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WW2 Nation Podcast

70 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 86 ratings

Join me on a journey of discovery into the past and present, as I set out to explore the history of the Second World War. Our travels will take us from the Homefront to the battlefields of Europe and beyond. Travel with us as we revisit historical locations and walk the battlefields of WW2. We will be tracking down wartime artefacts, speaking with veterans and historians alike, and paying our deepest respects to this remarkable generation; as we set out to try and help keep this period of history alive. It’s going to be a long journey, in fact it’s going to be a life long journey!

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Episodes

S2 Ep 12: Ernest Booth Veteran Interview - 4th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, No. 1 Independent Company, Armourer

March 30, 2022 05:00 - 59 minutes - 55.4 MB

This month marks the anniversary commemorations of the Commando Raid on St. Nazaire on 28th March 1942, and as such in Season 2, Episode 12 I will be featuring an interview that I did a few years ago with veteran Ernest Booth about his wartime service and experiences, as Ernest discussed with me during this interview his best friend from Sheffield, Gerry Taylor who took part in Operation Chariot, and was sadly destined to never return home. Ernest joined up with the Territorial Army along wi...

S2 Ep 11: The Avro Lancaster - One of Britain's Iconic Wartime Aircraft with Steve Darlow

March 16, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MB

In Season 2, Episode 11 we turn our attention to looking at one of Britain’s most iconic wartime aircraft in the form of the Avro Lancaster, as this month marks the anniversary of its first operational flights with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War in March 1942. Today we are talking with historian and author Steve Darlow to learn more about this aircraft, its service and operational history, as well as some of those who crewed the Lancaster including his own grandfather’s exper...

S2 Ep 10: The 1st East Riding Yeomanry and the Battle for Cambes-en-Plaine in Normandy on D+1 with Ben Mayne

March 02, 2022 12:13 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MB

In Season 2, Episode 10, we find ourselves heading straight back to the battlefields of Normandy in June 1944, as today I am joined by battlefield guide Ben Mayne as we discuss the 1st East Riding Yeomanry and their experiences fighting alongside the men of the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles during the opening stages of the battle for Cambes-en-Plaine on D+1. As well as this, Ben also highlights the actions of Tank and Troop Commander Lt. Jenkin who was awarded the Military Cross for his ...

S2 Ep 9: Normandy 1944 the 2/Royal Ulster Rifles and Platoon Commander Lt Cyril Rand's Experiences with Paul Woodadge - Part 2

February 23, 2022 06:00 - 52 minutes - 49 MB

In Season 2, Episode 9, we are diving right back into our conversation with Paul Woodadge looking at the experiences of his Great Uncle Lt. Cyril Rand leading the men of his Platoon in C Company 2/Royal Ulster Rifles during the fierce fighting in Normandy in July 1944. In this particular instalment, we shall be turning our attention to their experiences during Operation Charnwood with the assault on Hill 60, and the subsequent consequences for Cyril’s platoon. We discuss their experiences on...

S2 Ep 8: Normandy 1944 the 2/Royal Ulster Rifles and Platoon Commander Lt Cyril Rand's Experiences with Paul Woodadge - Part 1

February 16, 2022 06:00 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MB

Today I am joined by Normandy battlefield guide, military historian, and presenter of WW2TV, Paul Woodadge, as we turn our attention to looking at the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and their experiences in Normandy during that summer of 1944. The Riflemen hold a rich history, with their origins dating back to the late 1700’s, and seeing action during the Napoleonic wars and the First World War. In this episode, the first of 2 parts, we shall be following in the footsteps of Paul’s Great ...

S2 Ep 7: Peter Davies Veteran Interview - A Sherman Tank Gunner with the 1st East Riding Yeomanry - Part 1

February 09, 2022 06:00 - 10 minutes - 18.7 MB

In this episode of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we hear veteran Peter Davies recall his wartime experiences serving in No. 1 Troop of B Squadron of the 1st East Riding Yeomanry as a gunner on a Sherman Tank during the Second World War. He had originally enlisted with the RAF as a wireless operator, but then was transferred to the Army which at that moment had been desperately short of winless operators. Having landed on D-Day, he and his crew fought all the way through to VE Day where they finish...

