We Sons of World War Two Vets

<p>A podcast about men who fought in World War Two, whose stories are told by their sons.<br><br>In each episode, Matthew Collins interviews a son who tells the story of his father's war and explores its effects - on his father and on himself.<br><br>Matthew's father, Patrick, joined the RAF in May 1939 when he was 17. He returned from the war at the age of 24, more mature in many ways than Matthew was at 40.</p><p><br></p><p>But his father rarely talked about the war. And when he did, he usually told light-hearted stories about it - rather than discuss fully what he'd seen and done.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He was, however, serious when discussing other family members - a brother who was shot at Dunkirk; a cousin whose ship was torpedoed; and his own father who'd survived battles in the First World War (as well as uncles who had not).&nbsp;</p><p>​​</p><p>War experiences seeped into Matthew's consciousness. From a young age, he appreciated that he was part of a lucky generation that was unlikely to be called upon to fight.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But what if he had been called up? And if war had broken out, how might he have responded?&nbsp;</p><p>​</p><p>After his father died, he started to compare notes with other veterans' sons.</p><p>​</p><p>He then interviewed men who told the stories of their fathers' war. And reflected on its effects. On their fathers and on themselves.</p><p>​</p><p>But the interviews also became explorations of the contrast between two very different generations - wartime dads and their baby boomer sons. And touching explorations of father/son relationships.&nbsp;</p><p>​​</p><p>To coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, nine episodes have, so far,&nbsp; been published. (The most recent - Episode 9, Richard and Jack, about ace night-fighter pilot Jack Foster -&nbsp; came out in August.) More will follow soon.</p><p>​​​​​​​​</p><p>Matthew Collins started his career presenting on TV. (He's best remembered as 'Special Assignments Man' for BBC2's The Travel Show.)</p><p><br></p><p>He then raised two sons alone and became a prison teacher.</p><p><br></p><p>For ten years, he ran 'Speaking Shakespeare' workshops in men's and women's prisons.</p><p><br></p><p>Today he runs public 'Speaking Shakespeare' workshops for businesses; social organisations; and members of the public. To find out more about Matthew, please go to:</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.matthewcollins.com/about">https://www.matthewcollins.com/about</a></p><p><br></p><p>MEANWHILE, HERE'S A BRIEF POSTSCRIPT:</p><p><br></p><p>There are many more World War Two Vets' sons out there - with personal-historical reflections to share.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Matthew wants to document as many as possible.</p><p>​​</p><p>He's already travelled around the UK recording interviews. And will continue to do so, funding this project out of his own pocket.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>But ideally, he could do with assistance. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If you would like to support this podcast, please see "Support the Show" under each episode’s info.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Or go to:&nbsp;</p><p>https://www.patreon.com/wesonsofww2vets</p><p><br></p><p>Thank you.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>