Podcast appearances and mentions of Victoria Cross

Last time we spoke about the beginning of the Battle of Hong kong. Japan's rise as a threat to British interests accelerated through the 1920s and intensified after invading China. Britain's response remained contradictory—diplomatically conciliatory yet militarily apprehensive. While Singapore and Malaya received substantial reinforcements, Hong Kong was acknowledged indefensible, yet the 1936 Defence Scheme attempted to fortify it as an island fortress. Governor Northcote urgently advocated evacuation, recognizing the futility of defense. London rejected this, fearing it would demoralize China and forfeit sovereignty claims. Reinforcement requests from commanders like Grasett fell on deaf ears until Grasett independently lobbied Canadian leaders. This persistence finally convinced Churchill to dispatch two additional battalions. On December 8, 1941, Japanese forces attacked across three fronts with overwhelming force. Within hours, the RAF was destroyed on the ground, demolitions proved ineffective, and British units rapidly retreated toward the Gin Drinkers Line, facing an enemy that outnumbered and outmaneuvered them from the opening moments.   #217 The Battle of Hong Kong Part 2: the Island Aflame Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. Around 1500 hours on 9 December, Colonel Doi of the 228th Regiment arrived at Needle Hill, just north of the Gin Drinkers Line, ahead of his main force. For two hours he studied the British defensive positions through binoculars, noting trenches and bunkers—and to his surprise, washing lines fluttering with white clothes. The sight spoke volumes about the 2 Royal Scots' lax discipline. Then fog descended, reducing visibility to barely twenty meters, and heavy rain obscured the landscape. Doi sensed a fleeting advantage but lost radio contact with his battalions. Worse still, the Shing Mun Redoubt lay outside his regimental boundary, making an unauthorized attack a serious breach of protocol. When his units finally arrived, supporting artillery remained unavailable, held up by demolished roads. Doi chose to attack anyway. Doi ordered the 2nd Battalion to scout the eastern approach while the 3rd Battalion spearheaded the main assault. Major Nishiyana commanded the 3rd, sending Lieutenant Wakabayashi and Kasugai with 150 volunteers to lead. The Shing Mun Redoubt itself comprised five concrete pillboxes and an artillery observation post, connected by underground tunnels named after London landmarks—Piccadilly, Haymarket, and others. The whole complex sat on small rises above Jubilee Dam, then the British Empire's tallest. Defending the redoubt was A Company, 2 Royal Scots, under Captain Jones—just three officers and 39 men. One platoon of 25 soldiers under 2nd Lieutenant Thompson held the forward positions. Against this stood 150 Japanese attackers, with another 1,500 troops in reserve. Battalion orders forbade using the concrete works as fighting positions; they were meant for the Vickers machine-gun team and artillery protection. No mines could spare the redoubt's perimeter. On the night of the 9th, roughly half the defenders sheltered in the observation post while the remainder manned pillboxes 401b and 402. At 2000 hours, Thompson led a nine-man patrol northward to check Needle Hill and Shing Mun Valley. Despite two and a half hours in the field, the patrol returned at 2220 hours without detecting the Japanese force massing just 500 meters away. By that time, Lieutenant Kasugai's assault group had crossed Jubilee Dam undetected, bypassed unmanned Post X, and assembled below Pillbox 401b. At 2200 hours, Japanese sappers cut through two lines of wire. At 2300—H-Hour—Lance Corporal Laird heard movement in the bushes and opened fire. The Japanese answered with grenades and rushed the pillbox lines. One team entered the tunnel system; another hurled grenades through the air vents. Corporal Campbell swung his Vickers toward Pillbox 401, catching Japanese headquarters personnel in the open. Sergeant Robb mustered a counter-attack force of thirteen men. Five fell as casualties—Laird, Basnett, Coyle, Casey, and Jardine. Casey was killed; only Jardine escaped. The alert triggered gunfire from the observation post's defenders, and Forward Observer Wilcox called down 4.5-inch and 6-inch artillery fire. Without strong reinforcement and leadership, four Royal Scots and an Indian sentry abandoned the northern positions and withdrew to the observation post. Captain Jones received orders from Brigade to counter-attack, but delegated the task to Thompson. As Thompson attempted to leave the observation post, he found the gate locked from outside. This calamity had a backstory: just before the attack, Thompson had admitted a civilian at the request of Force 163 (SOE's sabotage unit in Singapore). Private Wylie had taken the observation post key from Lance Naik Kishan Singh and, upon exit, locked the gate behind him. The three officers were now literally locked out of the battle. Second Lieutenant Mochizuki and his platoon infiltrated through open trenches and began attacking the observation post from above, attempting to breach the hatches. The defenders held for three hours before Japanese sappers forced explosives down the air vents. At 0230 hours, the blast killed two Indian signallers inside. Thompson sustained a severe eye wound from grenade shrapnel; Jones and Warrant Officer Mead were both wounded. The remaining fifteen defenders surrendered; eleven became casualties. Meanwhile, a Rajput patrol engaging Japanese forces in the river valley managed to drive them back toward the redoubt. One final pillbox endured for another eleven hours before suffering the same sapper treatment. By 0400 hours on 10 December, the entire redoubt was lost. For just two killed, the Japanese had achieved a decisive victory—the breakthrough that would shift the entire campaign's trajectory. By dawn, a Japanese flag flew triumphantly from Point 255.   Major-General Maltby's assessment was stark: "This was calamitous, for Shing Mun was the key to the whole of the left position." Yet the Japanese perspective differed sharply. Having achieved a breakthrough, Colonel Doi received astonishing orders to withdraw—his success had transgressed into the 230th Regiment's sector and violated the meticulously prepared war plan. Doi refused. After heated confrontation with Major-General Ito and Lieutenant-General Sakai, his insubordination was later censured, though a divisional staff officer, Oyadomani, bore the scapegoat's burden of rebuke for failing to restrain Doi's initiative. With Shing Mun secured, Doi methodically fed reinforcements into the position. Throughout December 10th, the Japanese remained uncertain of their advantage and adopted a cautious strategy, probing British lines to exploit the evident disorder. Brigadier Wallis ordered the Royal Scots to mount an immediate dawn counterattack supported by the Rajputs and artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel White demurred; his battalion lacked any reasonable prospect of success. The resulting counterattack proved half-hearted at best. At first light on December 11th, the Japanese pressed Golden Hill forcefully, only to be repulsed by Captain Newton's Rajputs and gunfire from HMS Cicala. White positioned D Company in shallow shell scrapes and rusted wire—inadequate defenses against Japanese assault. Captain Pinkerton led a desperate bayonet charge that morning, temporarily clearing the Japanese and enabling the evacuation of wounded. Yet B, C, and D Companies absorbed devastating losses; Captains Rose and Richardson fell commanding their positions. With the Royal Scots collapsing, X Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and armored support rushed westward to seal the widening gap along Castle Peak Road. Meanwhile, Maltby grappled with alarming reports: Japanese landings on Lantau Island southwest of Hong Kong. Heavy artillery drove them back. A second probe at Aberdeen, where Special Naval Landing Forces approached within 300 yards of the naval base, was repelled by Canadian machine-gun fire. In hindsight, these were mere feints—never intended as the primary thrust. The stratagem succeeded. Maltby retained his island reserves—the Middlesex and two Canadian battalions—precisely where they would be needed. Had Wallis executed a forceful counterattack on December 10th with the Royal Scots and brigade reserves, the Rajputs might have retaken Shing Mun while the Japanese remained disorganized. Instead, Colonel Doi faced a furious Sakai, who had flown down from 38th Division headquarters at Taipo for what amounted to a pre-court-martial examination. The moment passed. After only 48 hours of combat, Maltby concluded the mainland was indefensible. The three battalions would withdraw intact to Hong Kong Island to assume their fortress defense roles. The naval commodore objected—demolitions, supply transfers, and troop ferrying required more time. The evacuation order was deferred 24 hours until noon on December 11th. At that hour, the decision was finalized: the mainland would be abandoned under cover of darkness. Further demolitions followed—the China Light and Power Station, the cement works on Tsing Yi Island, the docks. Yet Brigadier Wallis believed this merely a precautionary measure; he anticipated holding the mainland for at least another week. The withdrawal avoided Kowloon's congested streets, where street fighting and fifth columnists might have entrapped the British—a calculation that proved prescient, as an IJA advance column of 350 men from the 3/230th infiltrated Kowloon on the morning of December 12th to cut off the retreating garrison. The Royal Scots and Canadians retired south to Shamshuipo Barracks and Jordan Road Pier in western Kowloon; the Rajputs and supporting gunners withdrew eastward to Ma Lau Tong, which anchored the fortified Devil's Peak Peninsula. Maltby intended to hold this commanding position permanently—it was easily supplied across the narrow Lyemun Strait. The evacuation proceeded largely as planned. The Canadians and Royal Scots embarked on the afternoon and evening of December 11th under Punjabi covering fire. The Punjabis faced a harder journey—a moonlit scramble along steep Kowloon hills laden with supplies but critically short of mules. One group lost its way at a crucial junction, splitting into two columns. One proceeded toward Devil's Peak as planned; Battalion Headquarters descended into Kai Tak Airport, threaded through Kowloon City, and was evacuated by Star Ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui, fighting until the final moment as the last man boarded. The Rajputs' commander, unable to reach his Punjabi counterpart, abandoned Ma Lau Tong for the closer Hai Wan line near Devil's Peak. By 0400 hours on December 12th, the Punjabis and one Rajput company, accompanied by the gunners of the 25th Medium Battery, crossed Lyemun Strait to Hong Kong Island. Morning evacuations continued with minimal Japanese interference—a surprising restraint. Naval support proved crucial. The withdrawal completed by the morning of December 13th, though 170 mules were lost to the desertion of Chinese laborers—a deprivation that would haunt the subsequent campaign. During this passage, the IJN attempted shore bombardment. The Japanese cruiser and supporting vessels found themselves outranged by the defenders' 9.2-inch guns. The damage inflicted proved sufficient to discourage future naval adventures; for the remainder of the battle, the IJN maintained a cautious distance and played only a peripheral role. The speed and execution of the withdrawal apparently caught the Japanese unprepared. Their most probable expectation had been a full-scale assault on Devil's Peak accompanied by heavy bombardment—a day earlier, an assault without artillery preparation had been driven back with severe losses. The British appeared stronger than anticipated. The defense of the mainland had lasted only five days. With the mainland secured, the Japanese pivoted toward Hong Kong Island. The first move was diplomatic rather than military. At 0900 hours on December 13th, a small boat bearing a white flag crossed the harbor. It carried Colonel Toda, Lieutenant Mizuno, Mr. Othsu Dak, and two European women—the prominent and heavily pregnant Mrs. Macdonald and Mrs. C. R. Lee, wife of the Governor's secretary, accompanied by her two dachshunds. The surrender terms were flatly rejected. Major Boxer delivered the written refusal personally. Mrs. Macdonald remained in Hong Kong to give birth; Mrs. Lee and her dogs returned to Kowloon. The Japanese commenced systematic shelling of selected targets. On December 13th, a 9.2-inch gun on Mt. Davis was silenced; Belcher's Fort sustained damage. The following day, a 3-inch mount on Mt. Davis was hit, killing Chinese gunners and triggering morale collapse; some deserted. On December 15th, the barrage shifted to the northern shoreline, deliberately targeting pillboxes. At 2100 hours that night, approximately three Japanese companies attempted crossing the harbor in rubber rafts toward Pakshawan but were driven off by machine-gun fire. Fifth columnists intensified their operations—signaling with mirrors, sniping from concealed positions, spreading propaganda to encourage Chinese desertion. Their impact might have been catastrophic had not Rear-Admiral Chan and Colonel Yee, armed with tommy guns and grenades, systematically eliminated many of these saboteurs. By December 16th, half the pillboxes between the racecourse and Lyemun Strait lay destroyed. The intended crossing site was unmistakable. On December 17th, the Japanese dispatched a second peace mission—Colonel Toda's team now accompanied by Mrs. Lee with her dachshunds and a pregnant Russian woman. Again, the overtures were rebuffed. On December 18th, the bombardment reached new intensity. Oil storage tanks ignited, sending dense black smoke cascading across the northeast corner of the island—perfect concealment for what was to come. All signs pointed to imminent assault.  I want to note something here, you sometimes hear about how race played a role in the Pacific War and indeed it did. Racist attitudes were found on both the western and Japanese side of the war. There is a fantastic book dedicated to this by the way called, War without Mercy by John Dower, highly recommend it. What is interesting is how these racial attitudes actually affected decision making during the war. Take General Sakai's night amphibious assault for example. Western soldiers such as the Canadians in Hong Kong reported they were told by their commanders that quote "Don't worry about the Japanese, they can't see at night, they all wear glasses" another Canadian soldier wrote in a diary "They don't see well, especially at night we knew this as a matter of fact." Indeed the week before the outbreak of the battle of Hong Kong, Canadian officers attending a briefing by a British officer were informed that "Japan's aircraft were mostly obsolete, its air force had little practice in night flying, and its pilots were myopic and thus unable to carry out dive-bombing attacks". You might be asking yourself, why did they think the Japanese were myopic? The scientific explanation of the day was this "That the Japanese suffered widespread inner-ear damage. What caused this? Japanese motherhood, the practice of strapping babies to their mothers backs, it was explained caused their heads to bounce about, like when they harvested rice and permanently impaired their sense of balance". I particularly love this quote, one of my professors dedicated an entire class to the bizarre racial attitudes before and after the pacific war. There was a belief the Japanese could not see well at night, many western air force commanders actually believed there were times of day like at dawn or dusk where Japanese pilots would not operate because of this hindrance. American military commentator Fletcher Pratt in 1939 analyzed Japan's military strengths and explained it had four major weaknesses. The first was scarcity of resources such as iron, and steel. The second was that the Japanese "can neither make good airplanes nor fly them well" as a result of " the Japanese as a race have defects of the tubes of the inner ear, just as they are generally myopic. This gives them a defective sense of balance, the one physical sense in which an aviator is not permitted to be deficient.". The third was that the Japanese were short-tempered and were inclined to waste men unnecessarily when operations did not go well. The fourth was that the Japanese would simply never date to provoke a war with the US. Again Mr Pratt was an American military commentator whose information came from multiple accounts given by high ranking military officials! The British military maintained that the Japanese avoided night operations on land because they were simply incapable of caring them out well, while they avoided nighttime aerial attacks, as well as dive-bombing for the same reasons Pratt said quote "their pilots were poor and their aircraft inferior.". So take this all to mind when I talk about how certain ranking officers go about making their decisions. By the evening of 14 December, evacuated mainland units had regrouped on Hong Kong Island. The defensive structure was restructured into two brigades: Brigadier Wallis commanded the East Brigade from Taitam Gap, while Brigadier Lawson headed the West Brigade from Wongneichong Gap. This reorganization placed the 5/7 Rajputs across the north-east perimeter, defending over 3,500 metres of coastline with B Company positioned on the hills behind Taikoo Docks. The Royal Rifles of Canada held the north-east corner from Stanley to points south, with reserve positions at Lyemun. Two HKVDC companies supported from Taitam Valley and Pottinger Gap, while the veteran Hughsiliers manned the North Point power station. British and Canadian artillery provided fire support across the northern approaches. The West Brigade held the north-western and south-western shores. The 2/14 Punjab stretched from Causeway Bay to Belcher's Point, protecting Government House and General Maltby's headquarters, with battalion headquarters at Mid-Level. The Winnipeg Grenadiers covered the south-west from Wanchai Gap, with one company detached to the brigade headquarters at Wongneichong Gap. The 2 Royal Scots, severely mauled at Shing Mun, were held in reserve with fresh replacements from the HKVDC. The Middlesex Regiment's companies were dispersed along 72 pillboxes encircling the entire shoreline, while an improvised Z Company of clerks, musicians and cooks defended battalion headquarters at Leighton Hill. Supporting artillery included 9.2-inch and 6-inch guns on Mt Davis and 4.7-inch guns at Belcher's Point. As darkness fell on 17 December, Japanese reconnaissance swimmers reached Taikoo, confirming the crossing site despite detection. Reinforcements arrived: 18 additional heavy bombers from Guangzhou and 26 fighters from Taiwan joined the aerial assault. The crescendo of artillery fire on the 18th, combined with masses of small craft gathering across the harbour, signalled the imminent invasion. Japanese divisional headquarters shifted to Ma Tau Wei near Kai Tak Airport; the 23rd Army moved to Taipo. The invasion force disposed itself with the right flank embarking from east and west of Kai Tak, the left from Devil's Hill area. At 1800 hours, the invasion order was issued; by 1930 hours Sakai himself arrived in Kowloon to oversee the crossing. At precisely 2000 hours, the 2/228th Regiment silently paddled their collapsible craft toward Taikoo Docks and the nearby sugar factory as artillery support commenced. Colonel Doi embarked with 80 headquarters personnel aboard a large barge, leading the second wave. The conditions favoured the invaders—a moonless night, sporadic showers, and thick black smoke from burning oil tanks obscured their movement. They reached the midpoint undetected before searchlights and machine-gun fire scattered the small boats, separating commanders from their units. Despite this chaos, the assault pressed forward. At 2140 hours the artillery shifted to deeper targets; at 2145 hours the first wave of 3/230th landed at North Point, followed minutes later by 2/228th and then 2/229th. Three red flares signalled a successful landing. All six Japanese battalions were ashore by midnight, though wire fencing delayed their advance and Bren carriers added to the confusion on the beach. General Sano arrived at Taikoo one hour later. The 5/7 Rajputs bore the initial brunt of the assault. Despite days of preliminary shelling, the Rajputs mounted a stubborn defence; Japanese casualties mounted rapidly. The anti-tank company suffered so grievously that only a single gun remained operational. The Japanese plan was tactical rather than frontal—bypass isolated positions for later elimination and push rapidly toward high ground. Overwhelmed by numerical superiority and losing most of their officers, Rajput resistance gradually crumbled. Contradicting all evidence, Maltby remained convinced the main Japanese assault would strike directly at Victoria from Kowloon. He therefore withheld the counter-attack, instead dispatching a platoon of Middlesex troops, Royal Marines, naval personnel, and the Rajputs' reserve company—supported by artillery—to establish a defensive line blocking the Japanese advance toward Central District. Three HKVDC armoured cars were sent to protect East Brigade headquarters; two more reinforced the Middlesex battalion headquarters. It was manifestly inadequate against six Japanese battalions. In post-war dispatches, Maltby conceded his grave miscalculation: he believed he faced at most two battalions, not a full division. As the 3/230th broke through D Company of the 5/7 Rajputs, the 2/230th came ashore nearby and wheeled westward toward Victoria. Their advance halted abruptly at the North Point power station, held by an extraordinary force: four officers and 36 men of the HKVDC Hughsiliers Platoon—alongside 39 civilian volunteers from China Light & Power and Hong Kong Electric, including the station manager Vincent Sorby—plus eight Free French soldiers commanded by Captain Jacques Egal, a Shanghai businessman turned soldier. Without exception, these men were World War I veterans, many aged 55 or older. Some had fought in the Boer War. Major J. J. Patterson, the Hughsiliers' commander, had served with Allenby's Camel Corps and been mentioned in dispatches six times; he was chairman of Jardine Matheson and a legislative councillor. Private Sir Edward Des Voeux, 8th Baronet, a millionaire bullion trader and secretary of the Hong Kong Club, had enlisted as a private when deemed too old for mobilization. Private T. A. Pearce, 67 years old, was chairman of J. D. Hutchison & Company and secretary of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Captain Bruch, the second-in-command, aged 60, chaired a major trading house. The list extended through Hong Kong's business elite, each choosing to fight rather than flee. These old men held an entire regiment at bay. When Patterson called for aid, Maltby dispatched an HKVDC armoured car with a platoon from Z Company, 1 Middlesex, but the reinforcement was ambushed before reaching the station; only nine soldiers, including 2nd Lieutenant Caruthers, broke through. Unable to dislodge the defenders by assault, the Japanese resorted to bombardment. By 0145 hours on 19 December, surrounded and ammunition exhausted, the defenders withdrew to King's Road behind a disabled bus. The Japanese deployed three machine guns, killing or mortally wounding all but Private Geoghan. A Japanese officer, believing all dead, cautiously approached—only to have Geoghan, despite his wounds, surge from cover and charge. He killed the officer and four soldiers before collapsing from wounds. Somehow Geoghan survived. Those old men—civilians and reservists, businessmen and veterans—held the entire western Japanese advance for 18 hours, buying Maltby precious time to withdraw forces and establish a new defensive line. Their stand at North Point became one of the campaign's most improbable acts of defiance. As the 2/229th Regiment advanced southward toward Mt Parker, the 3/229th landed at Aldrich Bay and turned eastward toward Lyemun, where they seized an HKVDC 6-inch gun. Major Bishop of the Royal Rifles of Canada, unaware of the landings, dispatched 15 Platoon under Lieutenant Scott to check on A Company of the Rajputs. Unexpectedly, they encountered armed men in civilian clothes at Lyemun's gate—the first indication of the Japanese presence on the island. Yet senior officers dismissed initial reports of landings and lost positions as exaggerated, a critical miscalculation that proved catastrophic. At Lyemun Fort, the 5th Anti-aircraft Battery of the HKVDC was caught completely unaware and surrendered after minimal resistance. The Japanese then committed one of many atrocities that would characterize the battle, bayoneting 29 survivors. Alerted by 15 Platoon's report, Bishop attempted a counter-attack with two platoons to retake the fort, but the defenders could not scale the six-meter wall and withdrew with nine men killed. As the 2/229th pressed southward toward Mt Parker, they overran the Salesian Mission, which had been converted into an Advance Dressing Station. No. 8 Company of the 2/229th systematized a massacre of medical personnel and the wounded—an atrocity that would later become pivotal evidence at Colonel Tanaka's war crimes trial. Yet amid the chaos, several medical staff and wounded survived to testify: Gunners Y. K. Chan and Martin H. C. Tso of the 5th Battery, Captain Osler Thomas of the HKVDC, Captain Martin Banfill of the Royal Canadian Medical Corps, and Corporal Norman Leath of the Royal Army Medical Corps. C Company of the Royal Rifles, reinforced with captured Japanese machine guns abandoned by fleeing Rajputs, inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, with one Japanese company suffering over 65 percent losses. Yet overwhelmed by superior numbers and suffering nearly two platoons worth of casualties themselves, the Canadians were forced to withdraw, leaving only a reinforcement platoon under Lieutenant Blaver on Mt Parker. When Captain Clerke arrived at dawn with 16 Platoon to reinforce the position, he found over 100 Japanese already entrenched. With no artillery support and only two platoons available, Clerke had no choice but to withdraw, abandoning Mt Parker to the enemy. By dawn on the 19th, the East Brigade faced catastrophe. Infantry strength had been halved, and losses of artillery were equally devastating. A series of misunderstandings and misinterpreted orders led coastal gun crews at Capes D'Aguilar and Collinson to destroy their own guns in confusion or lose them to the advancing Japanese. Of the entire artillery complement, only one 18-pounder and two 3.7-inch field guns remained operational. Wongneichong—literally "yellow muddy creek" in Chinese—occupies the center of Hong Kong Island, a valley separating the eastern hills (Mt Parker, Mt Butler, Jardine's Lookout) from the western massif (Mt Nicholson, Mt Cameron, Victoria Peak). This narrow gap formed the critical artery linking northern and southern Hong Kong, making Brigadier Lawson's decision to place West Brigade Headquarters there strategically sound yet tactically vulnerable. Recognizing the exposed position after the landings, Major Lyndon had located an alternative site south of Mt Nicholson, scheduled to open the following day. In response to the Japanese landings, Lawson dispatched three platoons of Winnipeg Grenadiers to block the advance. Lieutenant C. D. French took 18 Platoon to Mt Butler, Lieutenant G. A. Birkett's 17 Platoon moved to Jardine's Lookout, and Lieutenant L. B. Corrigan's platoon took the north-west approach to the Gap. As on Mt Parker, both French and Birkett were killed almost immediately, their small forces overwhelmed by battalion-strength enemy forces with artillery support. By morning on the 19th, two battalions each of the 230th and 228th Regiments were pushing for the high ground. The 2/230th rapidly occupied Jardine's Lookout while the 3/230th moved to Mt Nicholson and the 2/228th advanced toward the Gap itself. No. 3 Company of the HKVDC under Major E. Stewart held pillboxes around Jardine's Lookout, while No. 1 Company under Captain Penn defended Taitam Valley with forward positions at Quarry Gap. The pillboxes, despite heavy bombardment, held longer than anticipated—some for as long as 24 hours. Stewart maintained his company headquarters until the 22nd, four days of continuous fighting without adequate ammunition, food, or water. No. 3 Company suffered 80 percent casualties and ceased to exist as a cohesive unit. Realizing that the enemy had penetrated to Mt Butler, Brigadier Lawson decided counter-attack was essential. Major A. B. Gresham of A Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, was ordered to retake Mt Butler and clear Jardine's Lookout. The Canadians initially succeeded, with Warrant Officer 2 J. R. Osborne leading a bayonet charge, but a strong counter-attack by three Japanese companies drove them back by 2200 hours. The Canadians held firm until 1500 hours, when Gresham attempted surrender despite waving a white flag—the Japanese shot him regardless. In the chaos that followed, a Canadian killed a Japanese officer in response, triggering a grenade barrage. Warrant Officer Osborne caught the grenades and hurled them back as fast as they came, but one landed in an impossible position. Without hesitation, Osborne threw himself on the grenade to save his comrades. This act of supreme self-sacrifice earned him a Victoria Cross—the first Canadian VC of World War II. At dawn on the 19th, Maltby dispatched A Company of the 2 Royal Scots under Captain K. J. Campbell to reinforce the Gap, but they lost all their officers with only 15 men reaching Lawson's headquarters. A group of sailors under Commander A. L. Pears came from the south, but were ambushed en route; only a few reached the Postbridge—a house just south of the Gap—which became an isolated strongpoint. The 3/230th captured the police station perched on a mound at the southern point of the Gap, then swept eastward to seize the anti-aircraft guns of 7th Battery (barely 250 meters from brigade headquarters) and continued uphill toward Taitam Hill to capture additional 6-inch and 3.7-inch guns. Maltby's response was to call down final protective fire from the HKSRA in Happy Valley, inflicting massive casualties on the 3/230th. At 1000 hours on the 19th, Lawson reported that his headquarters was surrounded and he was about to "go outside and shoot it out." Captain H. A. Bush provided covering fire as Lawson and his entire staff, including Middlesex signallers, were cut down by machine-gun fire across the Gap. Lawson's body was discovered two days later halfway up the hill behind his headquarters, dead from a gunshot wound to the thigh. Lieutenant Kerfoot of the 2/14 Punjab with his three Bren carriers arrived minutes too late to save him. IJA who saw the fight made a note stating "he died heroically". At 1330 hours on the 19th, Maltby issued "Operation Order No. 6" calling for a massive counter-attack to commence 90 minutes later. The plan was ambitious: A and D Companies of the 2/14 Punjab were to attack east from Victoria to North Point to relieve the Hughsiliers, while HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the 2 Royal Scots were to attack the Gap and Jardine's Lookout. Eight field guns were promised but never materialized. There was no reconnaissance, no proper orders, and minimal coordination. The Canadians were to rendezvous with the 2 Royal Scots at Middle Gap at 1530 hours, but the Scots were late; the Canadians advanced without them. Captain Pinkerton of D Company, 2 Royal Scots, was ordered at the last minute to attack up Wongneichong Gap Road—the same route A Company had taken only seven hours earlier and been decimated—because it was reported as "lightly held." Captain A. M. S. Slater-Brown led the advance with three Bren carriers and attached engineers, followed by D Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers. Just as the carriers reached the burnt-out trucks of A Company, they too were ambushed. Mortars and machine-gun fire rained down from Jardine's Lookout, where the Japanese occupied captured HKVDC pillboxes. Slater-Brown and 2nd Lieutenant Bell, the battalion intelligence officer, were killed instantly. The Royal Scots waited in the roadside ditches until 0200 hours before launching an attack on the police station, reaching the steps before Pinkerton was severely wounded. Captain Ford's composite company attack at 0300 hours also failed. Simultaneously, C Company under Lieutenant F. L. Stanier attacked Jardine's Lookout—also unsuccessfully. This series of piecemeal assaults cost the Royal Scots eight officers and 68 soldiers. Growing increasingly desperate, Maltby ordered Major Hodkinson, Officer Commanding HQ Company of the Winnipeg Grenadiers, to attack the Gap and proceed to Mt Parker. Requesting reinforcements from A Company and the Royal Scots, Hodkinson launched his assault with covering fire from Lieutenant Corrigan on Mt Nicholson. The Grenadiers managed to reach Mt Nicholson with only five unwounded men, though Corrigan's group advanced to within 300 meters of the Gap road. Then came an unexpected stroke of fortune: while skirting Mt Nicholson, Hodkinson's group stumbled upon approximately 500 Japanese—probably from the 3/230th—eating lunch without posting sentries. The Winnipeg Grenadiers unleashed devastating fire, inflicting heavy casualties. By 1745 hours, Hodkinson's force was only 100 meters from Repulse Bay Road. With four men and a 2-inch mortar, Hodkinson worked his way to the abandoned brigade headquarters, bringing 20 walking wounded with him. He established a foothold at the Gap, receiving orders to attack the police station at 2200 hours. Two HKVDC armoured cars with Vickers machine guns came in support, but accurate enemy fire disabled both. Like Pinkerton before him, Hodkinson reached near his objective before being severely wounded. For this action of determination and courage, Hodkinson was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. By the morning of the 20th, the Japanese had consolidated control of the Gap, but elements of D Company, Winnipeg Grenadiers, still held various pillboxes north of the position. Initially, 17 and 18 Platoons occupied forward positions with Company Headquarters and 16 Platoon in reserve, positioned across Wongneichong Road almost directly opposite brigade headquarters. Forward positions were rapidly overrun and cut off from the company. They fought without officers until withdrawal to battalion headquarters became necessary. With Captain A. S. Bowman killed and Captain R. W. Philips wounded, command fell to Lieutenant T. A. Blackwood. An attempt by B Company to relieve D Company on the evening of the 20th failed catastrophically, killing all officers and 29 men. With fewer than 50 men remaining—all wounded—Lieutenant Blackwood continued inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese until 22 December, when exhaustion and the complete absence of ammunition, food, and water forced surrender. D Company killed over 200 Japanese soldiers. Post-war Japanese reports refused to believe that a single company had held the Gap for so long. For their stubborn defense, Philips and Blackwood were awarded the Military Cross, and three enlisted men received the Military Medal. The battle of Wongneichong Gap was characterized by fragmented planning and poor coordination. On the night of the 19th-20th, no fewer than three separate companies attacked the police station, with another company assaulting Jardine's Lookout—all within five hours, all independently organized by local commanders. Had these disparate actions been coordinated into a single simultaneous assault, fortress headquarters' objectives might well have been achieved. By the end of the 20th, the British had lost the vital ground of Wongneichong, though Postbridge House remained as an isolated holdout. For the Japanese, Wongneichong became the single costliest engagement since the invasion began, with over 800 casualties and the regimental commander of the 3/230th seriously wounded. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me.   Japanese landings on 18-19 December overwhelmed the East Brigade. Brigadier Lawson died defending the vital Gap. Desperate, uncoordinated counter-attacks by British and Canadian troops failed to dislodge the enemy. D Company Winnipeg Grenadiers held the position for four days against overwhelming odds before surrendering. The Japanese suffered 800 casualties but secured this critical strategic ground.