S2 Ep 6: Operation Amherst and the Canadian Advance in the Netherlands in April 1945 with Joel Stoppels

February 02, 2022 06:00 - 48 minutes - 88.5 MB

Today, we are heading to the Netherlands, as I am joined by Dutch Historian and Battlefield Guide Joel Stoppels to discover more about Operation Amherst in April 1945. In Season 2 Episode 6 we shall be examining this Allied airborne operation carried out by members of the French SAS Regiments which were dropped behind German lines in the Netherlands during the final stages of the war in Europe. It will also see us touching on the formation of these French SAS units and their experiences duri...

S2 Ep 5: Douglas Parker Veteran Interview 2/East Yorkshire Regiment (Bonus)

January 26, 2022 06:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

In Season 2, Episode 5 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we hear from Douglas Parker about his experiences serving in 11 Platoon, B Company of the 2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. Doug landed in the assault waves of D-Day on Sword Beach aged just 21. This episode is something of an unexpected bonus as Reverend John Parker has kindly sent in this interview that his family did with their father Douglas Parker about his experiences serving in the army during the war. Support the Show (Patreon) ...

S2 Ep 4: IX Troop Carrier Command in the ETO with Adam Berry - Part 2

January 19, 2022 06:00 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

In Season 2, Episode 4 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we return to the concluding part of our discussion with historian Adam Berry about Troop Carrier Command’s experiences in the ETO during the war. We also look at the reality of live combat jumps vs training exercises; we talk about the training accident in Exercise Eagle as a part of this large dress rehearsal for the invasion; we look at Operation Market Garden, Operation Varsity and the experiences of the C-46. So plenty of things that will...

Ep 38: The Battle of the Bulge and Those Who Hold Bastogne with Dr Peter Schrijvers - Part 2

January 05, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes - 84.8 MB

In Episode 38 we continue our conversation with Dr Peter Schrijvers about the Battle of the Bulge, and more specifically the events surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne. This second part covers a whole range of topics connected with the battle, among a few of the many things we discuss are Patton's Third Army and its attempt to reach Bastogne and relieve those trapped inside, the civilian experiences during the fighting, acts of valour, as well as the important use of Allied air-power du...

S2 Ep 3: The Battle of the Bulge and Those Who Hold Bastogne with Dr Peter Schrijvers - Part 2

January 05, 2022 06:00 - 46 minutes - 84.8 MB

In Season 2 Episode 3 we continue our conversation with Dr Peter Schrijvers about the Battle of the Bulge, and more specifically the events surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne. This second part covers a whole range of topics connected with the battle, among a few of the many things we discuss are Patton's Third Army and its attempt to reach Bastogne and relieve those trapped inside, the civilian experiences during the fighting, acts of valour, as well as the important use of Allied air-...

Ep 37: The Battle of the Bulge and Those Who Hold Bastogne with Dr Peter Schrijvers - Part 1

December 22, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 115 MB

In Episode 37 I am joined by Dr Peter Schrijvers as we turn our attention to the Battle of the Bulge, and more specifically the events surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne. Paratrooper Donald Burgett, one of those members of the 101st Airborne Division who fought in Bastogne, called it seven roads to hell. Whilst another referred to Bastogne as the hole in the doughnut. This Belgian town found itself right at the epicentre of these monumental events witnessing scenes of ferocious fightin...

S2 Ep 2: The Battle of the Bulge and Those Who Hold Bastogne with Dr Peter Schrijvers - Part 1

December 22, 2021 06:00 - 1 hour - 115 MB

In Season 2, Episode 2 on the WW2 Nation Podcast I am joined by Dr Peter Schrijvers as we turn our attention to the Battle of the Bulge, and more specifically the events surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne. Paratrooper Donald Burgett, one of those members of the 101st Airborne Division who fought in Bastogne, called it seven roads to hell. Whilst another referred to Bastogne as the hole in the doughnut. This Belgian town found itself right at the epicentre of these monumental events wit...

