Mentioned in Dispatches

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Tim Halstead discusses the connections between London schools and the Territorial Force during the Great War. While the contribution of Public Schools to the Officer Corps is well known, this talk focuses on the less-explored role of Grammar Schools. Drawing on Rolls of Service from both school types in and around London, Halstead sheds light on their strong links to specific regiments and their wider wartime influence. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, John Davy examines the London Regiment's links with the Royal Flying Corps and RAF during the Great War. Using primary sources, he offers a statistical analysis of the men who joined the RFC via the London Regiment and considers the impact of their loss on their original battalions. This episode was recorded for the London Pride Conference in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Harry Potter delves into the life and service of prison reformer Alexander Paterson, drawing on his wartime diary and letters. From gentleman ranker to officer in the Bermondsey Battalion, Paterson served at Loos and later held various roles including lecturer, defence counsel, intelligence officer and Sports and Recreation Officer. He also contributed to the Division's history and supported Talbot House alongside Tubby Clayton. Recorded as part of the London Pride Conference 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Stephen Sandford explores the early history of the 18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish) during the First World War. He examines the battalion's formation, recruitment, training and unique cultural identity, as well as its connections to Ireland and its first action at Loos. This talk was recorded at the London Pride Conference, held in June 2024.

Historian Michèl Admiraal joins Mentioned in Dispatches to discuss his research on the German U-boat campaign during the First World War. Admiraal, a recent MA graduate in Military History from Wolverhampton University, explores the relationship between technology, doctrine, and naval operations. His Stand To! article, Technology, Doctrine and the German U-boat Campaign, offers a detailed analysis of how technological advancements and strategic doctrine shaped each other throughout the war. This episode delves into the tactical and operational aspects of submarine warfare and its impact on naval strategy.

This episode of Mentioned in Dispatches features historian and author Steve R. Dunn, who discusses his latest book, Spectre of Invasion: The Royal Navy and the Defence of Britain's Coast, 1900–1918. The book examines Britain's persistent fears of invasion in the early 20th century, the strategic debates between naval and military defence advocates, and the reality of coastal raids and naval engagements during the First World War. Dunn provides insights into how these concerns influenced British military planning and naval policy during the period.

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches, historian Simon Batten discusses his book Futile Exercise?: The British Army's Preparations for War 1902-1914. Simon explores the British Army's pre-war manoeuvres, training exercises and attempts to learn from past conflicts in the lead-up to the First World War. Highlighting the challenges of adapting to modern warfare, he examines whether these efforts were effective in preparing for the unprecedented realities of trench warfare. His book is published by Helion.

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches, Dr Margaret Ward, Honorary Senior Lecturer in History at Queen's University Belfast, talks about her latest book Rebel Women: Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, 1914–1924. In the interview, Dr Ward explores the remarkable contributions of Northern Irish women to the republican movement during one of Ireland's most turbulent periods. Highlighting the pivotal role of Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, she discusses the challenges these women faced, their resilience in a male-dominated political landscape and the lasting impact of their activism on Irish history. Her book is published by Beyond the Pale.

In this episode, we are honoured to speak with Dr Ian Isherwood, a historian, scholar, and author of the newly released book The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front. Dr Isherwood provides a deeply researched and heartfelt account of the 8th Battalion, The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment), during the First World War. Drawing from personal letters, memoirs, and diaries, this work sheds light on the emotional resilience, motivations, and lived experiences of these citizen soldiers as they faced some of the war's most harrowing battles. Join us as we delve into the origins of this project, uncover the personal stories behind the battalion, and discuss the fresh perspectives this book offers on the Great War.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [...]

Prof. John Bourne talks about the essential role, activities, and function of the Office of the Military Secretary during the Great War. John offers valuable insights into this often-overlooked aspect of wartime operations. Explore the inner workings of the military bureaucracy that played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Great War.

In this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Dr. Dominiek Dendooven talks about his recent book, 'The British West Indies Regiment: Race and Colour on the Western Front,' published by Pen & Sword. This military-political history intertwines a thought-provoking cultural and social theme that shapes the narrative: the intricate dynamics of race, colour, and prejudice. Despite these challenges, a remarkable undercurrent of loyalty to the British empire emerges among serving soldiers, both NCOs and privates, along with a growing awareness of political ideas and liberal democracy. Surprisingly, the loyalty to the British crown as an agent of the abolition of slavery will astonish many readers. This book is published by Pen & Sword.

Tune in to the latest Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, where we engage in a compelling conversation with Professor Joost Augusteijn about his in-depth study of County Mayo, 1912-23. Delving into a period of unprecedented turmoil, this examination offers a comprehensive look at all facets of life in County Mayo during the revolutionary era. Joost draws from a diverse range of sources, including memoirs, interviews with former IRA members, newspaper reports, police records, and official documents from both British authorities and Sinn Féin-led governments. The narrative commences with an exploration of the pivotal role of the land question in Mayo's political landscape prior to World War I and reveals how Sinn Féin successfully challenged the entrenched Irish Party's influence post-1916. The book underscores the significance of notable nationalist figures such as Michael Davitt, William O'Brien, James Dillon, and John MacBride in local developments. It also delves into the impact of World War I on the shifting dynamics of various political groups and marginalized segments of Mayo's population, including unionists, suffragettes, and labour activists. A central theme is the gradual radicalization of activists and their growing confrontation with authorities, drawing increasing numbers of Mayo residents into the fold. The book's focus on how daily life was affected adds depth to the narrative, culminating in a comprehensive account of Mayo's experiences during the Civil War. Don't miss this engaging exploration of a pivotal period in County Mayo's history. Published by Four Courts Press Ltd.

