This week Patrick and Saul analyse Donald Trump's sudden policy reversal on Ukraine, pledging defensive weapons after a concerning pause. They question if it's a true change of heart or a tactical move amidst escalating Russian attacks. They also discuss a "new axis of evil" – Iran, China, and North Korea's collaboration in supplying Russia's deadly Shahed drones. Plus, a bizarre UK arson attack linked to the Wagner Group exposes the varied nature of Russian influence. If you have any thoughts o...
Jul 11, 2025•37 min
This week on Battleground, Saul and Patrick are stepping away from the tactics and into the narrative, discussing their picks for the best fiction books born out of the Second World War. They delve into the literary legacy of WWII, debating and dissecting the novels that most effectively capture the human experience of the conflict. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your a...
Jul 09, 2025•44 min
This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop delve into the disappointing turn in US support. Whilst meetings last week at the NATO summit offered a glimmer of hope, the White House's abrupt decision to halt key weapons supplies, including Patriot missiles, has left Ukraine's defences vulnerable. Additionally, we hear directly from Eddy Scott, a 28-year-old British volunteer who tragically lost an arm and a leg in a Russian drone attack while evacuating civilians from the front-line ...
Jul 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Battleground, Saul and Patrick descend into the brutal depths of the Battle of Okinawa. Together they examine the strategic brilliance and tragic missteps on both sides, including the immense casualties that led to the deaths of both commanding generals: Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. for the Americans and Lieutenant General Mitsuru Ushijima for the Japanese. They also take a look at the unprecedented surge in kamikaze attacks, a desperate and devastating tactic ...
Jul 02, 2025•37 min
Join Patrick Bishop and Saul David on Battleground as they dissect the astonishing new dynamics in global power politics. Donald Trump's recent decisive actions in the Iran-Israel crisis – including a spectacular strike on Iran's nuclear program and an imposed ceasefire – has observers questioning his evolving foreign policy. To help them answer the big question: will Trump apply this new assertive stance to Putin and the war in Ukraine? They turn to friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky who...
Jun 27, 2025•45 min
In this episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop sits down with former Financial Times reporter Marcus Gibson to discuss his controversial new book, The Greatest Force. Gibson's research challenges decades of historical consensus, arguing that RAF Bomber Command was, in fact, the single most crucial factor in Germany's defeat in World War II. Prepare for a deep dive into the impact of the bombing campaign, and Marcus' claim that RAF bombing diverted 80% of Germany's air defences away from the fro...
Jun 23, 2025•35 min
This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop unpack a seismic shift in global conflict. As Israel's astonishing assault on Iran's military leadership and nuclear capabilities sends shockwaves through the Middle East, we explore its profound, and potentially beneficial, implications for the war in Ukraine, especially regarding Russia's crucial military ally and its struggling hardware. Meanwhile, the spotlight turns to President Trump's controversial stance: his willingness to engage ...
Jun 19, 2025•38 min
In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul David speaks to Robert Lyman to delve into the meticulously planned, yet ultimately unexecuted, Allied invasion of Japan: Operation Downfall. As the war in Europe drew to a close, the focus shifted to the Pacific, and the Allied command began preparing for an unprecedented assault on the Japanese home islands. Together they explore the staggering scale of the proposed operation, the projected casualties on both sides, and the strategic dilemmas faced by A...
Jun 18, 2025•42 min
The world’s focus on Ukraine has been affected by the clashes in Los Angeles this week between law enforcement and protestors against Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss Donald Trump’s response to these clashes, if he is moving towards authoritarian state, his loss of interest in the peace mission between Russia and Ukraine and how his change in focus internally will affect Ukraine. They also discuss if Europe and others can help step up to support Ukraine ...
Jun 13, 2025•40 min
In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul is joined by, Professor Alexander V. Pantsov, a renowned historian and author specialising in 20th-century Chinese history. Together, they delve into the complex and often controversial figure of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist Party of China and a pivotal player in the tumultuous events of World War II and the Chinese Civil War. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson ...
Jun 10, 2025•36 min
Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop as they dissect the two audacious operations that have shocked the Kremlin and reshaped the narrative. We dive into "Operation Spider's Web," the mass drone attacks that hit five Russian air bases, crippling a third of their long-range bomber fleet. We are also privileged to be joined by friend of the podcast Colonel Pavlo Khazan of the Ukrainian Electronic Warfare Command, to hear his thoughts and insights on these remarkable operations and more. If you have a...
Jun 05, 2025•51 min
In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war. These include a look into returning POWs, preparation for soldiers heading into Germany, and Escaping Nazi's. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 04, 2025•35 min
Has Donald Trump finally had enough? In this week's Battleground Ukraine Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse his condemnation of Putin's "crazy" actions and the possibility of new US sanctions following brutal Russian civilian attacks. Adding to the pressure, Germany has announced Western allies are lifting all range restrictions on weapons, giving Ukraine the power to hit deep into Russia—could Taurus missiles be next? Plus, a powerful report from Hungarian war correspondent Boldi Gyori, who ...
May 30, 2025•39 min
In this episode of Battleground '45, Patrick Bishop and Saul David transport us back to the immediate aftermath of World War II. The celebrations are over, and the monumental task of rebuilding has begun. For Britain, it was a moment of hope and determination to forge a better society out of the ashes of conflict, fuelled by a unique sense of national solidarity. Whilst across the Channel, France faced an even more daunting challenge. Bitterly divided by war, could Charles de Gaulle's coalition ...
May 28, 2025•41 min
A strange calm has fallen over diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, leaving many questioning the path forward. In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect the apparent anti-climax of recent US peace initiatives, including the much-touted Putin-Trump phone call. They discuss if the US begun to walk away from its peacemaking role, and if so, is Europe prepared to fill the void—militarily and politically—as Russia's appetite for conflict remains undiminished? They also ...
May 23, 2025•42 min
In this episode of Battleground 45, Roger welcomes author and expert Eric Lee to delve into one of World War II's most remarkable and often overlooked events: the Georgian Uprising on the Dutch island of Texel. From April to well beyond Germany's surrender in May 1945, as the war in Europe drew to a close, a contingent of Georgian soldiers, conscripted into the German army, turned their weapons on their captors in a desperate fight for freedom on the Dutch island of Texel. If you have any though...
May 21, 2025•48 min
Welcome to a special edition of Battleground Ukraine. With Saul and Roger absent, producer James Hodgson joins Patrick to dissect the significant non-event of the week: Vladimir Putin's failure to appear at the first face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years – talks ironically initiated by Putin himself. What does Putin's no-show, and subsequently President Zelensky's absence, alongside a potential visit that never materialised from Donald Trump, tell us about the prospec...
May 16, 2025•36 min
Joining Saul on this week's Battleground '45 is bestselling author and award winning filmmaker, Phil Craig. Together they delve into the deeply thought-provoking narrative of Phil's new book "1945: The Reckoning." They explore the bitter divisions within families, like the one in India torn between supporting the Raj and fighting for independence with the Japanese. Uncover the little-known and often brutal campaigns in Borneo and Indochina, revealing the uncomfortable truths behind the Allied vi...
May 14, 2025•40 min
In this Battleground Ukraine special we take you back to our last trip to Ukraine where Saul and Patrick sat down with friend of the podcast Colonel Pavlo Khazan, in his home in Kyiv. They discuss his current role in the Ukrainian armed forces with unmanned systems and electronic warfare, what his feelings are on the prospect of a peace deal, and how he views Ukraine's future. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Lear...
May 12, 2025•39 min
This week on Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop analyse Ukraine's reported downing of Russian jets with naval drones, in what has been called a military first. They also look at Russia's three day ceasefire request, Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, and the shifting international focus amidst new global tensions. Plus, a cyber update and your questions answered. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodg...
May 09, 2025•57 min
This week on Battleground 45, we have a powerful conversation about resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness. Saul is joined by Wendy Holden the author of Born Survivors and together they discusses the incredible true stories of Priska, Rachel, and Anka, three pregnant women who defied the odds to survive Auschwitz and other Nazi atrocities. Their secret pregnancies, a miraculous twist of fate, and the kindness of strangers paved the wa...
May 07, 2025•41 min
This week on Battleground Ukraine, Patrick is back and together he and Saul delve into the latest news from Ukraine, starting with a look at the details and implications of the newly signed strategic minerals deal between the US and Ukraine. They discuss how this agreement aims to incentivise US investment, and the surprising language it uses regarding Russia's aggression. Could this deal be a crucial step towards a broader settlement, or even to Trump turning on the US supplies? They are also j...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Roger discuss the Battle of Berlin, the final, bloody showdown for the Nazi capital. Together they delve into the huge Red Army offensive and the desperate German resistance, but also shed light on the dramatic final days of Adolf Hitler and his inner circle within the besieged Führerbunker, in what was a chaotic end to the Third Reich, both above and below ground. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail...
Apr 30, 2025•49 min
This week on Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse dissect the dramatic unraveling of the Trump administration's proposed 7-point peace plan. With a controversial Easter truce riddled with violations, and a deal that many see as a betrayal of Ukraine, the stakes couldn't be higher. Together they examine the plan's key points, ask if this is a win for Putin, a strategic manoeuvre by Trump, or a devastating blow to Ukraine's sovereignty? If you have any thoughts or questions, you ca...
Apr 25, 2025•43 min
In this episode of Battleground, Patrick joins Saul to delve into the historic meeting of American and Red Army Soldiers on the banks of the Elbe near Torgau, Germany on April 25, 1945. As Soviet and American forces converged on the banks of the Elbe River, a handshake across the ruins of Nazi Germany symbolised not just the end of a brutal war, but the dawn of a new, complex global order. Join us as we explore the strategic context, the emotional weight of the moment, and the long shadow this i...
Apr 23, 2025•29 min
This week on Battleground Ukraine, Roger Moorhouse and Saul David discuss the escalating diplomatic tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine, particularly President Trump's controversial remarks regarding Zelensky's request for missile systems, and his reaction to the deadly Russian missile strike on Sumy. They analyse the accusations of pro-Russian bias and delve into the implications of Trump's statements. Plus Saul speaks to friend of the show Hungarian war reporter Boldiszar Gyori, who gives ...
Apr 18, 2025•57 min
Hitler's Berghof was more than just a mountain retreat; it was a key location for Nazi decision-making and a powerful symbol of the regime. Patrick Bishop and Saul David delve into the history of this infamous site and the story of the RAF's bombing attack in 1945. They discuss the symbolic significance behing the decision to launch the mission and take a look at what became of the Berghof in the aftermath of the war. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukra...
Apr 16, 2025•30 min
In this episode Saul David and Roger Moorhouse speak to Belgian War reporter Arnaud De Decker about his recent trip to Georgia and Armenia where he witnessed the growing tensions between Georgian's and their Russian neighbours. He also discusses time he spent with a unit comprising of former Ukrainian deserters who have been given a second chance, and were undertaking training ahead of being sent into combat. If you are interested in reading Arnaud's book it is out now in Belgium and The Netherl...
Apr 14, 2025•38 min
This week on Battleground: Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse analyse President Zelensky's announcement of captured Chinese fighters and its potential to draw the West's attention to Beijing's role. Additionally they speak to Belgian War Reporter Arnaud de Decker, who shares his firsthand accounts from speaking with Russian soldiers who deserted the Russian army and fled to Armenia. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James H...
Apr 11, 2025•43 min
In this episode of Battleground Saul and Roger conclude their two-part examination of the Battle for Okinawa. Together they analyse the strategic importance of securing the island for the planned invasion of Japan and discuss how the ferocious resistance influenced the decision to use atomic weapons. They explore the arguments for and against this controversial link, taking new historiography into account, alongside the immediate and long-term consequences of the battle itself. If you have any t...
Apr 09, 2025•40 min
