Episodes

  • S2E8 – Khaki Elections – General Election special

    S2E8 – Khaki Elections – General Election special
    Jun 28 2024
    Amid Britain's current general election, join Gary and Spencer as they delve into the compelling history of the UK's 'khaki' general elections. In this insightful podcast, they investigate four pivotal 20th-century elections that took place during or after major conflicts, shaping the nation's political landscape in profound ways. Discover how the 1900 general election was influenced by the fervour of the Second Boer War. This election saw the Conservative Party solidify its power, bolstered by a wave of imperialist sentiment and public support for the war effort. Next, they examine the 1918 general election, held in the aftermath of World War I. This election was marked by significant changes, including an expanded electorate due to new suffrage laws. The electorate, weary from the war and yearning for change, propelled Lloyd George's coalition to a decisive victory, reshaping the political scene. The 1945 general election is another focal point, occurring just after the end of World
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • S2E7 – Winston Churchill, Pt2 – The Great War

    S2E7 – Winston Churchill, Pt2 – The Great War
    Feb 21 2024
    In this second episode on Winston Churchill and War, Gary and Spencer discuss Churchill’s military experience and leadership during the Great War. They begin by reviewing historical and academic books on Churchill’s career and his time during the Great War. They then move on to explore Churchill’s initial role during the conflict as the First Lord of the Admiralty. However, his tenure was marred by the Gallipoli Campaign, a failed amphibious assault on the Ottoman Empire, for which he faced criticism . Later, he voluntarily resigned and joined the British Army, serving on the Western Front as a battalion commander. His hands-on experience in the trenches provided invaluable insight into the realities of combat and bolstered his political credibility, helping him rehabilitate his reputation and career damaged by the Gallipoli fiasco. After leaving the Western Front, Winston Churchill's role in the Great War shifted to the political arena. He returned to government service and held vari
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • S2E6 – Winston Churchill, pt1 – his early life

    S2E6 – Winston Churchill, pt1 – his early life
    Feb 14 2024
    In this episode, Gary and Spencer delve deep into the early life, career, and complex character of Winston Churchill, an influential and often controversial figure in Britain's military, political and imperial history. This episode is the first of a short series and covers Churchills early life up to the end of the Second South African War (Boer War) in 1901/2. With a keen focus on Churchill's intricate relationship with war, they offer insightful perspectives on his roles as a man, politician, and military leader in his early life. They start out by considering books on Churchill that they feel give an insight to the man and his legacy. Born in 1874 at Blenheim Palace, he was the progeny of Lord Randolph Churchill, a prominent Conservative politician, and the American heiress Jennie Jerome. Churchill's formative years were marked by familial tension, with his parents often absorbed in their political endeavours. Largely raised by a nanny, he attended various schools before graduating
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • S2E5 – Unveiling the Essence of Battlefield Tours: Part 2 of the Journey

    S2E5 – Unveiling the Essence of Battlefield Tours: Part 2 of the Journey
    Dec 27 2023
    In the fifth episode, Gary and Spencer bring the two-part investigation on battlefield tours to a conclusion. They reflect on how visiting battlefield sites provides a tangible connection to military history, offering insights into the terrain, topography, and environmental conditions of past conflicts. The hosts contemplate the impact of monuments on these historic landscapes, exploring how these structures can both enhance and impede people's understanding of a battle's unfolding narrative. The episode concludes with thoughtful considerations of the dos and don'ts for aspiring battlefield guides, interwoven with the hosts' personal reflections on leading these immersive tours.
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    54 mins
  • S2E4 – Exploring Battlefield Tours: Unveiling Their Form, Evolution and Significance

    S2E4 – Exploring Battlefield Tours: Unveiling Their Form, Evolution and Significance
    Dec 20 2023
    In the captivating fourth episode of this series, Gary and Spencer delve into the intriguing world of battlefield tours. Together, they unravel the essence, value, and evolution of these immersive experiences. Embarking on a journey through their initial battlefield tours in England, they dissect the various typologies that shape these historical expeditions. The episode distinguishes between the roles of battlefield guides and battlefield historians, emphasizing the vital insights both roles bring to comprehending military history. This episode serves as the commencement of a two-part investigation.
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    54 mins
  • S2E3 – Your Questions Answered

    S2E3 – Your Questions Answered
    Dec 13 2023
    In the third episode of this series, Gary and Spencer turn the spotlight onto the audience as they respond to a myriad of listener questions spanning various facets of military history. Navigating through inquiries from their engaged audience, the hosts provide insightful and informative responses, creating a dynamic dialogue that adds an interactive and participatory dimension to the exploration of military history. From inquiries about the revolutionary nature of the French armies of the 1790s to favourite war films and other topics, the hosts offer a diverse range of topics.
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    55 mins
  • S2E2 – Deep Dive – The Historiography of the Great War Part 3

    S2E2 – Deep Dive – The Historiography of the Great War Part 3
    Dec 6 2023
    In the concluding episode of their three-part series on the historiography of Britain and the Great War, Gary and Spencer explore the period leading up to the Great War Centenary in 2014. They delve into the impact of this commemorative milestone on public perceptions and historical narratives. The episode spotlights the significant contributions of historians Robin Prior and Trevor Wilson to our understanding of the Western Front, examining their methodologies and research. Additionally, the hosts discuss Tim Travers' insights at the intersection of politics and military history, the influential perspectives of Paddy Griffith on military tactics, and the nuanced contributions of Peter Simkins to the broader historiography of the Great War.
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • S2E1 – Deep Dive – The Historiography of the Great War Part 2

    S2E1 – Deep Dive – The Historiography of the Great War Part 2
    Nov 29 2023
    In this second installment of their three-part exploration of the historiography of the Great War, Gary and Spencer dedicate a significant portion of their discussion to the influential works and impact of historian John Terraine. Much like other notable figures such as David Lloyd George, Basil Liddel Hart, and Sir James Edmonds, Terraine's contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of this pivotal period in history. Terraine departed from conventional narratives that often-painted military leadership during the conflict as inept. He, a proponent of strategic realism, argued that the challenges faced by commanders were unprecedented, marked by the complexities of trench warfare and technological advancements. His revisionist approach aimed to offer a nuanced understanding of the decision-making processes and strategic dilemmas confronted by military leaders. Notably, he staunchly defended General Douglas Haig, challenging prevailing negative assessments an
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    50 mins