Aspects of History

In the build up to World Cup 98 in France, Glenn Hoddle pondered the selection of England's greatest and most skilful player. A mercurial genius capable of turning a game with one drop of the shoulder or defence splitting pass. His free kick ability was legendary. A scorer of great goals as well as a great goalscorer. I am of course talking about Matthew Le Tissier, and England went out on penalties, a skill Le God had perfected having scored 48 from 49. But we're not here to talk about the Channel Islands' greatest export, but instead the World Cup Finals that he sadly never graced, as Jonathan Wilson, football writer for the Guardian and author of The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup, joins to discuss his new book. Episode Links The Power and the Glory: A New History of the World Cup Ollie Links Get in touch:: History@aspectsofhistory.com Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 27th September 1943, in German occupied Naples, an uprising began that lasted four days. By the 29th the Germans had lost the city and so made the decision to leave, heading north for safety as the victorious Neapolitans and Partisans celebrated in the streets. On 1st October the Allies arrived, and the city was secure. Or was it? Within months starvation descended on Naples, and with it disease, prostitution and misery. Joining today is Keith Lowe, author of Naples 1944 as we delve a little bit deeper into this piece of Italian and WW2 history, including the notorious Camorra. I'll be at the Imperial War Museum on Saturday 1st November, so it would be great to see you there. Episode Links Links Naples 1944: War, Liberation and Chaos IWM Live Ollie Links Email me: History@aspectsofhistory.com Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, Wolfpack, and it's great sub movie Hunt For Red October, starring Sean Connery & Alec Baldwin. We talk crazy Ivans, safety measures on torpedoes and an egregious example of mansplaining. Links Wolfpack Hunt For Red October on Wikipedia Caterpillar Drive Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1562 the Witchcraft Act was passed in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Act stated that anyone who should "use, practise, or exercise any Witchcraft, Enchantment, Charm, or Sorcery, whereby any person shall happen to be killed or destroyed", was guilty of a felony without benefit of clergy, and was to be put to death. The Scottish Witchcraft Act followed a year later. Joining today is Steven Veerapen, author of Witches: A King's Obsession as we explore the reign of James VI of Scotland and I of England and its attitude to so called witches. James wrote a book on witchcraft and oversaw a huge uptick in legal proceedings against women who made up 85% of those accused. Links Witches: A King's Obsession IWM Live Ollie Links Get in touch: History@aspectsofhistory.com Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries there was huge demand among medical practitioners for corpses on which to practices and perform. With the demand so came the suppliers in the form of body snatchers. These were highly motivated and well organised groups who solved the supply problem by taking the freshly buried dead and selling them to desperate surgeons. Joining today is Paul Bavill from the History Rage podcast as discusses the practice, the economic rewards and the quantities. Paul joins me as part of the Podcast Show Live preparations at the Imperial War Museum on Saturday 1st November. Do get your tickets and I'll see you there. Links History Rage Podcast IWM Live Ollie Links Email me: History@aspectsofhistory.com Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October 1939 U-47 approached Scapa Flow in silence, as its crew prepared to attack. Their target were British warships at port in the deepwater natural harbour. The U Boat's tubes were filled with water, and three torpedoes were fired, heading for HMS Royal Oak. This mission, so early in the war, was a huge success for the Kriegsmarine and was commented on by Winston Churchill in the House of Commons. So began the U-Boat war that would strike fear into both Churchill and the Allied High Command. Joining today is Roger Moorhouse, great friend of the show and the author of Wolfpack: Hitler's U Boat War as we discuss the death rate the submariners faced, the threats from above and what life was like underwater. Coming up on 1st November I'll be hosting a live recording at the Imperial War Museum's Live Podcast show Links Wolfpack: Inside Hitler's U-Boat War IWM Live Roger on X Ollie Links Email me: History@aspectsofhistory.com Ollie on Twitter / X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the night of 14th August 1943, a Halifax bomber approached the Savoie region of SE France. Coming under fire from the ground, the aircraft was hit and only one airman survived, Squadron Leader Frank Griffiths. Now alone and in German occupied territory, he began the perilous journey to the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. Joining me is Adam Hart, Frank's great grandson as he followed in his footsteps to tell the remarkable story. Announcement: This Thursday, 9th October, I'll be interviewing Roger Moorhouse on his new U Boat book Wolfpack at the Tring Book Festival in Hertfordshire. Then, on Saturday 1st November at the Imperial War Museum London at 10am I'm speaking with Tessa Dunlop and Iain MacGregor as part of the Podcast Live Show where I and others will be broadcasting our pods in front of a live audience. Links for both these events are in the show notes, or head to their respective websites, and I hope to see you there. Links ⁠Operation Pimento: My Great-Grandfather's Great Escape⁠ ⁠IWM Live⁠ ⁠Tring Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to our four part special on submarine movies for the Film Club – last week began with Crimson Tide, today it's the British 1943 classic We Dive at Dawn, and towards the end of October we have, appropriately, the Hunt for Red October before culminating with Das Boot. All in honour of Roger Moorhouse's new book Wolfpack: Inside Hitler's U Boat War, so sit back and listen to Roger, director Tim Hewitt as we discuss We Dive at Dawn. Links Wolfpack IWM Live Tring Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you think you know Oliver Cromwell and Prince Rupert of the Rhine? I've discussed both figures on this podcast, but I don't think I've delved into their wives, daughters, mothers or consorts who all give a more nuanced and view of these two major players of 17tg century Britain and Ireland. Miranda Malins, author of a forthcoming history of the Cromwell dynasty, and Mark Turnbull, author of Prince Rupert of the Rhine join to discuss the women of these two men who fought each other during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Links Puritan Princess Rebel Daughter Prince Rupert of the Rhine ⁠Charles I's Private Life Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is to celebrate the publication of Roger Moorhouse's latest book, Wolfpack, and it's the Tony Scott classic starring Denzel Washington & Gene Hackman. Links Wolfpack⁠ Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 17 November 1943 Allied troops began their campaign against the Germans and Italians in the Tunisian campaign, in the last effort to push the Axis out of North  Africa, and open the way to Sicily and Italy, and,  as you heard from the Winston Churchill quote at the top, meaning Germany would be surrounded in the last 18 months of the war. So why was this campaign so important, and who was involved? Bestselling historian Saul David joins to discuss Tunisgrad, the long running fight to secure Africa. His new book is out, and links are in the shownotes. Saul David Links Tunisgrad⁠ Aspects of History Links ⁠⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Ollie on X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠⁠ Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the 4th August 1265 Henry III's army led by his son Edward, met rebels of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester at Evesham. Henry himself had earlier been captured by Simon, and so perhaps that motivated Edward and his followers to exact a terrible revenge. In a brutal battle with the majority of the Montfortians wiped out, Edward was victorious and so Simon de Montfort's rebellion was over. Or was it? His relatives continued their campaign against Henry meaning this particular civil war was a long running one, and was that necessary? Joining today is David Pilling, author of Rebellion Against Henry III as he joins to discuss Henry, his son Edward, Simon de Montfort and this particularly brutal English civil war. David Pilling Links Rebellion Against Henry III Aspects of History Links ⁠Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99⁠ ⁠Ollie on X⁠ ⁠Aspects of History on Instagram⁠ Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest Film Club is the Kubrick 1975 masterpiece, Barry Lyndon starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Leonard Rossiter and Hardy Kruger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the outskirts of North London, near Chipping Barnet and Enfield, stands a marvellous country house, Trent Park that belonged to the Sassoon family. In 1939 it was requisitioned by the British government whereupon it became a luxurious POW camp for German prisoners. Why treat them so kindly? Well senior Wehrmacht and Nazi officers were lulled into a false sense of security, they let their guard down and discussed war plans, and their murderous outlook openly, all of which were recorded and translated by listeners in the cellars of the house. Many of these listeners were Jewish refugees. Today's guest is Jane Thynne, whose new book Appointment in Paris features Trent Park so we discuss that and plenty more including France during the war. Jane Thynne Links Appointment in Paris Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the summer of 1940, Britain was on its knees. The British Expeditionary Force had fled from mainland Europe in humiliation, and Nazi Germany eyed the South East of England greedily. All that stood between Hitler and his SS marching up the Mall was a thin strip of English channel. My guest today is Alex Gerlis who has written The Second Traitor, a novel set in those dark days of the first year of the war. We talk about the Operation Sea Lion, its likelihood, and Nazi sympathisers in both Britain and Ireland. Alex Gerlis Links The Second Traitor Previous episode discussing Every Spy a Traitor Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 22 August 1485 Henry Tudor met Richard III at Bosworth Field. In a strange battle, Henry's smaller force eventually overcame Richard's army. The Wars of the Roses were all but over after thirty years of murder, warfare and political machinations. In this final episode of our 6 part special, Derek Birks, author of The Guide to the  Wars of the Roses and David Pilling author of Kingbreaker, join to discuss the battle, the factions involved, Henry Tudor and Richard III. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 1483 a sighting was reported of two young boys playing in the grounds of the Tower of London. Rumours spread that these were the two princes, Edward V and his younger brother Richard Duke of York. It was the last time they were seen again, and ever since, speculation has been rife that their uncle, Richard III had them killed, or, and this is perhaps less likely, they managed to escape abroad. So began the reign of Richard III as Derek Birks, author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker join me to discuss the enduring mystery of what happened to the princes. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 4 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today's episode sees Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker, make plans which soon fall apart. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Henry VI, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 3 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses. Today Edward IV emerges as the great new hope for the Yorkist cause now that his father, Richard Duke of York is dead. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 2 of this 6 part special on the Wars of the Roses as today we deal with the fall of Edward Duke of York. Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of KingBreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the first of 6 episodes on the Wars of the Roses. Over the next few weeks we'll be starting with the Battle of St. Alban's in 1455, all the way up to the Battle of Bosworth thirty years later in 1485 when Richard definitely said, "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" Joining me are two historians, Derek Birks, the author of the Guide to the Wars of the Roses, and David Pilling, author of Kingbreaker. You'll get two episodes per week, and so hopefully will emerge from August with a superior knowledge of a conflict that was an early civil war, and which formed England for the next few hundred years. All the great characters are here: Henry VI, Elizabeth Woodville, Queen Margaret, Warwick the Kingmaker, Edward IV, Richard III and finally Henry Tudor. Links A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks Kingbreaker: Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling Kingmaker Board Game The Causes of the Wars of the Roses Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Sunday 23 October 1642, at Edgehill during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Parliament and the Royalists met on the field of battle. In an inconclusive engagement, both sides left the field largely intact, but one man's name would be known throughout England. Prince Rupert of the Rhine led a stunning cavalry charge on the King's right flank, breaking through the Parliamentarians. But, as with so many cavalry advances, the thrill got the better of him and he pressed his attack too far, thus threatening the infantry. Rupert's reputation grew however, but who was this foreign prince? Mark Turnbull joins to discuss this brilliant soldier, sailor and renaissance man. Mark has written a new book that has found new material, not easy in a crowded field. Episode Links Prince Rupert of the Rhine: King Charles I's Cavalier Commander Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 27th February 2022, three days after the Russians invaded Ukraine, President Zelensky sent out the call for volunteers from abroad to join the Ukrainians in resisting Putin's so called special military operation. Over 20,000 expressed interest, but for those that made it out onto the front lines, combat proved far more difficult, and less romantic, than it had first appeared. Joining today is Colin Freeman, author of The Mad and the Brave, the thrilling account of life in the Foreign Legion for those volunteers fighting Russia. We discuss the struggles, motivations and courage of these extraordinary men. Episode Links The Mad & the Brave: The Untold Story of Ukraine's Foreign Legion Want to join up? Join the Brave Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This month's film club is the Terrence Malick 1998 masterpiece The Thin Red Line starring Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jim Caviezel, John Cusack, John Travolta and Woody Harrelson, among many others. We talk the Adrien Brody cut, the military elements, comparisons with Saving Private Ryan and much more. It's me, historian Roger Moorhouse and filmmaker Tim Hewitt talking The Thin Red Line. Links Adrien Brody on his being cut from The Thin Red Line. Christopher Plummer & George Clooney on Terrence Malick. Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1795 the Admiralty established the Royal Navy's Hydrography office, which became the world leader in charting the waters of the globe, as ships of the line sailed the oceans, pursuing their traditional enemy, the French. Treacherous waters were navigated with a skill that is quite breathtaking, and laid the groundwork, along with Trafalgar, for a century of domination of the waves. Joining today is historian and Royal Navy veteran Michael Barritt, author of Nelson's Pathfinders, himself a hydrographer, as he explains the growth of the discipline, and how it was used to help the great admirals of the navy including Collingwood and Nelson. Episode Links Nelson's Pathfinders: A Forgotten Story in the Triumph of British Sea Power Michael Barritt on The Battle of Trafalgar Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 13 June of this year, one month ago, Israeli forces launched aerial and drone attacks on Iran thus beginning what is now called the Twelve Day War or the Iran-Israel War. The coverage here in the West has focussed on whether the bombing has been successful, but is there a strategic goal in place that takes into account Iran's strategy? Perhaps, but my guest today is Vali Nasr who has written a new book, Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History, which is both timely, and unusual in that it seeks to examine Iran's Islamic regime from its own point of view, and so not through our Western lens. We discuss the events that have moulded the Iran at loggerheads with Israel and the US today. Vali Nasr Links Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History Vali Nasr - Wikipedia Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week three writers join to talk summer reading recommendations from the world of history and historical fiction. Books The Spy in the Archive Sceptred Isle Rain of Ruin Test Cricket: A History The Pretender Korea The CIA Book Club Lest We Forget 1945 The Reckoning On Democracy & Death Cults Last Days of Budapest The Sorrow & the Loss These Wicked Devices March Violets - Bernie Gunther The Good Soldier Svejk A Good Man in Africa  Guests Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Antonia Senior - Historical Fiction Reviewer The Times Roger Moorhouse - Historian Richard Foreman - Author and Publisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 6 August 1945 the Enola Gay, a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, approached Hiroshima and opened up its bomb doors. Once its payload dropped, the city was engulfed with blinding light and a huge explosion produced a giant mushroom cloud. When the attack was over and after the Enola Gay had returned to its airbase on the North Mariana islands, around 100,000 Japanese residents of Hiroshima were killed, and humanity had entered a new phase of warfare. Joining today is Iain MacGregor, author of The Hiroshima Men as we discuss the people involved and the thinking that led to this moment. Iain MacGregor Links The Hiroshima Men Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Horace, born Quintus Horatius Flaccus in 65 BCE in Venusia, was one of ancient Rome's most celebrated lyric poets. He lived through the turbulent transition from Republic to Empire and became closely associated with Emperor Augustus's regime. Though he once fought on the losing side at the Battle of Philippi against Caesar, he later gained favour through the patronage of Maecenas, a key advisor to Augustus. Horace is best known for his Odes, Satires, Epistles, and the Ars Poetica—works that blend wit, philosophical reflection, and poetic elegance, and so naturally he is a perfect subject for Peter Stothard, historian and author. Looking for something to do at the end of June? You could do worse than head to the Chalke History Festival. Peter Stothard Links Horace: Poet on a Volcano Chalke Chalke History Festival Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Latest film club is the Maya epic from Mel Gibson. With a cast of unknowns, it put the civilisation overshadowed by the Aztecs back on the map. Links Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boudicca, Cleopatra, Artemisia and Olympias are just a few if the many women of the ancient world that we know about, but it's significant that we know about them from male writers. That gives a certain perspective, not necessarily inaccurate, but it can be. Today I'm speaking with a classicist who writes about antiquity having gone direct to the sources and translating them