Mentioned in Dispatches

Dr Tom Thorpe
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Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast

A podcast hosted by Dr Tom Thorpe on all aspects of the Great War from the UK's leading First World War history society The Western Front Association (www.westernfrontassociation.com).

  1. Ep341 – African American Signallers – Dr Brian Hall

    15 SEPT

    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 based at the University of Salford.

    37 min
  2. Ep340 – John Nichol – The Unknown Warrior

    1 SEPT

    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.

    46 min
  3. Ep339 – Liberty Cadillac US1257X – Marc Lasson

    15 AUG

    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. involvement in the Great War, from 1917 to 1919, making it a rare survivor with a verified record of service in WWI. It played a crucial role during the Second Battle of the Marne, providing support to French and American troops near the front line. Additionally, Eleanor Butler Roosevelt, wife of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., utilized the Cadillac for two months while scouting locations for soldiers' rest and recuperation leave, as documented in her autobiography. Despite the passage of time, the Liberty Car has survived remarkably intact, retaining many original materials, components, and evidence of its wartime service. Recognizing its historical significance, the car was added to the Historic Vehicle Association's National Historic Vehicle Register and the U.S. Department of the Interior Historic American Engineering Record in 2014.

    54 min
  4. Ep338 – Public Schools in the Great War – Timothy Halstead

    1 AUG

    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 professionalization of the British Army in the years leading up to 1914 and its evolving relationship with public schools. He delves into the diverse educational approaches of these schools and how they prepared their boys for war, examining the range of skills needed for the army's rapid expansion and effectiveness on the battlefield. Moreover, Halstead examines the contributions of public schools to the war effort on the home front, highlighting their role in supporting the nation in arms. Drawing from archival sources and the records of the Headmasters' Conference, "More Than Victims of Horace" offers the first scholarly analysis of public schools during 1914–1918, providing invaluable insights into this pivotal period of history.

    38 min
  5. Ep337 – Orcadians in the Gordon Highlanders in WW1 – Tom Ordeman

    15 JUL

    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 personal accounts, archival records, and historical research, he paints a vivid portrait of their lives amidst the turmoil of war.

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

    1 JUL

    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 insights into their strategies, successes, and challenges. Dr. Krause's expertise in French colonial history during WWI and Professor Philpott's research in 20th-century warfare provide a comprehensive understanding of the political, strategic, and personal dimensions of these generals' roles. From international acclaim to internal mutinies, their stories reveal the complexities of wartime leadership and the enduring legacy of the Great War.

    48 min

  7. 15 JUN

    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, Passchendaele 1917, and Ypres 1918. Through Hutchinson's vivid accounts, listeners gain profound insights into the realities of life on the front line and the tactical intricacies of artillery deployment in battle. Moreover, Hutchinson's perspective offers valuable reflections on the reasons behind the staggering casualties of the war and the slow adoption of necessary tactical changes. With copious factual footnotes and detailed maps, "The Young Gunner" emerges as an indispensable resource for military history enthusiasts, shedding new light on the experiences of the 140,000 men who served in the Royal Field Artillery during the First World War.

    1h 5m

  8. 1 JUN

    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 landscape and the strategic decisions that shaped this pivotal moment in history.

    60 min
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About

A podcast hosted by Dr Tom Thorpe on all aspects of the Great War from the UK's leading First World War history society The Western Front Association (www.westernfrontassociation.com).

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Tom Thorpe
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    350
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017-2024 Tom Thorpe
  • Show Website
    Mentioned in Dispatches

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