British Army 1914-18: Recent Episodes
Andrew
Author and historian Andrew Rawson talks about all aspects of the British Army during the Great War. Including how it was organised, army life, its tactics, the weapons and its campaigns.
This is the brief history of the 74th (Yeomanry) Division, a wartime division formed from dismounted Yeomanry units. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it assembled in Palestine in March 1917, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 66th (2/1st East Lancashire) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it reassembled overseas in March 1917, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 63rd (Naval) Division, a division mobilised from Naval ratings on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it was engaged overseas in the autumn of 1914, through its campaigns in Egypt, Gallipoli, France and Flanders, through to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 62nd (2nd West Riding) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it went overseas in January 1917, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it went overseas in May 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 60th (2/2nd London) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it went overseas in February 1917, through its campaigns in France, Egypt and Palestine to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 59th (2nd North Midland) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in April 1916, through its campaigns in Ireland, France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 57th (2nd West Lancashire) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it reassembled overseas in February 1917, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 58th (2/1st London) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it reassembled overseas in February 1917, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 56th (1st London) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it reassembled overseas in February 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from when it reassembled overseas in January 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders to the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 54th (East Anglian) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas to Gallipoli in August 1915, through its campaigns in Egypt and Palestine.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 38th Division, a new division formed in December 1914. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in December 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 53rd (Welsh) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas to Gallipoli in August 1915, through its campaigns in Egypt and Palestine.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 51st (Highland) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in May 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 52nd (Lowland) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas to Gallipoli in May 1915, through its campaigns in Palestine and France.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 50th (Northumbrian) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in April 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 49th (West Riding) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in April 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 37th Division, a new division formed in March 1915. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in July 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 47th (1st/2nd London) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in February 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 48th (South Midland) Division, , a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in March 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, before ending the war on the Italian Front.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 46th (North Midland) Division, a peacetime Territorial division which mobilised on the outbreak of war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in February 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 36th (Ulster) Division, a new division formed in Ireland. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in October 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 43rd, 44th and 45th Divisions, all Territorial Army divisions mobilised at the beginning of the war. All three deployed to India and Burma, where they replaced Regular Army units which headed to England to join new Regular divisions.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 35th Division, a new division formed with shorter than average men, nicknamed 'Bantams'. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in January 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 34th Division, a new division formed from Pals battalions raised across the north of England and Edinburgh. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in January 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 33rd Division, a new division formed from Pals battalions raised across London. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in December 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 32nd Division, a new division formed from Pals battalions raised across England. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in January 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 31st Division, a new division formed from Pals battalions raised across North East England. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in December 1915, through its campaigns in Egypt, France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 30th Division, a new division formed from Pals battalion raised around Liverpool and Manchester. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in January 1916, through its campaigns in France and Flanders , until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 20th Division, a new division formed from Regular units taken from overseas garrisons. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in March 1915, through its campaigns in Gallipoli, France and Flanders , until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 28th Division, a new division formed from Regular units taken from overseas garrisons. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in January 1915, through its campaigns in Flanders and Salonika, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 27th Division, a new division formed from Regular units taken from overseas garrisons. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in January 1915, through its campaigns in Flanders and Salonika, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 26th Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in September 1915, through its campaigns in Salonika, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 25th Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in September 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 24th Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in September 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 22nd Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in September 1915, through its brief stay in France and its campaigns in Salonika, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 23rd Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in September 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until it ended its war on the Italian Front.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 20th (Light) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in July 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 21st Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in September 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 19th (Western) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in July 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 18th (Eastern) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment overseas in July 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 17th (Irish) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment in July 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 16th (Irish) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment in December 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 15th (Scottish) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment in May 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 14th (Light) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment in May 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 13th (Western) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment to Gallipoli in July 1915, through its campaigns in Egypt and Mesopotamia, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 12th (Eastern) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment in May 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 11th (Irish) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment to Gallipoli in August 1915, through its campaigns in France and Flanders, until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 10th (Irish) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements from its deployment to Gallipoli in August 1915, through its campaigns in Salonika and Palestine until the end of the war.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 9th (Scottish) Division, a new division formed from Kitchener's volunteers at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to Flanders in May 1915 through to the Armistice, on 11 November 1918.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 8th Division, a new division formed out of Regular Army units at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to Flanders in the winter of 1914 through to the Armistice, on 11 November 1918.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is the brief history of the 7th Division, a new division formed out of Regular Army units at the beginning of the war. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to Flanders in the autumn of 1914 through to the Armistice, on 11 November 1918.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the 6th Division, a Regular Army Division. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to France in August 1914 through to the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the 5th Division, a Regular Army Division. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to France in August 1914 through to the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the 4th Division, a Regular Army Division. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to France in August 1914 through to the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the 3rd Division, a Regular Army Division. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to France in August 1914 through to the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the Guards Division. It follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front. between the summer of 1915 and the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the 2nd Division, a Regular Army Division. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to France in August 1914 through to the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
This is a brief history of the 1st Division, a Regular Army Division. The podcast follows its movements and engagements along the Western Front from its deployment to France in August 1914 through to the Armistice.
I recommend using the Long Long Trail website by Chris Baker, if you need to find out which division your chosen unit or soldier served with.
Here I explain the next project of 'British Army 1914-18' podcasts; the Divisional Histories. I talk about my background in this area and then explain what each short history will contain. I follow its route from formation, into the Theatres of war, and where it served in the front line.
In this episode, I discuss Fifth Army's advance during the final weeks of the war. I then look at how the Armistice came into effect on 11 November 1918 and how the news was received.