Send me a messageThe 1964 film, "Zulu" saw Michael Caine's debut on the big screen.He played Lt. Gonville Bromhead, one of the 11 men awarded the Victoria Cross at the Battle of Rorke's Drift, fought in the Anglo-Zulu War, 1879.But how close was Caine's character to the real Lt. Bromhead?Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.Get my Free weekly newsletterSupport My Work - Make A Donation - Buy Me A CoffeeSupport the show

fWotD Episode 3374: William Hardham Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Friday, 31 July 2026, is William Hardham.William James Hardham, VC (31 July 1876 – 13 April 1928) was a New Zealand soldier who was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" that could be awarded at the time to military personnel of the British Empire.Born in Wellington, Hardham was a blacksmith and part-time soldier in the local militia when he volunteered to serve with the New Zealand Military Forces in the Second Boer War. Posted to the 4th Contingent in 1900, he was on a patrol in the South African Transvaal when it was ambushed. He rode his horse to the rescue of a wounded soldier while under heavy fire and for this he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Discharged from the New Zealand Military Forces in 1901, he rejoined for another period of service in the Second Boer War but was only briefly in South Africa before being sent to England for the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.Returning to civilian life, he became increasingly involved in rugby administration with the Wellington Rugby Football Union; he had played representative rugby for Wellington in his youth. He also continued to serve in the militia. When the First World War began, he volunteered for service abroad with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) and was posted to the Wellington Mounted Rifles (WMR) as a captain. Wounded during the Gallipoli Campaign, he was repatriated to New Zealand. On recovery he was made commandant of Queen Mary Hospital in Hanmer Springs but desired a return to the NZEF and a posting overseas. He rejoined the WMR, then in Palestine, in late 1917 but his health was poor and affected the remainder of his service in the military. Having reached the rank of major by the end of the war in 1918, he was discharged from the NZEF. Returning to civilian life, he worked for a newspaper and later the Public Works Department as well as being involved in veterans' affairs. He died in 1928 at the age of 51.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:49 UTC on Friday, 31 July 2026.For the full current version of the article, see William Hardham on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Brian.

Have you heard the story of Henry Hugh Manvers Percy? This 19th century member of the Percy family won a Victoria Cross for his actions in the Battle of Inkerman, one of the crucial fights during the Crimean War, and his story is told in the book 'A Bearskin's Crimea' by Algernon Percy, newly re-released in an expanded an illustrated edition.We are joined by the author on this episode of the Alnwick Castle Podcast, where he explains who Henry Percy was, some of his actions in the Crimea, and the origins of the Victoria Cross, among many other things. If you are interested in this period of history, this episode and the book are definitely for you; and if you have not heard anything about the Crimean War beyond names like Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole or the Charge of the Light Bridge, well, we hope this episode and the book are for you too!You can get a copy of 'A Bearskin's Crimea' now. Buy directly from Alnwick Castle at alnwickcastle.com/shop , or you can also order it online through Waterstones.And don't forget to look out for Henry Percy's sword on display in the State Rooms next time you visit Alnwick Castle!

Today on True Blue Conversations, I sit down with an extraordinary Royal Australian Navy veteran whose career spans more than 35 years of service, multiple operational deployments, and a lifetime of leadership—Fred Campbell OAM. Fred joined the Royal Australian Navy on 8 January 1982 through the Naval Apprentice Scheme as an Air Technical Aircraft fitter. From the flight lines at HMAS Albatross to serving aboard some of Australia's most iconic warships, Fred built an exceptional career supporting the Fleet Air Arm and mentoring generations of sailors. His operational service took him to some of the defining conflicts of the modern era, including Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait, Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, the Solomon Islands, and Iraq in 2004 aboard HMAS Stuart. During that deployment, Fred was involved in one of the most significant naval incidents of the Iraq War—the USS Firebolt incident—a dramatic and little-known event that tested leadership, courage, and decision-making under extreme pressure. In this conversation, Fred takes us behind the headlines to share what really happened, what he witnessed, and the lessons that have stayed with him ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, Fred served as Command Warrant Officer at HMAS Cerberus, HMAS Creswell, HMAS Melbourne, and HMAS Parramatta, becoming one of the Navy's most respected senior leaders.  His outstanding service was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2013 Queen's Birthday Honours, along with numerous Australian and international operational medals and commendations. But service didn't end when Fred hung up the uniform in 2017. Today, he continues to fight for those who have served as the President of the Keith Payne VC AM Veterans Benefit Group, working alongside Australia's only living Victoria Cross recipient from the Vietnam War to support veterans and their families. His commitment to the veteran community, advocacy, and ensuring no veteran is left behind has become his new mission. Beyond service, Fred is a proud husband to a fellow Navy veteran, a father, grandfather, rugby tragic, Harley rider, knife maker, guitarist, barbecue enthusiast, and someone who believes in giving back to the mateship that shaped his life. This is a conversation about leadership, combat, resilience, transition, and continuing to serve long after the uniform comes off. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Fred Campbell OAM Editor: Kyle Watkins

Think you know the true story behind the birth of the SAS? Think again.In this extraordinary live episode, recorded on location at the Imperial War Museum History Festival, host Paul Bavill fires up the blue touch paper with best-selling military historian and filmmaker Damien Lewis. Together, they take dead aim at the cheap Hollywood tropes and television distortions that have rewritten the legacy of Britain's most decorated wartime icons.Damien unleashes a masterclass of historical rage against the BBC's SAS Rogue Heroes portrayal of Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Mayne. Far from the foul-mouthed, unhinged, drunken stereotype broadcast to millions, the real Paddy Mayne was a qualified solicitor, an Irish rugby international, a devotee of poetry, and the elite unit's hand-picked Discipline Officer who led his men through fraternal brotherhood and transformational command. You will discover the breathtaking truth behind his four Distinguished Service Orders (DSOs), his unmatched record of destroying enemy warplanes on the ground, and the clerical errors that unjustly denied him the Victoria Cross.But the rage doesn't stop in 1945. Damien connects history directly to the modern day, sharing a raw, unfiltered look at the shocking state of modern British defence funding. From frontline special operations to deep post-war psychological trauma, this episode peels back the curtain on the heavy cost paid by the "raiders of the thug variety" who fought to save Western civilization.Grab the Books & Follow the GuestDive deeper into Damien Lewis's meticulous archival research and gripping historical narratives.Buy Damien's Books: Grab SAS Great Escapes 5, SAS The Great Train Raid, or his definitive trilogy on Paddy Mayne's band of warriors (Brothers in Arms, Forged in Hell, and Daggers Drawn) directly from the History Rage Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781529448245Follow Damien on Social Media: @authordlewisBinge More History Rage Special Forces EpisodesIf this deep dive into WWII Special Forces left you wanting more, check out these recommended past episodes:Episode 33: Gavin Mortimer takes aim at the myths surrounding SAS founder David Stirling.Episode 218: Tony Rushmer confronts the media's portrayal of legendary original member Reg Seekings.Follow & Support History RageHelp keep the podcast angry, independent, and dedicated to historical truth!Visit the Website: Find every episode covering all eras of history at https://www.historyrage.comSupport us on Patreon: Join the inner circle of History Ragers for £5 a month to get entry into monthly book draws, exclusive live streams, the chance to submit questions to guests, and the coveted History Rage mug! Join today at https://www.patreon.com/historyrageGet in Touch: Follow the anger on social media by searching for @HistoryRage on X/Twitter and Instagram, or join the conversation using the hashtag #HistoryRage.And until next time... stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prosecutors in the war crime murder case against Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith say they can’t serve the brief of evidence against the former soldier because revealing its contents could prejudice national security. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 2, 1917. Canadian fighter ace Billy Bishop launches a daring solo raid on a German airfield, an act of bravery that wins him the Victoria Cross. Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more. History Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.

The Royal British Legion provided a Guard of Honour at the service of commemoration for Commander Loftus Jones of Petersfield who was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry displayed exactly 110 years ago, on 31 May 1916. We hear from the Ceremony, led by Rev Will Hughes, Chris Paige who is the Chairman of Petersfield RBL, Cllr Jamie Matthews, whose first engagement as Mayor this was, and finally from Doc of The Royal Naval Association.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send me a messageIn the classic war film "Zulu", Private Fred Hitch is called a "slovenly soldier".He nevertheless goes on to be awarded the Victoria Cross at the battle of Rorke's Drift.But the story about what happened to him afterwards, as an invalid veteran in Victorian Britain that is every bit as fascinating, working for the world's oldest security company, losing his VC, accused of theft and becoming a London cabbie.A story of what happened to Victorian soldiers when then entered civvy street.Get my Free weekly newsletterChris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.Support My Work - Make A Donation - Buy Me A CoffeeSupport the show

Concerns the remaining ISIS women could try to return as soon as next week, Australian scientists have collaborated with institutions linked to the Chinese military. Plus, the shocking decision to cut support for the family of a Victoria Cross hero.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The family of a Victoria Cross recipient killed in Afghanistan has been left "shocked" by a callous decision by the federal government, which Tom Elliott has described as a "terrible example of penny pinching".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday 31 May at 6pm the Reverend Will Hughes and Petersfield Royal British Legion will lead a ceremony outside the church for Commander Jones. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, for outstanding courage 110 years ago, on that day and at that time. Chris Paige, Chairman of Petersfield RBL tells Mike Waddington about the importance of remembrance and how the Roya British Legion is the custodian of this ethos. He also mentions the VE Day Ceremony on 8 May at the War Memorial, the Flag Raising at the Town Hall and VJ Day on 15 August. Local historian Bill Gosney tells Shine Radio the story of Commander Loftus Jones VC here: Remembering the courage of Petersfield’s Loftus Jones | Petersfield's Shine RadioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send me a messageGet my Free weekly newsletterHow Winston Churchill's recommendation for a Victoria Cross, during the Anglo-Boer War, was blocked by Lord Kitchener.Chris Green is The History Chap; telling stories that brings the past to life.Support My Work - Make A Donation - Buy Me A CoffeeSupport the show

Episode 112 and Crowy's back in the chair and we're diving straight into the controversy surrounding Ben Roberts-Smith.A Victoria Cross recipient now facing five war crime charges relating to alleged incidents in Afghanistan, allegations he denies.After years in the spotlight and a massive defamation case, this now moves into a criminal trial where the standard is beyond reasonable doubt.But this isn't just about one man. It's about how war is judged. How soldiers are seen back home. And where the line sits between loyalty and accountability.With Anzac Day around the corner, this one hits different.Food Hub OPEN! (7) it'll take a tribe - search results | FacebookFind us on Instagram and Facebook. @5withadiggerpodcastThis podcast proudly sponsored by @Gravelempireholdings @Cuzkell_pty_ltd @Eliteboxingclubadl Use "5WITHADIGGER" at checkout for 15% off on Savvy Touch Products.Merch available at www.crewapparelprint.com.auLike. Subscribe. Tell your mates.YOU'RE NEVER ALONE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commander Loftus Jones was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his supreme courage when horrifically injured 110 years ago, at the end of May 1916, which will be commemorated again this year. Local historian Bill Gosney tells Mike Waddington about the story and the plaque outside St Peter's in the Square.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran's top joint military command has accused the US of violating their two-week ceasefire by firing at an Iranian commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman.US President Donald Trump claims the Iranian-flagged ship ignored warnings from the U-S Navy.A US navy destroyer opened fire on the vessel that was reportedly travelling from China to Iran hitting the engine room of the cargo ship before American marines boarded it and took control.Tehran says it's an act of 'armed piracy' and its forces have attacked some U-S military ships with drones, in response.A gunman in the US state of Louisiana has killed eight children, including seven of his own.It's one of America's deadliest mass shootings in more than two years.Authorities have identified him as Shamar Elkins, he was shot and killed by police.He also wounded two women, who are in a critical condition.and former SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has been seen reporting to police for the first time since he was released on bail after being charged with the war crime of murder.The Victoria Cross recipient has been charged with five counts of the offence, with the alleged incidents said to have occurred in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.Roberts-Smith is yet to enter a plea but has said he intends to use his criminal trial to clear his name.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

War veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has issued his first statement since his bail release from a Sydney jail, vowing to fight five charges of the war crime of murder and clear his name.The Albanese Government has expressed its disappointment that the Strait of Hormuz is once again closed, marking a setback in efforts to get the crucial oil shipping passage back to normal. A comic convention in Melbourne has held a minute's silence for an attendee who died after being struck by a car.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Eighty-five years ago, 14,000 Australian soldiers were surrounded in a dusty Libyan port by Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps. They were outnumbered, outgunned and cut off from the world. Nazi propaganda called them rats caught in a trap. They took the name and made it their own.In this episode, Mat McLachlan tells the story of the Siege of Tobruk — 242 days that proved the German blitzkrieg could be stopped. Through the voices of the men who were there, we go inside the perimeter: the terror of a first night patrol, the nine-inch trenches of the Salient, the flies in the stew, the dust that turned sleeping men into waxed mummies, and the destroyers that slipped in through the darkness to keep them alive."Anybody that wasn't frightened was either a liar or a fool. We were all frightened, naturally. But we had a job to do and we did it." — Harley Brooks, 2/12th BattalionFrom Corporal Jack Edmondson's Victoria Cross action on Easter Sunday to the bond between a mother and her fallen son, from General Morshead's red hat to Bob Semple — the last Rat of Tobruk, who died in 2024 aged 102 — this is the story of ordinary men who refused to be beaten.And when it was over, the men who had conquered Europe had not conquered them.Episode Length: 27 minutesFeatures: First-person accounts from the AWM Keith Murdoch Sound Archive including Eric Brough MM (2/24th Battalion), Harley Brooks (2/12th Battalion), Max Thow (2/12th Battalion), Owen Curtis (2/12th Battalion), Alf Miller (2/4th Australian General Hospital), Jack Hawkes (2/28th Battalion) and General Sir Thomas Daly (18th Brigade HQ).Presenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiSail through history with Mat McLachlan! Join a 2027 history cruise: https://battlefields.com.au/history-cruises-2027Find out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanFor more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MatMcLachlanHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on WilmsFront Snapshot News show Anthony Albanese makes a non-binding fuel supply deal with Singapore. The US and Iran reach no deal in ending the war, while Donald Trump's next move is to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. The arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith on five counts of war crimes charges at Sydney airport has polarised Australia. He is Australia’s most decorated living soldier receiving the Victoria Cross for his bravery in the War in Afghanistan. Contact:Email: me@timwilms.comMessage: https://t.me/timwilms Wilms Front Links:Twitter: https://twitter.com/wilmsfrontFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/timwilmsfrontGab: https://gab.com/timwilmsTelegram: https://t.me/wilmsfrontMinds: https://www.minds.com/timwilms Support the Show:Membership: http://www.theunshackled.net/membershipDonate: https://www.theunshackled.net/donate/Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/TheUnshackled The Unshackled Links:Website: https://www.theunshackled.netSubstack: https://theunshackled.substack.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TUnshackledTwitter: https://twitter.com/Un_shackledGab: https://gab.ai/theunshackledTelegram: https://t.me/theunshackledMinds: https://www.minds.com/The_UnshackledMeWe: https://mewe.com/p/theunshackled Music and Graphics by James Fox HigginsVoice Over by Morgan MunroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of the Unnatural Selection Podcast, we discuss:Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith charged with war crimes, taken into custody.Live: Iran says negotiations with US to continue into second day after marathon talks.Israel's mass killing has forced Donald Trump to think about Lebanon.Trump, Netanyahu and how war in Iran is reshaping US politics.The 25th Amendment Isn't Coming to Save Us.FULL SPEECH: Melania Trump declares "I am not Epstein's victim"What is the Einstein visa? And how did Melania Trump get one?Wolff: This Is What I Know About Melania Bombshell | Inside Trump's HeadAuthor Michael Wolff Pounces Before Melania Trump Can SLAPP HimUnnatural Selection is a deeply unqualified Australian and American political comedy podcast. Hosted by Jorge Tsipos, Adam Direen, and Tom Heath, the show attempts to make sense of the weekly news cycle through a highly unserious lens.Find more episodes and links at www.UnnaturalShow.com.Disclaimer: Unnatural Selection is a comedy podcast. The political commentary, news analysis, and general banter are for comedic purposes and should absolutely not be taken seriously.#auspol #uspol #politicalcomedy #australianpolitics #uspolitics #newsandpolitics #comedypodcastTwitter:@JorgeTsipos@UnnaturalShowInstagram:@JorgeTsipos@UnnaturalShowThreads:@tom.heath@JorgeTsipos@UnnaturalShow

Tom is joined by Mehreen Faruqi, federal senator for NSW and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens. Can the ‘ceasefire’ in the war on Iran be trusted? And why won’t Australia call out war crimes? (4:36) On that note, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested charged with five counts of the war crime of murder! But is he now commander of the culture war? (32:34) Finally, what is the new national anti-racism framework that Australian Human Rights Commission is proposing? How can we fight against Hanson and One Nation’s racism? (48:23) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "AI Professor Toby Walsh explains data centres" The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only full episode, and unlock our complete library of over NINETY past bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU ---------- Links -Follow Mehreen - https://greens.org.au/nsw/person/mehreen-faruqi https://www.instagram.com/mehreenfaruqi/ Comedy in the West - Saturday May 16th at Kindred Studios https://contact-vic.greens.org.au/civicrm/event/register?id=24041 Meanjin/Brisbane we’re doing another Serious Danger LIVE!!!! With guest Max Chandler-Mather Saturday May 9th at 2pm at GoodChat Comedy ClubOn sale now -https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1985493899702Tom on tour! Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle & Brisbane -https://comedy.com.au/tour/tom-ballard Theme by Kye HughesProduced by Michael Griffin https://www.instagram.com/mikeskillz Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerauSupport the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we travel to Vimy Ridge and discover how the Canadian Divisions came together to storm the German defences on Easter Monday 1917. We talk to Canadian historian Samantha McCrae and she explains how a Canadian soldier was awarded the Victoria Cross for his brave actions, but was killed in the process. And how a medic gave his life treating the wounded. We also discover how the Canadians planned and executed the attack and why tunnels, a model of the battlefield, heavy artillery and even the weather played a part in their incredible success. What does this battle mean to Canadians today? We find out.

O Ben Roberts-Smith ua 47 tausaga lona matua, o se fitafita na tau'a'aoina iai le fa'ailoga taualoa le Victoria Cross, ma e 5 moliaga o loo molia ai, o moliaga o soligātulafono o taua poo war crimes.

Cựu quân nhân Ben Roberts-Smith - người từng được trao Huân chương Victoria Cross - bị truy tố với 5 tội danh giết người trong chiến tranh, sau khi bị bắt tại phi trường Sydney vào sáng thứ Ba. Người đàn ông 47 tuổi bị bắt giữ sau khi đáp chuyến bay từ Brisbane.

As a Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith is one of Australia's most decorated soldiers.Now, he's been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder. It comes after he lost a landmark defamation trial in which a judge found that on the balance of probabilities, allegations the former special forces soldier was responsible for, or complicit in the deaths of four detainees in Afghanistan were substantially true. Today, international law expert Don Rothwell on the charges, which if proven, could see Ben Roberts-Smith jailed for life.Featured: Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the Australian National University's College of Law

Australia's most decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has been arrested at Sydney airport in relation to alleged war crimes. He was subsequently charged, and was due to appear in bail court on Wednesday. He was to spend Tuesday night in a cell. He has denied any wrongdoing. Guardian Australia senior reporter Ben Doherty speaks to Nour Haydar about the charges facing the Victoria Cross recipient, what we know about the arrest and what could happen next

A Victoria Cross recipient who has always denied being a war criminal has been arrested over five alleged war crimes murders, including two he’s accused of committing himself. Today - the case against Ben Roberts-Smith, and how he will defend himself. Read more: Roberts-Smith faces life in prison if convicted War crimes prosecutors will face challenges convicting Ben Roberts-Smith Hanson: I won’t abandon BRSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the spring of 1918, Germany launched its greatest offensive of the war. The British Fifth Army collapsed under the weight of it. And somewhere in the chaos of that retreat, on a railway embankment west of a small French village called Dernancourt, four thousand Australians were told to hold the line against twenty-five thousand Germans.In this episode, Mat McLachlan tells the story of the Battles of Dernancourt, the 28th of March and the 5th of April, 1918, officially the strongest attacks faced by Australian troops in the entire war. Almost no one has heard of them.Through the words of the men who were there, we follow the desperate defence of the railway embankment that linked two vital French towns. We meet Sergeant Stan McDougall, a Tasmanian blacksmith who single-handedly repelled a German breakthrough, burning his hands on the barrel of a Lewis gun before picking up a bayonet and charging — earning the Victoria Cross and then, eight days later at the same spot, the Military Medal. We hear Lieutenant George Mitchell's devastating account of watching his comrades retreat down a bullet-swept slope, tears running down his face. We read the letter of a German soldier, intercepted by Australian intelligence, describing the enemy opposite as men who "glide about in the night like cats." And we discover the story of two wooden crosses, found months after the battle, where German soldiers had buried Australian dead and written above them: "Here lies a brave English warrior."Why is Villers-Bretonneux remembered while Dernancourt is forgotten? How did a handful of under-strength Australian battalions hold off multiple German divisions in the heaviest attack Australian forces ever faced? And what happened to the men of the 47th Battalion — who fought so hard at Dernancourt, only to be told two months later that their battalion no longer existed?A powerful and long-overdue tribute to the Australians who held the line at Dernancourt. In a battle their country forgot."The battle of Dernancourt will live long in the annals of military history as an example of dogged and successful defence." — General Sir John MonashEpisode Length: 30 minutesFeatures: First-person accounts from Lieutenant George Mitchell (Backs to the Wall), Private Ted Lynch (Somme Mud), Private Edmund Liddell, and Private James O'Rourke; the Victoria Cross and Military Medal citations of Sergeant Stanley McDougall; a captured German letter; and the remarkable story of the Dernancourt Cross, held today in the Australian War Memorial.Presenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiSail through history with Mat McLachlan! Join a 2027 history cruise: https://battlefields.com.au/history-cruises-2027Find out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanFor more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MatMcLachlanHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ajahn Dhammasiha praises participants of our One Day Meditation Retreat for their commitment to virtue and unshakable ethical principles. By committing ourselves, without any if or when, to non-violence; to commit ourselves to abstain in all possible circumstance from any act of killing, we're making a powerful statement against war, and remove ourselves from any participation in war and violence. By developing bhāvanā to weaken and ultimately abandon greed, hatred and delusion, we work on removing the deep causes of any forms of war and violence. Ajahn shares several stories of persons who decided not to kill/not to shoot in very challenging situations, some of them possibly even saving the world from global nuclear war through their courageous decisions. These heros of not-killing and non-violence are unfortunately much less famous and much less appreciated than "heros" who receive the Victoria Cross and similar medals of "bravery" for killing. Often their steadfastness in obeying their conscience goes completely unnoticed, or worse, it may even lead to them being denigrated and attacked. Similar for those who dare to state the truth in challenging circumstances. Stating a simple truth, though it is disagreeable to those in power, can be a truly heroic act with far-reaching consequences. It may break the spell of false narratives and propaganda, and be of great long term benefit to many beings, even though the truth tellers may be attacked, or may even end up sacrificing their life for their act of truthfulness. Dhammagiri Forest Hermitage:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/news⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our email Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.dhammagiri.net/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Latest Photos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://latest-pics.dhammagiri.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Youtube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@dhammatalksatdhammagiri8724#nonviolence #precepts #notkilling #commitment #ethics #buddhism #compassion