herself, and has written a quite wonderful history of ancient Greece and Rome that is unusual in the discipline for saying something new. My guest is Daisy Dunn, author of The Missing Thread and we talk about some of the key female figures from Greece: Artemisia, a naval commander from the west coast of Asia Minor fighting for the Persians, and Olympias, the mother of Alexander the Great. We delve into a number of other areas for a most stimulating chat. Looking for something to do at the end of June? You could do worse than head to the Chalke History Festival. Daisy Dunn Links The Missing Thread Chalke Chalke History Festival Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 20 November 1917, after a bombardment of the trenches near the town of Cambrai, German troops prepared for an attack by their British opponents. Out of the gloom emerged steel mechanised vehicles. The tank. Within minutes the Germans were overrun and the Mark IV tank had achieved its first stunning victory, a major milestone for this military innovation. Mark Urban joins to discuss his latest book, Tank, which selects 10 and includes iconic beasts such as the Tiger and the T-34. We talk about where tank warfare is heading, in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the recent Strategic Defence Review, and how tanks have changed in over 100 years. Gordon Corera  is speaking to me as part of the Chalke History Festival, which runs from 23rd to 29th June. Aspects of History is sponsoring Gordon's talk with the novelist Charles Cumming. Mark Urban Links Tank Chalke Chalke History Festival Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In March 1992 in Vilnius, Lithuania, an old man walked into the recently established British Embassy, holding a bag containing sausages. But those sausages were concealing documents liberated from the KGB archives in Moscow, and the old man was Vasili Mitrokhin, chief archivist of Russia's secret police. His defection provided the West with vast amounts of material that provided information on the Cambridge Spy ring, but also ongoing operations including the Illegals – Soviet moles burrowed deep inside American society. Gordon Corera joins to discuss his new book The Spy in the Archive. Gordon is speaking to me as part of the Chalke History Festival, which runs from 23rd to 29th June. Aspects of History is sponsoring Gordon's talk with the novelist Charles Cumming. Gordon Corera Links The Spy in the Archive Chalke History Festival Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part two of May's Film club double bill is The Report, Scott Z. Burn's movie on the Senate Intelligence Committee's investigation into the CIA's torture program, so sit back and enjoy Roger Tim and I discussing The Report. Links Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In April 1945, during Operation Howard in enemy occupied territory, troops of the SAS were ambushed by German Panzerfausts. Several were pinned down and they suffered heavy losses. Along came Paddy Mayne who, in an act of suicidal bravery, drove along an open road to reach his men, all the while giving and taking fire. HE collected wounded, returned to safety before again heading out to retrieve more of his men. For this action, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery recommended Mayne for the Victoria Cross, however the award never came. Now, many years later, Damien Lewis and others are at the forefront of a campaign to have the decision reviewed. Damien is a historian and author of SAS Great Escapes Four and he joins me to discuss the non award, and SAS stories and ethos. Damien Lewis Links SAS Great Escapes Four Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Film Club for May is Zero Dark Thirty, Kathryn Bigelow's controversial film of the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Next week it's The Report, on the CIA's torture program but sit back and enjoy Roger Tim and me on discussing Zero Dark Thirty. Links Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early in the morning of 25th June 1950 the Korean People's Army – the North Koreans – crossed the 38th parallel and the Korean War had begun. It was a particularly brutal conflict, with up to 3 million civilian deaths, a million South Koreans and 1.5million North Koreans left dead. But why did it begin, and why, after the near cataclysmic invasion had been repulsed, did the Americans overreach thus bringing China into the war? Historian Rob Lyman joins to discuss this forgotten confrontation, one that began less than five years after the end of the Second World War. Rob is the author, along with the former head of the British Army Richard Dannatt, of Korea: War without end. General Lord Dannatt & Robert Lyman Links Korea: War Without End Robert Lyman on X/Twitter Ollie Links Ollie on X/Twitter Contact Ollie: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 15 March 1877 play began between England and Australia in Melbourne. So began an extraordinary tradition of the finest form of sport: the Test Match. An incredible innovation that