
Battleground
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 turned their attention to the war in Ukraine, and now every Wednesday look back to the seismic events of 1945.Goalhanger Podcasts
Latest episodes

Jun 27, 2025 • 45min
300. Trump's Middle East Doctrine: What Will it Mean for Ukraine?
Join Patrick Bishop and Saul David on Battleground as they dissect the astonishing new dynamics in global power politics. Donald Trump's recent decisive actions in the Iran-Israel crisis – including a spectacular strike on Iran's nuclear program and an imposed ceasefire – has observers questioning his evolving foreign policy.
To help them answer the big question: will Trump apply this new assertive stance to Putin and the war in Ukraine? They turn to friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky who tells us the mood in Ukraine amidst these dramatic shifts.
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If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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Jun 23, 2025 • 35min
299. The Greatest Force: Rewriting RAF Bomber Command's Legacy
In this episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop sits down with former Financial Times reporter Marcus Gibson to discuss his controversial new book, The Greatest Force.
Gibson's research challenges decades of historical consensus, arguing that RAF Bomber Command was, in fact, the single most crucial factor in Germany's defeat in World War II. Prepare for a deep dive into the impact of the bombing campaign, and Marcus' claim that RAF bombing diverted 80% of Germany's air defences away from the front lines.
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Producer: James Hodgson
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Jun 19, 2025 • 38min
298. Will Ukraine be affected by events in Iran?
This week on Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop unpack a seismic shift in global conflict. As Israel's astonishing assault on Iran's military leadership and nuclear capabilities sends shockwaves through the Middle East, we explore its profound, and potentially beneficial, implications for the war in Ukraine, especially regarding Russia's crucial military ally and its struggling hardware.
Meanwhile, the spotlight turns to President Trump's controversial stance: his willingness to engage in the Iran conflict on Israel's side stands in stark contrast to his perceived pro-Russian position on Ukraine. We dissect his G7 remarks, the international pushback, and the chilling silence from the White House following a devastating attack on Kyiv. Plus, as Russia's allies dwindle, Sergei Shoigu makes a desperate plea to North Korea. Join us for a critical discussion on how these dramatic global events are reshaping the future of the war in Ukraine and the balance of power.
We want YOUR input on what we should cover next! Please follow the link below to fill out our poll.
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If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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Jun 18, 2025 • 42min
297. Operation Downfall: The Invasion That Never Was
In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul David speaks to Robert Lyman to delve into the meticulously planned, yet ultimately unexecuted, Allied invasion of Japan: Operation Downfall.
As the war in Europe drew to a close, the focus shifted to the Pacific, and the Allied command began preparing for an unprecedented assault on the Japanese home islands.
Together they explore the staggering scale of the proposed operation, the projected casualties on both sides, and the strategic dilemmas faced by Allied leaders.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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Jun 13, 2025 • 40min
296. How LA Unrest Impacts The Russia-Ukraine War
The world’s focus on Ukraine has been affected by the clashes in Los Angeles this week between law enforcement and protestors against Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss Donald Trump’s response to these clashes, if he is moving towards authoritarian state, his loss of interest in the peace mission between Russia and Ukraine and how his change in focus internally will affect Ukraine.
They also discuss if Europe and others can help step up to support Ukraine as America’s support wanes, how the Krinks are currently winning and Russias further advances on the battlefield. Plus, your questions answered.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: Robby Williams
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Jun 10, 2025 • 36min
295. Chiang Kai-shek
In this episode of Battleground 45, Saul is joined by, Professor Alexander V. Pantsov, a renowned historian and author specialising in 20th-century Chinese history.
Together, they delve into the complex and often controversial figure of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist Party of China and a pivotal player in the tumultuous events of World War II and the Chinese Civil War.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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Jun 5, 2025 • 51min
294. Operation Spider's Web
Join Saul David and Patrick Bishop as they dissect the two audacious operations that have shocked the Kremlin and reshaped the narrative. We dive into "Operation Spider's Web," the mass drone attacks that hit five Russian air bases, crippling a third of their long-range bomber fleet.
We are also privileged to be joined by friend of the podcast Colonel Pavlo Khazan of the Ukrainian Electronic Warfare Command, to hear his thoughts and insights on these remarkable operations and more.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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Jun 4, 2025 • 35min
293. Battleground '45 Your Questions Answered
In this episode of Battleground '45 Saul and Patrick take a deep dive into a host of fascinating listeners questions on the second world war.
These include a look into returning POWs, preparation for soldiers heading into Germany, and Escaping Nazi's.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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May 30, 2025 • 39min
292. Long-Range Fire & POWs Return
Has Donald Trump finally had enough? In this week's Battleground Ukraine Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse his condemnation of Putin's "crazy" actions and the possibility of new US sanctions following brutal Russian civilian attacks.
Adding to the pressure, Germany has announced Western allies are lifting all range restrictions on weapons, giving Ukraine the power to hit deep into Russia—could Taurus missiles be next?
Plus, a powerful report from Hungarian war correspondent Boldi Gyori, who witnessed the emotional return of Ukrainian soldiers in a recent POW swap.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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May 28, 2025 • 41min
291. Europe's Crossroads – From Victory to New World Order
In this episode of Battleground '45, Patrick Bishop and Saul David transport us back to the immediate aftermath of World War II. The celebrations are over, and the monumental task of rebuilding has begun.
For Britain, it was a moment of hope and determination to forge a better society out of the ashes of conflict, fuelled by a unique sense of national solidarity. Whilst across the Channel, France faced an even more daunting challenge. Bitterly divided by war, could Charles de Gaulle's coalition hold, and how would the nation heal?
Meanwhile, for Germany, the future was uncertain and fraught with the enormity of its crimes. What price would the defeated nation pay? And as the smoke cleared across the globe, two giants emerged: the USA and The Soviet Union.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
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