In this episode, I look at how Fourth Army broke through the Hindenburg Line. I then discuss the advance across the Selle stream and the Sambre Canal.
This time, I look at how two small books got me involved in military history. The I talk about the long journey my interest has taken me to various battlefields and archives over the past 40 years.
In this episode, I look at Third Army's advance from the Hindenburg Line to the city of Maubeuge, during the final weeks of the war.
In this episode, I talk about First Army's advance from the Canal du Nord to Mons, during the final weeks of the war.
In this episode, I look at Second Army's final advance from the Ypres Salient to the River Dendre.
In this episode, I look at secrecy and deception. I explain how the BEF hid what it was trying to do and how it tried to convince the Germans it was planning something else.
In this episode, I look at how the Advance to Victory expanded in late August 1918. We see how First Army attacked east of Arras and how Third Army advanced across the north part of the Somme.
In this episode, I look at several small attacks which took place in June and July 1918. I then talk about the Allied counter-offensive on the Marne in July 1818 before discussing the attack east of Amiens, which began on 8 August 1918.
This time, I look at the learning process the BEF underwent during the Somme campaign in 1916. I look at the problems encountered between 2 July and 18 November and solutions tried.
In this episode, I look at the third German offensive in the spring of 1918, the attack on the Aisne. We see how tired British divisions were driven back across the River Aisne, towards the River Marne.
In this episode, I look at the continuing Battle of the Lys in April 1918. We see how the Allies shored up the line while the Germans tried to reach Hazebrouck. We see how they captured Mont Kemmel before the battle ended. Finally, I talk about the battle of Villers Bretonneux on 24 and 25 April 1918.
In this episode, I look at the planning for Operation Georgette, the German offensive on the Lys. I then talk about the first three days of the battle; the 9th, 10th and 11th April 1918.
In this episode, I look at the final days of the German offensive on the Somme in the spring of 1918. The podcast starts on 26 March, the day that Field Marshal Ferdinand Foch took command of all Allied Forces on the Western Front. We then see how the Germans lost the initiative, as their advance came to halt in front of Amiens on 5 April.
In this episode, I talk about the three desperate days of fighting on the Somme; 23rd, 24th and 25th March 1918. We see how Third Army and Fifth Army had to fight and withdraw on each day, to avoid destruction.
In this episode, I look at the planning for Operation Michael, the German offensive on the Somme, in the spring of 1918. I talk about the first two days of the battle, 21 and 22 March 1918, looking at the different experiences of Third Army and Fifth Army.
In this episode, I look at three different topics. Firstly, the development of mapping and map referencing. Secondly, the auxiliary services, both the religious and medical types. Thirdly, I look at how the First World War ended and the legacy it has left behind.
Something different. I talk about how ex-soldiers became involved in gang warfare across Sheffield, after the Great War. We shall see why the city became known as Little Chicago and how the police responded to the increasing public disorder. I also talk about what happened when the violence got out of hand.
In this episode, I look at the planning for the tank attack near the town of Cambrai. I then explain how the battle unfolded on 20 November 1917.
In this episode, I look at how the initial breakthrough made by tanks near Cambrai stalled around Bourlon Wood. Then we see how the Germans counterattacked, threatening to cut off the British salient.
In this episode, I look at the three offensives which raised hopes that a breakthrough could be made from the Ypres Salient in September 1917. Then we see how bad weather turned the battlefield into a quagmire in October, ending the campaign on the Passchendaele Ridge.
In this episode, I talk about the battle of Messines which opened with a mine attack on 7 June 1917. Then I look at Operation Hush, a secret plan to land on the Flanders coast. Finally, I discuss the opening attack of the Third Ypres Offensive, which started on 31 July.
In this episode, I look at the final attack east of Arras, on 3 May 1917. Them I turn my attentions to the prolonged fighting which took place around the village of Bullecourt, to the south-east of the city.
In this episode, I look at the how the battle of the Scarpe continued across Vimy Ridge and east of Arras, between 10 and 14 April. Then I talk about the offensive was renewed on 23 and 28 April.
In this episode, I look at the planning behind the Battle of the Scarpe, which began on 9 April 1917. Then I discuss First Army's capture of Vimy Ridge and Third Army's advance east of Arras.
In this episode, I summarise the lessons learned and weapons introduced during the Somme campaign. Next I explain the difficulties posed in the trenches, due to the winter conditions. Then we hear how the Germans built a new, shorter, defensive line, and how the BEF advanced cautiously towards it in March and April 1917.
In this episode I look at the final six weeks of the Somme campaign. The autumn weather turned the ground into a muddy morass, while rain and sleet filled the trenches with water. So, I explain how the troops struggled on, despite the deteriorating conditions.
In this episode, I look at the background of the tank and the planning for the first tank attack which took place on the Somme on 15 September 1915. I then talk about the fighting that followed, including the next big attack on 25 September 1916.
In this podcast, I tell you where I am up to with the podcasts and what my plans are for the future. This includes recording divisional histories. I aim to bring all the podcasts together on a website, which is far easier to search. Then I shall look at doing YouTube videos, so I can illustrate the talks with maps and photographs.
This time I look at the fighting on the Somme, which took place in August and early September 1916. This includes the fighting for High Wood, Deville Wood and Leuze Wood.
In this episode, I look at what happened on the Somme, after the disaster of 1 July 1916. I talk about the series of attacks which preceded the next offensive against Bazentin Ridge on 14 July. The we see how more limited attacks were used to straighten the line.
In this episode, I look at the planning for the attack on the Somme on 1 July 1916. Covering the infantry and artillery preparations. I then look at what happened on that fateful day, working from north to south along Fourth Army's front.
