Mentioned in Dispatches

Prof. John Bourne talks about the essential role, activities, and function of the Office of the Military Secretary during the Great War. John offers valuable insights into this often-overlooked aspect of wartime operations. Explore the inner workings of the military bureaucracy that played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Great War.

Dr. Dominiek Dendooven delves into the history of Ireland's involvement and representation in Flanders during the Great War. Dominiek, an expert in this field, offers insights into the complex historical connections between Ireland and the Western Front. This discussion provides a factual and informative exploration of a lesser-known aspect of World War I history, shedding light on Ireland's role and representation in the theatre of Flanders.

Historian and researcher Quintin Watt takes us on a captivating journey into the forgotten stories of the Midland Railway's servicemen from the Black Country and South Staffordshire during the Great War. Quintin shares the inspiration behind his research and delves into surprising discoveries, shedding light on the integral role railwaymen played during this historic period. We explore the specific region covered by the Midland Railway line, hear intriguing tales of soldiers like William Henry Bland, and gain insights into the challenges they faced. Quintin provides valuable resources for those interested in British railway history and reflects on the broader themes and lessons drawn from the experiences of these unsung heroes, offering a fresh perspective on this pivotal moment in history.

Canon Professor Michael Snape, the Michael Ramsey Professor of Anglican Studies at Durham University, talks about religion, God and the British soldier in the Great War. Drawing from a treasure trove of newly unearthed materials from military, ecclesiastical, and civilian archives, Michael paints a vivid portrait of the experiences of Britain's citizen armies and the vital role played by the various religious organisations that ministered to them. Michael reveals the often-underestimated significance of religion in British society during the war years. This enlightening conversation underscores how faith held a prominent place in the hearts and minds of the soldiers, shaping military morale and national identity during the Great War.

On this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast Prof. Chris Williams, a historian from University College Cork, talks about his research into the 38th Division and their pivotal role in the Battle of Mametz.

On this week’s, Dispatches Podcast we delve into the intricacies of the Great War and explore the question on everyone's mind: "Why did the Allies emerge victorious?" In this thought-provoking lecture, historian Prof. Mark Connelly takes us on a journey through the annals of history, offering insights into the strategic, political, and human factors that ultimately led to the Allies' triumph. Recorded live at the Cork Great War Conference in October 2023.

In the latest episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Dr. John Borgonovo takes us on a captivating journey through the Irish Revolution with a particular focus on its impact in Cork. The discussion revolves around "The Atlas of the Irish Revolution," a landmark publication that offers a uniquely accessible perspective on this transformative period. With over 350 original maps and 700 images, this atlas features contributions from over 100 leading scholars, shedding light on the pivotal years from the 1912 Home Rule crisis to the conclusion of the Irish Civil War in 1923. Utilizing extensive original data, including newly-released archival material, the atlas maps social, demographic, political, and cultural changes, as well as the economic impacts of the revolution. It unravels the local and regional variations that played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Irish revolution, illustrating that while it was a 'national' event, it was deeply influenced by diverse local dynamics. The podcast also delves into the international dimensions of the revolution, set against the backdrop of the First World War and its aftermath, which brought global attention to Ireland's challenge to the British imperial project. The roles of women and workers, often overlooked, are brought to the forefront, while the legacies of the revolution, including collective memories and cultural representations, are examined. "The Atlas of the Irish Revolution" not only engages academics but also brings history to life for general readers and students, making it a groundbreaking contribution to the historical geography of these compelling years of conflict, continuity, and change. This book is published by Cork University Press.

In this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Dr. Dominiek Dendooven talks about his recent book, 'The British West Indies Regiment: Race and Colour on the Western Front,' published by Pen & Sword. This military-political history intertwines a thought-provoking cultural and social theme that shapes the narrative: the intricate dynamics of race, colour, and prejudice. Despite these challenges, a remarkable undercurrent of loyalty to the British empire emerges among serving soldiers, both NCOs and privates, along with a growing awareness of political ideas and liberal democracy. Surprisingly, the loyalty to the British crown as an agent of the abolition of slavery will astonish many readers. This book is published by Pen & Sword.

Tune in to the latest Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, where we engage in a compelling conversation with Professor Joost Augusteijn about his in-depth study of County Mayo, 1912-23. Delving into a period of unprecedented turmoil, this examination offers a comprehensive look at all facets of life in County Mayo during the revolutionary era. Joost draws from a diverse range of sources, including memoirs, interviews with former IRA members, newspaper reports, police records, and official documents from both British authorities and Sinn Féin-led governments. The narrative commences with an exploration of the pivotal role of the land question in Mayo's political landscape prior to World War I and reveals how Sinn Féin successfully challenged the entrenched Irish Party's influence post-1916. The book underscores the significance of notable nationalist figures such as Michael Davitt, William O'Brien, James Dillon, and John MacBride in local developments. It also delves into the impact of World War I on the shifting dynamics of various political groups and marginalized segments of Mayo's population, including unionists, suffragettes, and labour activists. A central theme is the gradual radicalization of activists and their growing confrontation with authorities, drawing increasing numbers of Mayo residents into the fold. The book's focus on how daily life was affected adds depth to the narrative, culminating in a comprehensive account of Mayo's experiences during the Civil War. Don't miss this engaging exploration of a pivotal period in County Mayo's history. Published by Four Courts Press Ltd.

Join us in the latest episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast as we delve into the life and career of Field Marshal Lord Cavan. In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Michael Senior, author of the recently published book 'Field Marshal the Earl of Cavan: Soldier and Fox Hunter,' we explore the multifaceted character of a distinguished British army commander. Cavan's legacy was a subject of debate among his contemporaries, with some dismissing him as ignorant and vain, while others lauded his calm self-confidence and leadership. Uncover the real qualities and achievements of this often-neglected officer, who served in the Boer War, World War I, and played a pivotal role in post-war army reductions. Michael Senior offers a comprehensive biography, assessing Cavan as a leader, corps commander, and administrator, positioning him among the foremost soldiers of his era. We also delve into Cavan's personal life, his aristocratic background, wealth, and his love for fox hunting, shedding light on how these factors influenced his actions in both war and peace. This episode is a fascinating exploration of a remarkable figure in British military history. This book is published by Pen & Sword.

In this episode of the Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast, Michael Nugent delves into his book 'A Bad Day, I Fear,' shedding light on a little-known chapter of World War I history. Join us as we explore the tragic Battle of Langemarck on August 16, 1917, where the 16th (Irish) Division and 36th (Ulster) Division, after their previous success at Messines, faced an unmitigated disaster. Nugent unravels the causes behind the failure to capitalize on their previous victory, including a lack of urgency, tactical misunderstandings, and mismanagement of crucial assets. Discover how the delay between the Messines offensive and the Third Battle of Ypres allowed the Germans to fortify their defences, leading to a harrowing two weeks of constant shelling and adverse weather conditions. Through contemporary accounts and in-depth analysis, we gain a new perspective on the tragic events of that fateful day and the impact it had on Ireland and its divisions. This book is published by Helion & Company.

Author and historians Dr Derek Clayton talks about his book To Do the Work of Men : An Operational History of the 21st Division in the Great War. The 21st Division was formed in September 1914 as part of Kitchener's Third Army (K3), comprising units mostly from Yorkshire, Northumberland, Durham and Lincolnshire. It was destined to spend its entire period of active service on the Western Front, taking part in almost all the major engagements. Only two weeks after having arrived in France, and with no battlefield experience, they were thrown into action on the second day of the Battle of Loos. Badly misused by high command, it was not surprising that they underperformed. The division, from May 1916 under the command of Major-General David "Soarer" Campbell, managed to recover from this disastrous baptism of fire to achieve creditable success on three occasions during the Battle of the Somme, including the attack north of Fricourt on the first day. It was during this campaign that the original 63 Bde was exchanged for 110 Bde, the latter's four battalions of the Leicestershire Regiment performing admirably at the Battle of Bazentin on 14 July. The division then re-entered the fray with the newly-introduced tanks in September as the BEF captured the villages of Flers and Gueudecourt. In 1917, they experienced mixed fortunes both at Arras, coming up against the formidable Hindenburg Line defenses, and during the latter stages of Third Ypres as they defended Polygon Wood against German counter attacks before struggling forward through the October mud to assault the village of Reutel. Between March and June of 1918, the division faced all three major German Spring Offensives: they put up a stout defense of the village of Epéhy on 21 March before conducting a lengthy fighting retreat that reduced its battalions to barely 200 men each. In April, they halted the German advance near Ypres during the Battle of the Lys and then, having been sent to a quiet French sector to rest and reorganize, on 28 May they found themselves in the path of the Blücher offensive and were sent reeling as the Germans stormed across the Chemin des Dames Ridge. The division survived - barely - and recovered to play its part in the Hundred Days victories. It was involved in a dozen or so attacks through the summer and autumn, recapturing much of the ground ceded during the March retreat before extending their advance across the Selle and Sambre rivers. They fought their last engagement four days before the armistice when they captured the village of Limont-Fontaine. The 21st had a busy and costly war, losing more men killed, wounded or missing than any other New Army division. It is no wonder that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle described the 21st Division as "that hard-bitten old scrapper". This is published by Helion.