In this podcast interview, Richard Farrimond discusses their motivation for writing a comprehensive biography of Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, highlighting their personal connection to Clifton College and Birdwood's autobiography, Khaki and Gown, as initial inspirations. Richard also explains that their academic journey, including a history Masters degree and a PhD, led them to explore Birdwood's life beyond his role at Gallipoli. The interview delves into lesser-known aspects of Birdwood's career, emphasizing his language skills, early military experiences in Tirah and South Africa, and his ability to excel in staff work. The author challenges the traditional characterization of Birdwood as an "easygoing and fortunate" officer, revealing his dedication, competence, and command abilities. They also discuss Birdwood's diplomatic challenges and achievements throughout his career, which involved interactions with various dignitaries and political leaders.

Author and historian Dr Frances Hurd talks about her research into gay officers, the law and their experiences in the British Army during the Great War. She discusses what happened to British officers arrested for homosexuality, their fate and the legacy of the treatment. Frances is based in Chichester, West Sussex, and has a PhD in history. For 19 years she was an Ofsted inspector.

Academic Dr Brian Hall talks about his research into the development of communications in the American Expeditionary Force during the Great War. Brian is the Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Contemporary Military & International History, University of Salford.

Dr Tony Garcia talks about the book he jointly authored with Ian van der Waag on the Great War roles of roles played by the South African prime minister, General Louis Botha, and his deputy, General Jan Smuts during the Great War. These were very different men and they appealed to different audiences. Botha's nuance and emotional intelligence complemented Smuts's intellectualism. Thrown into a world conflagration in August 1914, Botha and Smuts – facing internal rebellion and the threat posed by German troops on their borders – led South Africa's Union Defence Force, and often commanded from the front. South Africa's campaigns began badly. The campaigns in German South West and East Africa started with reverses at Sandfontein in September 1914 and Salaitia in January 1916. However, Springbok soldiers of all backgrounds proved resilient, and the later campaigns were marked by near uniform success. The “first-battle” experiences had reshaped thinking and led to better leadership and command at all levels. Both Botha and Smuts commanded in the field. Steadily, the South African army they commanded – benefiting from wartime training, sometimes in the field – gained resilience, experience, and battle-hardiness, adapting to the conditions of the campaigns and the demands of the tasks. South Africa's campaigns were complex and divergent, starting with the invasion of neighbouring German South West Africa – to neutralise the radio stations and so aid security in the South Atlantic. Suddenly suspended following the outbreak of the Afrikaner Rebellion, the campaign recommenced in January 1915. Following its conclusion, an infantry brigade, raised for the Western Front, was diverted to Egypt before facing near annihilation at Delville Wood. Reconstructed more than once, the brigade was accompanied by a field ambulance and general hospital. The South African deployment in France included two brigades of heavy artillery, a signal company, a railway company, and Auxiliary Horse Transport Company, and several South African Native Labour Contingents. At the same time, a large South African force, fighting alongside troops from British Africa and India, broke German resistance in East Africa, and a brigade of field artillery and later the Cape Corps served in Egypt and Palestine. In addition, more than 6 500 South Africans served in the British Army, the Royal Flying Corps, later the Royal Air Force, and on ships of the Royal Navy. Although lionised during the war by a British public hungry for heroes, there is a different side to Botha and Smuts. Shunned by Afrikaner nationalists at the time, they have remained divisive figures. Responsible for the enactment of the Land Act of 1913, which shaped South Africa's socio-economic and political landscape, Botha's statue in Cape Town was vandalised in 2015 and 2016. Behind his charming, attractive façade, and Smuts's stoic machine, were two very human, imperfect, and quite probably inconsiderate, men. Together they provide a wonderful lens through which to examine the potent forces of the early twentieth-century world and the country they hoped to forge. Myopic compatriots had constrained their plans; but it was the outbreak of war in 1914 that offered the most significant opportunities and brought the most adverse challenges. They fought insurmountable odds, and achieved great victories, at home and abroad, but also made startling errors, and, ultimately, in classical fashion risked being crushed by the weight of the world they tried to create. Ian van der Waag is a faculty member in Military History at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Tony Garcia is Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University. His latest book publication The First Campaign Victory of the Great War was published by Helion in 2019.

Author and academic Dr Tony Cowan talks about his recent book, Holding Out. This book examines German operational command during a critical phase of the First World War from November 1916 to the eve of the third battle of Ypres. The situation faced by the German army on the Western Front in 1917 was very different from the one anticipated in pre-war doctrine and Holding Out examines how German commanders and staff officers adapted. Tony Cowan analyses key command tasks to get under the skin of the army's command culture, internal politics and battle management systems from co-ordinating the troops, matériel and different levels of command needed to fight a modern battle to continuously learning and applying lessons from the ever-changing Western Front. His detailed analysis of the German defeat of the 1917 Entente spring offensive sheds new light on how the army and Germany were able to hold out so long during the war against increasing odds. This is published by CUP. Tony is a retired diplomat and member of the British Commission for Military History, Society of Military History and Western Front Association. He co-edited a translation of the German official monograph on the battle of Amiens (2019).

Author Ian Hilder about talks his recent book Great War Barcombe News from a Sussex Village 1914 -1919. This book was published by Country Books in 2018.