arras and how was his battalion almost wiped out during the German 1918 Spring Offensive. We find out through the eyes of the soldiers who were there.
2024-05-311h 08Tales from the BattlefieldsFrom Trenches on the Somme to the Battlefield Above – the Story of Jack Lidsey with Andrew WhiteIn this episode we feature the story of a young British infantry officer and his experiences on the Somme in July 1916. Jack Lidsey then became an Observer in the Royal Flying Corps. Through his words in his personal diary, we look at what happened to him in the skies above the Western Front. Jack’s story ends when he became the 29th victim of the Red Baron. The story is discussed with the author of a book about Jack, historian and battlefield guide Andrew White
2024-05-221h 04Tales from the BattlefieldsBattlefield Pilgrimages Between the Wars with Professor Mark ConnollyIn this episode we talk to Mark Connolly about how battlefield tours evolved during and after World War 1. We discuss who these first pilgrims were and what they saw and emotionally experienced on the old Western Front battlefields? Who was the schoolteacher who went across to France on a battlefield tour in 1914 and how did charitable organisations arrange and fund the initial post war private tours?
2024-05-161h 02Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Accrington Pals at Serre Part 2In this episode we continue the story of the Accrington Pals at Serre on 1st July 1916. We listen to the music that was inspired by those young men and discover more of the stories of the lads from that Northern town on the 1st day of the Somme. What is their story? We find out through the eyes of the soldiers who were there.
2024-05-0951 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Accrington Pals at Serre Part 1In this episode we travel to the Somme and walk in the footsteps of the Accrington Pals. We tell their story through the eyes of the Pals who were there. Who were they? What happened to them? Who was their CO who survived the day but died in tragic circumstances decades later. And who was the underage Officer who lost his leg but refused to leave the army? And the story of the heartbroken girl Amelia who wrote a beautiful poem to her fiancée Walter.
2024-05-0257 minTales from the BattlefieldsSunk at Sea and Interned - with Rebecca ClarkeIn this episode we talk to Rebecca Clarke about her husband’s Grandfather Arnold Clarke who was on board HMS India when it was torpedoed and sunk in August 1915. Arnold was one of the survivors and was interned in a camp in neutral Norway. How did he cope with being imprisoned for 3 years? How did they keep themselves occupied? We find out. We also discuss my tribute to 2 soldiers who died on the Western Front and look at the family pilgrimages that we carried out to their graves on Terry’s Tours last week.
2024-04-251h 03Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Tragedy of a Crashed Lancaster – 80 Years OnIn this week’s podcast we travel to Lincolnshire for a very emotional ceremony at the site of a crashed Lancaster Bomber on the 80th anniversary of this awful incident. What happened on that day and who were those victims on board the Lancaster? We discover the answers by talking to the witnesses of the accident, including my own Mum who was 6 years old. We also talk to Megan Maltby from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about “War Graves Week” that is taking place next month.
2024-04-181h 00Tales from the BattlefieldsA Promise Fulfilled – From the Somme to Melbourne and Collingwood Football ClubIn this episode we travel to the Somme and follow in the footsteps of a Collingwood Aussie Rules Footballer, Percy Rowe. Percy went to France alongside his best mate Doc Seddon. He left behind his new wife Louie and newborn son. When Percy died of wounds Doc promised he would look after his widow and son. He fulfilled that promise and we tell this incredible love story whilst walking the ground where Percy fought and died. We also have news from Ypres about the Menin Gate Ceremony.
2024-04-111h 05
Tales from the BattlefieldsA Walk in the Footsteps of the 36th Ulster Division in Thiepval WoodsIn this episode we are taken on a guided walk from the Ulster Tower into the original trenches within Thiepval Woods where the 36th Ulster Division advanced from on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. We discover the stories of several soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross on that day and our guide Rocky explains what happened on 1st July 1916, whilst discussing some artefacts they have found in the wood, including a spoon that saved a man’s life.
2024-04-021h 14Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Commonwealth War Graves Visitor Centre with Lucie BoidinIn this episode we visit the Commission’s Headquarters in Arras and go on a guided tour of the Visitor Centre where we discover how the headstones are created and maintained. Lucie also talks about the work of the Commission’s craftsmen and gardeners who look after the cemeteries and create the features such as the entrance gates and boundary walls that we are familiar with. We also get an update on the new path that is being constructed around the Lochnager Crater.
2024-03-281h 11Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Canadians at Courcelette with Poppy MercierIn this episode we travel to the Somme village of Courcelette that was captured in a single day by the Canadians in September 1916. We look at the stories of the soldiers from both sides of the wire and discover the horror of hand to hand fighting. We also talk to local historian Poppy Mercier who explains what it is like to live on the battlefield and how it has established a connection between her and the soldiers who fought there.
2024-03-191h 05Tales from the Battlefields24 Hours at Anzac CoveIn this episode we look at the personal stories of the ANZAC forces that landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915. We hear from the soldiers themselves as they explain what happened on that fateful day and we examine the story of Lieutenant-Colonel Lancelot Fox Clarke who was killed leading his men into action. We also talk to historian and broadcaster Graham McKechnie who tells the story of Blair Swannell, a Northampton Saints and British Lion rugby player who also played for Australia before laying down his life, 15 minutes after landing on Anzac Cove.
2024-03-081h 17Tales from the BattlefieldsBoy Soldiers with Richard Van EmdenIn this episode we talk to historian and author Richard Van Emden about the underage “boy soldiers” who enlisted in the Great War. We discover what motivated them, how they got through the enlistment process and what happened to them when they fought on the Western Front.
2024-03-011h 06Tales from the BattlefieldsTales from the Menin GateAs the names of the missing on the Menin Gate are currently out of sight, in this week's episode we look at some of the stories behind the canvas tarpaulin. We discuss the "teddy from the trenches" given to her father by his 10 year old daughter and the grief stricken mother who died on the anniversary of her son's demise. And the brothers who died together, on the same day.
2024-02-2354 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Missing of Fromelles with Lambis EnglezosIn this episode we talk to an Australian amateur historian, Lambis Englezos, who discovered the remains of 250 Australian soldiers killed in the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916. Lambis talks passionately about how he proved that the men were buried at Pheasant Wood and how he then spent years convincing the authorities of the mass graves. He also reveals new information about the whereabouts of many more British men who fell in the same battle.
2024-02-161h 01Tales from the BattlefieldsInterview with a World War 2 Veteran - John MorrisIn this bonus episode we talk to World War 2 veteran John Morris who is 101 years old and served in North Africa, Italy and the Balkans. With is crystal clear memory he talks about his service as an anti aircraft gunner, fighting with Partisans, escaping after being captured and being called a "D Day Dodger". He then talks about how he avoided death several times in his civilian life after the war.
2024-02-121h 01Tales from the BattlefieldsBattle of Le QuesnoyIn this episode we talk to New Zealand military historian Chris Pugsley. We discuss the battle of Le Quesnoy. In November 1918, the New Zealanders captured the German held fortified town without causing a single civilian casualty by climbing a ladder and forcing the surrender of the enemy garrison. How did they achieve this? What is their legacy in the town? We find out, and much more too.
2024-02-071h 06Tales from the BattlefieldsTribute to Martin Middlebrook - The First Day on the SommeIn this special mini episode, we remember the famous military historian Martin Middlebrook who died last week. We look at how his book inspired so many people and the legacy that he has left behind.
2024-02-0517 minTales from the BattlefieldsDiscovering the ForgottenIn this episode we discover how 2 soldiers' have been discovered decades after they had been forgotten. Fred Smith died 3 years after he was badly wounded and was never commemorated until recently. John Butt was thought to be one of the missing but now has an identified grave at Ypres. We discover their stories by talking to the historians who uncovered their tragic stories.
2024-01-2959 minTales from the BattlefieldsNew Zealanders on the Somme - September 1916In this episode we follow in the footsteps of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force at Flers during the Battle of the Somme in September 1916. We look at what happened in this successful operation through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We are joined, as we walk the battlefield, by the relatives of 2 Kiwis who died in the battle and get their thoughts on what their sacrifice means to them.
2024-01-161h 02Tales from the BattlefieldsThe "Baby Killers" from the Sky - ZeppelinIn this episode we look at the story of the German Zeppelin airships that caused so much devastation during the Great War. We explain how civilians were targeted for the first time in history and examine the personal stories of some of those casualties.
2024-01-0853 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Salonika Campaign in 1918In this episode we travel to Greece with Chris Loader, who goes on a pilgrimage to visit the location where his relative, Private Henry Loader 10th Hampshire's, was mortally wounded in September 1918. We follow in the footsteps of the men who fought in this forgotten campaign and discover what happened in this battlefield on the other side of Europe.
2023-12-291h 07Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Christmas Truce Through the Eyes of the SoldiersChristmas 1914 saw the famous truce on the frozen Western Front when soldiers from both sides put down their guns and met in No Man's Land. In this podcast we tell the story through the eyes of the men who were there. What did they see? How did they feel? Find out as we listen to their words and experiences.
