On the 23rd of September 1914,  the BEF went into action, fighting the Germans around the Belgian city of Mons.  The small but highly trained BEF was outnumbered three to one by the Germans and found themselves isolated by a natural salient formed in the Mons Canal at the village of Nimy.It was here that the first two VCs of the war were won, whereas just upstream, two further VCs were won in the Allies' desperate attempts to hold the bridges and prevent the Germans from crossing.We hear about the first shot memorial, visit the beautiful St Symphorien Cemetery, and conclude just 100 metres from where we started, at the memorial commemorating the location of the Canadians as the Armistice was sounded.Support the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen

On the 23rd of September 1914,  the BEF went into action, fighting the Germans around the Belgian city of Mons.  The small but highly trained BEF was outnumbered three to one by the Germans and found themselves isolated by a natural salient formed in the Mons Canal at the village of Nimy. It was here that the first two VCs of the war were won, whereas just upstream, two further VCs were won in the Allies' desperate attempts to hold the bridges and prevent the Germans from crossing. We hear about the first shot memorial, visit the beautiful St Symphorien Cemetery, and conclude just 100 metres from where we started, at the memorial commemorating the location of the Canadians as the Armistice was sounded. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a>

Mons

In our latest episode, we visit one of the most iconic battlefields anywhere on the Western Front, the Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel. The park was the site of the tragedy of the first day of the Somme for the Newfoundland Regiment - we look at who these men were, their contribution to the wider war effort,  and what happened on that fateful day in July 1916. We then look at the work of Geoffrey Malins, the official cinematographer whose footage taken from the sunken lane at Beaumont Hamel produced some of the most famous images in all warfare, and whose film of the Somme became so important it was granted UNESCO heritage status in 2006.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog

In our latest episode, we visit one of the most iconic battlefields anywhere on the Western Front, the Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel. The park was the site of the tragedy of the first day of the Somme for the Newfoundland Regiment - we look at who these men were, their contribution to the wider war effort,  and what happened on that fateful day in July 1916.  We then look at the work of Geoffrey Malins, the official cinematographer whose footage taken from the sunken lane at Beaumont Hamel produced some of the most famous images in all warfare, and whose film of the Somme became so important it was granted UNESCO heritage status in 2006. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a>

Because dead men can advance no further....

Polygon

To the northeast of Ypres stands a dark and forbidding woodland, formerly an equestrian centre and rifle range that became a ferocious battlefield in the September of 1917.  Known as Polygon Wood, the shell-ravaged landscape was captured in bitter fighting by men of the 5th Australian Division.In this podcast, we look at the events of the 26/27th of September and hear the personal stories of some of the men who died in capturing this vital woodland.  We hear about two VC winners who displayed reckless bravery to ensure that the advance moved on; meet once again Albert Jacka VC MC and Bar one of the great Australian characters of WW1 and visit some of the sites that remain, including Scotts Post and Black Watch Corner.Support the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen

To the northeast of Ypres stands a dark and forbidding woodland, formerly an equestrian centre and rifle range that became a ferocious battlefield in the September of 1917.  Known as Polygon Wood, the shell-ravaged landscape was captured in bitter fighting by men of the 5th Australian Division. In this podcast, we look at the events of the 26/27th of September and hear the personal stories of some of the men who died in capturing this vital woodland.  We hear about two VC winners who displayed reckless bravery to ensure that the advance moved on; meet once again Albert Jacka VC MC and Bar one of the great Australian characters of WW1 and visit some of the sites that remain, including Scotts Post and Black Watch Corner. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a>

Polygon Wood

In our latest episode, we visit one of the forgotten battlefields of WW1, the small village of Cuinchy.  Location of the infamous brick stacks, the village appears in many personal memoirs, and while there were no major offensives per se, it was a mincing machine for British troops for the duration of the war.We hear about the scandalous court case intrigue of a Coldstream Guards officer, a highly talented painter who lost his life, the winner of the first DSO of the Great War, and a 15-year-old private whose death from a barbarous weapon of war made front-page news.We look at the exploits of a hugely brave Irish Guardsman whose bravery and desire to kill Germans saw him awarded the Victoria Cross and discover how a German artillery barrage had unexpectedly good results for the stomachs of men of the 1st Glosters.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog

In our latest episode, we visit one of the forgotten battlefields of WW1, the small village of Cuinchy.  Location of the infamous brick stacks, the village appears in many personal memoirs, and while there were no major offensives per se, it was a mincing machine for British troops for the duration of the war. We hear about the scandalous court case intrigue of a Coldstream Guards officer, a highly talented painter who lost his life, the winner of the first DSO of the Great War, and a 15-year-old private whose death from a barbarous weapon of war made front-page news. We look at the exploits of a hugely brave Irish Guardsman whose bravery and desire to kill Germans saw him awarded the Victoria Cross and discover how a German artillery barrage had unexpectedly good results for the stomachs of men of the 1st Glosters. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a>

The forgotten battlefield- Cuinchy

Front

Our journey today takes us to the small Somme village of Guedecourt.  Throughout September 1916 the village was the scene of violent fighting as the Allies sought to gain control of the village and the high ground beyond.In their way stood a formidable German defensive line, the Gird system of trenches which had to be taken trench by trench.  The battalions involved, especially those from the east of England paid a heavy price.  Drawing on personal narratives, we look at the fighting through the eyes of the men who were there, hear the story of a Tasmanian VC winner who ended the war as one of Australia's most highly decorated soldiers, and finish our visit at the magnificent Newfoundland Caribou on the outskirts of the village.Support the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen

Our journey today takes us to the small Somme village of Guedecourt.  Throughout September 1916 the village was the scene of violent fighting as the Allies sought to gain control of the village and the high ground beyond. In their way stood a formidable German defensive line, the Gird system of trenches which had to be taken trench by trench.  The battalions involved, especially those from the east of England paid a heavy price.  Drawing on personal narratives, we look at the fighting through the eyes of the men who were there, hear the story of a Tasmanian VC winner who ended the war as one of Australia's most highly decorated soldiers, and finish our visit at the magnificent Newfoundland Caribou on the outskirts of the village. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a>

Beyond the front - Guedecourt

In our latest podcast, we visit the Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery in Arras to discover the personal stories of some of the men who lie buried within.The cemetery has a real connection with Birmingham and the men of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.  We hear the story of two sets of brothers from Birmingham who died in very different circumstances, the first man to join the Birmingham Pals, a tragic accident that led to the deaths of three Scottish soldiers and visit the unique headstone of an officer of the Veterinary Corps. We also look at war diaries and the Midlands history behind the famous British Mills Bomb.We hear the sad story of a German flying ace whose memory was tainted by political propaganda some twenty years after his death, the drunken antics of a newly-promoted Black Watch officer, and look at the tragic execution of two British soldiers for desertion. Our visit concludes at the grave of 22-year-old Harold Vizard MC and Two Bars - a truly remarkable and very brave young man.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog

In our latest podcast, we visit the Faubourg d'Amiens Cemetery in Arras to discover the personal stories of some of the men who lie buried within. The cemetery has a real connection with Birmingham and the men of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.  We hear the story of two sets of brothers from Birmingham who died in very different circumstances, the first man to join the Birmingham Pals, a tragic accident that led to the deaths of three Scottish soldiers and visit the unique headstone of an officer of the Veterinary Corps. We also look at war diaries and the Midlands history behind the famous British Mills Bomb. We hear the sad story of a German flying ace whose memory was tainted by political propaganda some twenty years after his death, the drunken antics of a newly-promoted Black Watch officer, and look at the tragic execution of two British soldiers for desertion. Our visit concludes at the grave of 22-year-old Harold Vizard MC and Two Bars - a truly remarkable and very brave young man. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a>

