Tales From The Battlefields Podcast

I am co author of this book about ABF The Soldiers' Charity's Frontline Walk. All proceeds to the charity. The walk goes again this year, Covid permitting. soldierscharityshop.org/collections/bo…

This episode of my podcast is now available #Somme #ww1 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-s…

A sea mist shrouding #Cromer this morning. Henry Blogg rescued the crews of 4 boats in a single day in February 1917. #ww1

Coming soon…a walk around the September 1916 #Somme battlefield. We visit a German bunker and @CWGC London Cemetery and Extension to discover why 3 Newfoundland soldiers, killed at Beaumont Hamel, are buried there. #ww1 through the soldiers’ eyes. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tal…

The graves of two British soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War were formally rededicated in France this week. “We are honoured to be able to rededicate the graves of Captain Martin Warren and Lance Corporal Arthur Mantle. Thanks to extensive and meticulous research, it has been possible to confirm that two previously unnamed graves at Pargny British Cemetery and Joncourt East British Cemetery near Saint Quentin are the final resting places of these two men, who gave their lives in fierce fighting on the Western Front more than 100 years ago. It is important that, wherever possible, every soldier who died is commemorated by name, and today we reaffirm our commitment to care for their graves in perpetuity.” CWGC Director of Commemorations Richard Hills. Read more on our website.

Andrew Byles was killed by shellfire whilst working as a stretcher bearer. He was a Sunday school teacher and "was a willing and unselfish worker, and cheerful under most trying circumstances." He is now buried in @CWGC Roclincourt Valley Cemetery, close to where he died. #WW1

A rather eerie old railway station in #Norfolk I discovered yesterday…

Found this in Honing village, north Norfolk today. A frightening weapon, I wondered if it had been used at Passchendaele and how many casualties it caused….#ypres #ww1

A simple wooden cross, yet filled with meaning. A quiet tribute to those who rest here and the stories that must never be forgotten.

Many thanks to the National Army Museum who unlike the @I_W_M haven’t succumbed to wokism…

🚨 Hero at Belstone FC 🚨 Massive respect to Mitchel Swain, who stepped up when it mattered most after an official collapsed twice during the match. Not only did Mitchel react instantly to help, but he also brought his real-life training into action, as a firefighter, his calmness and quick thinking helped save a life. Moments like this remind us that football is about far more than the result. The non-league community always looks after its own. 👏 An incredible act of bravery. Well done, Mitchel a true hero. Let’s give him the recognition he deserves. @LondonFire @belstone65 #NonLeagueFootball #BelstoneFC #Hero #FootballFamily

@AMooreye @CWGC This time I only popped in to get his photo but always feel the presence of them all

@TerryWhenham @CWGC Wow, that must have been a powerful experience. Standing there and seeing thousands of names—including Lt. Arnold Prime’s—really brings home the scale of loss. Did any particular panel or story stand out to you when you visited?”

In last week's episode I told the story of Lt Arnold Prime, who gave the order to surrender on 21st March 1918. He walked towards the enemy but was never seen again. Yesterday, as promised, I paid my respects to him @CWGC Pozieres Memorial. #Somme #WW1 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-c…

@AMooreye @CWGC Yes. I visited the memorial last week

@TerryWhenham @CWGC That’s powerful — do you know if Lt Arnold Prime’s name is inscribed on the Pozieres panels? That memorial alone bears the names of over 14,000 missing from March–August 1918.”

@AMooreye @CWGC A bit of both and newspaper articles

@TerryWhenham @CWGC This sounds fascinating I’d love to hear more about the individual stories of the soldiers buried at Ovillers Cemetery. Do you focus on personal letters or service records?”

This week's podcast comes from Mash Valley at Ovillers as we look at the first few days of July 1916 during the Battle of the #Somme. #WW1. We discover some of the stories of the men in @CWGC Ovillers Military Cemetery. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ovi…

"Friends are good on the day of battle". A misty day 10 years ago. And the unveiling of the 51st Highland Memorial in Newfoundland Park on #Somme battlefield in September 1924. A place for thought and reflection. #WW1

“Then and Now”….The railway bridge in Albert this week, destroyed in 1918 and rebuilt 20 years later. #Somme #ww1

Morlancourt. Behind the British lines during 1916 #Somme. This photo was taken in August 1918 when it was scene of fighting during 100 Day Offensive. And the other end of the village in 1938. #ww1 we visited this morning.

The stunning and breathtaking Vimy Ridge yesterday afternoon. #ww1 @vimyfoundation