involved two teams playing cricket for up to nine days in one case, it is unique in sporting contests. However Test Cricket is bound up by Empire, class and race. Great teams have been barred from competing, and there have been moments of high controversy including Bodyline and the D 'Oliveira Affair. One thing remains constant: the England batting collapse. Joining today is cricket writer Tim Wigmore, journalist at the Telegraph and author of a wonderful new book, Test Cricket: A History. He joins to discuss all the above and more. Tim Wigmore Links Test Cricket: A History Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 6th June 1944 the British 3rd Division landed on Sword Beach, Normandy, as they joined Canadian, American and other allied troops in the liberation of Europe. Progress was not easy for the British troops as they suffered heavy losses, and the objective of the vital city of Caen on day 1 was not achieved. But what of the experience of the soldiers on that day? Max Hastings joins to discuss his new book Sword, which features many accounts of men on the ground to create a wonderfully realistic picture of the allied invasion. Max Hastings Links Sword: D-Day – Trial by Battle Aspects of History Links Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In early May of 1941, in the deserts of Iraq that had seen the armies of Alexander battle Darius, a force of 9000 Arabs and Iraqis descended on the small British airfield of Habbinayah. Only 39 pilots and a small collection of antiquated and obsolete aircraft stood between British maintenance of crucial oilfields, and their loss and consequent disaster for fuel supplies to the British Army and the Royal Navy in Egypt and throughout the Mediterranean. Joining today is James Dunford Wood who describes the extraordinary story of defiance and heroism that he has described as a Second World War Rorke's Drift. James Dunford Wood Links The Big Little War: A World War II Epic The War Diaries of Colin Dunford Wood Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At 1830 hours on 4th May 1945, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery accepted the unconditional surrender of German forces in northwestern Europe from Admiral Hans Georg von Friedeberg. This was one of a number of surrenders that took place across the European theatre of World War Two. Months later Japan surrendered with a radio statement that has since become a satirical masterpiece. Al Murray joins to discuss these and more as we delve into whether Monty won the surrenders, and did the Americans have no option but to drop those two atomic bombs? Al Murray Links Victory '45: The End of the War in Eight Surrenders Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the afternoon of 6 March 1988 in Gibraltar on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsular, Mairead Farrell and two other Provisional IRA volunteers of were shot dead by members of the Special Air Service. The three were on an operation to target one of the last outposts of the British Empire, but their movements were known to the security services. Farrell was one of a small number of female IRA members in an organisation dominated by men. How were mothers, wives, daughters and sisters impacted by the violence over 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland? And how do they deal with the trauma 25 years after the Good Friday Agreement? Joining today is the acclaimed journalist and writer Martin Dillon, author of The Dirty War, The Shankill Butchers and Stone Cold, as well as his most recent, The Sorrow and the Loss: The Tragic Shadow Cast by the Troubles on the Lives of Women. Martin Dillon Links The Sorrow and the Loss: The Tragic Shadow Cast by the Troubles on the Lives of Women The Dirty War The Shankill Butchers: A Case Study of Mass Murder Stone Cold Martin Dillon Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the end of the Second World War Asian colonies were desperate for independence: India, Burma, Indochina, Malaya and the Dutch East Indies all boasted independence movements that now demanded autonomy. But was Britain, which had fought a costly war against fascism and domination and won, willing to grant self-government to its former colonies? And what of France and the Netherlands, and the characters involved including Subhas Chandra Bose. Joining today is historian Phil Craig, author of 1945: The Reckoning, as we explore figures such as Chandra Bhose and General Kodendera Thimayya, or Thimmy for short, and the way Britain and her allies dealt with independence. Phil Craig Links 1945: The Reckoning: War, Empire and the Struggle for a New World Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 8 June 1982 the Sir Galahad troop ship was about to offload the Welsh Guards at Bluff Cove in the Falkland Islands. As the guardsmen were waiting, an Argentine Skyhawk attacked and the Galahad was hit. 48 men were killed, and 97 wounded, among them Simon Weston. Weston, a proud Welshman, suffered horrific burns and endured 96 operations and surgical procedures. He is one of