2023-12-2251 min
The Old Front LineDespatches: Battlefield PilgrimagesIn this latest edition of Despatches we look at the phenomena of Battlefield Pilgrimages which began almost as soon as the Great War ended and continued throughout the 1920s and 30s. What were they? What motivated people to go on a pilgrimage to the battlefields and what can we find of their history in a new book on the subject?Mike Hill's new book: Pilgrimage to the Western FrontTerry Whenham's Podcast on the Great Pilgrimage 1928.You can support the Podcast via BuyMeACoffee and Patreon.Send us a text...
2023-12-2023 minTales from the BattlefieldsRBL Great Pilgrimage to the Battlefields 1928 and 2018In 1928, the British Legion organised for 11,000 veterans and war widows to visit the battlefields, before marching to the Menin Gate in Ypres. 90 years later, the Great Pilgrimage 90 saw 1,150 branches, and thousands of members and representatives from the UK and abroad, help The Legion recreate their original pilgrimage. In this podcast, we tell the story of these 2 famous tours."
2023-12-1553 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Missing of the Great WarIn this episode we discover how the bereaved families from the Great War coped with, not just the loss, but dealing with the double tragedy of having no known grave for their fallen loved ones. We also look at how it still affects their descendants today - the ripple through time.
2023-12-0858 minTales from the BattlefieldsA Moonlight MassacreIn this week's episode we speak to Michael LoCicero, the author of the book called "A Moonlight Massacre". Michael tells the story of what happened on 2nd December 1917 when the BEF launched another offensive against German positions on the Passchendaele Ridge. A forgotten action, we discover what happened to the British soldiers when they were lit up by the moon and snowfall in this night time attack.
2023-12-011h 01Tales from the BattlefieldsReturn to the Battlefields Between the WarsIn this episode we discover what the Great War battlefields looked like in the 1920's and 1930's through the eyes of the veterans who returned to follow in their own footsteps on the Western Front. We also discover their emotions when they trod the battlefields and looked for signs of the old front line.
2023-11-241h 08Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Butte de WarlencourtIn this week's episode we tell the story of the horror of the Butte de Warlencourt at the end of the Battle of the Somme in October and November 1916. Through the eyes of the British, South African and German soldiers we look at what happened on and around the Butte during those dreadful few weeks. And there is important news from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission too.
2023-11-2053 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Capture of Crest Farm and Passchendaele VillageIn this episode we look at the story of the fight for Crest Farm and the village of Passchendaele itself in November 1917. We tell the story through the eyes of the soldiers who were there and discuss the story of one of those thousands of Canadians who fell during the battle, Private Graham Adam.
2023-11-1051 minTales from the BattlefieldsA Son's Pilgrimage to the Western FrontIn this episode we join the son of a World War soldier as we follow in 2nd Lt Herbert Dudley's footsteps across the Western Front in 1916 and 1918. What did we discover on this emotional tour? How did Herbert become a casualty on the Somme without being wounded? And what did the tour mean to his 83 year old son as we recreated his father's journey in the Great War?
2023-11-0257 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe 2023 Frontline WalkIn this episode we walk from the Somme to Ypres with ABF The Soldiers' Charity "Frontline Walk". We hear the stories of the fallen as we pass their graves. Listen to an emotional interview with a British Army veteran, who explains how the Charity and this 100K trek have helped him overcome PTSD. We discover all sorts of stories along the way and how a piece of classical music found its way onto a soldier's headstone."
2023-10-241h 08Tales from the BattlefieldsFather and SonIn this episode we tell the tragic stories of fathers and sons who served in the Great War. We examine the unbreakable bond between father and son and how some of them died together on the battlefields of the Western Front, Gallipoli and Eastern Africa. We also look at the extraordinary lengths that some fathers went to to be reunited with their sons after they were killed.
2023-10-1252 min
The Old Front LinePodcasting About the Great WarIn this special Trench Chat we bring together four Great War Podcasters: I was so very happy and honoured to be joined by Mike Cunha, Matt Dixon and Terry Whenham. We discuss what podcasting is all about and what we think the subject brings to this medium, and go off on plenty of tangents too! Send us a textSupport the show
2023-10-071h 15Tales from the BattlefieldsEngland Cricketer Jack Russell and his World War 1 HeritageIn this episode we talk to former England cricketer Jack Russell about his relative Edward Hogg who died in the Great War. Jack talks emotionally about how Edward died near Ypres and he describes how a pilgrimage to the location where Edward died inspired Jack to produce a painting that he called "Seconds from Hell".
2023-10-0555 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Triumph of ThiepvalThrough the eyes of the soldiers who were there we tell the story of how the German fortress finally fell to the 18th Division on 26th September 1916. This hill top bastion had been attacked several times but discover how the the BEF finally overcame Thiepval.
2023-09-2650 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Coming of the TanksIn this episode we follow the story of the tanks from their design and manufacture in Lincoln, to the testing fields in Suffolk where a mock battle was held. We then go to the Somme and discover, through the eyes of the soldiers on both sides of the wire, what happened on 15th September 1916 when tanks were used for the first time.
2023-09-151h 01Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Killing Fields of GuillemontAfter weeks of horrendous and brutal fighting, what was left of the village of Guillemont fell on 3rd September 1916. The terrible story of the Guillemont is told through the eyes of the soldiers from both sides of the wire and we also look at what you can discover when you visit the battlefield.
2023-09-0450 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Story of Walter Tull with Graham McKechnieWalter Tull was one of Britain's first black army officers and was killed in action in March 1918. He was also one of the first black professional footballers, appearing for Tottenham and Northampton Town. His incredible story, from orphan to war hero, is told in this podcast by BBC Radio Northampton's Graham McKechnie, who has discovered a connection between Tull and another black sportsman who played for Northampton Saints RFC.
2023-08-2950 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe 1918 Battle of AmiensIn this episode we look at the story of the opening day of the 100 Day Offensive that saw the Allies put into practice the lessons they had learned in earlier battles. We tell the story of 8th August 1918 through the eyes of the soldiers who were there, including the German General Erich Ludendorff.
2023-08-2157 minTales from the BattlefieldsGhosts on the Somme - Part 2In the 2nd part of this episode we return to the Somme and the interview with historian Steve Roberts. We continue our chat with Steve and reveal how the famous battle was filmed by Geoffrey Malins. We take a closer look at the men featured in the film. And we also discuss the "fake footage"
2023-08-1547 min
Tales from the BattlefieldsGhosts on the Somme - Part 2In the 2nd part of this episode we return to the Somme and the interview with historian Steve Roberts. We continue our chat with Steve and reveal how the famous battle was filmed by Geoffrey Malins. We take a closer look at the men featured in the film. And we also discuss the "fake footage".
2023-08-1143 minTales from the BattlefieldsGhosts on the Somme - the story of the FilmIn the 50th episode we talk to historian and author Steve Roberts about how the famous film "The Battle of the Somme" was filmed in 1916. Who were the cameramen? What did they see? How did they film the footage in the Sunken Lane? And who were the soldiers in the film?
2023-08-0843 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Pain of PozieresIn this week's episode we visit the key sites around Pozieres and look at the battle for the village through the eyes of the Australian soldiers who were there, including 2 Victoria Cross recipients. We also look at the story of composer George Butterworth.
2023-08-011h 00
Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of FromellesIn this episode we travel to Fromelles to tell the story of this tragic 24 hour battle through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We walk the battlefield and visit the Australian Memorial Park on the old German front line and several cemeteries where the casualties are now at rest. We also attend the Menin Gate Ceremony in Ypres and talk to students and their teacher who participated in the ceremony.
2023-07-241h 03Tales from the BattlefieldsTales from Cologne Cemetery and the Prisoner of War experience of Alec WaughIn this episode we travel to Germany and walk around a WW1 Prisoner of War camp in Mainz Citadel and also look at the stories of the soldiers who are buried in Cologne Southern Cemetery, many of whom died in captivity.
2023-07-1857 minTales from the BattlefieldsTales From YpresIn this episode, we travel back to Ypres and discover the very emotional story of the "Brothers in Arms" memorial at Polygon Wood. We talk to the cafe owner who discovered the body of Jack Hunter who was buried by his brother Jim in 1917 and his grave lost until 2006. We also visit the St George's Church in Ypres and talk to the CWGC guides at Tyne Cot, as well as the new "Moments" exhibition at the Menin Gate.
2023-07-101h 09Tales from the BattlefieldsThe First Day of the SommeIn this episode we travel to the Somme to tell the story of what happened on this infamous day through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. Ginger Byrne was wounded in No Man's Land and he tells his story with extracts from his book "I Survived Didn't I?". We also walk the battlefield to see what we can discover about that day and the feelings and emotions that we experienced. And a heartbreaking poem is read by a relative of one of those men who fell.
2023-06-301h 04Tales from the BattlefieldsScoundrels, murderers, liars and charlatans from the Great WarIn this episode we tell the stories of several World War 1 soldiers who were not heroes. Such as Frederick Cherry who tried to kill his girlfriend and then died himself on the Somme. And the famous "burning car" murderer Alfred Rouse who was wounded in action in 1915.
We also discuss the incredible story of Digger Pugh and the tale of a man who claimed, wrongly, to have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
2023-06-1546 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Myths of Messines with Simon JonesIn this episode we talk to historian Simon Jones about the "Myths of Messines". Were 10,000 Germans really killed by the explosions? Did the Prime Minister hear the explosions in London? Were Irishmen killed by the falling debris? All of these mysteries are explained, and much more too.
