Episodes

  • 266. Operation Varsity: Crossing the Rhine

    266. Operation Varsity: Crossing the Rhine
    Mar 12 2025
    This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect Operation Varsity, the audacious Allied airborne operation across the Rhine in March 1945. They explore the strategic aims, the intense fighting, and the controversial outcomes of this massive undertaking, examining the paratroopers' experiences and the operation's impact on the war's final stages. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • 265. Ukraine's Next Chapter

    265. Ukraine's Next Chapter
    Mar 10 2025
    In this special episode recorded in the heart of Kyiv, Saul and Patrick speak with Anton, director of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, about the country's vision for post-war reconstruction and its long-term security strategy. They discuss the challenges of rebuilding and the vital role of forward-thinking analysis in shaping Ukraine's destiny. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • 264. The Aid Cut and the Letter: Ukraine's Response to US Pressure

    264. The Aid Cut and the Letter: Ukraine's Response to US Pressure
    Mar 7 2025
    In a whirlwind 24 hours, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically. Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop on this episode of Battleground as they dissect the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict. A crucial letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to US President Donald Trump has signalled a potential thawing of tensions, but US aid remains halted and includes the stopping of crucial intelligence sharing. Plus, we analyse the European Union's response, with Ursula von der Leyen's ambitious €800 billion plan to bolster European defence capabilities. We are also joined by regular contributor, journalist Askold Khruselnycky, who to provides us with on-the-ground insights and analysis. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • 263. British Isles, Nazi Rule - The Nazi Occupation of the Channel Islands

    263. British Isles, Nazi Rule - The Nazi Occupation of the Channel Islands
    Mar 5 2025
    In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick look at the Nazi Occupation of The Channel Islands, the only part of British territory occupied by the Germans in World War Two. Together they examine the complexities of this occupation, the treatment of the locals, the collaboration and resistance that arose, and the lasting questions it raises about wartime choices. They also look at few instances the war came ashore on the otherwise peaceful islands, with commando raids and the remarkable story of double agent Eddie Chapman. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • 262. US Pauses Military Aid to Ukraine - Emergency Episode

    262. US Pauses Military Aid to Ukraine - Emergency Episode
    Mar 4 2025
    In yet another emergency episode Patrick and Saul give their immediate reaction to the news that the US has put an immediate halt on all military aid to Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    15 mins
  • 261. Emergency Episode: Trump clashes with Zelenskyy

    261. Emergency Episode: Trump clashes with Zelenskyy
    Mar 1 2025
    In this emergency episode Patrick is joined by Roger Moorhouse to react to the extraordinary scenes in the White House Oval office yesterday, as President Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance clashed angrily with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of the world's media. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • 260. Navigating the Trump Maelstrom

    260. Navigating the Trump Maelstrom
    Feb 28 2025
    This week, Patrick is joined by returning friend of the podcast Julius Strauss, as Saul takes a well-deserved break. The whirlwind of events surrounding President Trump continues to baffle, with a relentless barrage of news making it nearly impossible to keep pace. Is there a method to the madness, or is it simply a chaotic disruption strategy? Julius and Patrick delve into the challenge of discerning truth from Trump's statements, who seems to prioritise impression over facts. Together, they explore the delicate balance between underestimating and overestimating his impact. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • 259. Burma - The Forgotten Victory

    259. Burma - The Forgotten Victory
    Feb 26 2025
    In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul David is joined by renowned historian Rob Lyman who delves into the often-overlooked but crucial British campaign in Burma during 1945. rob describes the complex narrative of the Fourteenth Army's relentless push against the Japanese, culminating in hard-fought victories in Meiktila and Mandalay, and the eventual recapture of Rangoon. This episode shines a light on the logistical nightmares, and the sheer determination of the "Forgotten Army." Discover how General Slim's strategic brilliance and the resilience of his multi-national forces turned the tide in Southeast Asia. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    47 mins