Faubourg d'Amiens - a journey through a cemetery

This latest episode looks at alcohol and its influence at home and the front.Our journey begins in a London pub containing a remarkable piece of WW1 memorabilia, where time has remained still since 1915.  We examine the alcohol restrictions imposed on the home front to preserve industrial production, especially amongst munitions workers, and hear about the so-called "Carlisle Experiment," which changed the way pubs were run for over sixty years.We then head to the front line and behind to look at the soldier's experience of alcohol when serving.  From the daily rum rations to acidic glasses of "van blonk" in behind the lines estaminets, alcohol formed a big part of the average soldier's life in the military.  We look at how the Abbot of  Belgian Monastery restricted beer production after a run-in with the Army Service Corps, hear about "3-bottle Officers" origins, and discover the WW1 history behind possibly the most famous cocktail in the world.Support the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen

This latest episode looks at alcohol and its influence at home and the front. Our journey begins in a London pub containing a remarkable piece of WW1 memorabilia, where time has remained still since 1915.  We examine the alcohol restrictions imposed on the home front to preserve industrial production, especially amongst munitions workers, and hear about the so-called "Carlisle Experiment," which changed the way pubs were run for over sixty years. We then head to the front line and behind to look at the soldier's experience of alcohol when serving.  From the daily rum rations to acidic glasses of "van blonk" in behind the lines estaminets, alcohol formed a big part of the average soldier's life in the military.  We look at how the Abbot of  Belgian Monastery restricted beer production after a run-in with the Army Service Corps, hear about "3-bottle Officers" origins, and discover the WW1 history behind possibly the most famous cocktail in the world. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a>

"To take away the taste of death" - rum, Van Blonk, and booze

Helen Roberts

In this first Trench Talk of Season 4, it's a real pleasure to be joined by Helen Roberts.  Helen is an avid history fanatic who was fascinated by the large chalk map of Australia carved into the side of a hill near her home in Wiltshire.Her research into the map led her on a fascinating journey of discovery into the lives of many Australian soldiers who were based at the nearby Hurdcott Camp during WW1; these men created the first map in 1917.Determined not to let such a wonderful piece of Great War history disappear, Helen set up a charitable trust to ensure that the map was preserved.  This is a fascinating chat with an inspirational and hugely passionate history lover, whose enthusiasm for this project is infectious.  Please check out the corresponding blog post at www.footstepsofthefallen.com for lots of images and links to this podcast.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog

In this first Trench Talk of Season 4, it's a real pleasure to be joined by Helen Roberts.  Helen is an avid history fanatic who was fascinated by the large chalk map of Australia carved into the side of a hill near her home in Wiltshire. Her research into the map led her on a fascinating journey of discovery into the lives of many Australian soldiers who were based at the nearby Hurdcott Camp during WW1; these men created the first map in 1917. Determined not to let such a wonderful piece of Great War history disappear, Helen set up a charitable trust to ensure that the map was preserved.  This is a fascinating chat with an inspirational and hugely passionate history lover, whose enthusiasm for this project is infectious.  Please check out the corresponding blog post at <a href="http://www.footstepsofthefallen.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.footstepsofthefallen.com</a> for lots of images and links to this podcast. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a>

Trench talk with Helen Roberts: A little piece of Australia

To the southeast of Ypres, in what was once a lover's lane, stands a small artificial hill created from the digging of the Ypres-Comines railway.  Standing just 60ft above sea level, Hill 60 was strategically a vital spot, giving unbroken views towards Ypres.For a period of four days in April 1915, this small hilltop became one of the most dangerous places on earth, with four battalions of infantry battling the German defenders with bombs, bayonets, and picks and shovels.  The fighting was so intense that no less than 4 VCs were won on the hill, 3 by the East Surreys and one by an officer of the Queen Victoria's Rifles who became the first Territorial soldier to win the VC during WW1.Support the podcasthttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen

To the southeast of Ypres, in what was once a lover's lane, stands a small artificial hill created from the digging of the Ypres-Comines railway.  Standing just 60ft above sea level, Hill 60 was strategically a vital spot, giving unbroken views towards Ypres. For a period of four days in April 1915, this small hilltop became one of the most dangerous places on earth, with four battalions of infantry battling the German defenders with bombs, bayonets, and picks and shovels. The fighting was so intense that no less than 4 VCs were won on the hill, 3 by the East Surreys and one by an officer of the Queen Victoria's Rifles who became the first Territorial soldier to win the VC during WW1. Support the podcast <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a>

The 48 hour VCs 

Welcome back to Season 4 of the podcast!In this episode, we're on the little-visited battlefields around Fampoux, east of the city of Arras.  These few acres of farmland became a slaughterhouse for the British infantry in April 1917.The village of Fampoux and the fearsome Hyderabad Redoubt was captured with relative ease, but as they attacked and pushed east towards Roeux and its heavily fortified chemical works, German machine guns took a heavy toll on the exhausted British divisions.We visit some of the cemeteries that litter the battlefield, hear the story of the 1st Rifle Brigade's attack on the Redoubt which resulted in the capture of a very unexpected prisoner and visit the magnificent Seaforth's memorial on the sunken lane outside Fampoux.We hear about the heroism of a severely wounded officer whose bravery lead to the award of a posthumous VC,  the youngest member of the Magic Circle whose father tried desperately to prevent him from going to fight and meet the eccentric and dangerous to know RFC officer who flew with a potato in his pocket and once chased a German aviator across a cabbage field at gunpoint.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

Welcome back to Season 4 of the podcast! In this episode, we're on the little-visited battlefields around Fampoux, east of the city of Arras.  These few acres of farmland became a slaughterhouse for the British infantry in April 1917. The village of Fampoux and the fearsome Hyderabad Redoubt was captured with relative ease, but as they attacked and pushed east towards Roeux and its heavily fortified chemical works, German machine guns took a heavy toll on the exhausted British divisions. We visit some of the cemeteries that litter the battlefield, hear the story of the 1st Rifle Brigade's attack on the Redoubt which resulted in the capture of a very unexpected prisoner and visit the magnificent Seaforth's memorial on the sunken lane outside Fampoux. We hear about the heroism of a severely wounded officer whose bravery lead to the award of a posthumous VC,  the youngest member of the Magic Circle whose father tried desperately to prevent him from going to fight and meet the eccentric and dangerous to know RFC officer who flew with a potato in his pocket and once chased a German aviator across a cabbage field at gunpoint. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

Beyond the front - Fampoux

In our final episode of Season 3, we travel to the village of Contalmaison on the Somme battlefields and begin by visiting the magnificent Contalmaison Cairn, the memorial to the 16th Royal Scots.  Known as McCrae's Boys, the regiment was a Pals Battalion, with many members of the Heart of Midlothian football team making up its first members.  They paid a heavy price on the opening day of the Somme for their desire to do their bit. We hear about the fighting for the village, how the geography created endless problems for the British, and how the actions of Donald Bell VC are commemorated with a memorial at Bells Redoubt.We look at a British tactical masterstroke that saw the successful capture of Bailiff Wood, discover the origins of the "Gospels and Gaspers" Club and hear about the remarkable heroism of a terribly wounded Middlesborough steelworker, whose bravery saw him awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.We will be back with Season 4 on Sunday 1st May 2022!Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

In our final episode of Season 3, we travel to the village of Contalmaison on the Somme battlefields and begin by visiting the magnificent Contalmaison Cairn, the memorial to the 16th Royal Scots.  Known as McCrae's Boys, the regiment was a Pals Battalion, with many members of the Heart of Midlothian football team making up its first members.  They paid a heavy price on the opening day of the Somme for their desire to do their bit. We hear about the fighting for the village, how the geography created endless problems for the British, and how the actions of Donald Bell VC are commemorated with a memorial at Bells Redoubt. We look at a British tactical masterstroke that saw the successful capture of Bailiff Wood, discover the origins of the "Gospels and Gaspers" Club and hear about the remarkable heroism of a terribly wounded Middlesborough steelworker, whose bravery saw him awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. We will be back with Season 4 on Sunday 1st May 2022! Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

