By Dr Tom Thorpe

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 t…

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 dur…

Over 200 matches have been wrestled! Join Greg as he discusses matches 100-200 with stories of GCW, CSW, winning the POWW Champioship, drama with promoters and wrestling personalities and more!By Shellshock Network

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 …

By Dr Tom Thorpe

By Dr Tom Thorpe

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 h…

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…

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 vit…

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 tech…

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 Simo…

Discussing the new animated Batman series that can currently be watched on Amazon Prime! How does this show hold up compared to the OG BTAS? We discuss that here in the latest episode of Animations Anonymous...Merch: brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter:…

A special solo review episode of Mark Media has us discussing the new Borderlands movie. As someone who's played the games and getting to see this movie was definitely an experience. Listen in on the review..Merch: brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: t…

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…

..Merch: brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: twitter.com/moondogmurrayBy Shellshock Network

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, demonstrat…

Catching up on recent figure purchases, wrestling journeys and Zack educating us about the existence of unofficial Red Dead figures..Merch: brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: twitter.com/moondogmurrayBy Shellshock Network

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 passi…

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Jonathan Krause and Professor William Philpott illuminate the lives and leadership of the senior French generals who shaped the course of the First World War based on their recent book. Despite commanding the largest force on the Western Front and ultimately achieving victory, these generals remain largely obs…

In this riveting episode, former GP and author Colin Hutchinson takes us on a compelling journey through the history of the Royal Field Artillery during World War I, as depicted in his book, "The Young Gunner." Drawing from the letters and journals of Second Lieutenant Colin Hutchinson, David’s relative, the narrative unfolds the gripping tales of …

In this captivating episode, Professor Stephen Badsey offers a detailed analysis of the Armistice on the Western Front in November 1918. Drawing from his extensive expertise, Professor Badsey delves into the fast-paced timeline of events that unfolded during late October and early November 1918, leading to the momentous ceasefire that marked the en…

From Marvel Legends to WWE Mattel and Pop Vinyl Figures, Greg and Zack give their top 5 favorite figures. ..Merch: brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: twitter.com/moondogmurrayBy Shellshock Network

Zack is overloaded on plastic, Greg has a solid haul and the discussion of action figures..Merch: https://brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: https://paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: https://twitter.com/moondogmurrayBy Shellshock Network

X-Men Evolution doesn't get enough love, so relive the nostalgia of this X-Men series following them in coming of age stories and evil intentions of Magneto. ..Merch: brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: twitter.com/moondogmurray…

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 Worl…

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 d…

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 cit…

Zack and I discuss the Insomniac Spider-Man games touching on each game before diving into Spider-Man 2. We bounce all around in the conversation but its a fun discussion nonetheless about these wonderful Spider-Man games...Merch: https://brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: https://paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: https://tw…

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.By Dr Tom Thorpe

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 factor…

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…

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…

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 dr…

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 Br…

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 Messin…

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 …

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 …

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 Wolver…

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 Armistic…

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 his…

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. For 19…

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.By Dr Tom Thorpe

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 compl…

Giant gundams being piloted by emotionally unstable teenagers again? Yes! We're reviewing the first movie of the Evengellion ReBuilds. Hear Zack's take on the rebuilds in general as well as Greg's first impressions as he's never seen them. ..Merch: https://brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: https://paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network T…

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-wa…

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 shor…

Listen up, Meatbags! Zack and Greg review the first season of Futurama! Discussing our earliest memories of Futurama, the season itself and just laugh through most of this...Merch: https://brainbustertees.com/moondog-greg-murrayPaypal: https://paypal.me/shellshocknetwork..Network Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShellshockNetGreg's Twitter: https://twi…

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.By Dr Tom Thorpe