In this episode, with the aid of regular guest and French Army expert James Taub, we delve your questions on France in WW1. What exactly is a French Colonial unit? What did the French think of the chauchat machine gun? And what did the British soldier think of his French counterpart? We discuss all this and more. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James ...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 82
In this episode, we unravel the story of the assassination that changed the world. On a summer morning in 1914, a teenage revolutionary fired two shots on a Sarajevo street - and set the world on fire. Who was Franz Ferdinand? Why did a group of young men risk everything to kill him? And how did a single wrong turn trigger a global catastrophe? Battle Guide Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGipzRJ1rlk Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one mo...
Jun 16, 2025•55 min•Ep. 81
In this episode of Not So Quiet on the Western Front, we explore the rise and tragic fall of the Pals Battalions - units of friends, neighbours, and co-workers who marched to war together in 1914. Their story is one of camaraderie, sacrifice, and devastating loss on the killing fields of the Somme. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Th...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 80
When we think of the Western Front, we think of the trenches of mud, gunfire, and death. But there was another side to the war - the quieter spaces just behind the lines. In this episode, we explore life in those rear areas - the routines, the rest, the brief moments of humanity - and some of the choices men made in the face of exhaustion and uncertainty. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://batt...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 79
In this episode we take our study of the French Army into the final, decisive Allied offensive of 1918. How did the French army finally weather the storm of the German spring offensives, and how did it turn the tide at the Second Battle of the Marne? James Book Recommendations: Doughty, Robert A. 2008. Pyrrhic Victory: French Strategy and Operations in the Great War. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Goya, Michel. 2018. Flesh and Steel during the Great War: The Transformation of the Frenc...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 78
In this week’s episode we follow the French Army as they emerge from the extremely trying year of 1917 into a year that would ultimately lead to Victory on the Western Front, but, before that could happen, one more massive German offensive first had to be held. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/pro...
May 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 78
In this week’s episode we explore the vital period following the French ‘mutinies’ of 1917 and look at how the Army recovered in the face of intense fighting all along the Western Front. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/profile/taubhistory.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-taub-670096...
May 09, 2025•58 min•Ep. 76
This week we continue our study of the French Army in the First World War as we examined one of France's most controversial commanders, Robert Nivelle, and the April 1917 offensive that bears his name. What happened during the Noelle Offensive, and why did it lead to a mutiny in the French Army? Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, we continue our discussion of the Zeppelin campaign in the skies over Great Britain. How did Britain’s air defences adapt to the threat, and what was it like to intercept and engage a Zeppelin? Ian Castle's Book: Zeppelin Inferno: The Forgotten Blitz 1916 Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps u...
Apr 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, with the support of guest historian Ian Castle, we delve into the ever popular ‘lighter than air’ subject of Airships in the Great War. We look at their initial introduction onto the world stage, employment by the military, use as an offensive weapon of war and examine the impact they made both on the home and fighting fronts. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-...
Apr 18, 2025•56 min•Ep. 73
In this week's episode we return to an old favourite - Air Power in the Great War. And with the help of Guest Historian Dr Victoria Taylor, we explore the life of the controversial German aviator Hermann Goering. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! E-Mail: nsq@battleguide.co.uk Battle Guide YouTub...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 72
In this week’s episode we return to a well-known battlefield, but look at it with an almost unknown perspective, as we explore the story of the French Army in the battle of the Somme. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/profile/taubhistory.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-taub-670096103...
Apr 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 71
This week we take one of our periodic dives into the many questions and comments you have shared with us in previous weeks and address everything from books and films to gallantry awards. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! E-Mail: nsq@battleguide.co.uk Battle Guide YouTube Channel: https://www.yo...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 70
In this week’s episode we continue our exploration of perhaps the best known battle of the First World War - Verdun. From the initial German assault and descent into attritional warfare, this week we consider the latter stages of the battle, its overall impact and what it meant for the wider war on the Western Front. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub...
Mar 21, 2025•59 min•Ep. 69
In this episode we begin a deep dive into the defining battle of the First World War for the French Army - Verdun. How did it come about? What were its objectives and what actually happened in those opening phases? Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/profile/taubhistory.bsky.social https://www.linke...
Mar 14, 2025•50 min•Ep. 68
In this episode we delve into the day to day life of a French soldier in WW1. How were French soldiers equipped and uniformed? How did they view the war? And what were the key differences between French soldiers and the soldiers from the English speaking world? We discuss all this and more. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podc...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 67
This week we delve into the strange world of privately purchased kit and equipment in the First World War. Why was there such a demand for private purchase items and what did the soldiers buy? Just how big was the private purchase industry? And did any of it make a difference? We discuss all this and more. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then p...
Feb 28, 2025•49 min•Ep. 66
In this podcast, we continue our in-depth look at the story of the French army on the western Front with a focus on the vital and extremely bloody actions in the second half of 1915. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/profile/taubhistory.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-taub-670096103/...
Feb 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 65
This week we turn our focus with the French to the major and extremely bloody battles fought in late 1914 and the first half of 1915 on the Western Front, with a focus on prominent high ground, including the notorious Vimy Ridge. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/profile/taubhistory.bsky.social ht...
Feb 14, 2025•55 min•Ep. 64
In this week’s episode we continue our exploration of the story of the Poilu on the Western Front, with a focus on the crucial period from August to Xmas of 1914 which saw huge changes in the way the First World War would be fought. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join our new platform today! The steps are simple: Visit: not-so-quiet.com Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details and use prom...
Feb 07, 2025•46 min•Ep. 63
In this week’s episode we continue our journey exploring the story of the French Army in the great war with a look at the outbreak of war, how the French people and military reacted and where those first clashes took place. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join our new platform today! The steps are simple: Visit: not-so-quiet.com Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details and use promo code: d...
Jan 31, 2025•51 min•Ep. 62
In this week’s episode, alongside historian James Taub, we begin an exciting new mini-series a deep dive into the story of the French Army on the Western front in the Great War. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Thanks to James Taub for joining us on the podcast: https://bsky.app/profile/taubhistory.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-taub-670096103/ Do...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 61
In this week's episode we look back and answer some of the excellent questions you have sent in recently and announce an exciting new addition to the Not So Quiet Podcast! Join our new platform today! The steps are simple: Visit: not-so-quiet.com Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) Fill in your details and use promo code: dugout Enjoy ad-free podcasts, exclusive content and Q&A with us! Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much f...
Jan 17, 2025•49 min•Ep. 60
In this episode we go back to an old favourite - First World War Myths. We look at some of the most enduring beliefs, where they came from, if there is any truth behind them and why they have found such a prominent place in our collective memory of the Great War. Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! ...
Jan 10, 2025•45 min
In this episode we go back to an old favourite - First World War Myths. We look at some of the most enduring beliefs, where they came from, if there is any truth behind them and why they have found such a prominent place in our collective memory of the Great War. Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! ...
Jan 03, 2025•45 min•Ep. 58
In this week’s episode we’ll return once more to a festive favourite, with a detailed look at the famous 1914 Xmas Truce. We’ll explore the timeline of that day, what took place and examine that unique episode through the words of one man who was there. Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! E-Mail: n...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 57
In this episode we’ll explore the fascinating, and brutal story of the machine gun on the western Front. We’ll look at its early deployment, evolution on the battlefield and consider whether it was the defining weapon of trench warfare. Ukrainian trainee with a Madsen MG in 2022 Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it ...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 65
In this week’s episode we return to an old favourite to explore more of the famous ‘Trench Slang’ of the Western Front - how and when famous phrases came about, where they came from and why have some endured more than a century when other have been long forgotten? Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot!...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, we continue our story of the Battle of Cambrai. What happened on its dramatic first day, and how did the battle progress? Find out more about the story of Deborah b51 in our YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9WMzhnWNBQ Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! E-Mail: nsq@b...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 54
In this week’s episode we’ll take a deep dive into perhaps one of the most influential battles of the Great war on the Western Front - Cambrai. Famed as the first mass use of tanks in history, it started with great promise but would end with bitter disappointment for the British Army. What happened and why? Use our code: Dugout and get one month free as a Captain. Join Our Community: https://not-so-quiet.com/ Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq-paypal Do you like our podcast? Then ...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 53