So fall the flowers of Scotland - Contalmaison 1916

"If the British public knew what was really happening, the war would be over tomorrow" stated David Lloyd George to the editor of the Manchester Evening News in 1917.In this episode, we look at the press, their involvement in the front line, and how the War was reported back at home.  How accurate a picture did the British public get of the reality of War? How could reporters produce a balanced copy when hamstrung by censorship of every word they wrote?Unwanted, censored, and followed at every step, the Press were viewed with suspicion bordering on hatred by the British Military establishment.  We meet some of the characters of the Press Corps, including the fabulously eccentric, airplane-loving, bowler hat-wearing H P Robinson, a man who wrote on average 3000 words a day with a gold Cartier fountain pen.  We hear about the origin of the acronym "3Bs", the dangers faced by reporters, and how the actions of one reporter produced a story of such political dynamite, it brought down the GovernmentSupport the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

"If the British public knew what was really happening, the war would be over tomorrow" stated David Lloyd George to the editor of the Manchester Evening News in 1917. In this episode, we look at the press, their involvement in the front line, and how the War was reported back at home.  How accurate a picture did the British public get of the reality of War? How could reporters produce a balanced copy when hamstrung by censorship of every word they wrote? Unwanted, censored, and followed at every step, the Press were viewed with suspicion bordering on hatred by the British Military establishment.  We meet some of the characters of the Press Corps, including the fabulously eccentric, airplane-loving, bowler hat-wearing H P Robinson, a man who wrote on average 3000 words a day with a gold Cartier fountain pen.  We hear about the origin of the acronym "3Bs", the dangers faced by reporters, and how the actions of one reporter produced a story of such political dynamite, it brought down the Government Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

The pen is mightier than the sword 

Simon Batten

In this latest of our series of Trench Talk, it's a pleasure to be joined by author and historian Simon Batten.Simon is the author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning book "Futile Exercise?" which examined the British Army's preparation for WW1 in the form of the massive all arms exercises that took place in the run-up to WW1. The scale of these maneuvers was incredible, and some of the Generals who went on to become well-known during the Great War cut their teeth in these war games.  We look at the genesis of the project, some of the exercises themselves, and talk about how effective these war games were when combat broke out in WW1.  You can find a copy of "Futile Exercise?" by following the below linkshttps://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/futile-exercise-the-british-armys-preparations-for-war-1902-1914.phphttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Futile-Exercise-Preparations-1902-1914-Wolverhampton/dp/1911512854/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q0ECAFRJCV8U&amp;keywords=Futile+Exercise%3F&amp;qid=1648244417&amp;sprefix=futile+exercise+%2Caps%2C76&amp;sr=8-1Support the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen

In this latest of our series of Trench Talk, it's a pleasure to be joined by author and historian Simon Batten. Simon is the author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning book "Futile Exercise?" which examined the British Army's preparation for WW1 in the form of the massive all arms exercises that took place in the run-up to WW1. The scale of these maneuvers was incredible, and some of the Generals who went on to become well-known during the Great War cut their teeth in these war games.  We look at the genesis of the project, some of the exercises themselves, and talk about how effective these war games were when combat broke out in WW1.  You can find a copy of "Futile Exercise?" by following the below links <a href="https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/futile-exercise-the-british-armys-preparations-for-war-1902-1914.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/futile-exercise-the-british-armys-preparations-for-war-1902-1914.php</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Futile-Exercise-Preparations-1902-1914-Wolverhampton/dp/1911512854/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q0ECAFRJCV8U&amp;keywords=Futile+Exercise%3F&amp;qid=1648244417&amp;sprefix=futile+exercise+%2Caps%2C76&amp;sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Futile-Exercise-Preparations-1902-1914-Wolverhampton/dp/1911512854/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Q0ECAFRJCV8U&amp;keywords=Futile+Exercise%3F&amp;qid=1648244417&amp;sprefix=futile+exercise+%2Caps%2C76&amp;sr=8-1</a> Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a>

