Battleground: Ukraine

A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. Following on from the series on the Falklands War, best-selling military historians Patrick Bishop, and Saul David turn their attention to the war in Ukraine.


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Trailer: The Falklands War

Trailer: The Falklands War

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 13:01

A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. On its fortieth anniversary, 'Battleground' begins with a series on The Falklands War, hosted by foreign correspondent, Patrick Bishop, alongside best-selling military historian, Saul David.


Goalhanger Podcasts



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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It's the early morning of the 21st of May 1982. Huddled and landing craft, British Marines and paratroopers are about to hit the beach. It's the first step to retake the Fort Glenn Islands, a scrap of British territory on the far side of the world that have been all but forgotten, before being seized by Argentina seven weeks before. The first British units land without a shot being fired, hopes rise that they're going to achieve complete surprise over the Argentinians, but the relief doesn't last long. At 9.25, just after dawn, nine Argentinian Air Force Dagger jets screwing him over the rough bowl of hills surrounding San Carlos Routi, which is crammed with British ships. For the rest of the day, showing great skill and bravery, the Argentine pilots launch wave after wave of attacks. It seems impossible that the bombs won't hit the cruise line or turn troop ship Canberra, which, are more than 40,000 tons, towers over the rest of the ships like a great white whale. But miraculously, it survives. Others are not so lucky. As the Antarctic night ascends, the harbour is choked with smoke from burning British ships. Six warships have been hit, and one, the frigate HMS Ardened, sent to the bottom. But all the troops are ashore. The rapier missile air defence batteries are being set up, and the British expeditionary force is ready to start the most daunting challenge the military has faced since the Second World War.