The great city of Aachen was of key strategic importance during the Second World War. The seat of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlamagne is a wonderfully beautiful baroque city of stunning architecture, best exemplified by its cathedral. However early on in the war the RAF began a bombing campaign that had devastating consequences, not only for the civilian population, but also for US troops who would endure fighting reminiscent of Stalingrad at the end of 1944. Friend of the show Philip Blood...

Charlie Higson joins, he's a comedy legend, actor, author of the young Bond novels and presenter of a successful podcast Willy Willy Harry Stee, which covers all the monarchs over several series so do check it out. Episode Links Willy Willy Harry Stee Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

As we all now are aware, Donald Trump will be the next American president. This episode looks into the intelligence and foreign policy implications, taking into account the US and UK’s shared history. As we’ve seen in the past few weeks, historians are the ones to listen to, not so called political experts, and so Michael Smith, author of The Real Special Relationship joins to discuss the new Trump appointments, Trump’s plans for the Middle East and Ukraine, and what may happen vis a vis...

In 1937 a seventeen year old German arrived at Liverpool St station in London, not speaking the language, but with a strong sense of freedom considering the place he had left. Claus Ascher was Jewish and had found safety, but sadly his father was not so lucky. Claus became Colin Anson and joined the British Army, then became a Commando, becoming one of Churchill’s special forces conducting ungentlemanly warfare. Historian and author Helen Fry joins to discuss his life. Episode Links Why I...

On the 30th April 1980 six armed Kuzhestanis burst into the Iranian Embassy at no.16 Prince’s Gate, in the smart London neighbourhood of Kensington. So began a six day siege that ended in dramatic scenes, broadcast on live TV, as members of the SAS smashed their way into the British consciousness, and the building, bringing to an end the terrorist attack in a ruthlessly executed operation. Joining me is bestselling author Ben Macintyre as we discuss Operation Nimrod, the SAS, the hostages and...

Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By God's providence he was catch'd With a dark lantern and burning match Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring Holler boys, holler boys God save the King! Joining to discuss is Peter Tonkin, historian and novelist...

Early on the 10th July 1943, advance units of elite British troops landed on the island of Sicily, and began series of raids against the Germans to allow the larger force to land on the beaches, and so began the invasion of Sicily. The unit tasked with this key job was the SAS, now a ruthless fighting force.  joins to discuss. Joining to discuss is Gavin Mortimer author of The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy. Episode Links The SAS in 1943: Operations in Sicily and Italy Aspects of...

This month’s film club is the epic Alexander, directed by Oliver Stone, starring Colin Farrell, Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer. Links Alexander on IMDB Alexander on Wikipedia Alexander the Great, by Robin Lane Fox Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check out Badlands Ranch: badlandsranch.com/AOH Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Blair Paddy Mayne was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, and one of the original members of the SAS. After David Stirling was captured he commanded the regiment and carried out incredible acts of heroism, but controversially was never awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry. He also battled demons as his war experiences, including discovering concentration camps, had a big effect on his mental health. Joining to discuss Paddy Mayne is Damien Lewis,...

On the 21st October 1805, 27 ships of the line of the Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Horatio Nelson engaged the combined fleets of France and Spain. Nelson sent the signal, ‘England Expects every man to do his duty’ and over the next few hours, under terrible fighting conditions, the British fleet overcame their enemy and won a famous victory, but at a cost. Joining to discuss the battle of Trafalgar is naval historian and hydrographer Michael Barritt, author of Nelson’s Pathfinders...

On the evening of 21st October 1805 Great Britain won perhaps her finest military victory, defeating the navies of France and Spain in one of the bloodiest naval battles at Trafalgar, not far from Gibraltar. In command was Admiral Horatio Nelson, who had tragically been shot by a cowardly French sharpshooter, though as his life ebbed away, he was consoled that victory was his. When the news reached England, the country was plunged into grief, despite the result. Joining me to discuss the...

On the 11th September 1683, at the great city of Vienna, the armies of the Ottoman Empire were preparing to storm the city, but their scouts to the west noticed a vast cavalry force approaching. The next day Christian horsemen (Poles, Lithuanians, Germans of the Holy Roman Empire and Cossacks)  swept down upon the troops of the Caliph and swept them away in one of the most stunning military victories of all time. But what lay at the heart of this clash between Christendom and the Caliphate,...

Publius Ovidius Naso was a Roman poet much of whose life coincided with the reign of Augustus. He was the most famous poet during this time, a genuine superstar, and his works dealing with sex, violence and mythology have meant he continues to attract study, translations and books today - Metamorphoses being his most famous work. Joining me today is Fiona Forsyth, author of Poetic Justice, who discusses the poet’s life, his work and his legacy, as well as a recommended translation. Episode...

