

Battleground
Goalhanger
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 5, 2024 • 35min
130. Defiance in Kharkiv
In this episode of Battleground we have the full interview with friend of the podcast - American Journalist Joe Lindsey - who speaks to Saul and Patrick from the Eastern Ukrainian City of Kharkiv, just 30 miles from the Russian border. Joe describes the mood in Ukraine at the moment, with growing uncertainty over the future of western support, continuing Russian attacks on Ukrainian Cities, and tensions rising between the politicians and military commanders in Ukraine.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 2, 2024 • 33min
129. Zelenksy moves against General Zaluzhny
In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick discuss the big news of this week, that President Zelensky of Ukraine tried to sack his highly-regarded armed forces chief, General Valery Zaluzhny, but has been forced to reinstate him. They also look at the significance of Hungary dropping its veto of 50 billion euros in EU loans and grants for Ukraine, and speak to old friend of the podcast - American journalist Joe Lindsey - from the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 31, 2024 • 44min
128. Battleground '44 - The Siege of Leningrad
In this instalment of our Battleground '44 series, the subject of discussion is the epic 872 day long siege on Leningrad (present-day Saint Petersburg), where hundreds of thousands of civilians perished, and starvation led to some residents resorting to cannibalism. To delve deeper into the story of this horrific and bloody siege, Patrick speaks to Anna Reid, author of the book Leningrad: The Epic Siege of World War II: 1941-1944. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 26, 2024 • 42min
127. Is Russian political opposition genuine?
In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick assess the headline story of the week - the downing of a Russian transport plane inside Russia north east of Belgorod. Which at first sight this looks like a tragic error by Ukraine because on board were 65 captured Ukrainian soldiers who were on their way to being exchanged for Russian prisoners of war.They also discuss the growing nervousness surrounding a possible Trump presidency, and the growing tensions in the Middle East following more strikes ny US and UK forces on Houthi targets in Yemen.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 24, 2024 • 47min
126. Battleground '44 - The Battle of Monte Cassino
Historian Matthew Parker discusses the strategic goals of the Allies in Italy during World War II, challenges faced in attacking the heavily fortified Gustave line, the importance of coalition warfare, the determination of Polish soldiers, the dark aspects of the battle including looting and rape, and the significance of the Battle of Monte Cassino in the Italian campaign.

Jan 19, 2024 • 48min
125. Can Ukraine become self-reliant?
In this episode of Battleground, Saul David and Patrick Bishop discuss the big event in Ukraine this week - the shooting down of a Russian surveillance aircraft by a Ukrainian missile with a Russian command and control plane being badly damaged in the same attack. They also delve into the encouraging announcement of two separate aid packages from Germany and the UK, as the future of U.S. funding for Ukraine is uncertain.Iran's role in the growing tensions and hostilities in the Middle East is also focused on, as Saul and Patrick answer listeners questions. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 17, 2024 • 47min
124. Battleground '44 - The Battle of Berlin
In this episode of Battleground 44 Saul David and Patrick Bishop are discussing the Battle of Berlin. The epic struggle by RAF’s Bomber Command and its ruthless and dynamic leader Air Marshal Arthur Harris to bring Germany to its knees by bombing Berlin flat, which was at its height when 1944 opened. It was the moment when Harris and the RAF establishment were given their chance to prove their contention that bombing alone could win the war. What followed was a terrible ordeal for the RAF aircrews and the population of Berlin alike. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 12, 2024 • 42min
123. How does Ukraine see the year ahead?
In the latest episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David, will be looking at how Ukraine sees the year ahead, with the help of some very revealing comments made in a recent interview by President Zelensky. They'll also be asking how it is that his arch enemy President Putin has been able to ride the political troubles that have come in the wake of his war and asking whether that is likely to change soon.They also look at the latest from Gaza front, discussing whether the spate of flare ups outside the immediate battle zone are likely to lead to a wider regional conflict between Israel and Hizbollah and trying to figure out what role Iran is playing in the war.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 10, 2024 • 42min
122. Battleground '44 - Eisenhower
In the opening episode of our special Battleground ’44 series, Patrick Bishop and Saul David look at a character who cast a long shadow over the war in the west. The American general and later U.S. President - Dwight D. Eisenhower. In this episode Saul and Patrick delve into Eisenhower's story: his background, his meteoric rise through the U.S. Military ranks, his personality and experiences, and why all that led to him and not others being selected for the top job. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonX (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 8, 2024 • 33min
121. How the 2006 War relates to Gaza today
Today we have a fascinating interview where Patrick speaks to former Middle East correspondent Tim Butcher, who covered the 2006 Lebanon War. Tim provides some insightful analysis on the impact the 2006 War had on Israel and the IDF, and significantly how this has impacted on what is happening in Gaza today.If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.comProducer: James HodgsonTwitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices