In this instalment of Battleground '44, Saul and Patrick look at the dramatic social impact that the mass arrival of American soldiers and Airmen had on UK society during the second world war and the legacy that lasts until today.

The American's brought with them Hollywood glamour and impressive fighting kit, but also a segregated military, which marked the start of modern day British race relations in popular society.

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Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this latest episode of Battleground, Saul and Patrick react to the highly significant news that Ukraine's commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been sacked. They asses what this means going forward as well as reflecting on the controversial Tucker Carlson interview with Vladimir Putin.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground '44, Saul is joined by James Holland, the Historian and co-host of our sister podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk - to talk about the pivotal Battle of Anzio which took place 80 years ago this month.

They delve into the significance, the difficulties, and the controversy that surrounds the battle and its legacy.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground we have the full interview with friend of the podcast - American Journalist Joe Lindsey - who speaks to Saul and Patrick from the Eastern Ukrainian City of Kharkiv, just 30 miles from the Russian border.

Joe describes the mood in Ukraine at the moment, with growing uncertainty over the future of western support, continuing Russian attacks on Ukrainian Cities, and tensions rising between the politicians and military commanders in Ukraine.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick discuss the big news of this week, that President Zelensky of Ukraine tried to sack his highly-regarded armed forces chief, General Valery Zaluzhny, but has been forced to reinstate him.

They also look at the significance of Hungary dropping its veto of 50 billion euros in EU loans and grants for Ukraine, and speak to old friend of the podcast - American journalist Joe Lindsey - from the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this instalment of our Battleground '44 series, the subject of discussion is the epic 872 day long siege on Leningrad (present-day Saint Petersburg), where hundreds of thousands of civilians perished, and starvation led to some residents resorting to cannibalism. To delve deeper into the story of this horrific and bloody siege, Patrick speaks to Anna Reid, author of the book Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II: 1941-1944.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick assess the headline story of the week - the downing of a Russian transport plane inside Russia north east of Belgorod. Which at first sight this looks like a tragic error by Ukraine because on board were 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers who were on their way to being exchanged for Russian prisoners of war.

They also discuss the growing nervousness surrounding a possible Trump presidency, and the growing tensions in the Middle East following more strikes ny US and UK forces on Houthi targets in Yemen.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this instalment of our Battleground '44 series, Saul speaks to Historian Matthew Parker - Author of the book "Monte Cassino: The Hardest Fought Battle of World War II". Together they go through the four stages of this extraordinary battle, between a vast array of multinational allies against the German army defending an ancient Monastery on the summit of Monte Cassino.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss the big event in Ukraine this week - the shooting down of a Russian surveillance aircraft by a Ukrainian missile with a Russian command and control plane being badly damaged in the same attack. They also delve into the encouraging announcement of two separate aid packages from Germany and the UK, as the future of U.S. funding for Ukraine is uncertain.

Iran's role in the growing tensions and hostilities in the Middle East is also focused on, as Saul and Patrick answer listeners questions.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Battleground 44 Saul David and Patrick Bishop are discussing the Battle of Berlin. The epic struggle by RAF’s Bomber Command and its ruthless and dynamic leader Air Marshal Arthur Harris to bring Germany to its knees by bombing Berlin flat, which was at its height when 1944 opened. It was the moment when Harris and the RAF establishment were given their chance to prove their contention that bombing alone could win the war. What followed was a terrible ordeal for the RAF aircrews and the population of Berlin alike.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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