In this episode, I look at the battle of Loos, which started with a gas attack on 25 September 1915. I then look at the fighting that followed around the village, culminating with the fighting for Hohenzollern Redoubt. I close with information about small engagements which took place between December 1915 and June 1916.
In this episode, I explain how the Infantry Division was organised when it went to war in August 1914. I then look at the changes made during the course of the war. I also look at the organisation of the Cavalry Division.
This podcast starts with the German gas attacks against the Ypres Salient, which started on 22 April 1915. Then I look at the attacks called Aubers Ridge and Festubert in May before looking at three smaller actions in June and July 1915; Givenchy, Bellewaarde and Hooge. I close by looking at how trench mapping had developed during the first six months of 1915.
In this episode, I look at how the Army Service Corps and the Army Ordnance Corps kept the BEF supplied with ammunition, food and equipment. I also talk about recycling before looking at the support services which I refer to as the '6 P's' - the post, pay, police, printing, prisons and padres.
In this episode, I look at Second Army's final advance across Flanders, which started on 28 September 1918. After clearing the muddy Ypres Salient and breaking the Flanders I and II Lines, the troops faced a series of rivers to cross before the Armistice.
In this episode, I talk about Fourth Army's advance to the Hindenburg Line between the end of August and the middle of September 1918.
I start this episode by looking at the BEF's first attempts at attacking, over the winter of 1914-15. I then look at the planning for the battle of Neuve Chapelle, which set the blueprint for later offensives. I finish with an account of the battle, which lasted from 10 March to the 13th.
In this episode, I look at the fierce fighting around the town of Ypres, in Flanders, which took place between mid-October and mid-November 1914. I then look at the fighting between Armentieres and Bethune, in northern France, during the same period.
In this episode, I explain how the Great War began in August 1914 before looking at how the British Expeditionary Force deployed to France. I go on to talk about the battles for Mons and Le Cateau before following the retreat to the Marne. I close with the advance to the Aisne, where trench warfare began.
In this episode, I look at the preparations made before an offensive. Then I look at how troops advanced, captured enemy positions and held objectives. I then look at how communications were made and how the arms improved cooperation during the war.
In this episode, I look at how warfare was conducted during the opening weeks of the war, when it was fought in the open. Then I look at the trenches, how they were laid out and what daily life was like in them, from the morning 'Stand To' to the night time raids.
In this episode, I talk about the organisation of the Royal Artillery from brigade level down to the gun crews. I then look at the specification of the field guns and howitzers and the types of ammunition they used. Finally, I take a look at how anti-aircraft defence developed.
This episode talks about the casualty clearing chain, explaining a wounded man's experiences as he recovers from his wound. It starts on the battlefield and moves through the dressing stations, casualty clearing stations, base hospitals and convalescent depots in France and Flanders. Then we see how the wounded were transported across the English Channel before they were sent to hospitals across Britain.
The episode also looks at how diseases and illnesses were controlled and how wounded horses were cared for.
In this episode, I discuss First Army’s advance to the Drocourt-Quéant Line and Third Army’s advance to the Hindenburg Line, at the end of August 1918.
In this episode, I explain what followed Fourth Army's breakthrough east of Amiens in August 1918. We see how First Army drew the German reserves north, opposite Arras. I also talk about how Third Army advanced across the River Ancre, around the town of Albert.
In this episode, I explain the three levels of military direction. I start by talking about the politicians based in London, how they were organised and how they directed military policy. Then I look at the General Headquarters (GHQ), which controlled operations on the Western Front across France and Flanders. Finally, I consider the role and organisation of the army and the corps.
In this episode, I look many aspects of the tank. I start by explaining the development of the tank. Then we see how they were organised before becoming the Tank Corps. Finally, I explain how tank tactics changed between September 1916 and November 1918.
In this episode, I look at the contribution of the Royal Engineers. I talk about the organisation of the engineers and how their work increased during trench warfare. I also explain the many types of work they carried out; from building and tunnelling, through to signalling and camouflage.
In this episode, I explain how Fourth Army followed up its success east of Amiens on 8 August, We see how General Rawlinson's troops struggled to fight their way across the Somme, through the wire and trenches of the 1916 battlefield
In this episode, I look at the organisation of the infantry and cavalry. I then talk about their weapons and equipment I finish by explaining what the different types of infantry battalions were.
This episode looks at how the Regular Army deployed overseas, followed by the Territorial Force. Then we see how the nation volunteered for war, in response to Kitchener's call to arms. I close with a study of the Derby Scheme and Conscription, which were brought in when enthusiasm for the ware waned.
In this episode, I look at the changes to the Army following the Boer War. We then see how Europe went to war in the summer of 1914. Finally, I look at how the Army recruited and trained men, and what a soldier's life was like during peacetime.
In this episode, I talk about the planning for the attack east of Amiens on 8 August 1918. We then see how Fourth Army advanced several miles, on a day which General Erich Ludendorff called a 'Black Day' for the German Army.
In this episode, I talk about three minor attacks by the BEF in June and July 1918, at Le Becque, Le Hamel and Meteren. We then see how the Germans launched their final offensive in the Champagne Region on 15 July. After just 72 hours the advance had stalled along the River Marne, and the French counter-attacked with British help on 18 July. I explain the British efforts against the shoulders of the salient, until the German front collapsed on 1 August.
In this episode, I talk about Operation Blucher-Yorck, the third of the German offensives in the spring of 1918. We see how three tired British divisions were overrun on 27 May. Then we see how reserves helped to stem the breakthrough over the days that followed.