Just when you thought we were done with the epic defamation trial brought by Australia’s most decorated living soldier, there’s one more twist: a secret payment by Nine Entertainment to a witness who claimed Ben Roberts-Smith violently attacked her - and then turned on Nine’s star reporter. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In November 1916, when the great Somme offensive ground to its bloody halt, over 20,000 Australians would become casualties not from enemy fire, but from the winter itself.In this powerful episode, Mat McLachlan reveals the forgotten story of the Somme winter of 1916-17—an ordeal that historian Bill Gammage called "the worst experience the AIF ever endured." Through authentic accounts and personal testimonies, we follow Charles Bean through the devastated moonscape near Gueudecourt on Christmas Day, where the mud was so terrible he couldn't bring himself to wish the men a Merry Christmas; Private Albert Edwards enduring his first 56 hours in two feet of water on an empty stomach; and Private Herbert Harris, recording that most of his mates hadn't had dry feet for a month and some didn't even have socks.From the trench foot epidemic that claimed ninety percent of the 27th Battalion to the frozen nights when tea froze solid before reaching the front lines, from Captain Harry Murray's Victoria Cross action at Stormy Trench to the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, these men faced the most severe winter in northern France in thirty-six years.Why did more men become casualties from frostbite than from some battles? How did soldiers survive weeks in waterlogged trenches that sprouted grass from their sandbag walls? What kept them going through months of suffering designed to break them? Mat explores these questions through the actual words of the men who were there.A sobering testament to the Australians who held the line through the Somme's frozen hell—and a reminder that some victories come not from charging, but from simply refusing to break."We live in a world of Somme mud. We sleep in it, work in it, fight in it, wade in it and many of us die in it. We see it, feel it, eat it and curse it, but we can't escape it, not even by dying." - Private Ted Lynch, 45th BattalionEpisode Length: 28 minutesFeatures: Excerpts from Charles Bean's war diaries, Herbert Harris's diary entries, Albert Edwards's personal accounts, and on-location insights from the Somme battlefieldsPresenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess StebnickiReady to walk in the footsteps of those who endured the Somme? Join Mat McLachlan on an exclusive river cruise that visits the battlefields of Waterloo, WWI and WW2 in 2027: https://battlefields.com.au/history-cruises/Find out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanFor more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MatMcLachlanHistory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discover the incredible story of Cecil Lewis, who lived a charmed and eventful life. We learn, through his own words, what it was like to take part in a dogfight with the Red Baron above the battlefields, and he describes how the Lochnagar and Y Sap mines were blown on the Somme battlefield, from his vantage point in the sky. He talks about the loss of good friends, including a Victoria Cross recipient, and how the airmen relaxed when out of the air. We then look into his eventful post war life, and how he helped create the BBC. And much more too.

On today's Military Roundtable we discuss the fact it has been 80 years since the last Victoria Cross was awarded to a Canadian and the initiative being put forth to change that, drone warfare and some stories from their time overseas. Chuck Prodonick spent 20+ years in the Canadian military. He is a retired sergeant who served as a member of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and served in 4 tours overseas. Jim Sinclair served 33 years in the Canadian Military. He's a retired corporal, former member of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and served in 4 tours overseas.Willy MacDonald served 25 years in the Canadian Military, retired Master Warrant Officer, former member of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and served in 6 tours overseas.Tickets to Cornerstone Forum 26': https://www.showpass.com/cornerstone26/Tickets to the Mashspiel:https://www.showpass.com/mashspiel/Silver Gold Bull Links:Website: https://silvergoldbull.ca/Email: SNP@silvergoldbull.comText Grahame: (587) 441-9100Bow Valley Credit UnionBitcoin: www.bowvalleycu.com/en/personal/investing-wealth/bitcoin-gatewayEmail: welcome@BowValleycu.com Prophet River Links:Website: store.prophetriver.com/Email: SNP@prophetriver.comUse the code “SNP” on all ordersGet your voice heard: Text Shaun 587-217-8500

In this episode, we unpack the meaning and origins of the term Downland, and explore how this distinctive landscape helps us better understand the geography and terrain of the First World War.We take a closer look at the Lewis Machine Gun, examining how it worked, how a Lewis Gun section operated in battle, and its role on the Western Front.We also consider the influence of the Franco-Prussian War on both the military thinking and physical landscape of WW1, before turning to the decorations and medals awarded to British and Commonwealth soldiers, explaining how they differed and what they reveal about service and recognition in the Great War.A wide-ranging episode connecting landscape, weaponry, military history, and remembrance across the First World War.The Vickers Machine Gun Association: The Lewis Gun on the Western Front 1916-18.Main image: German offensive on the Lys. A Lewis Gun-post in Marquois, 13 April 1918. (IWM Q6528)Sign up for the free podcast newsletter here: Old Front Line Bulletin.You can order Old Front Line Merch via The Old Front Line Shop.Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.Send us a textSupport the show

Resilience in the Face of Adversity Why do some people overcome extreme trauma while others struggle with seemingly minor challenges? In this thought-provoking episode, Glenn explores this fascinating question without judgment or comparison. Through powerful examples of resilience—from UFC fighter Mark Hunt surviving horrific childhood abuse to Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson overcoming his mother's murder—Glenn examines what allows certain individuals to transform their deepest pain into remarkable strength. This episode delves into the stories of extraordinary people who refused to be defined by their trauma. From Grace Tame confronting her abuser to Damian Tomlinson rebuilding his life after losing both legs in Afghanistan, these accounts provide perspective without diminishing anyone else's struggles. Glenn emphasizes that while trauma is real for everyone, moving forward is always possible—even if incredibly difficult. Timestamps and Key Takeaways:**0:00-3:30** - Introduction to the concept of resilience and why some handle adversity better than others**3:30-8:45** - Examples of resilient individuals including Mark Hunt, Mark Donaldson, and Grace Tame**8:45-13:20** - Personal stories of trauma and recovery, including Glen's partner's experiences**13:20-25:00** - Anthony Griffith's powerful story of performing comedy while his daughter battled cancer**25:00-27:30** - Final thoughts on human capacity for resilience and moving forward Whether you're facing your own challenges or supporting someone through theirs, this episode offers a powerful reminder of human resilience. Listen to gain perspective on how we can all find strength to move forward, even in our darkest moments. As Glenn says, "Whatever you are going through, you have the capacity to get through it." The Building Better Humans Project is brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS. Visit www.adventureprofessionals.com.auADVENTURE WITH GLENN ONLINE MINDSET PROGRAMS 1-ON-1 MENTORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 12th, 1917, Captain Clarence Jeffries led one hundred Australian troops toward a German machine gun position on the Passchendaele road. He'd already captured one pillbox that morning—exactly the kind of action that had worked brilliantly in September. But the ground had turned to liquid mud. The barrage was invisible. Everything was different. Jeffries was killed instantly, posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for capturing ground that would be abandoned the next day.The Battle of Passchendaele represents the tragic final chapter of Third Ypres. In this episode, Mat McLachlan examines how an offensive that had proven the Western Front stalemate could be broken descended into one of history's ultimate symbols of futility.From the 66th Division's twelve-hour march through mud to reach their start line, to the 3rd Australian Division's 400-yard advance at the cost of 3,199 casualties, to General Currie's precise prediction of 16,000 Canadian losses—we witness the attacks that should never have happened. But we also confront the uncomfortable question: if September's battles taught the lessons that helped win the war in 1918, what does that mean for October's dead?Why did Field Marshal Haig continue attacking when every commander knew the ground was impossible? How did the same tactics that succeeded at Broodseinde fail so catastrophically at Passchendaele? What makes this battle both a vindication of tactical innovation and a monument to strategic delusion?"I thought the principle was to be 'hit, hit, hit, whenever the weather is suitable.' If so, that principle is thrown away at the first temptation." - General Hubert Gough, October 8th, 1917Episode Length: 43 minutesFeatures: Captain Jeffries' Victoria Cross action, the sunk cost fallacy at GHQ, why Currie's prediction was exactly right, and the bitter irony of September's success drowning in October's mud.Series Conclusion: The final reckoning of Third Ypres—triumph and tragedy, lessons learned and lives lost.Presenter: Mat McLachlan Producer: Jess StebnickiReady to walk the battlefields? Join Mat's exclusive European tours: https://battlefields.com.au/Find everything Mat is doing at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlan For more history: https://www.LivingHistoryTV.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The John Oakley Show honours the sacrifices of Canadian and allied soldiers through a powerful look at the war in Afghanistan and its lasting impact. Shaun Maloney, professor of history at the Royal Military College and author of The Canadian Army in Afghanistan, shares his firsthand experience embedded with Canadian troops. He outlines how Canada's military helped defeat al-Qaeda, held back the Taliban, and paid a heavy price—only to see its role misunderstood, ignored, and even suppressed in official channels. Bruce Moncur, founding member of the Afghanistan Veterans Association of Canada, speaks candidly about the betrayal many veterans feel from Veterans Affairs, the trauma of being denied proper compensation, and his advocacy to award Canada's first Victoria Cross to fallen hero Private Jess LaRochelle. Elana Duffy, an American Iraq War veteran, describes living with the hidden wounds of war—traumatic brain injury and PTSD—and the long fight for diagnosis, recovery, and dignity. This episode is a sobering reminder of the cost of war and the continuing fight for recognition, justice, and remembrance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's podcast, I speak with Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RA Sigs) veteran Emma Donaldson. Emma served for 20 years, both full-time and as a reservist. Emma served in several units throughout Australia. Emma served at 152 Signal Squadron attached to the Special Air Service Regiment in Perth. Emma excelled in her role and would later meet her future husband while serving at 152 Squadron. Emma is a veteran/wife, Mother and the first I have interviewed talking about the role of wives and children back at home while their partners are deployed overseas. Emma met and is married to Mark Donalson VC. Mark served in the SASR and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action in combat in Afghanistan in 2008. Emma talks openly about the day she found out that Mark would be awarded the highest bravery award, the Victoria Cross. Emma talks about the good and the bad aspects of the Victoria Cross on families. Emma supported Mark through 7 tours of duty while balancing home life as a full-time Mum. Emma also talks about how important the support of the wives and partners is while their partners are deployed. Emma speaks about the loss of friends, her postnatal depression, and her miscarriage, the struggle that all veterans and first responders face when transitioning out of uniform. Emma also talks about rediscovering her identity and purpose as a civilian. Emma now works as a Veterans Liaison Officer for Legacy Club Services, advocating for veterans and their families. This is a raw and honest chat about the true cost of service as a veteran and life at home supporting your partner of a special forces operator and rediscovering yourself post-service. Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Emma Donaldson Editor: Kyle Watkins

Four 2nd Commando Regiment veterans share their memories of the Battle of Shah Wali Kot. Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. Fifteen years ago, over five days in June 2010, in southern Afghanistan, 150 Australian Commandos and SASR soldiers fought and won the Battle of Shah Wali Kot, our largest engagement since Vietnam. For the Commandos, it was one of the toughest fights of their lives. For the SASR, in terms of kill count, it was their greatest battle ever won. For their grit and professionalism, the Commandos received a battle honour. SASR Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, for his part in the battle, received our nation's highest military honour – the Victoria Cross – becoming an instant household name. This podcast features the recollections of Dean Parkinson, Gary Wilson, Pete Rudland and Scott Ryder, for the Commando side of this historic battle. Episodes referenced during the podcast include: #92 Dean Parkinson Vol II #100 Gary Wilson #152 Pete Rudland #153 Scott Ryder To see photos related to today's interview, visit our website - www.lifeonthelinepodcast.com - or follow us on social media: @lifeonthelinepodcast on Facebook and Instagram, @LOTLpod on Twitter and 'Thistle Productions' on LinkedIn.

Buy a shirt (proceeds to to Valour In The Presence of the Enemy): Learn about the story of Private Jess Larochelle's heroics and how he sniped Taliban with M72 rockets to keep his platoon alive in Afghanistan. Bruce Moncour explains why he believes Jess deserves the Victoria Cross and why he created the organization Valour In The Presence of The Enemy. Sign the petition: Thanks to our Sponsor ✅ Monitor Your C*ck Health - FirmTech Ring: (Code: DMORROW)

Day 1,328.Today, as we learn the Donald Trump administration has been sharing intelligence enabling Kyiv to strike at Russian energy facilities, we reflect on the likelihood that Tomahawk missiles are incoming, and the fallout from the US President not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Then we hear live from the country of Georgia, where protests continue and tensions remain high, before Francis ends with an appeal on a neglected subject: animals in war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Marika Mikia-shvili (Foreign affairs, Droa Party - Georgia). @Mikiashvili_M on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain's Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about the Dickin Medal - the animals' Victoria Cross:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal Trump gave specific intelligence to Ukraine for strikes on Russian energy (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/12/trump-shares-intelligence-ukraine-strike-russian-energy/ Putin: Trump's too good for the Nobel Peace Prize (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/10/donald-trump-loses-out-on-nobel-peace-prize-2025/ Melania Trump: I convinced Putin to send Ukrainian children home (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/10/melania-trump-putin-children-families/ Senate Passes Bipartisan $925 Billion Defense Policy Bill (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/us/senate-passes-bipartisan-925-billion-defense-policy-bill.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Please do head to our Pozible to buy Live Show tickets, A Listener hats, and support the 500th ep. Thank you. It means the world.Reverse Zoo, Digital Tapestry, Shark Tank with Magicians, Tongue Sojourn, Used Mattress Salesman, Victoria Cross, Getting Even with Chris, Make Old Signs OldCheck out Andy's beloved, Carly, in this comedy musical at the Melbourne FringeCheck out the sketch spreadsheet by Will Runt hereAnd visit the Think Tank Institute website:Check out our comics on instagram with Peader Thomas at Pants IllustratedOrder Gustav & Henri from Andy and Pete's very own online shopYou can support the pod by chipping in to our patreon here (thank you!)Join the other TITTT scholars on the TITTT discord server hereHey, why not listen to Al's meditation/comedy podcast ShusherDon't forget TITTT Merch is now available on Red Bubble. Head over here and grab yourselves some material objectsAlasdair Tremblay-Birchall: @alasdairtb and instaAnd you can find us on the Facebook right here(Oh, and we love you) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On September 20th, 1917, at the Battle of Menin Road, Private Roy Inwood lay in the mud east of Ypres. His brother had died at Pozières the year before. In three hours, Roy would earn the Victoria Cross. The day after, he'd be dead.Nearby, three brothers from Petersham waited with their unit. By nightfall, their mother would have lost all three sons.After weeks of catastrophic failures under General Gough, Field Marshal Haig transferred command to General Herbert Plumer. In this episode, Mat McLachlan reveals how Plumer's methodical genius transformed the offensive: three weeks of preparation, limited objectives, overwhelming firepower—one gun for every five yards of front—and revolutionary tactics that reversed traditional doctrine.From predawn assembly through torrential mist to the devastating creeping barrage, we follow the 1st and 2nd Australian Divisions executing what Charles Bean called "probably their zenith"—the most perfectly coordinated attack of the war.Why did German counter-attacks fail so catastrophically? How did Plumer's "bite and hold" change tactical doctrine? What drove Roy Inwood to advance alone through his own barrage—twice?"Nothing I have heard in this world or can in the next could possibly approach its equal." - Australian soldier describing the barrageEpisode Length: 42 minutesFeatures: Frank Hurley's battlefield diary, German assessments of defensive collapse, and the Seabrook brothers' final day.Next Episode: Polygon Wood—the high point of the offensive.Presenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiReady to walk the battlefields? Join Mat's exclusive European tours: https://battlefields.com.au/Find everything Mat is doing at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanFor more history: https://www.LivingHistoryTV.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the world watched Iwo Jima and Okinawa, over 70,000 Australian soldiers were fighting and dying in what many would later call the 'unnecessary wars' - the final campaigns in Bougainville, New Guinea and Borneo.In this powerful episode, Mat McLachlan tells the forgotten story of Australia's last battles of World War Two. From November 1944 to August 1945, Australian forces fought through some of the war's most grueling conditions, losing over 2000 men in campaigns that history has largely overlooked.Through authentic accounts from the soldiers who were there - including seven Victoria Cross recipients - we experience the mud, monsoons and malaria of jungle warfare. We meet young men like 20-year-old Frank Partridge, who became the war's youngest Australian VC recipient, and veterans like George Palmer, who carried the memory of a Japanese soldier he killed for the rest of his life.Were these campaigns strategically necessary, or were they, as critics claimed, a waste of Australian lives for political purposes? Mat explores the controversy while never losing sight of the human story - of ordinary Australians who did extraordinary things when their mates needed them most.A moving tribute to the men who fought on after the world had stopped watching."We weren't soldiers, we were heavily-armed civilians... for the most part, we were just ordinary people." - Les Cook, veteranEpisode Length: 21 minutesFeatures: Original veteran testimonies, detailed battle accounts and expert historical analysisPresenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiReady to walk in the footsteps of heroes? Join Mat McLachlan on an exclusive river cruise that visits the battlefields of Waterloo, WWI and WW2 in 2027: https://battlefields.com.au/pre-register-for-2027-battlefield-river-cruises/Find out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanFor more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/LivingHistoryTV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a text however note we cannot reply through these means. Please message the instagram or email if you are wanting a response. On today's Zero Limits Podcast host Matty Morris chats with Hamish Maclachlan New Zealand SAS and Australian SASRHamish enlisted into the NZ defence force in 1997 as an infantry soldier posting to 2/1 RNZIR. Hamish deployed twice to East Timor as an infantry soldier. During this deployment in Timor he encountered the NZ SAS which led to him attempting and completing SAS selection and training cycle and was badged in 2003. In 2004 he deployed to Afghanistan and during this rotation he was there on the day and witnessed when Willie Apiata VC displayed acts of gallantry which led to be long awarded the Victoria Cross.After a joint training exercise with the Australian SASR Hamish decided in 2008  transferred across to the Australian SASR and deploying on multiple Afghanistan combat rotations fighting the insurgency. During one rotation he was part of the famous battles in Gizab and Tizak both very successful SASR operations. Whilst in Tizak Hamish again witnessed actions by Ben Roberts Smith that led to being awarded the Victoria Cross. www.3zeroscoffee.com.auInstargram @3zeroscoffee Discount Code 3ZLimits Website - www.zerolimitspodcast.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/zero.limits.podcast/?hl=enHost - Matty Morris www.instagram.com/matty.m.morrisSponsors Instagram - @gatorzaustralia www.gatorzaustralia.com15% Discount Code - ZERO15(former/current military & first responders 20% discount to order please email orders@gatorzaustralia.com.au Instagram - @getsome_au GetSome Jocko Fuel - www.getsome.com.au10 % Discount Code - ZEROLIMITS

For our 250th episode of the podcast, and as part of our continuing Air War series, we are joined by aviation historian and author Andy Saunders to look at the life, and death, of Edward 'Mick' Mannock VC DSO & Two Bars, MC & Bar and the search for his potential burial place on the Western Front. Is the grave of an Unknown Aviator at Laventie British Cemetery Mick Mannock's final resting place?Andy's book: Mannock: The Life and Death of Major Edward Mannock VC, DSO, MC, RAF by Frank, Norman and Saunders, Andy. (Grub Street 2008)Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.We now have a shop for Old Front Line Merch: Old Front Line shop.Send us a textSupport the show

Episode 3062 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Private Richard Norden, a courageous Australian soldier who served in the Vietnam War, has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia — the nation's highest military … Continue reading →

In this episode, I'm joined by bestselling author Damien Lewis to talk about one of the remarkable men featured in his new book SAS Great Escapes Four — Archie Gibson. Archie served with the Long Range Desert Group and worked closely with the SAS during some of their earliest and most daring operations. His wartime journey took him from the harsh deserts of North Africa to the rugged terrain of Yugoslavia, where he operated alongside local resistance fighters behind enemy lines. We also delve into the ongoing campaign to award SAS legend Paddy Mayne a posthumous Victoria Cross, recognition he was controversially denied during the war.   patreon.com/ww2podcast