S2 Ep 1: IX Troop Carrier Command in the ETO with Adam Berry - Part 1

December 09, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

In Season 2, Episode 1 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we are heading to the skies of the Second World War as I am joined by British Historian and author Adam Berry, as we discuss the important role that Troop Carrier Command, and specifically IX Troop Carrier Command played during the war. Support the Show (Patreon) - Support the Show (BMAC)  Discover more about WW2 Nation.  Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5) *Please note this epis...

Ep 36: Troop Carrier Command with Adam Berry - Part 1

December 09, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

In Episode 36 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we are heading to the skies of the Second World War as I am joined by British Historian and author Adam Berry, as we discuss the important role that Troop Carrier Command, and specifically IX Troop Carrier Command played during the war. Support the Show (Patreon) - Support the Show (BMAC)  Discover more about WW2 Nation.  Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5) *Please note this episode may c...

S2 Ep 1: Troop Carrier Command with Adam Berry - Part 1

December 09, 2021 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

In Season 2, Episode 1 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we are heading to the skies of the Second World War as I am joined by British Historian and author Adam Berry, as we discuss the important role that Troop Carrier Command, and specifically IX Troop Carrier Command played during the war. Support the Show (Patreon) - Support the Show (BMAC)  Discover more about WW2 Nation.  Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5) *Please note this epis...

Ep 35 - Operation Foursquare: The Last Czech Parachutist with George Bearfield - Part 2

August 04, 2021 05:00 - 50 minutes - 92.8 MB

In Episode 35 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we conclude our conversation with George Bearfield about the actions of his grandfather Jaroslav Bublik and his Czech colleagues serving with as agents with the SOE during the Second World War. We discuss Operation Anthropoid, Operation Foursquare, as well as many other Operations that these brave men volunteered to partake in by dropping behind enemy lines into occupied Europe. Discover More about WW2 Nation.  Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie M...

Ep 34 - Night Fright C-47 Restoration Project - Part Two (The WW2 Restoration Men Series - Episode Two)

July 10, 2021 18:22 - 30 minutes - 56.2 MB

In Episode 34 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is part of our WW2 Restoration Men Series where we speak with those individuals behind various restoration projects around the globe looking to preserve our WW2 heritage. In the second episode of this specific series, we conclude our conversation with Charlie Walker and Neil Jones discussing their project to restore Douglas C-47 Skytrain 'Night Fright' to her original wartime glory and get her back where she belongs flying in the skies above Britai...

Ep 33 - Operation Foursquare: The Last Czech Parachutist with George Bearfield - Part 1

June 18, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 137 MB

In Episode 33 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we talk with George Bearfield about the actions of his grandfather Jaroslav Bublik and his Czech colleagues serving with as agents with the SOE during the Second World War. We discuss Operation Anthropoid, Operation Foursquare, as well as many other Operations that these brave men volunteered to partake in by dropping behind enemy lines into occupied Europe. Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this epis...

Ep 32 - Night Fright C-47 Restoration Project - Part One (The WW2 Restoration Men Series - Episode One)

June 13, 2021 09:35 - 34 minutes - 64 MB

In Episode 32 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is the first of our WW2 Restoration Men Series where we speak with those individuals behind various restoration projects around the globe looking to preserve our WW2 heritage. In the first episode of this specific series, we are joined by Charlie Walker and Neil Jones, to discuss their project to restore Douglas C-47 Skytrain 'Night Fright' to her original wartime glory and get her back where she belongs flying in the skies above Britain and Europe...

Ep 31 - The D-Day Dodgers and that Tough Old Gut - The Campaign in Italy in WW2 with Paul Reed - Part 2

June 04, 2021 11:07 - 45 minutes - 83.2 MB

In Episode 31 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we mark the anniversary of the Allied liberation of Rome in Italy in June 1944 with a continuation of our discussion with Leger's Head Battlefield Guide Paul Reed to discover more about these events and the campaign in Italy during the Second World War. We learn about the "D-Day Dodgers" including Paul's own father who served in this theatre of operations. Churchill famously described Italy as the soft under-belly of Europe, but this campaign proved t...

Ep 30 - The D-Day Dodgers and that Tough Old Gut - The Campaign in Italy in WW2 with Paul Reed - Part 1

May 23, 2021 17:55 - 46 minutes - 86 MB

In Episode 30 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we mark the anniversary of the Allied breakout from the Anzio beachhead in Italy in May 1944 with a discussion with Leger's Head Battlefield Guide Paul Reed to discover more about the campaign in Italy during the Second World War, and learn about the "D-Day Dodgers" including his own father's experiences serving in this theatre of operations. Churchill famously described Italy as the soft under-belly of Europe, but this campaign proved to be anything ...

Ep 29 - Tip of the Spear - Wartime Service of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry - James Holland - Part 2

May 13, 2021 05:00 - 31 minutes - 57.7 MB

In Episode 29 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we continue our conversation with British Historian James Holland about the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry to learn more about their wartime service, and discover more about those men's experiences who served with this Armoured Regiment in the Second World War. Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*

Ep 28 - Tip of the Spear - Wartime Service of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry - James Holland - Part 1

April 20, 2021 20:40 - 35 minutes - 65.9 MB

In Episode 28 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we talk with British Historian James Holland about the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry to learn more about their wartime service, and discover more about those men's experiences who served with this Armoured Regiment in the Second World War.   Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*

Ep 27 - Jumping The Rhine - Operation Varsity - Part 2 with Alex Collins

April 07, 2021 19:50 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

In Episode 27 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is our concluding instalment looking at Operation Varsity - the airborne element of the Rhine Crossings of March 1945 - with battlefield guide Alex Collins. We discover more about the resupply mission, delve into the remarkable actions that saw the awards of both the VC and Medal of Honor decorations during this operation, as well as discuss the relief of, and casualties incurred by the those men of British 6th Airborne and US 17th Airborne Divisio...

Ep 27 - Jumping The Rhine - Operation Varsity - Part Two with Alex Collins

April 07, 2021 19:50 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

In Episode 27 of the 'O Group' on the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is our concluding instalment looking at Operation Varsity - the airborne element of the Rhine Crossings of March 1945 - with battlefield guide Alex Collins. We discover more about the resupply mission, delve into the remarkable actions that saw the awards of both the VC and Medal of Honor decorations during this operation, as well as discuss the relief of, and casualties incurred by the those men of British 6th Airborne and US 17th...

Ep 26 - Jumping The Rhine - Operation Varsity - Part One with Alex Collins

March 24, 2021 06:00 - 46 minutes - 86 MB

In Episode 26 of the 'O Group' on the WW2 Nation Podcast we mark the anniversary of Operation Varsity - 24th March 1945 - by speaking with battlefield guide Alex Collins to learn more about one of the largest Allied airborne operations of the war, as well as the experiences of those men of British 6th Airborne and US 17th Airborne Divisions who jumped the River Rhine into Germany.  Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale.

Ep 26 - Jumping The Rhine - Operation Varsity - Part 1 with Alex Collins

March 24, 2021 06:00 - 46 minutes - 86 MB

In Episode 26 of the WW2 Nation Podcast we mark the anniversary of Operation Varsity - 24th March 1945 - by speaking with battlefield guide Alex Collins to learn more about one of the largest Allied airborne operations of the war, as well as the experiences of those men of British 6th Airborne and US 17th Airborne Divisions who jumped the River Rhine into Germany.  Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episode may contain some explicit lang...

Ep 25 - The Real Great Escape with Guy Walters

March 10, 2021 06:00 - 49 minutes - 91.2 MB

In Episode 25 of the WW2 Nation Podcast with the anniversary fast approaching of the breakout from Stalag Luft III by Allied POWs in March 1944, we are speaking with historian Guy Walters, as we try and unravel fact from fiction behind the Real Great Escape, and that of Hollywood's 1963 classic war film the Great Escape.  Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*

Voices of VE Day 75 - Rusty Waughman

May 07, 2020 21:36 - 4 minutes - 9.12 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. During the Second World War, Rusty joined the RAF. He was selected for Pilot training and learned to fly in Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme. Having completed his training and gained his wings, he was eventually posted to Bomber Command’s 101 ‘Special Duties’ Squadron where he flew a Lancaster...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Ken Tout

May 07, 2020 21:33 - 12 minutes - 23 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Ken served in 3 Troop, C Squadron of the 1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry. His unit arrived in Normandy a few days after D-Day and its Sherman Tanks were thrown into the thick of the action as an independent armoured brigade. Ken operated as a gunner, but due to his taking / passing the initial test for officer tr...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Bob Sullivan

May 07, 2020 21:30 - 8 minutes - 16.2 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Bob Sullivan (MBE) served with the 6th Airborne Division’s 3rd Parachute Squadron R.E. during the Second World War. Jumping into Normandy on D-Day and helping blow the bridge across the River Dives at Robehomme, Bob saw action the whole way through the Normandy Campaign, in the Ardennes and in Holland, before...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Alan King

May 07, 2020 21:28 - 2 minutes - 5.18 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Alan served in ‘B’ Squadron the 1st East Riding Yeomanry as a wireless operator on a Sherman Tank. Landing in Normandy on D-Day on 6th June 1944 as part of 27th Armoured Brigade, Alan and his crew fought all the way through Normandy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and into Germany. He took part in Operation...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Denzil Cooper

May 07, 2020 21:26 - 1 minute - 3.36 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Denzil had initially joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) during the early stages of the war, before going on to join the Glider Pilot Regiment. Trained to fly the British Horsa Glider, Denzil went on to take part in Operation Mallard in Normandy on D-Day in June 1944. He and his fellow co-pilot then tr...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Jeff Haward

May 07, 2020 21:24 - 4 minutes - 8.26 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Jeff joined up before the war with the territorials 1/7th Middlesex Battalion which was equipped with Vickers Machine Guns, and saw service with the ‘Die Hards’ the whole way through the war, from its very start to its end. Jeff fought in France as part of the BEF in 1940 where he was evacuated at Dunkirk, he...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Jim Radford

May 07, 2020 21:22 - 3 minutes - 7.04 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Having witnessed some of the events of the Hull Blitz, Jim joined the Merchant Navy at 15 serving onboard the Empire Larch Tug, where he and his crew-mates took part in D-Day assisting in the construction of the Mulberry Harbour – Port Winston – just off Arromanches near Gold Beach. There they stayed off the ...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Mervyn Kersch

May 07, 2020 21:20 - 4 minutes - 7.53 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Mervyn Kersch served with the RAOC from D-Day through to Germany. Nearly not making it to Normandy due to being put on a charge by an officer for not eating the supplied meat in army meals as it wasn’t kosher, that was quickly sorted and Mervyn continued in the training ahead of Operation Overlord. He would l...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Peter Davies

May 07, 2020 21:18 - 2 minutes - 4.41 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Peter served in 1 Troop, B Squadron of the 1st East Riding Yeomanry as a gunner on a Sherman Tank during the Second World War. He had originally enlisted with the RAF as a wireless operator but then transferred to the Army who at that moment had been desperately short of W/O’s. Having landed on D-Day, he and ...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Stuart Watson

May 07, 2020 21:17 - 3 minutes - 5.95 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Stuart joined the 13/18th Royal Hussars as a newly commissioned officer in late 1942 and was assigned to HQ as the units Signals Officer. During 1943 – early 1944 the 13/18 Hussars were preparing for their part in the invasion of Europe, equipped with Sherman DD Tanks they were destined to take on a speciali...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Ken Cooke

May 07, 2020 21:15 - 2 minutes - 4.72 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Called-up in late 1943 aged 18 when he was working in York, Ken joined the Green Howards 7th Battalion. On the morning of 6th June 1944, Ken landed in one of the initial waves on Gold Beach. When Ken waded ashore the greatest thought which preoccupied his mind was not the enemy fire going on all around him, ...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Len Fox

May 07, 2020 21:13 - 2 minutes - 5.49 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Len landed on Gold Beach late on D-Day. As a despatch rider, his job was to carry messages between units and to escort columns of vehicles to get them to their destination. In mid-July, he was leading a column of lorries containing ammunition to the front line. As he reached the crossroads behind him in the ...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Danny Mason

May 07, 2020 21:11 - 3 minutes - 6.94 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. As soon as he was able to do so, Danny volunteered to become a paratrooper going through the all the rigorous training that this entailed to wear the famous maroon berry. Posted to the 8th Parachute Battalion of the 6th Airborne Division which had cut its teeth in Normandy and in the Ardennes already. Danny w...