In this episode, I look at the closing week of the battle of the Lys, in April 1918. We see how the German attacks subsided before one last effort captured Kemmel Hill on 25 April. Then I talk about the Australian attack at Villers Bretonneux, east of Amiens on the Somme, on 25 and 26 April 1918.
In this episode, we see how divisions march to the sound of guns, to save Second Army's line around Bailleul and First Army's line in front of Hazebrouck. For five desperate we shall see how the British and Australian troops fought for their lives to stop the Germans breaking through.
In this episode, I look at the second of the German offensives in the spring of 1918. We see how the Sixth German Army's Operation Georgette overran the Portuguese troops holding First Army's line astride the Lys plain. Then I explain how the Fourth German Army's Operation Flanders III overran Second Army's line on the Messines ridge. The episode ends on the 11 April, when Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig issued the famous 'Backs to the Wall' message.
In this episode, I look at the unsuccessful attempt to break the British line around Arras on 28 March, codenamed Operation Mars. The I discuss the closing stages of Operation Michael, between 29 March and 6 April, when the Germans tried in vain to get closer to Amiens.
In this episode, I explain why the German offensive across the Somme in March 1918 began to stall after a week of hard fighting. We see how Third Army's line stabilised between Arras and Albert. Meanwhile, the arrival of French reserves meant that Fifth Army would be saved in the nick of time.
In this episode, I look at Third Army's difficult retreat across the 1916 battlefield between 23 and 25 March, in an effort to break contact with the Germans. In doing so, General Byng's troops reached the old trenches between Arras and Albert, where they could make a stand while they waited for reinforcements.
In this episode, I discuss the desperate fighting Fifth Army was involved in during the German onslaught across the Somme Canal on 23, 24 and 25 March 1918. We see how time and again, General Gough's troops fought until the were in danger of being overrun, before they fell back, looking for a new defensive position. All the time hoping that French troops would help them hold their line.
In this episode, I discuss the German attacks against Fifth Army's line across the Somme on 21 and 22 March 1918. We see how the Germans penetrated General Gough's line before the reinforcements could arrive. Then we see how many men were forced to abandon good positions, as the line started to crumble, and found themselves falling back to the Somme and Crozat Canals.
In this episode, I talk about the German attacks against Third Army's line across the Somme on 21 and 22 March 1918. We see how General Byng's troops held on until the reinforcements arrived. Then we see how many men were forced to abandon good positions, as the line started to crumble, and found themselves falling back to a poor defensive line.
In this episode, I discuss why the Germans were able to assemble a huge number of troops on the Western Front. Then we see how the British Expeditionary Force tried to prepare for the onslaught, while having to reduce the size of its divisions, while taking over more trenches. I then talk about the barrage the German barrage used and the tactics the infantry used.
In this episode, I look at the German counterattack which struck Third Army, south-west of Cambrai. We see how it was soon stopped by British reinforcements. Then I explain how Third Army abandoned a large area of ground, to secure its line.
In this episode, we see how the advantages of the tank breakthrough on 20 November 1917 were negated by poor management, bad weather and German resistance. I describe the difficult fighting around Bourlon and its wood, Graincourt and Marcoing, as Third Army tried to get closer to Cambrai,
In this episode, I talk about the tank attack south-west of Cambrai on 20 November 1917. We see how the tanks smashed through the Hindenburg Line before struggling to clear Flesquières or cross the St Quentin Canal between Marcoing and Crèvecoeur.
In this episode, I look at the closing stages of the Third Ypres campaign. We see how the troops floundered in the mud, as the artillery struggled to hit its targets throughout the rain which plagued mid-October. Then I explain how the Canadian Corps fought its way onto the Passchendaele Ridge; but at tremendous cost in lives.
In this episode, I talk about the planning for the attack towards Cambrai on 20 November. I explain how the Tank Corps would break through the Hindenburg Line, supported by predicted fire from the artillery. I also discuss how the infantry supported the tanks, by clearing and consolidating the German trenches.
In this episode, I look at the planning for the start of the offensive east of Ypres, which started on 31 July 1917. We then see how the attack started well along most of the front before the German counter-attacks drove the British back from most of their gains.
In this episode, I start by looking at the small attacks in August 1917, which followed the opening day of the attack east of Ypres. Then we see how the British Expeditionary Force carried out three offensives in quick succession between 20 September and 4 October; repeatedly driving the Germans back towards the Passchendaele ridge.
In this episode, I talk about planning for an amphibious attack on the Flanders coast, called Operation Hush. Then I look at the planning for the attack on Messines ridge, south of Ypres. we see a large number of mines shattered the Germans before the advance began on 7 June 1917. The narrative covers the capture of the ridge and the fighting which followed over the week that followed.
This episode covers the fighting around Bullecourt village in April and May 1917. I also talk about the German attack around Lagnicourt.
In this episode, we see how a rushed offensive east of Arras on 3 May ended in disaster for Third Army. Then I talk about the small attacks which brought the campaign to an end.
In this episode, I talk about the continued attacks east of Arras made on the 23 and 28 April 1917.
In this episode, I look at the follow fighting to the attack against Vimy Ridge and east o Arras, made on 9 April. We see how the Germans abandoned the area in front of First Army while they fought hard to stop Third Army going any further.
In this episode, I look at the opening day of the Arras, or Artois campaign, which began on 9 April 1917. We see how the Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge, on First Army's front, north of Arras. Then I describe how Third Army advanced several miles across a broad front, east of the city.
In this episode, I describe the difficulties faced by the troops as they struggled to survive in the trenches, over the winter of 1916-17. The I look at the German plans to shorten their line, by withdrawing to a new defensive position many miles to the east. Finally, we see how the British Expeditionary Force followed up the withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line.
In this episode, I look at the planning for the attack against Vimy Ridge and east of Arras on 9 April. We see how First Army and Third Army used different barrages and how they deployed their infantry. I also talk about the huge amount of work that had to be done, so the logistics chain could function.
This episode was first broadcast as a webinar for the Western Front Association. I have edited the narrative to make it suitable for a podcast. I talk about the background to Sheffield's steel industry, illustrating how it was ideally placed to help the war effort. I then explain how it switched from domestic to military production and how the workforce expanded many times over. We also see how industry changed its attitude to the workforce, production and health and safety.
In this episode, I talk about the fighting which took place across the Somme at the end of September. The Reserve Army was engaged between Thiepval and Courcelette. Meanwhile, Fourth Army advanced towards Le Sars, Gueudecourt, Lesboeufs and Le Transloy.
In this episode, I look at the final attacks across Fourth Army's front on the Somme in November 1916. Then I look at the attack made by the newly named Fifth Army, astride the River Ancre, which started on 13 November.
In this episode, I discuss the final battles which took place on the Somme during October 1916, as the wet and misty autumn weather set in. I explain how the Reserve Army struggled to advance over the ridge between Thiepval and Courcelette, particularly around Regina Trench. We also see how Fourth Army floundered in the mud around the Butte du Warlencourt, Gueudecourt and LE Transloy.
In this episode, I look at the fighting across the Somme early in September 1916 as the during the struggle to secure a straight line for the promised tanks. Again this saw the Reserve Army fighting between Thiepval and Pozières. Meanwhile, Fourth Army's left flank was still trying to capture High Wood while its centre was trying get beyond Longueval and Delville Wood. Its right flank was still trying to take Guillemont and advance through and beyond Leuze Wood.
In this episode, I discuss the development of the tank. Then I look at its first battle on the 15 September 1916, on the Somme. We see the advantages and problems poised by adding this new weapon to the British Expeditionary Force's arsenal. I close by looking at the fragmented fighting which followed the tanks attack.
In this episode, I talk about the fighting on the Somme in late July 1916. I start with First Army's diversionary attack at Fromelles on 19 July. Then I look at the Reserve Army's advance through and beyond Pozières. Next we see how the Fourth Army struggled to clear High Wood, Longueval, Delville Wood and Guillemont, as it tried to straighten its line.
In this episode I talk about the relentless attacks which took place across the Somme in August 1916. I explain how the Reserve Army struggled to get close to Thiepval and beyond Pozières. Meanwhile, Fourth Army was still struggling around High Wood, Delville Wood, Ginchy and Guillemont. We also hear how news of a new weapon; the tank was broken to Generals Hubert Gough and Henry Rawlinson.
In this episode, I describe the uncoordinated attacks around Thiepval, Ovillers, La Boisselle, Contalmaison, Mametz Wood and Trônes Wood, in the first two weeks of July 1916. We then look at the night attack which captured Bazentin Ridge, early on 14 July. Next come the fighting for Pozières, High Wood, Longueval, Delville Wood and Guillemont.
In this episode, I look at the small engagements which took place between the battle of Loos ending in October 1915 and the Somme campaign starting at the beginning of July 1916.
So, I talk about the Germans using phosgene gas, north-east of Ypres, in December 1915 and the fighting around the Bluff, south of the town, in March 1916. Then we hear about the crater fighting at Hohenzollern Redoubt and St Eloi in March and April. Next come the German gas attacks at Hulluch and Wulverghem in April. Then I talk about the German attacks at the Kink, near Hulluch, and on Vimy Ridge in May. Finally, I discuss the fighting for Tor Top and Mount Sorrel, to the east of Ypres, in June 1916.
In this episode, I talk about the British Expeditionary Force's worst day in the Great War; 1 July 1916 on the Somme. I start by explaining how the artillery protected the infantry as they advanced. Then I move along the line, looking at the fate of each corps and division. I discuss the failures and successes and suggest why events turned out as they did.
In this episode, I look at the planning for the Somme offensive which began on 1 July 1916. I explain how the infantry were expected to advance deep into German territory, across the wide front. I then look at the preliminary bombardment, which eventually lasted for seven days. I also discuss the equipment each man had to carry into battle. The podcast closes with a look at what the Germans knew about the imminent offensive.
In this episode, I look at the attacks against the German Second Line east of Loos, on 26 and 27 September 1915. Then I talk about the confused trench fighting for Hohenzollern Redoubt, which continued until 13 October 1915.
In this episode, I discuss the planning for the British Expeditionary Force's first attack involving chlorine gas. I then look at the offensive, which began on 25 September 1915, dealing with each division in time.
The second and third days of the battle and the protracted fighting around Hohenzollern Redoubt are covered in a separate podcast.
In the this episode, I talk about three minor battles which took place in the summer of 1915. The first was the Second Action at Givenchy in June, followed by the attack at Bellewaarde, east of Ypres, in the same month. Then we look at the fighting around Hooge, also east of Ypres, where the Germans used flamethrowers for the first time.
In this episode, I look at the disastrous attack made in the direction of Aubers Ridge on 9 May 1915. Then I talk about the attack near Festubert, which started on 15 May 1915. The plan to rip a large hole in the German attack with a pincer attack faltered and it would take ten days to join up the two jaws of First Army.
In this episode, I start and end with the fighting for Hill 60, to the south-east of Ypres. However, most of the narrative covers the Second Battle of Ypres, which started with the first use of chlorine gas against the Ypres Salient on 22 April 1915. I then explain the frantic attempts to shore up the line, with hastily organised counter-attacks. The fighting eventually came to a close on 13 May.
In this episode, I discuss the attacks and raids which were made over the winter of 1914-15. Then I look at the start of tunnelling warfare around the La Bassée Canal. I conclude with a description of the planning for the battle of Neuve Chapelle, which started on 10 March 1915. An important battle which set the blueprint for offensives during trench warfare.
In this episode, I talk about the battle of Neuve Chapelle, which began on 10 March 1915. I look at how the British Expeditionary Force fared in its first trench warfare attack of the Great War. Then we see how communication and reinforcement problems brought the advance to a standstill, and how the Germans reacted to the breakthrough on their front.
In this episode, I look at the fighting which took place around Messines Ridge, Ploegsteert Wood, Aubers Ridge and the La Bassée Canal in October and November 1914. Although the main German attacks were aimed at Ypres, any breakthrough in these areas would have resulted in the evacuation of the Salient.
In this episode, I talk about the end of First Battle of Ypres, looking at the fighting over the first days of November. It culminates with the last big attack, which nearly broke the British Expeditionary Force's line on 11 November. I then summarise the BEF's precarious situation as the winter weather set in. It was short of men, guns and ammunition, as the survivors dug in and tried to protect themselves from the winter weather.
In this episode, I talk about the British Expeditionary Force's long march south to the River Marne at the end of August and into the first week of September 1914. Then we see how it turned around and headed north, in pursuit of the Germans, Then I explain how the advance ended on the north bank of the River Aisne. I close with a description of the early days of trench warfare on the Chemin des Dames, the ridge north of the river.
In this episode, I discuss the British Expeditionary Force's transfer from the Aisne to Flanders, in what was called the Race to the Sea. Then we see how it had to fight for its life around Ypres, with the German attacks becoming bigger every day. I conclude with the attack around Gheluvelt and Messines on 31 October. The November fighting is covered in another episode.
In this episode, I talk about the British Expeditionary Force's first two battles, at Mons and Le Cateau in August 1914. We also see how the soldiers learnt to fight against superior numbers before marching away, so they could fight another day.
Having come to the end of the podcasts on the workings of the British Army, it is time to look at its campaigns. In this podcast I explain the background behind the 55 podcasts planned for the campaign sector and how to get the best out of them. I then explain how each of the ten campaigns are divided into between four and ten short podcasts, which allows you to get the information you want as quickly as possible.
In this episode, I look at how the war came to an end on 11 November 1918 and the long demobilisation process that followed. After explaining the cost of the war, I talk about the British Legion and the post war clearance of the battlefields. The we shall see the legacy of the Great War; the memorials across Britain and the cemeteries across France and Flanders.
In this episode, I talk about two sorts of Auxiliary services which supported the soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force, both behind the front line and across Great Britain.
The first type are the religious organizations which gave spiritual guidance to the troops, either through services, entertainment or moral support. The second type are the many Women’s organizations which gave support to the troops, in many cases caring for the welfare of the wounded and soldiers on leave.
In this episode, I am explain how mapping the battlefield started with large scale maps, with few details. We then see how trench maps developed into sophisticated gridded maps, designed to all the arms; infantry, artillery, tanks and planes. I also explain how the unusual map referencing system worked and why all locations and trenches were named.
In this episode, I am talking about communications during a battle, particularly between the infantry and the artillery. They were hard to establish and maintain during a pre-radio era but I will illustrate what steps were taken.
I talk about the cooperation between the arms, starting with the infantry and artillery. I also talk about the development of aerial observation and look at how the tanks worked together with the infantry.
In this episode, I follow on from the 'Preparing for Battle' episode and explain how at attack was carried out. I talk about how the infantry attacked their objectives, cleared the trenches and then consolidated them before they were counter-attacked. I also look at how the artillery gave support during the advance, with a creeping barrage, standing barrages and by being on call, in case of emergency.
In this episode, I explain how an attack was planned and detail the many things which had to be considered, such as the speed o the advance, the objectives and the communications. I look at how the troops trained and how they deployed for battle, leading up to zero hour. I also discuss what the preliminary bombardment involved; how the gunner cut the wire and targeted the enemy batteries, trenches, billets and headquarters.
In this episode, I describe the sort of fighting experienced by the British Expeditionary Force during the opening weeks of the war. We see how the infantry, cavalry and artillery performed during the battles of Mons and Le Cateau, and a few other minor engagements. I also explain how they managed to escape the clutches of the larger German Army during the long retreat south to the Marne. Then see how the BEF fared during the advance north to the Aisne, which ended in trench warfare.
In this episode, I look at the different types of home made and experimental mortars that were tried out in the opening months of trench warfare. We see how dangerous and ineffective they were, as were the the catapults which were tried. Then I explain how the arrival of the Stokes mortar and other large calibre designs gave the infantry a medium range support weapon they could rely on. We then look at the Livens projector, which fired burning oil at the enemy trenches. Before closing with the unsuccessful attempts to introduce a flame thrower to the British Army's arsenal.
In this episode, I talk about various aspects of gas warfare. We shall see how the Special Brigade used gas for the first time at the battle of Loos, in September 1915. I talk about the different types of gases used during the war; chlorine, phosgene, mustard and tear, and the different methods of deploying them. Then I discuss the various sorts of masks that were used to protect the troops from gas, as well as other protective measures.
In this episode, I talk about life in the trenches when everything was relatively calm, because battles were rarer than you think. I discuss how the trenches and strongpoints were laid out, explaining the names given to different ones. I then look at the typical daily routines and we see how the soldiers were kept busy from day-to-day. Next we see how the trenches came alive at night, as the troops built new entanglements and trenches and repaired existing ones, I also talk about trench raids, in which soldiers tried to capture prisoners and documents, for intelligence purposes. We also see how sniping was a regular feature of trench warfare.