Within months of the allies liberation of Naples in October of 1943 the city was plunged into the horrors of disease, starvation, prostitution and racketeering. How did this happen, who was responsible, what about the mafia and what was the impact on a city that is despised by the rest of Italy, and itself views the world very differently from other Mediterranean cities. Joining is Keith Lowe, author of Naples 1944, an account of the chaos that resulted from what was supposed to be a release...

On the 25th October 1415 Henry V led the English army onto the field of Agincourt. There he defeated the flower of French chivalry to win perhaps the finest victory of the medieval period, made famous by Shakespeare’s play. But who was Henry V? Brilliant general, skilled politician or simply a warmonger? And is there a figure from the past that he most resembles? Dan Jones, the author of a new biography of Henry joins to answer these and many more questions as we try to get to the bottom of...

Our Operation Market Garden series concludes with a chat on the 1977 classic directed by Richard Attenborough. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt. Links ChatDMZ - Market Garden A Bridge Too Far on IMDB A Bridge Too Far on Wikipedia Dirk Bogarde Interview Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: [email protected] Check...

At 3 o’clock in the afternoon on the 20th September 1944 in Nijmegen, Holland, men of the 504th regiment, US 82nd Airborne embarked in canvas rowing boats and began an amphibious assault that was one of the most heroic in military history. Facing the well defended objective on the north end of the Nijmegen bridge over the river Waal, 134 men were killed or wounded in the crossing, more than half the force, but the attack was a success and the bridge was captured. The road to Arnhem was the...

On Sunday the 17th September 1944 the 1st Airborne Division began dropping into Arnhem to begin a battle that remains iconic to this day. Within 2 days progress was proving difficult and on Tuesday the 19th, Black Tuesday, things had come to a head. The commander, Roy Urquhart had gone missing, his subordinates were squabbling over command, only 1 battalion had made it to the objective, Arnhem Bridge, and the paras had come up against stiff resistance. Continuing our Operation Market Garden...

Arnhem was one of the greatest battles fought by the British in World War Two. 10,000 men went in, but only 2,000 came out. We’re at the 80th anniversary and Saul David joins to discuss the plan, the personalities involved and the action itself in this special series on Operation Market Garden. Saul is the author of Sky Warriors, which is an account of British Airborne Forces throughout the war. Today we’ll get Saul’s take on the plan, the intelligence, and whether everyone did their...

On the 12th March 1938 German troops crossed the border into Austria, thus completing the Anschluss, the annexation by Germany. Resistance was non existent, in fact the Wehrmacht was greeted by cheering crowds as Nazi flags were draped over the beautiful city of Vienna. The referendum that followed may have achieved a 99.7% approval, but many in Europe were fearful of a coming war. Jane Thynne, author of Midnight in Vienna, joins to discuss the city during the 1930s and that feeling of...

By the 1960s Richard Burton was the highest paid movie star in the world. He was paid the equivalent today of $10million dollars per picture, but when one looks at his childhood, the mind boggles at his change in fortune. Born the 12th of 13 children, his family lived in poverty, and his chances of success seemed to have peaked when he worked in a haberdashery. But by the age of 18 he had won starring roles on stage and his life was set. Joining me today is historian and social media star...

On the On 27 May 1942 Czech SOE agents and local resistance fighters attacked Reinhard Heyrdrich's Mercedes as it drove through Prague. Heydrich, number 2 in the SS, died in agony a few days later. This month's delayed Film Club is Anthropoid, the movie depicting the operation starring Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan, directed by Sean Ellis. Joining is Roger Moorhouse, author of The Forgers, and film maker Tim Hewitt. Links Anthropoid on IMDB Anthropoid on Wikipedia Ollie on X Tim on X Roger...

Hitler and his cronies are often derided as monsters, but that lets them off the hook. Today Richard Evans joins to look at the leading figures of Nazi Germany for who they were as human beings. We also discuss the trial Evans was a key witness for, when holocaust denier Davig Irving attempted to sue Deborah Lipstadt and Penguin Random House for libel, later dramatised in the movie, Denial starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson and John Sessions. Richard Evans Links Hitler's People: The Faces...

Sensitivity readers; fake history; favourite authors and actors, all are discussed in this bonus episode to coincide with the upcoming Buckingham History Festival. Jane Thynne, Paul Lay and Miranda Malins join to talk how best to write about the past. Episode Links Buckingham History Festival Jane Thynne: Midnight in Vienna Paul Lay: Providence Lost Miranda Malins: The Rebel Daughter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices