Mentioned in Dispatches

Professor Gary Sheffield compares and contrasts the experience of the London Territorial Force in the First and Second World Wars. He explores the evolution of its role, structure and public image across the two conflicts, offering fresh insights into the transformation of this key component of Britain’s military reserve. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Clive Harris explores the role of London Territorials in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915–16. While no full London territorial division served there, six battalions, five Yeomanry regiments and two support units contributed around 8,500 men, spread across multiple formations from Helles to Suvla. Their experiences, challenges and the lessons they carried forward are brought to life through figures such as bandleader Billy Cotton and William Wedgwood Benn. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, historian Nick Jenkins discusses the British League of Help and its efforts to support the reconstruction of French towns devastated during the First World War. His research reveals how communities across Britain came together to aid their French counterparts, shedding light on a little-known chapter of post-war humanitarian work. Nick spoke from his home in West Yorkshire.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Tim Halstead discusses the connections between London schools and the Territorial Force during the Great War. While the contribution of Public Schools to the Officer Corps is well known, this talk focuses on the less-explored role of Grammar Schools. Drawing on Rolls of Service from both school types in and around London, Halstead sheds light on their strong links to specific regiments and their wider wartime influence. This talk was part of the London Pride Conference held in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, John Davy examines the London Regiment’s links with the Royal Flying Corps and RAF during the Great War. Using primary sources, he offers a statistical analysis of the men who joined the RFC via the London Regiment and considers the impact of their loss on their original battalions. This episode was recorded for the London Pride Conference in June 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Harry Potter delves into the life and service of prison reformer Alexander Paterson, drawing on his wartime diary and letters. From gentleman ranker to officer in the Bermondsey Battalion, Paterson served at Loos and later held various roles including lecturer, defence counsel, intelligence officer and Sports and Recreation Officer. He also contributed to the Division’s history and supported Talbot House alongside Tubby Clayton. Recorded as part of the London Pride Conference 2024.

On this week's Mentioned in Dispatches podcast, Stephen Sandford explores the early history of the 18th Battalion London Regiment (London Irish) during the First World War. He examines the battalion’s formation, recruitment, training and unique cultural identity, as well as its connections to Ireland and its first action at Loos. This talk was recorded at the London Pride Conference, held in June 2024.

Historian Michèl Admiraal joins Mentioned in Dispatches to discuss his research on the German U-boat campaign during the First World War. Admiraal, a recent MA graduate in Military History from Wolverhampton University, explores the relationship between technology, doctrine, and naval operations. His Stand To! article, Technology, Doctrine and the German U-boat Campaign, offers a detailed analysis of how technological advancements and strategic doctrine shaped each other throughout the war. This episode delves into the tactical and operational aspects of submarine warfare and its impact on naval strategy.

This episode of Mentioned in Dispatches features historian and author Steve R. Dunn, who discusses his latest book, Spectre of Invasion: The Royal Navy and the Defence of Britain’s Coast, 1900–1918. The book examines Britain's persistent fears of invasion in the early 20th century, the strategic debates between naval and military defence advocates, and the reality of coastal raids and naval engagements during the First World War. Dunn provides insights into how these concerns influenced British military planning and naval policy during the period.

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches, historian Simon Batten discusses his book Futile Exercise?: The British Army’s Preparations for War 1902-1914. Simon explores the British Army's pre-war manoeuvres, training exercises and attempts to learn from past conflicts in the lead-up to the First World War. Highlighting the challenges of adapting to modern warfare, he examines whether these efforts were effective in preparing for the unprecedented realities of trench warfare. His book is published by Helion.

In this episode of Mentioned in Dispatches, Dr Margaret Ward, Honorary Senior Lecturer in History at Queen’s University Belfast, talks about her latest book Rebel Women: Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, 1914–1924. In the interview, Dr Ward explores the remarkable contributions of Northern Irish women to the republican movement during one of Ireland’s most turbulent periods. Highlighting the pivotal role of Cumann na mBan in Belfast and the Glens of Antrim, she discusses the challenges these women faced, their resilience in a male-dominated political landscape and the lasting impact of their activism on Irish history. Her book is published by Beyond the Pale.