Mentioned in Dispatches

Ep330 – The Armistice on the Western Front- Prof Stephen Badsey

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 land...

Ep334 – The Office of Military Secretary – Prof John Bourne

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.

Ep333 – Ireland in Ypres, 1914 – 2014 – Dr Dominiek Dendooven

Dr. Dominiek Dendooven delves into the history of Ireland's involvement and representation in Flanders during the Great War. Dominiek, an expert in this field, offers insights into the complex historical connections between Ireland and the Western Front. This discussion provides a factual and informative exploration of a lesser-known aspect of World War I history, shedding light on Ireland's role and representation in the theatre of Flanders....

Ep332 – Midland Railway men of the GW – Quint Watt

Historian and researcher Quintin Watt takes us on a captivating journey into the forgotten stories of the Midland Railway's servicemen from the Black Country and South Staffordshire during the Great War. Quintin shares the inspiration behind his research and delves into surprising discoveries, shedding light on the integral role railwaymen played during this historic period. We explore the specific region covered by the Midland Railway line, hear intriguing tales of soldiers like William Henry B...

Ep331 – God and the British Soldier – Prof Michael Snape

Canon Professor Michael Snape, the Michael Ramsey Professor of Anglican Studies at Durham University, talks about religion, God and the British soldier in the Great War. Drawing from a treasure trove of newly unearthed materials from military, ecclesiastical, and civilian archives, Michael paints a vivid portrait of the experiences of Britain's citizen armies and the vital role played by the various religious organisations that ministered to them. Michael reveals the often-underestimated signifi...

Ep329 – Mametz, 38th Division and the Great War – Prof Chris Williams

On this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast Prof. Chris Williams, a historian from University College Cork, talks about his research into the 38th Division and their pivotal role in the Battle of Mametz.

Ep328 – Why the Allies won the Great War – Prof Mark Connelly

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.

Ep327 – The Atlas of the Irish Revolution and Cork – Dr John Borgonovo

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 pivotal y...

Ep326 – The British West Indies Regt in the GW – Dr Dominiek Dendooven

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 soldiers,...

Ep325 – County Mayo, 1912-23 – Prof Joost Augusteijn

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 documents ...

Ep324 – Field Marshal the Earl of Cavan – Dr Michael Senior

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 lau...

Ep323 – Irish divisions at Langemark – Michael Nugent

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 urgency,...

Ep322 – The 21st Division in the Great War – Dr Derek Clayton

Author and historians Dr Derek Clayton talks about his book To Do the Work of Men : An Operational History of the 21st Division in the Great War. The 21st Division was formed in September 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army (K3), comprising units mostly from Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham and Lincolnshire. It was destined to spend its entire period of active service on the Western Front, taking part in almost all the major engagements. Only two weeks after having arrived in France, and wit...

Ep321 – Field Marshal Lord Birdwood – Richard Farrimond

In this podcast interview, Richard Farrimond discusses their motivation for writing a comprehensive biography of Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, highlighting their personal connection to Clifton College and Birdwood's autobiography, Khaki and Gown, as initial inspirations. Richard also explains that their academic journey, including a history Masters degree and a PhD, led them to explore Birdwood's life beyond his role at Gallipoli. The interview delves into lesser-known aspects of Birdwood's caree...

Ep320 – Did the 5th Army collapse in spring 1918 – Glyn Taylor

Doctoral candidate Glyn Taylor talks about his research into the response of the 5th British Army to the German Spring Offensive in 1918. Glyn is a former Army officer who has taken up an academic career following his retirement from the Services. He graduated with a MA in ‘The History of Britain and the First World War’ at the University of Wolverhampton in 2020 and is currently researching for a PhD at King’s College London on the performance of Fifth Army in 1918. He is a member of the Royal ...

Ep319 – Battle of the Sambre, 4 November 1918 – Dr Derek Clayton

Author and historian Dr Derek Clayton talks about this book Decisive Victory: The Battle of the Sambre: 4 November 1918. This battle was a decisive British victory. The battle has, however, been largely neglected by historians: it was the last large-scale, set-piece battle fought by the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front: the Armistice was only one week away. Seven Victoria Crosses were won and the poet Wilfred Owen was killed in action. In scale it was similar to the first day of ...

Ep318 – Hedworth Lambton and the GW – Peter Welsh

Historian and writer Peter Welsh talks about Sir Hedworth Meux (Lambton) during the Great War. Meux was a distinguished Royal Navy officer whose legacy is marked by a lifetime of service and leadership. Born as Hedworth Lambton, he embarked on a remarkable career that spanned from 1870 to 1916. Notably, Meux played a pivotal role in significant historical events, including the Anglo-Egyptian War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. Meux's early days in the Royal Navy saw him at the bom...

Ep317 – Gay soldiers, the law and the Great War – Dr Frances Hurd

Author and historian Dr Frances Hurd talks about her research into gay officers, the law and their experiences in the British Army during the Great War. She discusses what happened to British officers arrested for homosexuality, their fate and the legacy of the treatment. Frances is based in Chichester, West Sussex, and has a PhD in history.

Ep316 – AEF Communications during the Great War – Dr. Brian Hall

Academic Dr Brian Hall talks about his research into the development of communications in the American Expeditionary Force during the Great War. Brian is the Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Contemporary Military & International History, University of Salford.

Ep315 – Smuts, Botha and the Great War – Dr Anthony Garcia

Dr Tony Garcia talks about the book he jointly authored with Ian van der Waag on the Great War roles of roles played by the South African prime minister, General Louis Botha, and his deputy, General Jan Smuts during the Great War. These were very different men and they appealed to different audiences. Botha’s nuance and emotional intelligence complemented Smuts’s intellectualism. Thrown into a world conflagration in August 1914, Botha and Smuts – facing internal rebellion and the threat posed by...

Ep314 – The German Army in 1917 – Dr Tony Cowan

Author and academic Dr Tony Cowan talks about his recent book, Holding Out. This book examines German operational command during a critical phase of the First World War from November 1916 to the eve of the third battle of Ypres. The situation faced by the German army on the Western Front in 1917 was very different from the one anticipated in pre-war doctrine and Holding Out examines how German commanders and staff officers adapted. Tony Cowan analyses key command tasks to get under the skin of t...

Ep313  – Anzac Labour – Dr Nathan Wise

Historian and academic Dr Nathan Wise talks about his book Anazc Labour. This book explores the horror, frustration and exhaustion surrounding working life in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. Based on letters and diaries of Australian soldiers, it traces the history of work and workplace cultures through Australia, the shores of Gallipoli, the fields of France and Belgium, and the Near East. This was published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2014. Nathan is Associate Professor ...

Ep312 – Barcombe in the Great War – Ian Hilder

Author Ian Hilder about talks his recent book Great War Barcombe News from a Sussex Village 1914 -1919. This book was published by Country Books in 2018.

Ep311 – The Third Earl of Durham in the GW – Peter Welsh

Historian, teacher and author Peter Welsh talks about his research into the Third Earl of Durham during the Great War. John George Lambton, 3rd Earl of Durham (1855-1928), was the eldest twin son of George Lambton, 2nd Earl of Durham, and his wife Lady Beatrix Frances, daughter of James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn. His grandfather was the statesman and colonial administrator, John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham, and his great-grandfather was Prime Minister Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. Peter talk...

Ep310 – International Jewish relief work in WW1 – Dr Jaclyn Granick

Ep309 – Russian military strategy in WW1 – Dr Sofya Anisimova

Dr Sofya Anisimova talks about Russian military strategy during the Great War. She is a post doctoral researcher at University College Dublin in Ireland. Sofya examines the military strategy pursued by Russia. She talks about the state of Russian planning before 1914, how they perceived the nature of war and strategy during 1914 to 1917.

Ep308 – Teachers from Victoria, Australian in the GW – Caroline Torode

Caroline Torode talks about her research into state teachers from Victoria, Australia during the Great War. Her talk is based on her MA thesis that looked at Victorian Government Teachers and their selection and promotion within the Australian Imperial Force.

Ep307 – The 1922 Chanak Crisis and the legacy of the Great War – Dr Jenny Macleod

Dr Jenny Macleod, Senior Lecturer in 20th Century History at the University of Hull, talks about the 1922 Chanak Crisis and the actions of Lloyd George to try and solve the crisis with reference to the Great War. The Chanak Crisis was a war scare in September 1922 between the United Kingdom and the Government of the Grand National Assembly in Turkey. The crisis was caused by Turkish efforts to push the Greek armies out of Turkey and restore Turkish rule in the Allied-occupied territories, primar...

Ep306 – Lambton Ladies in the Great War: Katherine, Eleanor, Beatrix and Anne – Peter Welsh

Ep305 – Women doctors on the Eastern and Western Fronts – Dr Ann Robertson