Battleground

In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul David is joined by renowned historian Rob Lyman who delves into the often-overlooked but crucial British campaign in Burma during 1945. rob describes the complex narrative of the Fourteenth Army's relentless push against the Japanese, culminating in hard-fought victories in Meiktila and Mandalay, and the eventual recapture of Rangoon.

This episode shines a light on the logistical nightmares, and the sheer determination of the "Forgotten Army." Discover how General Slim's strategic brilliance and the resilience of his multi-national forces turned the tide in Southeast Asia.

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Producer: James Hodgson

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Marking the somber three-year anniversary of the invasion, Saul and Patrick address the questions you've sent in. We analyse the strategic shifts, the human cost, and the geopolitical ramifications of this enduring conflict. This episode is a dedicated exploration of your insights and inquiries.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

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With the worst fears about the Trump administration having been realised, Saul and Patrick digest the disturbing realities of this weeks news.

Not only has Trump's administration cut Ukraine and Europe out of the start of the peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, but Trump himself has now doubled down on his earlier

concessions to Russia. And top of that falsely labelled Zelensky a dictator, and wrongly blamed Ukraine for starting the war in the first place.

Joining them to discuss these latest developments and where the UK and Europe goes next, they speak to defence analyst and veteran war reporter Robert Fox.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

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In this episode of Battleground: Ukraine Saul and Patrick sit down with British photographer Mark Neville in the Ukrainian capital. Mark's lens has captured the stark realities of this conflict, helping to give a human face to the war. He also discusses his inspiring work with Postcode Ukraine, a charity making a tangible difference by providing essential aid and supporting Ukrainian culture.

Join us for a powerful conversation about Mark's personal feelings and thoughts on this war, the strength of the Ukrainian people, and the importance of continued support.

You can find out more and support marks charitable efforts with Postcode Ukraine here: https://www.postcodeukraine.com/

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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The Trump administration is pushing for a peace deal in Ukraine, but with Ukraine and Europe sidelined. Is this a path to peace, or a US retreat and a new world order? Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse the latest developments.

They also speak to American journalist Joe Lindsley, reporting live from Kyiv, for his reaction and for his insights into the Trump administration.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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This week on Battleground, Patrick and Saul analyse the historic turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war. Following a Trump-Putin phone call, talks have begun between Washington and Moscow. But what concessions is Ukraine expected to make? And what does this mean for European security? We discuss the implications and the reactions, from delight in Moscow to dismay among Ukraine's allies.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

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Join Saul in today's episode of Battleground as he speaks with Boldizsár Győri, a young Hungarian journalist who has embedded himself in war-torn Kharkiv.

Boldizsár shares his experiences of life under the constant threat of bombardment, and recounts his time spent with Oleksy, a Ukrainian body collector. A story which shines a light on one of the grim realities of war, the process of identifying the fallen, and the emotional toll it takes.

You can read Boldizsár's article on the story of Oleksy the body collector here: https://www.szabadeuropa.hu/a/a-halottak-oldalan-nem-all-senki-mondja-a-harcteri-maradvanyokat-elszallito-onkentes/33282239.html

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

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Iwo Jima. A seemingly insignificant speck of land, yet its capture proved crucial in the Pacific theatre. On this episode of Battleground, Saul is joined by American historian Jonathan Parshall and together they examine the strategic importance of Iwo Jima, the fierce resistance faced by the Americans, and how this battle shaped the final stages of World War II.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

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In this week's Battleground podcast Saul and Patrick discuss the first clear signal that the US will not abandon Ukraine. This is in response to Trump's comments that he's looking to do a deal with Ukraine where the US will look to secure some of Ukraine's rare earth minerals.

They also address a host of listeners questions including on what the effects of Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries are and what needs to happen for Ukraine's western allies to send in troops.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

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In another bonus episode recorded on the ground in Ukraine's embattled eastern city of Kharkiv, Saul and Patrick speak to a Ukrainian Soldier from the Khartiia Brigade namely unit spokesperson Volodymyr Dehtiarov.

Additionally, in the second half of the episode Saul speaks to friend of the podcast Joe Lindsey about his time reporting for WGN Radio and Kharkiv's evalution through the different phases of the war.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X: @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.