many interviewees in a new book on monuments in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and of course, Wales, in addition to the one you heard at the top. Joining today is Tessa Dunlop – author of Lest We Forget, War and Peace in 100 Monuments which is just out. Links are in the show notes as we chat those monuments in each country of the United Kingdom. Tessa Dunlop Links Lest We Forget: War and Peace in 100 British Monuments Alfred the Great - The Telegraph (£) Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This month's movie is Downfall, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and starring Bruno Ganz, the depiction of the last days of Adolf Hitler as we reach the 80th anniversary. Roger Moorhouse, historian of Nazi Germany joins, along with Director Tim Hewitt. Links Downfall on Wikipedia Downfall on IMDB Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 1941 Army Group North of the Wehrmacht approached the suburbs of Leningrad, as St. Petersburg was called. Within days the city was surrounded, and would remain so for nearly two and a half years. The suffering endured by its residents was horrifying and included widespread cannibalism. But this is a city of art, architecture, literature, music and dance, the home of Alexander Pushkin and a place of revolution. Joining to discuss St. Petersburg is author Sinclair McKay, author of a new book as we discuss the window to the west through the prism of the siege. Sinclair McKay Links Saint Petersburg: Sacrifice and Redemption in the City That Defied Hitler  Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 25th December 1941, General Alan Brooke (or Alanbrooke) was appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the commanding officer of the British Army during the Second World War. His new boss, Winston Spencer Churchill was a hard taskmaster with high standards who had no problem with sacking generals. But, he had a helping hand in the form of General Pug Ismay, soldier, statesman and diplomat. Joining today are two historians, John Kiszely, the author of a biography of Ismay, and Gordon Corrigan, author of a book on Churchill. Today we discuss the dynamics between the three men and other generals such as Montgomery, Wavell and Auchinleck. John Kiszely Links Ismay: Soldier, Statesman, Diplomat, by John Kiszely Gordon Corrigan Links Blood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of Churchill's War Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's guest is Helen Lederer, actress, comedian, writer and the author of Not That I'm Bitter, her life's memoir which includes the 1980s comedy scene, and her family story during the Second World War which we're going to talk about today. Helen Lederer Links Not That I'm Bitter My IWM: Helen Lederer - Aspects of History Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On 17 March 1821 the Greek Revolution began in the small town of Areopoli, part of the Mani Peninsula in the Peloponnese. An uprising against the Ottoman Empire was soon joined by many communities throughout the Peloponnese and Greece. Now, many Greeks that would disagree with where it began, but the more important question is why? Joining today is historian Yanni Kotsonis, author of The Greek Revolution and the Violent Birth of Nationalism as we discuss the revolution, what it meant for Greeks, for those in wider Europe, what happened during ten years of violence and how the Revolution is viewed in Greece today. Yanni Kotsonis Links The Greek Revolution and the Violent Birth of Nationalism Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Aspects of History's film club. Every month we pick a historical film and chat about it with myself, filmmaker Tim Hewitt and historian Roger Moorhouse. This month it's Cross of Iron starring James Coburn, Maximilian Schell, James Mason and David Warner. We chat about the movie then it's our awards including the much coveted Simon Baker award for best performance. Links Cross of Iron on Wikipedia Cross of Iron on IMDB Ollie on X Tim on X Roger on X Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During March we've had Women's History Month, and in that vein I invited two Aspects of History authors on to discuss. Sarah Gristwood is a historian and the editor of the recent Secret Voices, and Miranda Malins is a novelist and historian, and is currently writing a non fiction book on the Cromwell dynasty. We discuss whether we need Women's History months and the challenges facing women in history, and women writing history. Aspects of History has produced an anthology of female writing, Herstory, which is available in the show notes, and throughout March our Substack has featured many women historians and fiction writers. Women's History Links Herstory - Aspects of History Anthology featuring authors including Antonia Fraser and Lucy Worsley Aspects of History's Substack Secret Voices, A Year of Women's Diaries, Edited by Sarah Gristwood The Puritan Princess & The Rebel Daughter, by Miranda Malins Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices