Mentioned in Dispatches

Ep364 – Boredom in Salonika – Dr Jake Gasson

Ep363 – Podcasting the Great War – Terry Whenham

Ep362 – 60th Division at Salonika – Charles Fair

Ep358 – Periodical publications of the London Regt – Sarah Paterson

Ep360 – London TF at Gallipoli – Clive Harris

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Clive Harris explores the role of London Territorials in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915–16. While no full London territorial division served there, six battalions, five Yeomanry regiments and two support units contributed around 8,500 men, spread across multiple formations from Helles to Suvla. Their experiences, challenges and the lessons they carried forward are brought to life through figures such as bandleader Billy Cotton and William Wedgwood ...

Ep359 – The British League of Help – Nick Jenkins

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast , historian Nick Jenkins discusses the British League of Help and its efforts to support the reconstruction of French towns devastated during the First World War. His research reveals how communities across Britain came together to aid their French counterparts, shedding light on a little-known chapter of post-war humanitarian work. Nick spoke from his home in West Yorkshire.

Ep357 – A WWI Mystery Reunited After 110 Years – Philipp Cross

Ep361 – London Schools and the London TF – Tim Halstead

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Tim Halstead discusses the connections between London schools and the Territorial Force during the Great War. While the contribution of Public Schools to the Officer Corps is well known, this talk focuses on the less-explored role of Grammar Schools. Drawing on Rolls of Service from both school types in and around London, Halstead sheds light on their strong links to specific regiments and their wider wartime influence. This talk was part of the Lo...

Ep356 – The London Regt and the RFC – Jon Davy

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast , John Davy examines the London Regiment’s links with the Royal Flying Corps and RAF during the Great War. Using primary sources, he offers a statistical analysis of the men who joined the RFC via the London Regiment and considers the impact of their loss on their original battalions. This episode was recorded for the London Pride Conference in June 2024.

Ep355 – Harry Potter – Alexander Paterson and the Bermondsey Battalion

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast , Harry Potter delves into the life and service of prison reformer Alexander Paterson, drawing on his wartime diary and letters. From gentleman ranker to officer in the Bermondsey Battalion, Paterson served at Loos and later held various roles including lecturer, defence counsel, intelligence officer and Sports and Recreation Officer. He also contributed to the Division’s history and supported Talbot House alongside Tubby Clayton. Recorded as part o...

Ep354 – Stephen Sandford – London Irish Rifles in the GW

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast , Stephen Sandford explores the early history of the 18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish) during the First World War. He examines the battalion’s formation, recruitment, training and unique cultural identity, as well as its connections to Ireland and its first action at Loos. This talk was recorded at the London Pride Conference, held in June 2024.

Ep353 – Edgar Loveland and the QWR – Steve Hammond

Ep352 – U boat technology and doctrine – Michèl Admiraal

Historian Michèl Admiraal joins Mentioned in Dispatches to discuss his research on the German U-boat campaign during the First World War. Admiraal, a recent MA graduate in Military History from Wolverhampton University, explores the relationship between technology, doctrine, and naval operations. His Stand To! article, Technology, Doctrine and the German U-boat Campaign , offers a detailed analysis of how technological advancements and strategic doctrine shaped each other throughout the war. Thi...

Ep351 – Royal Navy and invasion scares – Steve Dunn

This episode of Mentioned in Dispatches features historian and author Steve R. Dunn , who discusses his latest book, Spectre of Invasion: The Royal Navy and the Defence of Britain’s Coast, 1900–1918 . The book examines Britain's persistent fears of invasion in the early 20th century, the strategic debates between naval and military defence advocates, and the reality of coastal raids and naval engagements during the First World War. Dunn provides insights into how these concerns influenced Britis...

Ep350 – Learning in the Rangers – Mark Jones

Ep349 – British Army before 1914 – Simon Batten

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches , historian Simon Batten discusses his book Futile Exercise?: The British Army’s Preparations for War 1902-1914 . Simon explores the British Army's pre-war manoeuvres, training exercises and attempts to learn from past conflicts in the lead-up to the First World War. Highlighting the challenges of adapting to modern warfare, he examines whether these efforts were effective in preparing for the unprecedented realities of trench warfare. His book is publi...

Ep348 – Irish republican women in Ulster, 1914-1922 – Dr Margaret Ward

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches , Dr Margaret Ward, Honorary Senior Lecturer in History at Queen’s University Belfast, talks about her latest book Rebel Women: Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, 1914–1924 . In the interview, Dr Ward explores the remarkable contributions of Northern Irish women to the republican movement during one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods. Highlighting the pivotal role of Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, she discusses the c...

Ep347 –  The 8th Bn, West Surrey Regt – Prof. Ian Isherwood

In this episode, we are honoured to speak with Dr Ian Isherwood, a historian, scholar, and author of the newly released book The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front. Dr Isherwood provides a deeply researched and heartfelt account of the 8th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), during the First World War. Drawing from personal letters, memoirs, and diaries, this work sheds light on the emotional resilience, motivations, and lived experiences of these citizen so...

Ep346 – Invasion literature before WW1 – Tony Bolton

Ep345 – Legacy of shellshock after the GW – Dr Stefanie Linden

Ep344 – Comparing the Retreats, 1914 & 1940 – Prof. Gary Sheffield

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 of...

Ep343 – Unknown Soldier, Story of WW1 – David Preston

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.

Ep342 – Defence of the Suez Canal, 1914-15 – Dr Adam Prime

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 conversa...

Ep341 – African American Signallers – Dr Brian Hall

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 ba...

Ep340 – John Nichol – The Unknown Warrior

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....

Ep339 – Liberty Cadillac US1257X – Marc Lasson

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 U.S. i...

Ep338 – Public Schools in the Great War – Timothy Halstead

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 professionalizatio...

Ep337 – Orcadians in the Gordon Highlanders in WW1 – Tom Ordeman

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. Drawing from...

Ep336 – French Generals of the Great War – Dr Jonathan Krause & Prof. William Philpott

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 insight...

Ep335 – Colin Hutchinson and the RFA – David Keable-Elliot

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, Passchend...