Mentioned in Dispatches

Dr Tom Thorpe
  • 4.9 (10)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Mentioned in Dispatches

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

    1 DAY AGO

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

    Mentioned in Dispatches

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

    NOV 1

    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 the strategies and outcomes in these distinct periods.

    1h 13m
  3. Ep343 – Unknown Soldier, Story of WW1 – David Preston

    OCT 15

    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.

    23 min
  4. Ep342 – Defence of the Suez Canal, 1914-15 – Dr Adam Prime

    OCT 1

    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 conversation on military history and geopolitics.

    28 min
  5. Ep341 – African American Signallers – Dr Brian Hall

    SEP 15

    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
  6. Ep340 – John Nichol – The Unknown Warrior

    SEP 1

    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
  7. Ep339 – Liberty Cadillac US1257X – Marc Lasson

    AUG 15

    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
  8. Ep338 – Public Schools in the Great War – Timothy Halstead

    AUG 1

    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
See All (354)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

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
    354
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2017-2024 Tom Thorpe
  • Show Website
    Mentioned in Dispatches

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada