S2E8 – Khaki Elections – General Election special

Amid Britain’s current general election, join Gary and Spencer as they delve into the compelling history of the UK’s ‘khaki’ general elections. In this insightful podcast, they investigate four pivotal 20th-century elections that took place during or after major conflicts, shaping the nation’s political landscape in profound ways. Discover how the 1900 general election was influenced by the fervour of the Second Boer War. This election saw the Conservative Party solidify its power, bolstered by a wave of imperialist sentiment and public support for the war effort. Next, they examine…

S2E7 – Winston Churchill, Pt2 – The Great War

In this second episode on Winston Churchill and War, Gary and Spencer discuss Churchill’s military experience and leadership during the Great War. They begin by reviewing historical and academic books on Churchill’s career and his time during the Great War. They then move on to explore Churchill’s initial role during the conflict as the First Lord of the Admiralty. However, his tenure was marred by the Gallipoli Campaign, a failed amphibious assault on the Ottoman Empire, for which he faced criticism . Later, he voluntarily resigned and joined the British…

S2E6 – Winston Churchill, pt1 – his early life

In this episode, Gary and Spencer delve deep into the early life, career, and complex character of Winston Churchill, an influential and often controversial figure in Britain’s military, political and imperial history. This episode is the first of a short series and covers Churchills early life up to the end of the Second South African War (Boer War) in 1901/2. With a keen focus on Churchill’s intricate relationship with war, they offer insightful perspectives on his roles as a man, politician, and military leader in his early life. They start…

S2E5 – Unveiling the Essence of Battlefield Tours: Part 2 of the Journey

In the fifth episode, Gary and Spencer bring the two-part investigation on battlefield tours to a conclusion. They reflect on how visiting battlefield sites provides a tangible connection to military history, offering insights into the terrain, topography, and environmental conditions of past conflicts. The hosts contemplate the impact of monuments on these historic landscapes, exploring how these structures can both enhance and impede people’s understanding of a battle’s unfolding narrative. The episode concludes with thoughtful considerations of the dos and don’ts for aspiring battlefield guides, interwoven with the hosts’ personal…

S2E4 – Exploring Battlefield Tours: Unveiling Their Form, Evolution and Significance

In the captivating fourth episode of this series, Gary and Spencer delve into the intriguing world of battlefield tours. Together, they unravel the essence, value, and evolution of these immersive experiences. Embarking on a journey through their initial battlefield tours in England, they dissect the various typologies that shape these historical expeditions. The episode distinguishes between the roles of battlefield guides and battlefield historians, emphasizing the vital insights both roles bring to comprehending military history. This episode serves as the commencement of a two-part investigation.

S2E3 – Your Questions Answered

In the third episode of this series, Gary and Spencer turn the spotlight onto the audience as they respond to a myriad of listener questions spanning various facets of military history. Navigating through inquiries from their engaged audience, the hosts provide insightful and informative responses, creating a dynamic dialogue that adds an interactive and participatory dimension to the exploration of military history. From inquiries about the revolutionary nature of the French armies of the 1790s to favourite war films and other topics, the hosts offer a diverse range of topics.

S2E2 – Deep Dive – The Historiography of the Great War Part 3

In the concluding episode of their three-part series on the historiography of Britain and the Great War, Gary and Spencer explore the period leading up to the Great War Centenary in 2014. They delve into the impact of this commemorative milestone on public perceptions and historical narratives. The episode spotlights the significant contributions of historians Robin Prior and Trevor Wilson to our understanding of the Western Front, examining their methodologies and research. Additionally, the hosts discuss Tim Travers’ insights at the intersection of politics and military history, the influential perspectives…

S2E1 – Deep Dive – The Historiography of the Great War Part 2

In this second installment of their three-part exploration of the historiography of the Great War, Gary and Spencer dedicate a significant portion of their discussion to the influential works and impact of historian John Terraine. Much like other notable figures such as David Lloyd George, Basil Liddel Hart, and Sir James Edmonds, Terraine’s contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of this pivotal period in history.  Terraine departed from conventional narratives that often-painted military leadership during the conflict as inept. He, a proponent of strategic realism, argued…

S2 – Special – What do historians actually do – A reply to Ridley Scott

In this special report, Gary and Spencer delve into the recent comments made by acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott concerning historians, historical accuracy, and his latest film, “Napoleon.” Scott’s candid remark, “Excuse me, mate, were you there? No? Well, shut the f*** up then,” has sparked a conversation about the filmmaker’s perspective on historical criticism. Scott dismisses historical critiques of “Napoleon” by urging detractors to “get a life.” The podcast not only dissects Scott’s response but also initiates a broader exploration into the realm of historical methodology. From Ridley Scott’s outspoken…

Ep9 (bonus) – Ireland’s military history, 1912-21 – Gerry White

In this bonus episode of the first season, historian and Western Front Association Trustee, Gerry White delves into Ireland’s military history from 1912 to 1923. Gerry, who served forty-three years in the Irish Defence Forces and retired in 2017, brings his expertise and insights to the discussion. The talk begins with the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and the Irish Volunteers. In 1912, the Ulster Volunteer Force was established by Unionists in Ulster to resist home rule for Ireland. In response, the Irish Volunteers were formed in 1913…