In this podcast interview, Richard Farrimond discusses their motivation for writing a comprehensive biography of Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, highlighting their personal connection to Clifton College and Birdwood's autobiography, Khaki and Gown, as initial inspirations. Richard also explains that their academic journey, including a history Masters degree and a PhD, led them to explore Birdwood's life beyond his role at Gallipoli. The interview delves into lesser-known aspects of Birdwood's career, emphasizing his language skills, early military experiences in Tirah and South Africa, and his ability to excel in staff work. The author challenges the traditional characterization of Birdwood as an "easygoing and fortunate" officer, revealing his dedication, competence, and command abilities. They also discuss Birdwood's diplomatic challenges and achievements throughout his career, which involved interactions with various dignitaries and political leaders.

Doctoral candidate Glyn Taylor talks about his research into the response of the 5th British Army to the German Spring Offensive in 1918. Glyn is a former Army officer who has taken up an academic career following his retirement from the Services. He graduated with a MA in ‘The History of Britain and the First World War’ at the University of Wolverhampton in 2020 and is currently researching for a PhD at King’s College London on the performance of Fifth Army in 1918. He is a member of the Royal Engineers Historical Society and author of a chapter in the latest volume of the Corps History. He is also a member of the WFA and contributor to its journal, Stand To!

Author and historian Dr Derek Clayton talks about this book Decisive Victory: The Battle of the Sambre: 4 November 1918. This battle was a decisive British victory. The battle has, however, been largely neglected by historians: it was the last large-scale, set-piece battle fought by the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front: the Armistice was only one week away. Seven Victoria Crosses were won and the poet Wilfred Owen was killed in action. In scale it was similar to the first day of the Battle of the Somme: thirteen divisions of the BEF led the assault on a frontage of approximately twenty miles, supported by over a thousand guns, with initial plans presuming an involvement of up to seventy tanks and armoured cars. The German Army was determined to hold a defensive line incorporating the Mormal Forest and the Sambre-Oise Canal, hoping to buy time for a strategic withdrawal to as yet incomplete defensive positions between Antwerp and the Meuse river and thereby negotiate a compromise peace in the spring of 1919. This is the only book devoted solely to this battle and includes original, bespoke, colour maps covering every inch of the battlefield. The work analyses the battle at the operational and tactical levels: the BEF was no longer striving for a breakthrough – sequential ‘bite and hold’ was now the accepted method of advance. Drawing on information largely from unpublished archives, including over 300 formation or unit war diaries, Dr Clayton casts a critical eye over the day’s events, examining the difference between plan and reality; the tactical proficiency of units engaged; the competence of commanders, some of whom proved capable of pragmatic flexibility in the face of stubborn enemy resistance and were able to adapt or even abandon original plans in order to ensure ultimate success. The role of the Royal Engineers is also highlighted, their tasks including devising improvised bridging equipment to facilitate the crossing of the waterway. Other questions are raised and answered: to what extent was this an ‘all-arms’ battle? Where does this engagement fit in the context of the BEF’s ‘learning curve’? Was it necessary to fight the battle at all? Was it indeed decisive? Dr Clayton’s analysis places the battle into its wider strategic context and reaches important, new conclusions: that this victory, hard-won as it was by a British army hampered by logistical, geographical and meteorological constraints and worn down by the almost continuous hard fighting of the summer and autumn, irrevocably and finally crushed the will of the German defenders, leading to a pursuit of a demoralized, broken and beaten army, whose means of continued resistance had been destroyed, thus expediting the armistice.

Historian and writer Peter Welsh talks about Sir Hedworth Meux (Lambton) during the Great War. Meux was a distinguished Royal Navy officer whose legacy is marked by a lifetime of service and leadership. Born as Hedworth Lambton, he embarked on a remarkable career that spanned from 1870 to 1916. Notably, Meux played a pivotal role in significant historical events, including the Anglo-Egyptian War, the Second Boer War, and the First World War. Meux's early days in the Royal Navy saw him at the bombardment of Alexandria during the Anglo-Egyptian War, where his dedication and valiance were evident. His moment of heroism came during the Second Boer War in 1899 when he displayed remarkable initiative and courage. While stationed at Mauritius, Meux picked up a battalion of soldiers and led a naval brigade to aid British forces at Ladysmith. His quick thinking and leadership, along with the delivery of much-needed artillery, earned him widespread recognition and made him a celebrated figure back in Britain. His reputation continued to flourish as he assumed key command roles, including Commander of the Third Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean Fleet and ultimately rising to the prestigious position of Commander-in-Chief of the China Station. During the First World War, Meux, now recognized as a prominent leader, served as Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. In this capacity, he played a vital role in safeguarding cross-Channel communications and orchestrating a life-saving patrol service of small boats, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his country and its security.

Author and historian Dr Frances Hurd talks about her research into gay officers, the law and their experiences in the British Army during the Great War. She discusses what happened to British officers arrested for homosexuality, their fate and the legacy of the treatment. Frances is based in Chichester, West Sussex, and has a PhD in history.

Academic Dr Brian Hall talks about his research into the development of communications in the American Expeditionary Force during the Great War. Brian is the Programme Leader, BA (Hons) Contemporary Military & International History, University of Salford.

Dr Tony Garcia talks about the book he jointly authored with Ian van der Waag on the Great War roles of roles played by the South African prime minister, General Louis Botha, and his deputy, General Jan Smuts during the Great War.  These were very different men and they appealed to different audiences. Botha’s nuance and emotional intelligence complemented Smuts’s intellectualism. Thrown into a world conflagration in August 1914, Botha and Smuts – facing internal rebellion and the threat posed by German troops on their borders – led South Africa’s Union Defence Force, and often commanded from the front. South Africa’s campaigns began badly. The campaigns in German South West and East Africa started with reverses at Sandfontein in September 1914 and Salaitia in January 1916. However, Springbok soldiers of all backgrounds proved resilient, and the later campaigns were marked by near uniform success. The “first-battle” experiences had reshaped thinking and led to better leadership and command at all levels. Both Botha and Smuts commanded in the field. Steadily, the South African army they commanded – benefiting from wartime training, sometimes in the field – gained resilience, experience, and battle-hardiness, adapting to the conditions of the campaigns and the demands of the tasks. South Africa’s campaigns were complex and divergent, starting with the invasion of neighbouring German South West Africa – to neutralise the radio stations and so aid security in the South Atlantic. Suddenly suspended following the outbreak of the Afrikaner Rebellion, the campaign recommenced in January 1915. Following its conclusion, an infantry brigade, raised for the Western Front, was diverted to Egypt before facing near annihilation at Delville Wood. Reconstructed more than once, the brigade was accompanied by a field ambulance and general hospital. The South African deployment in France included two brigades of heavy artillery, a signal company, a railway company, and Auxiliary Horse Transport Company, and several South African Native Labour Contingents. At the same time, a large South African force, fighting alongside troops from British Africa and India, broke German resistance in East Africa, and a brigade of field artillery and later the Cape Corps served in Egypt and Palestine. In addition, more than 6 500 South Africans served in the British Army, the Royal Flying Corps, later the Royal Air Force, and on ships of the Royal Navy. Although lionised during the war by a British public hungry for heroes, there is a different side to Botha and Smuts. Shunned by Afrikaner nationalists at the time, they have remained divisive figures. Responsible for the enactment of the Land Act of 1913, which shaped South Africa’s socio-economic and political landscape, Botha’s statue in Cape Town was vandalised in 2015 and 2016. Behind his charming, attractive façade, and Smuts’s stoic machine, were two very human, imperfect, and quite probably inconsiderate, men. Together they provide a wonderful lens through which to examine the potent forces of the early twentieth-century world and the country they hoped to forge. Myopic compatriots had constrained their plans; but it was the outbreak of war in 1914 that offered the most significant opportunities and brought the most adverse challenges. They fought insurmountable odds, and achieved great victories, at home and abroad, but also made startling errors, and, ultimately, in classical fashion risked being crushed by the weight of the world they tried to create. Ian van der Waag is a faculty member in Military History at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Tony Garcia is Research Fellow at Stellenbosch University. His latest book publication The First Campaign Victory of the Great War was published by Helion in 2019.

Author and academic Dr Tony Cowan talks about his recent book, Holding Out. This book examines German operational command during a critical phase of the First World War from November 1916 to the eve of the third battle of Ypres. The situation faced by the German army on the Western Front in 1917 was very different from the one anticipated in pre-war doctrine and Holding Out examines how German commanders and staff officers adapted.  Tony Cowan analyses key command tasks to get under the skin of the army's command culture, internal politics and battle management systems from co-ordinating the troops, matériel and different levels of command needed to fight a modern battle to continuously learning and applying lessons from the ever-changing Western Front. His detailed analysis of the German defeat of the 1917 Entente spring offensive sheds new light on how the army and Germany were able to hold out so long during the war against increasing odds. This is published by CUP. Tony is a retired diplomat and member of the British Commission for Military History, Society of Military History and Western Front Association. He co-edited a translation of the German official monograph on the battle of Amiens (2019).

Historian and academic Dr Nathan Wise talks about his book Anazc Labour. This book explores the horror, frustration and exhaustion surrounding working life in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. Based on letters and diaries of Australian soldiers, it traces the history of work and workplace cultures through Australia, the shores of Gallipoli, the fields of France and Belgium, and the Near East. This was published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2014. Nathan is Associate Professor in Public and Applied History in the School of Humanities at the University of New England, Australia. He has previously worked at Monash University, the University of New South Wales, and the University of Wollongong.

Author Ian Hilder about talks his recent book Great War Barcombe News from a Sussex Village 1914 -1919. This book was published by Country Books in 2018.

Historian, teacher and author Peter Welsh talks about his research into the Third Earl of Durham during the Great War. John George Lambton, 3rd Earl of Durham (1855-1928), was the eldest twin son of George Lambton, 2nd Earl of Durham, and his wife Lady Beatrix Frances, daughter of James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Abercorn. His grandfather was the statesman and colonial administrator, John Lambton, 1st Earl of Durham, and his great-grandfather was Prime Minister Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey. Peter talks about his Great War activities that included promoting local recruitment, supporting horse racing and engaging in all types of war work.

Dr Sofya Anisimova talks about Russian military strategy during the Great War. She is a post doctoral researcher at University College Dublin in Ireland. Sofya examines the military strategy pursued by Russia. She talks about the state of Russian planning before 1914, how they perceived the nature of war and strategy during 1914 to 1917.

Caroline Torode talks about her research into state teachers from Victoria, Australia during the Great War. Her talk is based on her MA thesis that looked at Victorian Government Teachers and their selection and promotion within the Australian Imperial Force.

Dr Jenny Macleod, Senior Lecturer in 20th Century History at the University of Hull, talks about the 1922 Chanak Crisis and the actions of Lloyd George to try and solve the crisis with reference to the Great War. The Chanak Crisis was a war scare in September 1922 between the United Kingdom and the Government of the Grand National Assembly in Turkey. The crisis was caused by Turkish efforts to push the Greek armies out of Turkey and restore Turkish rule in the Allied-occupied territories, primarily in Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Eastern Thrace. Turkish troops marched against British and French positions in the Dardanelles neutral zone. For a time, war between Britain and Turkey seemed possible, but Canada refused to agree as did France and Italy. British public opinion did not want a war. The British military did not either, and the top general on the scene, Sir Charles Harington, refused to relay an ultimatum to the Turks because he counted on a negotiated settlement.

Dr Alan Jeffreys talks about his recent publication of collected essays on the Indian Army recently published by Helion. Alan is Head of Equipment and Uniform at the National Army Museum and also a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Greenwich. His book and interview address the important global role of the Indian Army during the First World War. The edited volume covers the traditional areas of the Indian Army on the Western Front, in Palestine, Mesopotamia and the defence of the Suez Canal; however, there are also chapters on combined operations; Indian prisoners of war in Germany and Turkey; the expansion of the officer corps; and the Sikh experience, as well as the mobilisation of the equine army at the beginning of the war and the demobilisation of the army in the period from 1918 until 1923. Three additional chapters are related to the theme, such as the role of the Royal Indian Marine; the Territorial Army in India; and Churchill’s portrayal of the Indian Army during the Gallipoli campaign in his account The World Crisis.

Dr Michael Nutkiewicz talks about his new book, A Ukrainian Chapter. A Jewish Aid Worker's Memoir of Sorrow. This is the translation of a memoir by Eli Gumener, a Jewish relief worker living through the consequences of the Great War and Russian Civil War in Podolia, southwest Ukraine. In his memoir, Gumener describes the effect of pogroms on Jewish communities, the challenges of providing relief, and the conflicts between parties with various political agendas. Michael in an independent scholar and lives in New Mexico.

Professor John Bourne talks about his interest and research on the  British 46th Division on the Western Front during the Great War. The 46th Division was a Territorial Force unit formed originally from units in the northern Midlands of Britain. It saw action on the Western Front serving at the Battles of Loos, Somme and in the Hundred Days.