WW2 Nation Podcast
By WW2 Nation
WW2 Nation PodcastApr 20, 2021
S2 Ep 12: Ernest Booth Veteran Interview - 4th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, No. 1 Independent Company, Armourer
This month marks the anniversary commemorations of the Commando Raid on St. Nazaire on 28th March 1942, and as such in Season 2, Episode 12 I will be featuring an interview that I did a few years ago with veteran Ernest Booth about his wartime service and experiences, as Ernest discussed with me during this interview his best friend from Sheffield, Gerry Taylor who took part in Operation Chariot, and was sadly destined to never return home. Ernest joined up with the Territorial Army along with his best friend Gerry just before the outbreak of war, and when hostilities broke out Ernest was eventually posted to the 4th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, whilst Gerry was sent to another Regiment altogether.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 11: The Avro Lancaster - One of Britain's Iconic Wartime Aircraft with Steve Darlow
In Season 2, Episode 11 we turn our attention to looking at one of Britain’s most iconic wartime aircraft in the form of the Avro Lancaster, as this month marks the anniversary of its first operational flights with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War in March 1942. Today we are talking with historian and author Steve Darlow to learn more about this aircraft, its service and operational history, as well as some of those who crewed the Lancaster including his own grandfather’s experiences.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 10: The 1st East Riding Yeomanry and the Battle for Cambes-en-Plaine in Normandy on D+1 with Ben Mayne
In Season 2, Episode 10, we find ourselves heading straight back to the battlefields of Normandy in June 1944, as today I am joined by battlefield guide Ben Mayne as we discuss the 1st East Riding Yeomanry and their experiences fighting alongside the men of the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles during the opening stages of the battle for Cambes-en-Plaine on D+1. As well as this, Ben also highlights the actions of Tank and Troop Commander Lt. Jenkin who was awarded the Military Cross for his actions here at Cambes on that afternoon of the 7th June 1944...
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 9: Normandy 1944 the 2/Royal Ulster Rifles and Platoon Commander Lt Cyril Rand's Experiences with Paul Woodadge - Part 2
In Season 2, Episode 9, we are diving right back into our conversation with Paul Woodadge looking at the experiences of his Great Uncle Lt. Cyril Rand leading the men of his Platoon in C Company 2/Royal Ulster Rifles during the fierce fighting in Normandy in July 1944. In this particular instalment, we shall be turning our attention to their experiences during Operation Charnwood with the assault on Hill 60, and the subsequent consequences for Cyril’s platoon. We discuss their experiences on entering the ruined streets of Caen which had originally been an objective that Montgomery had hoped to capture on D-Day itself back on the 6th June, however now Caen lay in ruins, devastated by an air-raid by the Allied airforces in preparation for Operation Charnwood. We also discuss a few very lucky escapes, Cyril’s interactions with some of those civilians who lived in Caen, the actions during the advance towards Troarn as part of Operation Goodwood, as well as much, much more…
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 8: Normandy 1944 the 2/Royal Ulster Rifles and Platoon Commander Lt Cyril Rand's Experiences with Paul Woodadge - Part 1
Today I am joined by Normandy battlefield guide, military historian, and presenter of WW2TV, Paul Woodadge, as we turn our attention to looking at the 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles and their experiences in Normandy during that summer of 1944. The Riflemen hold a rich history, with their origins dating back to the late 1700’s, and seeing action during the Napoleonic wars and the First World War. In this episode, the first of 2 parts, we shall be following in the footsteps of Paul’s Great Uncle, Lt. Cyril Rand who was a platoon commander with C Company. We will be looking at the training and the build-up to Operation Overlord, embarkation, and landing in Normandy on Sword Beach on D-Day, before turning our attention to those fierce early engagements that Cyril and his men experienced around Cambes-en-Plaine in those opening days of June 44.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 7: Peter Davies Veteran Interview - A Sherman Tank Gunner with the 1st East Riding Yeomanry - Part 1
In this episode of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we hear veteran Peter Davies recall his wartime experiences serving in No. 1 Troop of B Squadron of the 1st East Riding Yeomanry as a gunner on a Sherman Tank during the Second World War. He had originally enlisted with the RAF as a wireless operator, but then was transferred to the Army which at that moment had been desperately short of winless operators. Having landed on D-Day, he and his crew fought all the way through to VE Day where they finished up in the area of Biesbosch. They were incredibly lucky, as despite suffering several glancing blows - 'Bandit' - Peter's tank was never knocked out. This episode is the first of a few instalments from this interview, that I did with Peter back in December 2019, it has been split into a few different parts, of which I will be releasing on the Podcast over the coming few weeks.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 6: Operation Amherst and the Canadian Advance in the Netherlands in April 1945 with Joel Stoppels
Today, we are heading to the Netherlands, as I am joined by Dutch Historian and Battlefield Guide Joel Stoppels to discover more about Operation Amherst in April 1945. In Season 2 Episode 6 we shall be examining this Allied airborne operation carried out by members of the French SAS Regiments which were dropped behind German lines in the Netherlands during the final stages of the war in Europe. It will also see us touching on the formation of these French SAS units and their experiences during the Second World War, the tactics they employed and how the operation unfolded for these men. We shall also touch on the fierce fighting experienced by the Canadian Army during this time as they advanced in this area of the Netherlands, including around the Dutch city of Groningen.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 5: Douglas Parker Veteran Interview 2/East Yorkshire Regiment (Bonus)
In Season 2, Episode 5 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we hear from Douglas Parker about his experiences serving in 11 Platoon, B Company of the 2nd Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. Doug landed in the assault waves of D-Day on Sword Beach aged just 21. This episode is something of an unexpected bonus as Reverend John Parker has kindly sent in this interview that his family did with their father Douglas Parker about his experiences serving in the army during the war.
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Corporal William Wilkinson (CWGC)
Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 4: IX Troop Carrier Command in the ETO with Adam Berry - Part 2
In Season 2, Episode 4 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we return to the concluding part of our discussion with historian Adam Berry about Troop Carrier Command’s experiences in the ETO during the war. We also look at the reality of live combat jumps vs training exercises; we talk about the training accident in Exercise Eagle as a part of this large dress rehearsal for the invasion; we look at Operation Market Garden, Operation Varsity and the experiences of the C-46. So plenty of things that will be coming up in this episode, but without further ado we are diving right back into the thick of it all with the drop over Normandy for D-Day.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 3: The Battle of the Bulge and Those Who Hold Bastogne with Dr Peter Schrijvers - Part 2
In Season 2 Episode 3 we continue our conversation with Dr Peter Schrijvers about the Battle of the Bulge, and more specifically the events surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne. This second part covers a whole range of topics connected with the battle, among a few of the many things we discuss are Patton's Third Army and its attempt to reach Bastogne and relieve those trapped inside, the civilian experiences during the fighting, acts of valour, as well as the important use of Allied air-power during the battle, and much, much more.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 2: The Battle of the Bulge and Those Who Hold Bastogne with Dr Peter Schrijvers - Part 1
In Season 2, Episode 2 on the WW2 Nation Podcast I am joined by Dr Peter Schrijvers as we turn our attention to the Battle of the Bulge, and more specifically the events surrounding the Belgian town of Bastogne. Paratrooper Donald Burgett, one of those members of the 101st Airborne Division who fought in Bastogne, called it seven roads to hell. Whilst another referred to Bastogne as the hole in the doughnut. This Belgian town found itself right at the epicentre of these monumental events witnessing scenes of ferocious fighting as this battle unfolded around it in some of the harshest conditions imaginable.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
S2 Ep 1: IX Troop Carrier Command in the ETO with Adam Berry - Part 1
In Season 2, Episode 1 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, we are heading to the skies of the Second World War as I am joined by British Historian and author Adam Berry, as we discuss the important role that Troop Carrier Command, and specifically IX Troop Carrier Command played during the war.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 35 - Operation Foursquare: The Last Czech Parachutist with George Bearfield - Part 2
In Episode 35 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we conclude our conversation with George Bearfield about the actions of his grandfather Jaroslav Bublik and his Czech colleagues serving with as agents with the SOE during the Second World War. We discuss Operation Anthropoid, Operation Foursquare, as well as many other Operations that these brave men volunteered to partake in by dropping behind enemy lines into occupied Europe.
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Music Featured: 1940S Newsreel Movie March (Nostalgia, Retro, Cinematic) by IkonikMusik (Pond5)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 34 - Night Fright C-47 Restoration Project - Part Two (The WW2 Restoration Men Series - Episode Two)
In Episode 34 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is part of our WW2 Restoration Men Series where we speak with those individuals behind various restoration projects around the globe looking to preserve our WW2 heritage. In the second episode of this specific series, we conclude our conversation with Charlie Walker and Neil Jones discussing their project to restore Douglas C-47 Skytrain 'Night Fright' to her original wartime glory and get her back where she belongs flying in the skies above Britain and Europe once more.
Discover More: Night Fright Restoration
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 33 - Operation Foursquare: The Last Czech Parachutist with George Bearfield - Part 1
In Episode 33 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we talk with George Bearfield about the actions of his grandfather Jaroslav Bublik and his Czech colleagues serving with as agents with the SOE during the Second World War. We discuss Operation Anthropoid, Operation Foursquare, as well as many other Operations that these brave men volunteered to partake in by dropping behind enemy lines into occupied Europe.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 32 - Night Fright C-47 Restoration Project - Part One (The WW2 Restoration Men Series - Episode One)
In Episode 32 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is the first of our WW2 Restoration Men Series where we speak with those individuals behind various restoration projects around the globe looking to preserve our WW2 heritage. In the first episode of this specific series, we are joined by Charlie Walker and Neil Jones, to discuss their project to restore Douglas C-47 Skytrain 'Night Fright' to her original wartime glory and get her back where she belongs flying in the skies above Britain and Europe once more.
Discover More: Night Fright Restoration
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 31 - The D-Day Dodgers and that Tough Old Gut - The Campaign in Italy in WW2 with Paul Reed - Part 2
In Episode 31 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we mark the anniversary of the Allied liberation of Rome in Italy in June 1944 with a continuation of our discussion with Leger's Head Battlefield Guide Paul Reed to discover more about these events and the campaign in Italy during the Second World War. We learn about the "D-Day Dodgers" including Paul's own father who served in this theatre of operations. Churchill famously described Italy as the soft under-belly of Europe, but this campaign proved to be anything but that, US General Mark Clark would later describe it as one tough old gut, as the Allies slogged their way methodically through Italy from 1943 - 1945.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 30 - The D-Day Dodgers and that Tough Old Gut - The Campaign in Italy in WW2 with Paul Reed - Part 1
In Episode 30 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we mark the anniversary of the Allied breakout from the Anzio beachhead in Italy in May 1944 with a discussion with Leger's Head Battlefield Guide Paul Reed to discover more about the campaign in Italy during the Second World War, and learn about the "D-Day Dodgers" including his own father's experiences serving in this theatre of operations. Churchill famously described Italy as the soft under-belly of Europe, but this campaign proved to be anything but that, US General Mark Clark would later describe it as one tough old gut, as the Allies slogged their way methodically through Italy from 1943 - 1945.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 29 - Tip of the Spear - Wartime Service of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry - James Holland - Part 2
In Episode 29 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we continue our conversation with British Historian James Holland about the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry to learn more about their wartime service, and discover more about those men's experiences who served with this Armoured Regiment in the Second World War.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 28 - Tip of the Spear - Wartime Service of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry - James Holland - Part 1
In Episode 28 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we talk with British Historian James Holland about the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry to learn more about their wartime service, and discover more about those men's experiences who served with this Armoured Regiment in the Second World War.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 27 - Jumping The Rhine - Operation Varsity - Part 2 with Alex Collins
In Episode 27 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is our concluding instalment looking at Operation Varsity - the airborne element of the Rhine Crossings of March 1945 - with battlefield guide Alex Collins. We discover more about the resupply mission, delve into the remarkable actions that saw the awards of both the VC and Medal of Honor decorations during this operation, as well as discuss the relief of, and casualties incurred by the those men of British 6th Airborne and US 17th Airborne Divisions who jumped the River Rhine into Germany.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 26 - Jumping The Rhine - Operation Varsity - Part 1 with Alex Collins
In Episode 26 of the WW2 Nation Podcast we mark the anniversary of Operation Varsity - 24th March 1945 - by speaking with battlefield guide Alex Collins to learn more about one of the largest Allied airborne operations of the war, as well as the experiences of those men of British 6th Airborne and US 17th Airborne Divisions who jumped the River Rhine into Germany.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 25 - The Real Great Escape with Guy Walters
In Episode 25 of the WW2 Nation Podcast with the anniversary fast approaching of the breakout from Stalag Luft III by Allied POWs in March 1944, we are speaking with historian Guy Walters, as we try and unravel fact from fiction behind the Real Great Escape, and that of Hollywood's 1963 classic war film the Great Escape.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Rusty Waughman
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
During the Second World War, Rusty joined the RAF. He was selected for Pilot training and learned to fly in Canada as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme. Having completed his training and gained his wings, he was eventually posted to Bomber Command’s 101 ‘Special Duties’ Squadron where he flew a Lancaster over Germany and France, including raids over Berlin and the ill fated Nuremberg Operation of March 1944. Surviving numerous night fighter attacks, German flak and even a mid-air collision with another Lancaster over Belgium, Rusty and his crew completed their full tour of 30 operations. Amazingly after the war Rusty then went on to fly Dakota’s during the Berlin Airlift 1948-49.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Ken Tout
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Ken served in 3 Troop, C Squadron of the 1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry. His unit arrived in Normandy a few days after D-Day and its Sherman Tanks were thrown into the thick of the action as an independent armoured brigade. Ken operated as a gunner, but due to his taking / passing the initial test for officer training before the unit left for oversea operations, he was promoted to a tank commander and frequently utilised in this role, taking over from other tank co’s when they were wounded. Ken served the whole way through the fierce fighting of the Normandy Campaign including in and around Caen, then the breakout towards Falaise and the Seine. This included Operation Totalise and the fierce battle to take and hold the bourguebus ridge in August 1944. Following the break out he took part in the capture of Le Havre before eventually going onto fighting into and through Holland. But in October 1944 Ken’s war was over, his tank overturned and he sustained a serious leg injury, he was evacuated by Dakota back to the UK to undergo an operation and recover.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Bob Sullivan
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Bob Sullivan (MBE) served with the 6th Airborne Division’s 3rd Parachute Squadron R.E. during the Second World War. Jumping into Normandy on D-Day and helping blow the bridge across the River Dives at Robehomme, Bob saw action the whole way through the Normandy Campaign, in the Ardennes and in Holland, before being wounded in the left leg by mortar fire near his RV on Drop Zone A during the drop over the Rhine, Op Varsity in March 1945.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Alan King
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Alan served in ‘B’ Squadron the 1st East Riding Yeomanry as a wireless operator on a Sherman Tank. Landing in Normandy on D-Day on 6th June 1944 as part of 27th Armoured Brigade, Alan and his crew fought all the way through Normandy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and into Germany. He took part in Operation Charnwood, Goodwood, Astonia, Operation Alan in the Netherlands, the Battle of the Bulge and subsequent Rhine Crossings. Alan had been incredibly lucky in Normandy as he and his crew had 3 tanks shot out from under them. On 8th July 1944 during the engagement at Galmanche, Alan sadly lost his close friend Corporal Louis Wilkes – every year Alan visits and pays his respect to his former tank commander.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Denzil Cooper
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Denzil had initially joined the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) during the early stages of the war, before going on to join the Glider Pilot Regiment. Trained to fly the British Horsa Glider, Denzil went on to take part in Operation Mallard in Normandy on D-Day in June 1944. He and his fellow co-pilot then transported troops into battle around Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands in September 1944. Denzil found himself fighting for his life as he and his colleagues faced overwhelming odds and became embroiled in bitter house-to-house street fighting.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Jeff Haward
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Jeff joined up before the war with the territorials 1/7th Middlesex Battalion which was equipped with Vickers Machine Guns, and saw service with the ‘Die Hards’ the whole way through the war, from its very start to its end. Jeff fought in France as part of the BEF in 1940 where he was evacuated at Dunkirk, he went on to fight in North Africa taking part in the Battle of El Alamein, then Sicily, before landing in Normandy and battling all the way through into Germany where he was on VE Day.
Jeff was one of those caught up in the fierce fighting in the Reichswald Forest in Feb 1945. He was awarded an MM for his role during this battle – which was later personally awarded by Montgomery himself. Sadly though, it was also in this same encounter that he lost his close friend and comrade, Sgt. Frank Dollin, on this day 75 years ago.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Jim Radford
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Having witnessed some of the events of the Hull Blitz, Jim joined the Merchant Navy at 15 serving onboard the Empire Larch Tug, where he and his crew-mates took part in D-Day assisting in the construction of the Mulberry Harbour – Port Winston – just off Arromanches near Gold Beach. There they stayed off the coast of Normandy acting as a rescue vessel assisting other crafts, men and crews in distress. Many of you will have no doubt heard Jim’s incredibly powerful account of his memories of these days in the form of his song – ‘The Shores of Normandy’ – which cannot help but bring a tear to your eye.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Mervyn Kersch
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Mervyn Kersch served with the RAOC from D-Day through to Germany. Nearly not making it to Normandy due to being put on a charge by an officer for not eating the supplied meat in army meals as it wasn’t kosher, that was quickly sorted and Mervyn continued in the training ahead of Operation Overlord. He would land on Gold Beach a few days after the 6th June, where he was part of setting up the vital vehicle parks to maintain the supply and demand of the land army from motorbike to tanks. He even managed to ‘borrow’ a jeep to drive around in. From the breakout of Normandy, Mervyn was part of the advance that moved across Belgium and the Netherlands. Mervyn spent time in Celle and would encounter many of the liberated Jews from Bergen Belson who were awaiting transport. He was able to speak to some of the survivors in broken English, French, German and Yiddish. He recalls many he spoke to wanting to travel to Eretz. On the 7th May, Mervyn embarked a train to Brussels, they were to prepare to go to the Far East. The train arrived on the 9th May where they were then informed the war in Europe was over and hostilities had ceased.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Peter Davies
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Peter served in 1 Troop, B Squadron of the 1st East Riding Yeomanry as a gunner on a Sherman Tank during the Second World War. He had originally enlisted with the RAF as a wireless operator but then transferred to the Army who at that moment had been desperately short of W/O’s. Having landed on D-Day, he and his crew fought all the way through to VE Day where they finished up in the area of Biesbosch. They were incredibly lucky as despite suffering several glancing blows – ‘Bandit’ – Peter’s tank was never knocked out.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Stuart Watson
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Stuart joined the 13/18th Royal Hussars as a newly commissioned officer in late 1942 and was assigned to HQ as the units Signals Officer.
During 1943 – early 1944 the 13/18 Hussars were preparing for their part in the invasion of Europe, equipped with Sherman DD Tanks they were destined to take on a specialist role on D-Day by helping to spearhead the landings on Sword Beach with their tanks swimming ashore to support the infantry being landed.
Stuart fought with the unit throughout the bitter-fighting in Normandy during the summer of 1944, witnessing the horrors of the Falaise Pocket as the Allied forces broke-out into France and attempted to surround the remaining German forces during their retreat. He also took part in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands with XXX Corps, saw service in the Ardennes during the Winter of 1944-45 before the final push into Germany.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Ken Cooke
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Called-up in late 1943 aged 18 when he was working in York, Ken joined the Green Howards 7th Battalion.
On the morning of 6th June 1944, Ken landed in one of the initial waves on Gold Beach. When Ken waded ashore the greatest thought which preoccupied his mind was not the enemy fire going on all around him, but that of his socks being thoroughly soaked through. His unit quickly pushed in-land in the proceeding hours and were in fact told to hold in case they got cut-off from adjacent units who had met stubborn resistance. The reality of the situation quickly dawned on Ken when the next day when the names of a few of his mate were posted as wounded or killed in action.
Caught up in the proceeding grinding fight through Normandy, Ken was wounded by shrapnel from an air-burst on 4th July 1944 where he was evacuated back to Blighty. It took several months in hospital for Ken to recover from his wounds. ‘Fit’ once more, he was sent back to the North Western European Theatre as a replacement and posted to the Highland Light Infantry, battling through Germany and ending up at Bremen.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Len Fox
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Len landed on Gold Beach late on D-Day. As a despatch rider, his job was to carry messages between units and to escort columns of vehicles to get them to their destination.
In mid-July, he was leading a column of lorries containing ammunition to the front line. As he reached the crossroads behind him in the photograph, he stopped to get his bearings. Beside the road, a sign read ‘Dust Kills’, a warning to take care not to kick up any dust whilst driving because if it were to be spotted by the Germans it would make you an immediate target. But it was a very dry time of year and trying to move a column of lorries around without creating any kind of telltale sign was a near impossibility. Unbeknownst to Len, the Germans had the crossroads marked as a target for their artillery and they were watching them.
Suddenly, a shell landed just yards away from them. Len knew it was a ranging shell and the next one wouldn’t miss. They had to move at once.
He got the convoy moving away from the crossroads as quickly as he could but it was too late. Another shell came over and this time hit one of the trucks, causing all the ammunition it was carrying to go off. The resulting explosion was enormous.
Len was badly wounded. He has no idea how long it was until someone got to him or what happened in the aftermath, as he didn’t regain consciousness until he was in a casualty clearing station about ten kilometres back from the crossroads. When he eventually came round, he saw a woman all in white and thought he was facing an angel. The nurse he had seen offered him a cigarette, and he realised then he wasn’t dead ‘because I knew you couldn’t smoke in heaven!’
Len awoke to find he was temporarily deafened by the blast and he had to have shrapnel removed from his spine.
However, after just six weeks recovery time he rejoined his unit to take part in the liberation of Brussels.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Danny Mason
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
As soon as he was able to do so, Danny volunteered to become a paratrooper going through the all the rigorous training that this entailed to wear the famous maroon berry. Posted to the 8th Parachute Battalion of the 6th Airborne Division which had cut its teeth in Normandy and in the Ardennes already. Danny was keen not to let the war pass him by due to his age, so when the opportunity came to fill the boots of a comrade who could no longer jump because of medical grounds, he jumped at the chance to volunteer for his first overseas operation and first combat jump. This was to be the largest Allied airborne drop of the war to date – Operation Varsity – with the Rhine Crossing in March 1945. Once on the ground, Danny and his comrades battled through Germany helping spearhead the thrust towards the River Elbe. Only a few days before the war officially ended, Danny had been wounded by a German aircraft attack on his position. He was evacuated out of the line to Belgium and was in hospital on 8th May 1945 for VE Day. In typical Airborne style, that did not stop him breaking out of the hospital to join in the celebrations and have a few drinks.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voices of VE Day 75 - Peter Lovett
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Peter landed on Juno Beach on D-Day and remained there with the 7th Beach Group for 4-5 weeks before it was disbanded and he went on to join the 9th Parachute Battalion, as a replacement helping to fill the gaps in the ranks following weeks of hard fighting on the left-flank. Following his involvement in Operation Paddle – the 6th Airborne’s advance towards the Seine and break-out of Normandy – Peter went on to play his part in the Battle of the Bulge before making his his first combat jump with the 6th Airborne Division as part of Operation Varsity – the Rhine Crossing into Germany.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voice of VE Day 75 - Tom Jones
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Tom served in General Bill Slim's 'Forgotten' Fourteenth Army. Brought up in Liverpool, witnessing the Blitz here as he worked in the city's air-defence before joining up where he was posted to India for his training with the Royal Artillery. He went on to become a wireless operator for a Forward Observation Officer with the 33rd Jungle Field Regiment battling through Burma against the Japanese. He was still fighting the Japanese in the jungle when the ending of the war in Europe on VE Day was announced.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Voice of VE Day 75 - Len Trewin
To mark the 75th Anniversary Commemorations of VE Day, we spoke with a few of the veterans we know about their experiences on 8th May 1945 and hear their advice for future generations.
Len served with the 6th Airborne Division during the War. Initially gaining some experience with his local Home Guard unit, Len was called up in 1943 and was posted to the Royal Warwick’s camp of Budbrook Barracks for training, where as luck would have it a few Parachute Regiment recruitment team were also visiting. Fancying the challenge or as Len would say why not give it a go, he volunteered to join the Paras. And was whisked away to Hardwick Hall for 2 weeks of intense physical training before going on to Ringway / Tatton Park to do jump training and gain his wings following 8 successful practice jumps. Eventually Len was posted to 8th Battalion under the command of the renowned veteran CO Alistair ‘Jock’ Pearson. He joined the Mortar Platoon and arrived as a reinforcement in Normandy in August just in time to take part in the breakout towards the River Seine as part of Operation Paddle.
Following this, Len was involved in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes with 8th Bn, then took part in Operation Varsity in the jump across the Rhine. It was in this that Len was wounded as he was advancing up a road they came under fire from a German anti-aircraft gun which was being used in a ground role and he was caught by a piece of Shrapnel from one of its shells just above the left eye and still has this memento from Krupp to this day. Following the end of the war Len went onto see service in Palestine as well as other parts of the Middle East.
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 24 - Part Three: Talking Moonlight Sonata - The Luftwaffe Raid on Coventry 14th November 1940 with Frederick Taylor
In Episode 24 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is our final part looking at Moonlight Sonata with Frederick Taylor. Coming up in this instalment we hear all about the aftermath of the Luftwaffe’s infamous raid and its consequences not only for the city and its inhabitants, but also the fall out for Germany on the international stage, as well as its influence on future operations by both the Luftwaffe and also the RAF Bomber Command.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 23 - Part Two: Talking Moonlight Sonata - The Luftwaffe Raid on Coventry 14th November 1940 with Frederick Taylor
In Episode 23 on the WW2 Nation Podcast we are diving right back into our discussion with Frederick Taylor to discover more about the infamous raid on Coventry on the 14th November 1940 by the Luftwaffe.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 22 - Part One: Talking Moonlight Sonata - The Luftwaffe Raid on Coventry 14th November 1940 with Frederick Taylor
In Episode 22 on the WW2 Nation Podcast we are talking with Frederick Taylor as this month marks the 79th anniversary of the infamous Luftwaffe raid on Coventry on 14-15 November 1940 during the height of the Blitz of Britain.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 21 - Part Three: Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In - The 6th Airborne Division in Normandy 1944 with Neil Barber
In Episode 21, it is our third and final part of Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In with historian Neil Barber. Within this we discuss Jeff Haward's experiences with the 1/7th Middlesex Battalion; the Commandos' important role and experiences of Stan Scott with No.3 Commando as well as learning about Neil's current work looking at the blowing of the 5 bridges across the River Dives and Divette.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 20 - Part Two: Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In - The 6th Airborne Division in Normandy 1944 with Neil Barber
Coming up in Episode 20 on the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is Part Two of Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In with historian Neil Barber and in which we will be discussing the actions by those men of the 7th Parachute Battalion and OBLI in holding the two bridges (Horsa & Pegasus) over the River Orne and Caen Canal. We will also be chatting about commemoration beyond the 75th Anniversary as well as a few of the brave actions that took place around the bridges in those first 24 hours, including one Neil believes should have seen a Victoria Cross given for.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 19 - Part One: Talking the Day The Devils Dropped In - The 6th Airborne Division in Normandy 1944 with Neil Barber
In Episode 19 of the WW2 Nation Podcast, we speak with 6th Airborne Division historian & author Neil Barber to discuss the important role this airborne unit played on D-Day and during the subsequent fierce fighting of the 1944 Normandy campaign.
In Part One (of 3), we discover why Neil first started researching the men and actions of the British 6th Airborne Division in Normandy in 1944. Before diving right into discussing the plan, role and actions of Lt Colonel Terence Otway's 9th Parachute Battalion assault on the Merville Battery on D-Day as well as the proceeding fighting in Amfreville and up at the Chateau St Come.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 18 - Part Three: Talking Operation Husky and the Glider Pilot Regiment with Mike Peters
In this episode of the WW2 Nation Podcast, it is our third and final instalment of talking with battlefield guide Mike Peters about the Glider Pilot Regiment and their role in Operation Husky during the fierce battle for Sicily in the summer of 1943.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 17 - Part Two: Talking Operation Husky and the Glider Pilot Regiment with Mike Peters
Welcome to another episode of the WW2 Nation Podcast and in this instalment we are turning our attention back to the scorching hot shores of Sicily in the summer of 1943, as we talk with battlefield guide Mike Peters in Part 2 of Operation Husky and the Glider Pilot Regiment.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 16 - Talking Photographing the Last Surviving Veterans of WW2 - The 3945 Portrait Project with Glyn Dewis
In this episode of the WW2 Nation Podcast we talk with professional photographer Glyn Dewis about his incredible journey photographing the last of our surviving veterans from the Second World War. We learn all about this inspirational 3945 Portrait Project, the results of which will be on display in an exhibition held at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum soon.
Discover More About the 3945 Portrait Project
Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 15 - Part Two-Talking the Restoration of D-Day Veteran Landing Craft Tank 7074 with Stephen Fisher
In Episode 15 of the WW2 Nation Podcast we continue our focus on the restoration of LCT 7074 with Naval Historian and Archaeologist, Stephen Fisher who is one of the team working on this incredible project in Portsmouth. So lets dive right back in to discussing conditions onboard LCT 7074 for her crew in the build-up to D-Day…
Talk: The Evolution of the Landing Craft
Talk: Embarking the D-Day Armada
Tour: New Light on D-Day Lepe
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*
Ep 14 - Part One: Talking the Restoration of D-Day Veteran Landing Craft Tank 7074 with Stephen Fisher
In Episode 14 of the WW2 Nation Podcast we talk with Naval Historian and Archaeologist, Stephen Fisher about all things Landing Craft related during the Second World War. We will also be going behind-the-scenes and learning all about the ongoing project down in Portsmouth by the National Museum of the Royal Navy to restore D-Day Veteran Landing Craft Tank 7074 to her former 1944 glory.
Music Featured: Hearts & Flowers by Jeff Kaale (SoundCloud/Instagram)
*Please note this episode may contain some explicit language / content, parental guidance advised.*