Battleground

The 1963 film The Great Escape immortalised the audacious real-life mass escape of 76 Allied airmen in March 1944 from the German Luftwaffe prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III in eastern Germany, now Poland. But what was the reality of the escape, who were the characters involved, and was it worth it?

To help Saul and Patrick dig deeper into the story they are joined by Journalist, Historian, and author of the book The Real Great Escape.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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As we enter the third year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Saul and Patrick delve into the latest developments in the conflict, with the news emerging in the past week looking a little better on the side of Ukraine.

They look at the significance of Sweden becoming the 32nd member of NATO, and the refusal of French president Macron to rule out the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine in the future.

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 latest episode of Battleground ’44 with Saul David and Patrick Bishop, the subject is Resistance and in particular the French Resistance. Their importance to the struggle in the West at least was limited. However with the clock counting down to the great invasion of Normandy their significance grew.

They look at the role they played in the upcoming battles and what role should they play in the political scene once that battle was won.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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With the second anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion upon us, it is, it must be said a rather gloomy occasion. Saul and Patrick take a look back over the past two years and delve into the many significant stories that have emerged in the past week.

They’re also joined by guest and friend of the podcast, Anglo-Ukrainian journalist Askold Krushelnycky who is speaking to us from the Zaporizhia Oblast front lines. 

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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

In this episode of Battleground 44' Saul and Patrick turn to look at the Pacific theatre where, the attention of the Americans was focused on after the traumatic surprise Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 that brought their country into the war. Before getting to events of 1944, they revisit what has been happening in the Pacific theatre, before Saul takes us through the dramatic story of K company of the 1st Marine Division's hard fought battles on New Britain.

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

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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

In this latest episode of Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop take a step back as the full-scale war in Ukraine approaches its second anniversary and look at the wider picture surrounding the conflict. Including the impact of Ukraine's new military command, questions over continuing western support, and the upcoming Russian presidential elections.

They also answer some thought provoking listeners questions, including on the huge abundance of natural resources 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 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.

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

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