Voices of VE Day 75 - Peter Lovett

May 07, 2020 21:08 - 6 minutes - 12.3 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Peter landed on Juno Beach on D-Day and remained there with the 7th Beach Group for 4-5 weeks before it was disbanded and he went on to join the 9th Parachute Battalion, as a replacement helping to fill the gaps in the ranks following weeks of hard fighting on the left-flank. Following his involvement in Oper...

Voice of VE Day 75 - Tom Jones

May 07, 2020 21:05 - 4 minutes - 8.26 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Tom served in General Bill Slim's 'Forgotten' Fourteenth Army. Brought up in Liverpool, witnessing the Blitz here as he worked in the city's air-defence before joining up where he was posted to India for his training with the Royal Artillery. He went on to become a wireless operator for a Forward Observation ...

Voice of VE Day 75 - Len Trewin

May 07, 2020 21:01 - 1 minute - 2.68 MB

To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations. Len served with the 6th Airborne Division during the War. Initially gaining some experience with his local Home Guard unit, Len was called up in 1943 and was posted to the Royal Warwick’s camp of Budbrook Barracks for training, where as luck would have it a few Parachute Regiment recruitment team were also vi...

Ep 24 - Part Three: Talking Moonlight Sonata - The Luftwaffe Raid on Coventry 14th November 1940 with Frederick Taylor

December 18, 2019 07:22 - 36 minutes - 67.5 MB

In Episode 24 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is our final part looking at Moonlight Sonata with Frederick Taylor. Coming up in this instalment we hear all about the aftermath of the Luftwaffe’s infamous raid and its consequences not only for the city and its inhabitants, but also the fall out for Germany on the international stage, as well as its influence on future operations by both the Luftwaffe and also the RAF Bomber Command. Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/In...

Ep 23 - Part Two: Talking Moonlight Sonata - The Luftwaffe Raid on Coventry 14th November 1940 with Frederick Taylor

December 12, 2019 07:00 - 32 minutes - 59.3 MB

In Episode 23 on the WW2 Nation Podcast we are diving right back into our discussion with Frederick Taylor to discover more about the infamous raid on Coventry on the 14th November 1940 by the Luftwaffe. Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*

Ep 22 - Part One: Talking Moonlight Sonata - The Luftwaffe Raid on Coventry 14th November 1940 with Frederick Taylor

November 21, 2019 07:00 - 33 minutes - 60.8 MB

In Episode 22 on the WW2 Nation Podcast we are talking with Frederick Taylor as this month marks the 79th anniversary of the infamous Luftwaffe raid on Coventry on 14-15 November 1940 during the height of the Blitz of Britain.  Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*

Ep 21 - Part Three: Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In - The 6th Airborne Division in Normandy 1944 with Neil Barber

November 14, 2019 07:00 - 31 minutes - 58.6 MB

In Episode 21, it is our third and final part of Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In with historian Neil Barber. Within this we discuss Jeff Haward's experiences with the 1/7th Middlesex Battalion; the Commandos' important role and experiences of Stan Scott with No.3 Commando as well as learning about Neil's current work looking at the blowing of the 5 bridges across the River Dives and Divette. Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram) *Please note this episo...

Ep 20 - Part Two: Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In - The 6th Airborne Division in Normandy 1944 with Neil Barber

November 07, 2019 07:00 - 28 minutes - 52.8 MB

Coming up in Episode 20 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is Part Two of Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In with historian Neil Barber and in which we will be discussing the actions by those men of the 7th Parachute Battalion and OBLI in holding the two bridges (Horsa & Pegasus) over the River Orne and Caen Canal. We will also be chatting about commemoration beyond the 75th Anniversary as well as a few of the brave actions that took place around the bridges in those first 24 hours, including ...

Guests

Antony Beevor
1 Episode