Trench Talk with Simon Batten - "Futile Exercise?" Britain's preparations for war

On the 25th September 1915, the Battle of Loos began in Artois, in what was the largest British offensive of the war to date.  While the majority of the fighting took place around the mine workings and slag heaps around Loos and Hulluch, some fourteen miles to the north, a diversionary attack took place at Mauquissart in an attempt to try and prevent German reserves being sent south to reinforce the German lines. Their objective was to capture German lines between Pietre and Mauquissart, an area of battlefield dominated by a landmark windmill, the Moulin de Pietre - the Pauper's Mill.  The fighting for the mill and the German lines around it was a massacre, with poor communications and heavy German resistance taking a sickening toll on the attacking infantry.In only 36 hours, the attacks in this area cost the Allies over 3000 men killed, wounded, or missing and had little to no impact on the movement of troops.  What happened that day and why did it go so wrong for the Allies?  Find out more as we journey across one of the forgotten battlefields of the Great War.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

On the 25th September 1915, the Battle of Loos began in Artois, in what was the largest British offensive of the war to date.  While the majority of the fighting took place around the mine workings and slag heaps around Loos and Hulluch, some fourteen miles to the north, a diversionary attack took place at Mauquissart in an attempt to try and prevent German reserves being sent south to reinforce the German lines. Their objective was to capture German lines between Pietre and Mauquissart, an area of battlefield dominated by a landmark windmill, the Moulin de Pietre - the Pauper's Mill.  The fighting for the mill and the German lines around it was a massacre, with poor communications and heavy German resistance taking a sickening toll on the attacking infantry. In only 36 hours, the attacks in this area cost the Allies over 3000 men killed, wounded, or missing and had little to no impact on the movement of troops.  What happened that day and why did it go so wrong for the Allies?  Find out more as we journey across one of the forgotten battlefields of the Great War. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

The Poor Man's mill

In this latest episode, we return to Belgium and look at the opening actions of the attempts by the Allies to capture a small Flanders farming village, whose name has become synonymous with the futility of the Great War - Passchendaele.The capture of Passchendaele was the story of the Empire, men from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who travelled from the other sides of the world to lay down their lives for the mother country.In this episode, we look at the fighting at Gravenstafel, where New Zealand successes belied the tragedy that was to fall upon the men from Wellington and Otago in the following days.  We meet again one of my heroes, Dick Travis, the King of No Mans Land, cast an eye over one of the most controversial military decisions made during the entire war, and hear the story of a future New Zealand MP whose solo act of bravery saw him turn the fighting at Bellevue back in New Zealand's favour.  http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

In this latest episode, we return to Belgium and look at the opening actions of the attempts by the Allies to capture a small Flanders farming village, whose name has become synonymous with the futility of the Great War - Passchendaele. The capture of Passchendaele was the story of the Empire, men from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who travelled from the other sides of the world to lay down their lives for the mother country. In this episode, we look at the fighting at Gravenstafel, where New Zealand successes belied the tragedy that was to fall upon the men from Wellington and Otago in the following days.  We meet again one of my heroes, Dick Travis, the King of No Mans Land, cast an eye over one of the most controversial military decisions made during the entire war, and hear the story of a future New Zealand MP whose solo act of bravery saw him turn the fighting at Bellevue back in New Zealand's favour.  <a> </a><a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

Bellevue Ridge - a black day for the silver ferns

In our latest podcast, we head to one of the Great War's forgotten fronts - Mesopotamia, or modern-day Iraq.  A campaign that was almost medieval in its approach to fighting, the critical waterway, the Shatt al Arab became the focus of fighting in a landscape devoid of any proper infrastructure. In this episode we look at some of the key events, culminating in an analysis of the siege of Kut, a 147-day campaign that cost the lives of 30,000 Allied soldiers, and sent 13,000 men on a death march to Turkish captivity, of which 1 in 4 died.What have we learned from the fighting in Iraq one hundred years ago and what will future historians make of the current global situation?https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

In our latest podcast, we head to one of the Great War's forgotten fronts - Mesopotamia, or modern-day Iraq.  A campaign that was almost medieval in its approach to fighting, the critical waterway, the Shatt al Arab became the focus of fighting in a landscape devoid of any proper infrastructure. In this episode we look at some of the key events, culminating in an analysis of the siege of Kut, a 147-day campaign that cost the lives of 30,000 Allied soldiers, and sent 13,000 men on a death march to Turkish captivity, of which 1 in 4 died.What have we learned from the fighting in Iraq one hundred years ago and what will future historians make of the current global situation? <a href="https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

Mesopotamia - the forgotten front

On the 9th April 1915, Private Isaac Reid of the 2nd Scots Guards was shot dead by a firing party of men from his own regiment.  Charged with desertion at Neuve Chappelle, according to the writer Stephen Graham, Reid's fate was sealed by the malevolent actions of his CSM James Lawton.  As a result of Reid's execution, the men of the Scots Guards vowed to restore their honour by fighting to the last bullet during their next engagement. During the fighting at Festubert in May 1915, eighty men of F Company, 2nd Scots Guards found themselves isolated and surrounded, and when the battlefield was cleared they were found in circle surrounded by hundreds of dead German soldiers and the legend of the Immortals of Festubert was created.But, what actually happened that day?  In this episode, we look in detail at  Reid's court-martial and discover a story where fact and fiction are hard to separate.  We then look at the actions of the 2nd Scots Guards during the fighting at Festubert to discover whether their demise really was the result of a suicide pact or a military disaster that was unavoidable.Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallenhttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

On the 9th April 1915, Private Isaac Reid of the 2nd Scots Guards was shot dead by a firing party of men from his own regiment.  Charged with desertion at Neuve Chappelle, according to the writer Stephen Graham, Reid's fate was sealed by the malevolent actions of his CSM James Lawton.  As a result of Reid's execution, the men of the Scots Guards vowed to restore their honour by fighting to the last bullet during their next engagement. During the fighting at Festubert in May 1915, eighty men of F Company, 2nd Scots Guards found themselves isolated and surrounded, and when the battlefield was cleared they were found in circle surrounded by hundreds of dead German soldiers and the legend of the Immortals of Festubert was created. But, what actually happened that day?  In this episode, we look in detail at  Reid's court-martial and discover a story where fact and fiction are hard to separate.  We then look at the actions of the 2nd Scots Guards during the fighting at Festubert to discover whether their demise really was the result of a suicide pact or a military disaster that was unavoidable. Support the podcast: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a> <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

Private X and the Immortals of Festubert

Along with Khe Sahn and Iwo Jima, the fighting at Belleau Wood is part of the US Marine Corps legend.In 26 days in June 1918, the US Marine Corps fought its first major engagement of WW1, when it was tasked with taking the heavily defended Belleau Wood.  Despite being massacred by German machine guns, the Marines fought with tenacity and bravery, in a gladiatorial arena of violence that was described by one veteran as the most brutal hand-to-hand fighting witnessed in four years of war.We hear about the fighting at Chateau Thierry and learn about the colonial troops of West Africa who fought with distinction, look at some of the incredible acts of bravery shown by US soldiers in the fighting for Belleau Wood, and hear the origin of the most famous phrase in United States military history.Support the podcast:Http://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallenhttp://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen)

Along with Khe Sahn and Iwo Jima, the fighting at Belleau Wood is part of the US Marine Corps legend. In 26 days in June 1918, the US Marine Corps fought its first major engagement of WW1, when it was tasked with taking the heavily defended Belleau Wood.  Despite being massacred by German machine guns, the Marines fought with tenacity and bravery, in a gladiatorial arena of violence that was described by one veteran as the most brutal hand-to-hand fighting witnessed in four years of war. We hear about the fighting at Chateau Thierry and learn about the colonial troops of West Africa who fought with distinction, look at some of the incredible acts of bravery shown by US soldiers in the fighting for Belleau Wood, and hear the origin of the most famous phrase in United States military history. Support the podcast: <a href="Http://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Http://www.patreon.com/foostepsofthefallen</a> <a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a>)

Retreat? Hell, we just got here! - Belleau Wood

In this latest episode of Trench Talk it's a pleasure to be joined by Mike Cunha.  Mike is a military historian, researcher, podcaster, and high school teacher from Boston in the United States.  His podcast "Battles of the First World War" is hugely successful and examines battles in almost microscopic detail.We talk about how a heavy metal track inspired Mike's interest in the Great War and in this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about Mike's podcast, and his desire to bring WW1 to the wider American public.  We look at the Doughboys, the American readiness for a European War, and the crucial role played by the Americans on the Western Front in 1918.  Mike's passion for the Meuse-Argonne offensive shines through as we chat about what happened in Eastern France and discuss the enigma that is "Blackjack" Pershing.Please be sure to check out Mike's podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/battles-of-the-first-world-war-podcast/id1119044000Support the podcast:http://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallenhttp://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog)

In this latest episode of Trench Talk it's a pleasure to be joined by Mike Cunha.  Mike is a military historian, researcher, podcaster, and high school teacher from Boston in the United States.  His podcast "Battles of the First World War" is hugely successful and examines battles in almost microscopic detail. We talk about how a heavy metal track inspired Mike's interest in the Great War and in this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about Mike's podcast, and his desire to bring WW1 to the wider American public.  We look at the Doughboys, the American readiness for a European War, and the crucial role played by the Americans on the Western Front in 1918.  Mike's passion for the Meuse-Argonne offensive shines through as we chat about what happened in Eastern France and discuss the enigma that is "Blackjack" Pershing. Please be sure to check out Mike's podcast - <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/battles-of-the-first-world-war-podcast/id1119044000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/battles-of-the-first-world-war-podcast/id1119044000</a> Support the podcast: <a href="http://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a> <a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a>)

Trench Talk - The Doughboys with Mike Cunha

In our latest episode, we look at the life and work of one of the Great War's most colourful characters, Major John Norton-Griffiths. Conservative MP, philanthropist, jingoistic, and imperialistic to his core, Griffiths took the skills he had learned as a mining engineer, to reap a trail of destruction against the Germans through his campaign of mining across both the Western and Eastern Fronts.Opinionated, passionate, and by all accounts extremely difficult to work for, Griffiths toured the battlefields in a battered and decrepit Rolls Royce, enjoyed port for breakfast, and bribed any officer who came in his way with copious bottles of port and fine claret.  The 20 men recruited from his Manchester sewer building project, who formed the nucleus of the first tunneling company, found the geology of Flanders much to their liking, and the legend of the Manchester Moles was born. Griffiths was one of the great eccentrics of WW1 - this is his story. Support the podcast:www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblogwww.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallenSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog)

In our latest episode, we look at the life and work of one of the Great War's most colourful characters, Major John Norton-Griffiths.  Conservative MP, philanthropist, jingoistic, and imperialistic to his core, Griffiths took the skills he had learned as a mining engineer, to reap a trail of destruction against the Germans through his campaign of mining across both the Western and Eastern Fronts. Opinionated, passionate, and by all accounts extremely difficult to work for, Griffiths toured the battlefields in a battered and decrepit Rolls Royce, enjoyed port for breakfast, and bribed any officer who came in his way with copious bottles of port and fine claret.  The 20 men recruited from his Manchester sewer building project, who formed the nucleus of the first tunneling company, found the geology of Flanders much to their liking, and the legend of the Manchester Moles was born.  Griffiths was one of the great eccentrics of WW1 - this is his story.  Support the podcast: <a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a> <a href="http://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen</a><a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a> (<a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsblog</a>)

Hellfire Jack and the Manchester Moles

Footsteps of the fallen

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