2023-06-0759 minTales from the BattlefieldsKilled in Action Saving Comrades - 2 Brothers in the Great WarIn this episode we travel to the Western Front with the relatives of the 2 brothers from Lancashire who died a year apart but in the same circumstances - trying to save wounded comrades in No Man's Land. How did the family discover their stories? What does it mean to them? Could we find a grave for one of them who is still missing? And what artefacts did we discover on the battlefields where they died?
2023-05-2648 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of Aubers RidgeIn this week's episode we commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Aubers Ridge through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We use previously untold accounts of this disastrous single day battle in May 1915. We learn how the men were cut down as soon as they went "over the top" and how they spent all day avoiding German fire up to their necks in ditch water. We also have news from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about a new cemetery and War Graves Week.
2023-05-0952 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of Villers-BretonneuxIn this episode we tell the story of this successful battle through the eyes of the Australian and German soldiers who fought against each other in April 1918. We visit the Sir John Monash Centre and also a school in Villers-Bretonneux that was rebuilt from funds raised by the veterans of Australia.
2023-04-2557 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Gas Attack at YpresIn this episode we commemorate the anniversary of the gas attack at Ypres in April 1915, through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We hear from the Canadian and British defenders and how they plugged the gap in the line, and also the terrible scenes that the German attackers witnessed as they attacked. There is also the tragic story of a entire family of civilians killed by shellfire.
2023-04-1858 minTales from the BattlefieldsYpres Reservoir Cemetery - The Stories of the SoldiersIn this week's episode, we travel to Ypres Reservoir Cemetery to discover the stories of the men buried here. We find a Victoria Cross recipient, 3 men "shot at dawn", 2 brothers exhumed from far off graves and now buried together, what happened to a group of men who were killed in St Martin's Cathedral, and the story of the victims of a terrible fire in the ramparts.
2023-04-0652 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Diary of a Young German SoldierIn this week's episode we follow the story of an 18 year old German soldier, Edwin Kuhns, who was conscripted in 1917 and kept a diary through the 1917 Battle of Cambrai and the 1918 campaigns. He graphically explains how he narrowly missed death, the terrible sights he saw and how he felt during the conflict. There is an emotional account of how he met his Father behind the lines. He then sees action again in the 2nd World War before moving to England in 1948. We then look at the story of an English lady who became the model for the Mother of Canada...
2023-03-3151 minTales from the BattlefieldsVoices From the SommeThis episode was recorded on a Somme battlefield walk where we tell the stories behind the headstones. We travel to several cemeteries and discover what happened to the men buried there. We also find some private memorials at Guillemont and look at the story of Charles Dickens' Grandson near Ginchy. We then walk up to Lochnager Crater and discover some of the stories played out there.
2023-03-2058 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Sunken Lane on the Somme Through the Eyes of the SoldiersIn this week's episode we travel to the famous Sunken Lane on the Somme and view the battlefield from the German side of the wide. We listen to the words of a Lancashire Fusilier who was there on that day and we speak to Terry Berry from the The Hawthorn Crater Association, who gives us a guided tour of the area.
2023-03-1559 minTales from the BattlefieldsPhotographing The Fallen with Jeremy Gordon-SmithIn this episode we talk to author Jeremy Gordon-Smith about his relative Ivan Bawtree and we discover the story of his work on the Western Front as a photographer. His task was to take photographs of the original wooden grave markers, and he also explains what Ypres was like in 1917 and the gruesome work of finding and exhuming the dead after the Armistice.
2023-02-2454 minTales from the BattlefieldsBoom RavineIn February 1917 the Battle of Boom Ravine was fought on the Somme. We tell the story of this awful single day battle through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. What did they see? How did the sudden change in the weather prove disastrous? Was the battle plan given away by British deserters? And the story of the German man whose life was saved by a Tommy and they became friends after the war. What about the German mother who discovered her son had died by the return of his watch from another Tommy?
2023-02-1455 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Legend of 2nd Lt Edgar Mobbs, England Rugby Captain, with Graham McKechnieIn this episode, BBC Northampton's Graham McKechnie tells the story of Edgar Mobbs, the Northampton Saints and England captain who formed his own company that became known as "Mobbs' Own". How did he he turn his rugby leadership skills into becoming a fearless commanding officer? What happened to him at 3rd Ypres? Why is he still a hero today?
2023-02-031h 05Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Legend of 2nd Lt Edgar Mobbs, England Rugby Captain, with Graham McKechnieIn this episode, BBC Northampton's Graham McKechnie tells the story of Edgar Mobbs, the Northampton Saints and England captain who formed his own company that became known as "Mobbs' Own". How did he he turn his rugby leadership skills into becoming a fearless commanding officer? What happened to him at 3rd Ypres? Why is he still a hero today?
2023-02-031h 05
For Ref's Sake! - The podcast for football referees everywhere!Season 1 Episode 15Critic or fan? Andy Humphries joins us this week to discuss his journey from goalkeeper to National League. Who cuts Terry Whenham's toenails now he is injured? Subscribe to us to listen to all the fun and games in Northamptonshire and Malawi!
2023-01-301h 11Tales from the BattlefieldsDad's Army's Arnold Ridley on the Somme in 1916In this episode we look at the the experience of one of our national treasures during the summer of 1916. Arnold Ridley played Private Godfrey in Dad's Army for 9 years and 80 episodes. But he was wounded 3 times on the Somme in 1916.Why did he join up? What happened to him on the Somme? How did it affect him for the rest of his life? How did it affect his family? And how Dad's Army changed his life.
2023-01-2654 minFor Ref's Sake! - The podcast for football referees everywhere!Season 1 Episode 14Another top episode this week as we speak to Terry Whenham! Terry has been involved in football over a number of years as player, administrator and referee. He talks about his good friend Richard Beeby and we discuss the promotion pathway and why he still loves refereeing in the Autumn of his career. We discuss Jon's question of the week and think about the lack of football that has been played recently! We also try to get back to the Number 1 spot in Malawi!
2023-01-231h 10Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Nurses on the Western FrontIn this episode we tell the stories of the young Edwardian women who gave up their privileged lives to become VAD's on the Western Front. Why did they do this? Where did they go and what did they do? And what horrors did they see? We also explore one terrible night in May 1918 when the Germans bombed a Base Hospital at Etaples.
2023-01-121h 00Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Hell of Hooge and the Hooge Crater Cafe/Museum with Niek BenootIn this episode we look at what happened at Hooge, on the Menin Road, during the 1st Battle of Ypres and in 1915 when the first ever terrifying flamethrower attack took place, through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We also talk to the owner of the Hooge Crater Cafe and Museum, who explains what it is like to live and work on the Ypres battlefield
2023-01-051h 05Tales from the BattlefieldsA Tour of Tyne Cot Cemetery with Johan De JongheIn this episode we are guided around Tyne Cot Cemetery by a Belgian guide who lives on the doorstep of the largest CWGC Cemetery in the world. He tells us about American, Belgian and German burials, as well as the incredible story of a New Zealander who was killed on Christmas Eve1917. We also look at the story of 2 Australians who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions close to the cemetery.
2022-12-2151 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Spirits of the Soldiers or Just a Coincidence?In this episode we look at some coincidences that I have experienced recently when researching the Great War soldiers. Or are they the spirits of these men drawing us back to them? And we consider a heartbreaking poem written by a war widow. We also talk to Megan Kelleher from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about her work looking at the commemoration of the dead who are buried in the UK
2022-12-1252 min
Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Spirits of the Soldiers or Just a Coincidence?In this episode we look at some coincidences that I have experienced recently when researching the Great War soldiers. Or are they the spirits of these men drawing us back to them? And we consider a heartbreaking poem written by a war widow. We also talk to Megan Kelleher from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission about her work looking at the commemoration of the dead who are buried in the UK.
2022-12-1201 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Minstrel Boy - The Story of the 27th Northumberland Fusiliers on the 1st Day of the SommeThis week we return to the Somme battlefields to discover what happened to the Northumberland Fusiliers on 1st July 1916 on their first day in battle. We tell the story with help from Martin Talbot, who has researched their story, and through the eyes of Captain James Bibby who led his men into action on that day. We also hear from Bibby's Great, Great Grandsons who walked the battlefields with me last month. They are just 9 and 11 years old and give a different prospective to the battle. What did they find on their tour and how has it affected them.
2022-11-231h 01Tales from the BattlefieldsArmistice - November 1918In this episode we look back at the events of November 1918 and examine what happened during that momentous week in history. Why did the fighting continue up to 11am on 11th? Who were the final casualties and how did they die? How did the soldiers feel about the end of the fighting? Why was it not the end of the war? How did the Germans react? We hear from the men and women themselves as they help tell the story.
2022-11-1057 minTales from the BattlefieldsI died in hell, they called it PasschendaeleWho is the woman standing quietly in a muddy field near Langemarck? Who is she thinking about? Why is she here? In this podcast, we tell the story of the awful conditions during the Battle of Passchendaele, through the eyes of a soldier who died in the mud. We also tell the story of an Australian soldier who also died nearby, and of a bracelet that we reunited with its owner at his grave in Arras.
2022-10-2854 min
The Writing Community Chat ShowTerry Whenham, The ABF Soldiers Charity on The WCCSTerry Whenham is the man behind Terrys Tours, the podcast Tales From The Battlefield, and has raised over £60,000 for charity. Terry helps people find their connection between their family tree and the stories of WW1 and beyond. He has completed The ABF Soldiers Charity Frontline Walk many times and continues to support those looking to sign up, and kindly takes people on battlefield tours and shares his expertise. He does all this for free, out of kindness and selflessness. In this episode, we talk about the Frontline Walk, podcasting, books and much more. You can find Terry's website h...
2022-10-1150 min
The Writing Community Chat ShowTerry Whenham, The ABF Soldiers Charity on The WCCSTerry Whenham is the man behind Terrys Tours, the podcast Tales From The Battlefield, and has raised over £60,000 for charity. Terry helps people find their connection between their family tree and the stories of WW1 and beyond. He has completed The ABF Soldiers Charity Frontline Walk many times and continues to support those looking to sign up, and kindly takes people on battlefield tours and shares his expertise. He does all this for free, out of kindness and selflessness. In this episode, we talk about the Frontline Walk, podcasting, books and much more. You can find Terry's website h...
2022-10-1152 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of Loos Through the Eyes of the Soldiers107 years ago the Battle of Loos was being fought in the flat, featureless, bleak, mining area of Northern France. In this episode, we look at the battle, not through the history books, but instead through the eyes of the men who were there.
2022-10-0543 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Royal Family in the 2 World WarsIn this special edition of the podcast, we may tribute to the HM Queen Elizabeth by looking at the role of the Royal Family in the Great War and also of the Queen herself during the 2nd World War when she joined the ATS. We talk about the Queen Mother's brother who fell at Loos, the Christmas box that Princess Mary sent to the troops in 1914 and look into the diaries of the King and Queen during the war years
2022-09-2653 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of Flers-Courcelette with Pete SmithTo mark the 106th anniversary of the first use of tanks, we talk to historian and guide Pete Smith, who lives in Flers, and discuss what happened on 15th September 1916. Pete tells the incredible story of the Earl of Faversham, Lt Col Charles Duncombe, who bravely led his men into action and gave his life on that fateful day.
2022-09-141h 12Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Hawthorn Crater with Rick SmithIn this episode we talk to Rick Smith from the Hawthorn Ridge Crater Association to discover how they have preserved the crater and we also look at what happened at Beaumont Hamel in July and November 1916. How did they tunnel beneath the German lines? What went wrong? Why did they blow the mine 10 minutes before Zero Hour? We discuss these issues and much more.
2022-09-051h 02Tales from the BattlefieldsPond Farm and an Australian PilgrimageIn this episode we travel to the Ypres battlefields to a place called Pond Farm, a German Headquarters in 1917 and a location where Canadian General Arthur Currie was located during the gas attack in 1915.
We talk to Stijn Butaye, who lives on the farm and has established his own private museum and built a replica British WW1 tank. Stijn talks to us about his museum and explains what it was like to be at Pond Farm during the Great War.
We also talk to Michael and Susan Wyatt from Melbourne, Australia, as we follow in the footsteps of the...
2022-08-1759 minTales from the BattlefieldsWhen 2 Battlefields Overlap in Time with Paul ReedIn this special episode Military Historian Paul Reed takes us on a trip on the Western Front battlefields that saw fighting in both conflicts. What happened to the Great War CWGC cemeteries when the Nazis arrived? What happened to WW1 veterans when they returned to fight again in 1940? Where did Hitler serve in WW1? We discuss these subjects and much more too.
2022-08-0959 minTales from the BattlefieldsLetters to Loved Ones in The Great WarDuring the Great War millions of letters were sent to and from soldiers on the front line and went a long way to keeping up the morale on both sides of the Channel. In this episode, we look at some of the emotional and heartbreaking letters that were sent between loved ones, including many "final letters home". These letters go someway to explaining how soldiers felt on the eve of the major battles in the war.
2022-08-0254 min
Tales from the BattlefieldsDetained in England - the story of a German POW camp in an English villageThis week's podcast takes us to a rural farm in deepest Northamptonshire where we investigate the incredible story of over 30,000 enemy POW's who were here during World War 1. Who were they? How did they live? How did they get electricity years before the villagers? How many of them died and why? We talk to the farmer and the author of a book about the camp to discover the answers to these questions.
2022-07-191h 03Tales from the Battlefields5 Soldiers, 2 Memorials to the Missing and a Family Pilgrimage to Arras and the SommeIn this weeks' podcast we travel once again to the battlefields of the Western Front in the footsteps of 5 men who fought there. We follow in their footsteps as I take 3 family members on an emotional tour to find out what happened to these men.
2022-07-0454 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Frontline Walk - Following in the footsteps of those who foughtThis week's podcast features the ABF The Soldiers' Charity "Frontline Walk" and we talk to the charity about this incredible event that, for the last 8 years, has raised over £1.4 million for our soldiers, veterans and their families. The walk covers 100k in just 3 days from Lochnager Crater on the Somme to the Menin Gate in Ypres, via Vimy Ridge. Along the way we discover the stories of these infamous battles and the soldiers who fought in them
2022-06-241h 02Tales from the BattlefieldsTalbot House - The "Little Paris of the Ypres Salient" with Simon LouagieIn this week's episode we travel to Poperinge to talk to the the manager of Talbot House, a beautiful Belgian house that offered sanctuary to hundreds of thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers during the Great War. Simon tells the story of the house and "Tubby" Clayton, the incredible inspiration behind the house.
2022-06-1758 minTales from the BattlefieldsA Weekend on the Western FrontIn this week's podcast we take the microphone to the 1915 Loos battlefield and, along with his Grandson, walk in the footsteps of a soldier who was badly wounded there. What happened to him and how did his descendant feel as he walked the ground? We also visit Lochnager Crater on the Somme and talk to the working group, including the owner Richard Dunning, who spent the weekend restoring the Crater.
2022-06-1044 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Memories of a WW1 Soldier's Daughter - Mollie Dunkley"Mollie Dunkley's is 94 and her father Charlie, who served in the Great War, was wounded 3 times and survived his troop ship being sunk. In this week's episode, we talk to Mollie about her memories of her father and how he coped with the affects of his Great War experience. Mollie also talked about life in a small Northamptonshire village during the 2nd World War. This episode is a social history record as well as a military one.
2022-05-2745 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Ulstermen and the Ulster Memorial TowerThis week's podcast is from the Somme. It includes an interview with the custodians of the Ulster Memorial Tower and we tell the story of the 36th Ulster Division on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
2022-05-1655 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Gardeners of the CWGC with Diego BlondelIn this week's episode, we look at the work of the CWGC's team of gardeners throughout the world. We examine the stories of the some of the gardeners who remained on the Western Front after the Armistice, and include an interview with one of the current gardeners, Diego Blondel.
2022-05-0333 minTales from the BattlefieldsLiving and Working on the Somme In this week's podcast we look at the work of Julie and David Thomson who moved to the Somme battlefield in 2012 and opened a Bed & Breakfast on the old German front line in La Boisselle.
They explain why they moved to the Somme, what it is like to live and work there, the stories of 3 soldiers who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their efforts in the village. Julie explains her own family connection with one of these VC men."
2022-04-201h 00Tales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of Arras - The Soldiers' StoriesIn this week's podcast we mark the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Arras by looking at the story of the battle through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We look at 2 men who died on 2 key days during the battle - 9th and 23rd April, and look at what happened using eye witness accounts of the veterans.
2022-04-1148 minTales from the BattlefieldsCometh the Hour - Sir Fabian Ware and the birth of the Commonwealth War Graves CommissionIn this episode we look at how a 45 year old man, Fabian Ware, set up the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and we discuss the stories of the youngest and oldest soldiers who are commemorated by the Commission. The podcast also includes an interview with Megan Kelleher, Public Engagement Co-ordinator for the Commission.
2022-04-0438 minTales from the BattlefieldsRichard Dunning - the man who bought a CraterIn this week's episode, I chat to Richard Dunning MBE, the owner of the Lochnager Crater on the 1916 Somme battlefield. Richard bought the Crater in 1978,and in this hour long special he explains why he bought the Crater, and also the stories of the veterans that he met and accompanied to the Somme over the many years.
2022-03-281h 00Tales from the BattlefieldsGerman Spring Offensive - March 1918In this week's podcast we tell the stories of 2 young soldiers who fell in the German Spring Offensive in March 1918, and how I guided the family of one of them on an emotional pilgrimage exactly 100 years later. The podcast also reports on my trip to Ypres and the Somme this week
2022-03-1842 minTales from the BattlefieldsThe Battle of Neuve Chapelle Through the Eyes of the Soldiers107 years ago this week the Battle of Neuve Chapelle took place. In this episode, we look at the battle through the eyes of the men who were there, using unpublished accounts.
2022-03-1143 minTales from the BattlefieldsBrothers in ArmsIn this week's episode, we look at the incredible stories of several brothers who served during the Great War. What happened to them? Did they come home? How did their parents cope? And how did one of them get killed fighting in a battle that took place 18 months after the Armistice?
2022-03-0344 minTales from the BattlefieldsA tale of 2 brothersIn this first episode of the podcast, we look at how I became a battlefield guide and the incredible stories of my Grandfather and Great Uncle, who provided the inspiration for my interest in the Great War.
2022-02-1443 min