In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Gary Sheffield, President of the Western Front Association, to explore his latest research comparing the British retreats of 1914 and 1940. Drawing from his forthcoming book on the British Army in both World Wars, Professor Sheffield provides an in-depth analysis of these two critical moments in military history. He discusses the tactical, logistical and leadership challenges faced by the British Army in each retreat, offering a compelling comparison...

Author David L. Preston discusses his debut novel "Unknown Soldier: World War 1".  Published by Azalea City Publishing LLC in June 2024, this historical fiction book that follows the story of James Reynolds, a young man from Thomasville, Alabama, who embarks on a journey of adventure and ends up fighting in the trenches of World War I as part of the Alabama 167th National Guard unit.

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Adam Prime, an independent scholar, to discuss the defence of the Suez Canal during the pivotal years of 1914 and 1915. Dr. Prime offers fascinating insights into the strategic importance of the canal during World War I, delving into the challenges faced by Allied forces in protecting this vital waterway. Speaking from his home in the NorthWest, Dr. Prime sheds light on lesser-known details of the conflict, making for a captivating...

Academic Dr Brian Hall talks to me about his research into the overlooked experiences of the 325th Field Signal Battalion, the first Black signal unit in the U.S. Army during the First World War. His work highlights the battalion's contributions and the challenges they faced within a racially prejudiced military environment, arguing that their technical proficiency and combat service challenged racial stereotypes and contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights. Dr Hall is a historian...

Author and former RAF navigator John Nichol talks about his latest book and theatre tour, The Unknown Warrior. This book is an exploration of the poignant history and enduring significance of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, uncovering stories of sacrifice, remembrance, and the personal and collective impact of war. It is published by Simon & Schuster UK. Further info is here: www.JohnNicholLive.com. If you’re listening to this after 7 November 2024, the tour has ended.

In this episode, we're joined by Marc Lassen, who shares the captivating story of The Liberty Car—Cadillac US1257X. Discovered in 2005, this Cadillac officer's car had its WWI military history lost to time until Marc's dedicated efforts to authenticate and preserve its legacy. Through collecting countless artifacts and meticulous research, Marc has brought to light the extraordinary service record of this unique vehicle. The Liberty Car was present in France throughout the entirety of the...

In this episode, Timothy Halstead takes us on a journey through the involvement of public school boys in the Great War, challenging traditional perceptions and offering fresh insights into their role and experiences. Drawing from his ground-breaking work, "More Than Victims of Horace," Halstead unveils the complexities of this narrative, demonstrating that the reality was far more nuanced than previously believed. Through meticulous research and analysis, Halstead explores the...

In Episode 337 of MiD, we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked stories of Orcadians who served in the Gordon Highlanders during World War I. Led by the knowledgeable Tom Ordeman, this episode takes listeners on a captivating journey through the experiences of these brave soldiers from the Orkney Islands. Tom, a dedicated historian with a passion for military heritage, meticulously unravels the tales of these Orcadians, from their enlistment to their frontline duties and beyond....

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jonathan Krause and Professor William Philpott illuminate the lives and leadership of the senior French generals who shaped the course of the First World War based on their recent book. Despite commanding the largest force on the Western Front and ultimately achieving victory, these generals remain largely obscured in historical accounts. Drawing from a wealth of primary source material housed in France's military archives, this episode offers fresh...

In this riveting episode, former GP and author Colin Hutchinson takes us on a compelling journey through the history of the Royal Field Artillery during World War I, as depicted in his book, "The Young Gunner." Drawing from the letters and journals of Second Lieutenant Colin Hutchinson, David’s relative, the narrative unfolds the gripping tales of front-line action across thirteen battles on the Western Front, including pivotal engagements such as Mons 1914, Ypres 1915, The Somme 1916,...

In this captivating episode, Professor Stephen Badsey offers a detailed analysis of the Armistice on the Western Front in November 1918. Drawing from his extensive expertise, Professor Badsey delves into the fast-paced timeline of events that unfolded during late October and early November 1918, leading to the momentous ceasefire that marked the end of World War I. This lecture, originally delivered at the Cork Conference in October 2023, provides a nuanced understanding of the geopolitical...

Prof. John Bourne talks about the essential role, activities, and function of the Office of the Military Secretary during the Great War. John offers valuable insights into this often-overlooked aspect of wartime operations. Explore the inner workings of the military bureaucracy that played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Great War.

On this week’s, Dispatches Podcast we delve into the intricacies of the Great War and explore the question on everyone's mind: "Why did the Allies emerge victorious?" In this thought-provoking lecture, historian Prof. Mark Connelly takes us on a journey through the annals of history, offering insights into the strategic, political, and human factors that ultimately led to the Allies' triumph. Recorded live at the Cork Great War Conference in October 2023.

In the latest episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Dr. John Borgonovo takes us on a captivating journey through the Irish Revolution with a particular focus on its impact in Cork. The discussion revolves around "The Atlas of the Irish Revolution," a landmark publication that offers a uniquely accessible perspective on this transformative period. With over 350 original maps and 700 images, this atlas features contributions from over 100 leading scholars, shedding light on the...

In this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Dr. Dominiek Dendooven talks about his recent book, 'The British West Indies Regiment: Race and Colour on the Western Front,' published by Pen & Sword. This military-political history intertwines a thought-provoking cultural and social theme that shapes the narrative: the intricate dynamics of race, colour, and prejudice. Despite these challenges, a remarkable undercurrent of loyalty to the British empire emerges among serving...

Tune in to the latest Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, where we engage in a compelling conversation with Professor Joost Augusteijn about his in-depth study of County Mayo, 1912-23. Delving into a period of unprecedented turmoil, this examination offers a comprehensive look at all facets of life in County Mayo during the revolutionary era. Joost draws from a diverse range of sources, including memoirs, interviews with former IRA members, newspaper reports, police records, and official...

Join us in the latest episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast as we delve into the life and career of Field Marshal Lord Cavan. In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Michael Senior, author of the recently published book 'Field Marshal the Earl of Cavan: Soldier and Fox Hunter,' we explore the multifaceted character of a distinguished British army commander. Cavan's legacy was a subject of debate among his contemporaries, with some dismissing him as ignorant and vain, while others...

In this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Michael Nugent delves into his book 'A Bad Day, I Fear,' shedding light on a little-known chapter of World War I history. Join us as we explore the tragic Battle of Langemarck on August 16, 1917, where the 16th (Irish) Division and 36th (Ulster) Division, after their previous success at Messines, faced an unmitigated disaster. Nugent unravels the causes behind the failure to capitalize on their previous victory, including a lack of...