Mentioned in Dispatches

In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches, historian Dr Todd Gray discusses his award-winning book Lest Devon Forgets. The book explores the creation, meaning and controversies surrounding the county’s Great War memorials, shedding light on how communities in the wake of the conflict grappled with loss, identity and memory. Published by Stevens Books.

In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches, Mike Jackson tells the story of his great-uncle, Lance Corporal John Street, who fell in 1917 and whose sacrifice went unrecognised for more than a century. On 10th April 2025, Street will finally be laid to rest with full military honours near the battlefield where he died. Jackson, a retired training manager and military history researcher, describes his work with the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre to ensure that his relative’s story is remembered.

In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches, acclaimed author Daniel Kraus discusses his novel Angel Down — a haunting, formally ambitious reimagining of the First World War told through a single, continuous sentence. The book explores themes of survival, selfishness, the supernatural and the staggering human cost of mechanised slaughter, immersing readers in the moral chaos of war. Published by Simon & Schuster

In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches, researcher Gary Guess shares his work on the 12th (Service) Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, known as the Teesside Pioneers. Recruited largely from Middlesbrough and surrounding towns, the battalion served with distinction in France, combining infantry courage with engineering labour under fire. Guess, who has spent six years uncovering their history and has a personal family connection, reveals the story of this remarkable unit.

In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches, Dr Richard Batten, Honorary Research Fellow in History at the University of Exeter, discusses his new book For King and Country: The Role of Patriotism in Mobilisation in the First World War, published by Pen & Sword in 2025. Focusing on Devon but addressing wider national and European themes, the book explores how local elites encouraged men to enlist, enforced wartime discipline and sought to define patriotism, while also showing how ordinary people – especially women and working-class communities – responded to or challenged these ideals.

In this episode of the Western Front Association’s Mentioned in Dispatches, Nick and Fiona Jenkins discuss their remarkable journey along the entire Western Front. In Walking the Line, they travelled over 1,000 kilometres from the Belgian coast to the Swiss border to discover what physical and emotional traces of the First World War still remain. With humour, resilience and a healthy dose of wine, they traversed former battlefields, forests, cemeteries and mountain passes, producing not only a travelogue but also a moving reflection on history, memory and the meaning of remembrance. Published by Wetsocks Books.

Cameron Telch, a doctoral candidate in Educational Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University, discusses the underrepresentation of shell shock in Canadian war museums. He shares two important archival discoveries—a 1919 Canadian film and a 1958 American play—that offer new perspectives on the cultural memory of psychological trauma in the First World War. His research challenges prevailing narratives and raises important questions about how shell shock is remembered in public history.

Professor Gary Sheffield compares and contrasts the experience of the London Territorial Force in the First and Second World Wars. He explores the evolution of its role, structure and public image across the two conflicts, offering fresh insights into the transformation of this key component of Britain’s military reserve. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Clive Harris explores the role of London Territorials in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915–16. While no full London territorial division served there, six battalions, five Yeomanry regiments and two support units contributed around 8,500 men, spread across multiple formations from Helles to Suvla. Their experiences, challenges and the lessons they carried forward are brought to life through figures such as bandleader Billy Cotton and William Wedgwood Benn. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, historian Nick Jenkins discusses the British League of Help and its efforts to support the reconstruction of French towns devastated during the First World War. His research reveals how communities across Britain came together to aid their French counterparts, shedding light on a little-known chapter of post-war humanitarian work. Nick spoke from his home in West Yorkshire.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Tim Halstead discusses the connections between London schools and the Territorial Force during the Great War. While the contribution of Public Schools to the Officer Corps is well known, this talk focuses on the less-explored role of Grammar Schools. Drawing on Rolls of Service from both school types in and around London, Halstead sheds light on their strong links to specific regiments and their wider wartime influence. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, John Davy examines the London Regiment’s links with the Royal Flying Corps and RAF during the Great War. Using primary sources, he offers a statistical analysis of the men who joined the RFC via the London Regiment and considers the impact of their loss on their original battalions. This episode was recorded for the London Pride Conference in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Harry Potter delves into the life and service of prison reformer Alexander Paterson, drawing on his wartime diary and letters. From gentleman ranker to officer in the Bermondsey Battalion, Paterson served at Loos and later held various roles including lecturer, defence counsel, intelligence officer and Sports and Recreation Officer. He also contributed to the Division’s history and supported Talbot House alongside Tubby Clayton. Recorded as part of the London Pride Conference 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Stephen Sandford explores the early history of the 18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish) during the First World War. He examines the battalion’s formation, recruitment, training and unique cultural identity, as well as its connections to Ireland and its first action at Loos. This talk was recorded at the London Pride Conference, held in June 2024.

Historian Michèl Admiraal joins Mentioned in Dispatches to discuss his research on the German U-boat campaign during the First World War. Admiraal, a recent MA graduate in Military History from Wolverhampton University, explores the relationship between technology, doctrine, and naval operations. His Stand To! article, Technology, Doctrine and the German U-boat Campaign, offers a detailed analysis of how technological advancements and strategic doctrine shaped each other throughout the war. This episode delves into the tactical and operational aspects of submarine warfare and its impact on naval strategy.

This episode of Mentioned in Dispatches features historian and author Steve R. Dunn, who discusses his latest book, Spectre of Invasion: The Royal Navy and the Defence of Britain’s Coast, 1900–1918. The book examines Britain's persistent fears of invasion in the early 20th century, the strategic debates between naval and military defence advocates, and the reality of coastal raids and naval engagements during the First World War. Dunn provides insights into how these concerns influenced British military planning and naval policy during the period.

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches, historian Simon Batten discusses his book Futile Exercise?: The British Army’s Preparations for War 1902-1914. Simon explores the British Army's pre-war manoeuvres, training exercises and attempts to learn from past conflicts in the lead-up to the First World War. Highlighting the challenges of adapting to modern warfare, he examines whether these efforts were effective in preparing for the unprecedented realities of trench warfare. His book is published by Helion.

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches, Dr Margaret Ward, Honorary Senior Lecturer in History at Queen’s University Belfast, talks about her latest book Rebel Women: Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, 1914–1924. In the interview, Dr Ward explores the remarkable contributions of Northern Irish women to the republican movement during one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods. Highlighting the pivotal role of Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, she discusses the challenges these women faced, their resilience in a male-dominated political landscape and the lasting impact of their activism on Irish...

In this episode, we are honoured to speak with Dr Ian Isherwood, a historian, scholar, and author of the newly released book The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front. Dr Isherwood provides a deeply researched and heartfelt account of the 8th Battalion, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), during the First World War. Drawing from personal letters, memoirs, and diaries, this work sheds light on the emotional resilience, motivations, and lived experiences of these citizen soldiers as they faced some of the war’s most harrowing battles. Join us as we delve into the origins of t...

In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Gary Sheffield, President of the Western Front Association, to explore his latest research comparing the British retreats of 1914 and 1940. Drawing from his forthcoming book on the British Army in both World Wars, Professor Sheffield provides an in-depth analysis of these two critical moments in military history. He discusses the tactical, logistical and leadership challenges faced by the British Army in each retreat, offering a compelling comparison of the strategies and outcomes in these distinct periods.

Author David L. Preston discusses his debut novel "Unknown Soldier: World War 1".  Published by Azalea City Publishing LLC in June 2024, this historical fiction book that follows the story of James Reynolds, a young man from Thomasville, Alabama, who embarks on a journey of adventure and ends up fighting in the trenches of World War I as part of the Alabama 167th National Guard unit.

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Adam Prime, an independent scholar, to discuss the defence of the Suez Canal during the pivotal years of 1914 and 1915. Dr. Prime offers fascinating insights into the strategic importance of the canal during World War I, delving into the challenges faced by Allied forces in protecting this vital waterway. Speaking from his home in the NorthWest, Dr. Prime sheds light on lesser-known details of the conflict, making for a captivating conversation on military history and geopolitics.

Academic Dr Brian Hall talks to me about his research into the overlooked experiences of the 325th Field Signal Battalion, the first Black signal unit in the U.S. Army during the First World War. His work highlights the battalion's contributions and the challenges they faced within a racially prejudiced military environment, arguing that their technical proficiency and combat service challenged racial stereotypes and contributed to the broader struggle for civil rights. Dr Hall is a historian based at the University of Salford.

Author and former RAF navigator John Nichol talks about his latest book and theatre tour, The Unknown Warrior. This book is an exploration of the poignant history and enduring significance of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, uncovering stories of sacrifice, remembrance, and the personal and collective impact of war. It is published by Simon & Schuster UK. Further info is here: www.JohnNicholLive.com. If you’re listening to this after 7 November 2024, the tour has ended.

In this episode, we're joined by Marc Lassen, who shares the captivating story of The Liberty Car—Cadillac US1257X. Discovered in 2005, this Cadillac officer's car had its WWI military history lost to time until Marc's dedicated efforts to authenticate and preserve its legacy. Through collecting countless artifacts and meticulous research, Marc has brought to light the extraordinary service record of this unique vehicle. The Liberty Car was present in France throughout the entirety of the U.S. involvement in the Great War, from 1917 to 1919, making it a rare survivor with a verified record of service in WWI. It played a...

In this episode, Timothy Halstead takes us on a journey through the involvement of public school boys in the Great War, challenging traditional perceptions and offering fresh insights into their role and experiences. Drawing from his ground-breaking work, "More Than Victims of Horace," Halstead unveils the complexities of this narrative, demonstrating that the reality was far more nuanced than previously believed.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Halstead explores the professionalization of the British Army in the years leading up to 1914 and its evolving relationship with public schools. He delves into the diverse educational approaches of these schools...

In Episode 337 of MiD, we shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked stories of Orcadians who served in the Gordon Highlanders during World War I. Led by the knowledgeable Tom Ordeman, this episode takes listeners on a captivating journey through the experiences of these brave soldiers from the Orkney Islands.

Tom, a dedicated historian with a passion for military heritage, meticulously unravels the tales of these Orcadians, from their enlistment to their frontline duties and beyond. Drawing from personal accounts, archival records, and historical research, he paints a vivid portrait of their lives amidst the turmoil of war.<...