Battleground

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 X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A strange calm has fallen over diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, leaving many questioning the path forward. In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop dissect the apparent anti-climax of recent US peace initiatives, including the much-touted Putin-Trump phone call. They discuss if the US begun to walk away from its peacemaking role, and if so, is Europe prepared to fill the void—militarily and politically—as Russia's appetite for conflict remains undiminished? They also look at Ukraine's strategic wins behind enemy lines, including a crucial strike on a Russian military-industrial plant and the increasing drone attacks bringing the war directly to Moscow. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eric Lee, author of 'Night of the Bayonets', shares his expertise on the Georgian Uprising on Texel during World War II. He discusses the motivations of Georgian soldiers who turned against their German captors in a desperate bid for freedom. The conversation dives into the brutal military response they faced and the complex aftermath of their uprising. Lee debunks Soviet propaganda surrounding the event, contrasting the fate of Georgian soldiers with that of other Soviet POWs. A gripping tale of loyalty, survival, and historical memory unfolds.

Welcome to a special edition of Battleground Ukraine. With Saul and Roger absent, producer James Hodgson joins Patrick to dissect the significant non-event of the week: Vladimir Putin's failure to appear at the first face-to-face talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years – talks ironically initiated by Putin himself. What does Putin's no-show, and subsequently President Zelensky's absence, alongside a potential visit that never materialised from Donald Trump, tell us about the prospects for peace? While low-level delegations convene with limited authority, is this still a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict? If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices