Mentioned in Dispatches

About Mentioned in Dispatches

A podcast hosted by Dr Tom Thorpe on all aspects of the Great War from the UK's leading First World War history society The Western Front Association (www.westernfrontassociation.com).

Publisher

Dr Tom Thorpe

Category

education · history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Feb 2017

Latest episode

15 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

394 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Jun 2026

   Ep385 – The Barnbow Disaster – Antony Bell

   In this podcast, Antony Bell discusses the historical background to his novel A Penny a Shell, focusing on the 1916 Barnbow munitions factory explosion. He explores the lives of the women workers, known as the Barnbow Lasses, who laboured under dangerous and secretive conditions. The interview highlights the scale of the disaster, its impact on the local community and the broader role of women on the home front. Antony also reflects on the process of blending historical fact with fiction to bring these stories to a wider audience.

2. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Ep384 – The Saxons in Flanders, 1914-8 – Andrew Lucas

   In this episode, Andrew Lucas about hisi book with Jürgen Schmieschek that explores Saxon soldiers during the First World War. Using personal writings, they examine how German troops experienced combat on the Western Front, particularly in Flanders. The interview explores daily life, combat conditions and the emotional toll of prolonged warfare. Andi also reflects on the importance of presenting a balanced historical account that incorporates voices from both sides of the conflict.

3. 

   15 May 2026

   Ep383 – Smith Dorien saving the British army – Charles Barrington

   In this episode, Charles Barrington re-examines the life and career of Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, focusing on his decisive actions during the early stages of the First World War. The interview explores his leadership at the Battle of Le Cateau and his role in stabilising the British Expeditionary Force during its retreat. Barrington challenges traditional narratives that have overlooked Smith-Dorrien’s contributions, highlighting his professionalism, independence of thought and willingness to take difficult decisions. The discussion also considers his later career and legacy within British military history.

Who has been a guest on Mentioned in Dispatches

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Terry Whenham
• Charles Fair
• Clive Harris
• Nick Jenkins
• Philipp Cross

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.9 / 5

10 ratings

Spotify

4.8 / 5

24 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

60

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

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