In this episode, I talk about an iconic weapon of the Great War; the machine gun. I look at the main types used by the British Army; the Maxim, Vickers and Lewis guns and explain how the gun crew served the gun. I then talk about the formation and expansion of the Machine Gun Corps and the motorcycle mounted Machine Gun Corps (Motors).
Not every solider was a good solider and in this episode, I explain how men were punished for breaking civil or military law. I look at the range of crimes listed under the Army Act and explain what Field Punishments were. I then look at the four levels of court martial, ranging from that held for minor infringements right up to that used for the most severe of crimes. I then talk about the death sentence, which involved the firing squad. Finally, I look at the Court of Inquiry which investigating any range of incidents, to both identify the culprits and look at how to avoid future occurrences.
In this episode, I talk about the various weapons a soldier carried with him. I look at the revolvers and swords carried by the officers. I look at the different types of rifle used for training and in the field, and why the Short Magazine Lee Enfield (or SMLE) was adopted as the rifle of choice. I also look at why such a long bayonet was required for close combat. The podcasts includes section on rifle ammunition, sniper rifles and periscopes. It finishes with a discussion of the many types of home-made and experimental hand grenades and rifle grenades tried before the Mills bomb and its rifle variant were adopted in the summer of 1915.
In this episode, I talk about how men were rewarded for their service and their deeds with medals. We shall see how everyone was awarded with different types service medals, according to their length and location of their service. We shall also see how the officers and other ranks were awarded with different gallantry awards, for different levels of bravery or leadership. I also explain how those who were invalided out of the army were given a badge to wear, denoting they had 'done their bit'. In each case I describe what the medal and its ribbon look like.
In this episode, I explain how the soldiers’ uniforms looked when they went to war in August 1914. Then we will see how uniforms were altered and the extra items the soldier had to carry, to cope with the challenges of trench warfare. I also discuss the badges of rank and the responsibilities associated with each rank. Finally, I look at the daily ration a man could expect to eat while he served in the trenches.
In this episode, I discuss logistics by looking at the work of the Army Ordnance Corps and the Army Service Corps. We see how huge amounts of ammunition, food and equipment were delivered to France. Then I explain how the huge stacks of supplies were organised as they were moved from the ports by train to the railheads. Then they were taken by lorries to the refilling points and brigade dumps before wagons took the supplies to the trenches. Finally, we see how the men carried everything they needed into the front line by hand.
I also discuss the huge quantities of petrol, coal and rations required by the British Expeditionary Force. I finish with a look at how large numbers of items were salvaged for repair, so they could be mended and recycled for reissue.
In this episode, I look at six support services which all begin with the letter P!
I start with the Post, a very important service, because letters were the only form of communication between the soldiers and their families.
Then I look at the Military Police and the work of the Provost Marshal. Next it is the turn of the prisons, which held errant soldiers, often putting them to work unloading and loading ships and trains.
Then we see how the padres and chaplains of the various religious denominations looked after the men, either through religious duties, by providing facilities or through entertainment.
Finally, we look at the important work of printing the thousands of maps, orders and instruction pamphlets required by the army, so it could go about its daily business. Then there was the roaring trade in less serious items, such as Christmas cards and entertainment programmes.
In this episode, I look at how the Royal Army Medical Corps handled an injured man’s recovery. I start with the ambulance trains and canal boats which transported the casualties to the French coast. I explain how the men expected to recover quickly were looked after at the Base Hospitals and Convalescent Depots before they returned to their units. I then look at the work of the hospital ships which took the seriously wounded across the Channel to England. Then we see how trains distributed casualties across Britain, so they could be treated near their homes. I also discuss the different types of British hospitals and how they were staffed. We see how the men's health was monitored in the trenches. Finally, i take a brief look at how the thousands of horses and mules were cared for.
In this episode, I look at the small calibre guns and howitzers deployed by the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery. I then look at the large calibre guns and howitzers deployed by the Royal Garrison Artillery. In each case, I look at the range of the gun and any special features. I also look at the characteristics of the different types of ammunition they fired; shrapnel and high explosive. (Gas shells are discussed in an episode on gas). Finally, I look at the increasing role of anti-aircraft guns on the Western Front.
In this episode, I look at the work of the Royal Army Medical Corps as it evacuated casualties from the battlefield. We see how triage was carried out as the wounded were moved along along the casualty clearing chain. I discuss the organisation of the medical help at each stage, including the Regimental Aid Post, the Divisional Collecting Post, the Advanced Dressing Station, the Main Dressing Station, the Casualty Clearing Station, the Walking Wounded Collecting Station and the Rest Station. I also explain how the casualties were moved between the various medical facilities.
In this episode, I look at how tank tactics developed, starting with their first time on the battlefield during the Somme campaign in 1916. We then see how they were used during the Arras campaign in the spring of 1917 and how the new Mark IV tanks coped in the Messines campaign during the summer. The tanks struggled to cope with the Flanders mud in the autumn of 1917 but their crowning glory came during the battle of Cambrai in November 1917. The episode concludes with the huge contribution the Mark V and Whippet tanks made during the Advance to Victory, in the summer of 1918.
In this episode i discuss the organisation of the Royal Artillery, from the artillery brigade right down to the gun crew. I then look at how the gun was kept supplied with shells and how batteries were split between the gun lines and the wagon lines, when they deployed for battle. I also discuss the several reorganisations of the artillery brigade, made necessary by the challenges of trench warfare. Finally, I examine the methods introduced to help spot targets and the techniques used to improve the accuracy of artillery fire; two important requirements on the battlefield.
In this episode, I explain three important aspects of the Royal Engineers' work, which were unique to the Great War. I explain how they established and maintained communications in the very difficult conditions presented by pre-radio days. I then look at the dangerous work carried out by the tunnellers, as they looked to blow up the German trenches. Finally, I discuss the important work of camouflage, made necessary by the increase in aerial activity over the battlefield.
In this episode, I discuss the development of the tank from the Mark I which appeared on the battlefield in September 1916, through to the appearance of the Mark V and the Whippet in the summer of 1918. I also explain the various ways the tanks were organised between the summer of 1916 and the summer of 1917, when they were grouped under the Tank Corps. I briefly mention the German tank, the A7V. I close with the tank crews' many achievements during the advance to victory, in the final weeks of the war.
In this episode I look at how the Royal Engineer company was organised and outline the many different types of company. I then look at the main projects they worked on, such as railways, both standard and narrow gauge, roads and tracks. I also talk about the labour battalions, formed to carry out the manual work under the supervision of the skilled engineers. I finish by looking at the large numbers of foreign labourers employed by the British Expeditionary Force.
In this episode, I explain how the infantry was organised from the brigade down through the battalion, company and platoon. I also describe what weapons the infantry were armed with. I then look at the organisation of the cavalry regiment and its squadron, as well as the weapons the troopers were armed with.
In this episode, I discuss the many different types of infantry battalion created during the Great War and they fall into two categories.
The first type were formed to accommodate the two sorts of service obligation; those who had volunteered for overseas service and those who would serve at home. So, we see the differences between Regular, Territorial, Service battalions and Garrison troops.
The second sort of battalions were formed to deal with the challenges of trench warfare. These include pioneer, labour, entrenching, transport workers and dock battalions.
In this episode, I explain how the British Expeditionary Force was divided into Armies and Corps. I show how the number of armies increased, to accommodate the large numbers of divisions moving to France and Flanders. I then look at the different roles of the armies and corps, when they were just holding the line and when they were attacking. Next we see how the different staff officers dealt with the artillery, engineering, communications, supplies, transport, ordnance and casualties. I close with a brief look at the various support services required by the corps.
In this episode, I explain how the politicians in London directed war policy. Determining what the generals could and could not do and deciding when to open a new front. We shall see how the War Council, the War Cabinet and the Army Council were organised. I shall also discuss the role of the Munitions Committee in making sure the British Army was supplied with ammunition, weapons and equipment. The role of the Supreme War Council, which was formed to coordinate Allied efforts at the end of 1917, is also looked at. As is the organisation and responsibilities of the Home Defence Forces, which defended the British Isles.
In this episode, I explain how the General Headquarters was organised to control the British Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders. I look at the two commanders-in-chief, Field Marshals Sir John French and Sir Douglas Haig. I also explain the roles of the general staff officers who supported them; the Chief of the General Staff, the Major-General Royal Artillery, the Engineer-in-Chief, the Quartermaster-General, the Inspector General of Communications and the Adjutant-General. I look at how GHQ controlled spying and how it assessed intelligence gained, to help it plan operations. Finally, we see how the Experimental Section tested a wide range of weapons.
In this episode, I explain how recruits were found once the initial enthusiasm for war had waned. Because the divisions fighting in France and Flanders needed replacements as casualties mounted. I discuss how government started with the National Registration Act, so it knew how many men and women it had for the armed services and for industry. Next I look at the voluntary system introduced in the autumn of 1915, known as the Derby Scheme. Finally, the government could no longer rely on volunteers, so it has to bring in compulsory service, or conscription, for every fit man of age who was not engaged in essential war work.
In this episode, I am explain how Great Britain and Ireland recruited and trained large New Armies in a short time, so that it could engage fully in the Great War. I start with the recruitment campaign headed by Field Marshal Earl Kitchener. I then look at the joining up procedure and the medical requirements, which had to be tightened up as the months passed. The we hear how the volunteers suffered from shortages of equipment, uniforms and weapons as they tried to progress their training. Finally, I outline the organisation of the six New Armies and the thirty New Army divisions which went to France and Flanders in 1915.
In this episode, I am explain how the full time Regular Army deployed to France on the outbreak of war. I also describe how time-served soldiers, or reservists, were called up and sent overseas to fight. I explain how the part time Territorial Force mobilised to defend the British Isles and how it also looked to the time served men on the National Reserve. The podcast describes how many regular army battalions were recalled from garrisons around the Empire to fight in France and Flanders and how their places were taken by Territorial Force battalions.
In this episode, I explain how the British Army recruited and trained men in peace time. I also look at army life. Then I look at the Territorial Force, the part time soldiers who would guard the British Isles if the Regular Army had to deploy overseas. Finally, I look at how the British Army guarded the Empire.
In this episode, I explain what changes were made to the British Army after disastrous experience in the Boer War in South Africa. I then discuss what preparations the Army made, so it would be ready in case there was a European conflict. Finally, I cover the countdown to war in the summer of 1914.
In this episode, I explain how the content of the podcasts will be organised.
Basically there are two main sections. The first will cover all aspects of the British Army, including mobilisation, the arms, the services, the weapons and the tactics in 35 podcasts.
The second main section will cover the campaigns of the British Army, starting with the open warfare in the summer of 1914, moving through the many trench warfare campaigns, and ending with the Advance to Victory. Each of the ten campaigns will have several sections, building up to over 60 podcasts.
In this episode I introduce myself and explain how a civil engineer ended up writing over forty books on military history. I tell you about some of the people who have helped me along in my research. I also explain about the many battlefields I have visited and the research establishments I have worked in.