Mentioned in Dispatches

By Dr Tom ThorpeSociety & Culture Education History

Mentioned in Dispatches episodes

November 15 Ep395 – The Role of Animals in WW1 – Nicholas Milton
In this episode of the Western Front Association's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, interviewee Nicholas Milton discusses his book The Role of Animals in World War One, published by Pen & Sword History. Historian, ornithologist and journalist Milton explores the contribution made by the estimated 16 million animals that served during the conflict. From horses, mules, dogs and pigeons to camels, elephants and cats, animals carried supplies, transported artillery, rescued the wounded, delivered vital messages and provided companionship. The episode examines their indispensable role on the various fronts of the Great War and the enormous cost of their service.
36 min
November 01 Ep394 – Geo-strategic importance of the Dardanelles – Norm Coady
31 min
October 15 Ep393 – Roger Casement, Reginald ‘Blinker’ Hall and the Irish Revolution – Rory Carroll
40 min
October 01 Ep392 – Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade – Janet Skeslien Charles
21 min
September 15 Ep391 – Morale in Salonika – Dr Jake Gasson
40 min
September 01 Ep390 – Walking the Western Front – Briana Gervat
In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Briana Gervat discusses her book There Will Come Soft Rains, which recounts her extraordinary solo walk along the Western Front from the Swiss border to the North Sea. Briana reflects on the journey, the landscapes and communities she encountered and what walking the length of the former Western Front revealed about the enduring physical and human legacy of the First World War. The episode explores the relationship between history, memory and landscape and considers how travelling through these historic places on foot can offer a distinctive perspective on the conflict and its continuing presence in Europe
16 min
August 15 Ep389 – Rory O’Connor and the Irish Revolution – Gerard Shannon
In this podcast, Gerard Shannon discusses his biography of Rory O’Connor, a key figure in the Irish revolutionary period. He explores O’Connor’s journey from engineer to senior IRA leader and his involvement in the political and military struggles of the time. The interview examines the tensions that led to the Irish Civil War and O’Connor’s eventual execution. Gerard also reflects on the complexities of interpreting revolutionary figures and the continuing relevance of this period in Irish history.
53 min
August 01 Ep388 – The sinking of HMS India – Rebecca Clarke
In this episode, Rebecca Clarke examines the sinking of HMS India in 1915 and the extraordinary stories of the survivors who were interned in Norway. Drawing on family archives and personal letters, she reconstructs the experiences of these sailors during and after the sinking. The interview highlights lesser-known aspects of naval warfare and the long-term consequences for those involved. Rebecca also reflects on the importance of preserving personal histories in understanding the wider impact of war.
48 min
July 15 Ep387 – Shellshocked soldiers returning from the Battlefield – Patrick Taylor
In this podcast, Patrick Taylor discusses his research into the experiences of shell-shocked servicemen returning to civilian life after the First World War. Drawing on archival sources from Britain and Australia, he examines issues of rehabilitation, family relationships and the role of charities and the state. The interview highlights the long-term impact of psychological trauma and the challenges faced by veterans and their families. Patrick also reflects on how attitudes towards mental health have evolved since the early twentieth century.
21 min
June 30 Ep386 – Framing the Great War – Drs Aimee Fox, Mike Finch & David Morgan-Owen
In this episode, Aimée Fox, Mike Finch and David Morgan-Owen discuss their edited volume on how the First World War was perceived and interpreted by those who experienced it. They explore how different groups, including soldiers, commanders and politicians, framed the conflict and how those perspectives influenced decision-making. The interview highlights the diversity of viewpoints and the importance of perception in shaping military and political outcomes. The authors also reflect on the value of collaborative scholarship in developing new interpretations of the war.
49 min

About Mentioned in Dispatches

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A podcast hosted by Dr Tom Thorpe on all aspects of the Great War from the UK's leading First World War history society The Western Front Association (www.westernfrontassociation.com).