The History Podcast

Jimmy O’Connor was a small-time thief, making the most of the opportunities war torn London presented to him. How did he end up in a condemned cell at Pentonville? On the Easter weekend 1941, a man is murdered in a London suburb. The police have little evidence to go on, and the usual suspects are pulled in for questioning. Among them is 23-year-old Jimmy O’Connor. He’s eventually charged and tried for the crime, though he maintains his innocence. Sentenced to death, the outlook is bleak as Jimmy awaits his final appointment with hangman Albert Pierrepoint. Presenter: Ragnar O’Connor Producer: Emily Esson, Victoria McArthur Research: Elizabeth Ann Duffy, Louise Yeoman Script Assistant and Additional Research: Marisha Currie Script Writers: Emily Esson, Jack Kibble-White Original Music: Lomond Campbell Theme Music: Barry Jackson Addition mixing and sound effects: Charlie McPhee, Kayleigh Raphel Story Consultant: Jack Kibble-White Script Editor: Graham Russell Executive Editor: Gillian Wheelan Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke A BBC Audio Scotland production for BBC Radio 4Archive: The Russell Harty Show, ITV, April 1976 Thanks to Cheryl Field, Richard Field and Kirsty Williams

In order to unspool a family saga that has lasted over 80 years, Ragnar heads back to where it all began. He starts with the story of his mum, Nemone Lethbridge. Her younger years were spent watching The Battle of Britain over the skies of Kent, and visiting the bunker where Hitler took his own life. This extraordinary childhood gave way to an extraordinary career as Nemone is one of the UK’s first female barristers. From defending the Kray Twins, to Winston Silcott, she’s made an incredible name for herself in her legal career. And yet it was a chance meeting in a London pub in 1958 that changed the course of her life forever. Presenter: Ragnar O’Connor Producer: Emily Esson, Victoria McArthur Research: Elizabeth Ann Duffy, Louise Yeoman Script Assistant and Additional Research: Marisha Currie Script Writers: Emily Esson, Jack Kibble-White Original Music: Lomond Campbell Theme Music: Barry Jackson Addition mixing and sound effects: Charlie McPhee, Kayleigh Raphel Story Consultant: Jack Kibble-White Script Editor: Graham Russell Executive Editor: Gillian Wheelan Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke A BBC Audio Scotland production for BBC Radio 4 Archive: The Russell Harty Show, ITV, April 1976Thanks to Cheryl Field, Richard Field and Kirsty Williams

For 80 years, the O'Connors have battled what they believe to be a miscarriage of justice. Small time criminal Jimmy O'Connor was arrested for the murder of 'Donk' Ambridge and narrowly escaped the noose. Fast-forward 25 years and Jimmy is living a wonderful life on the Greek island of Mykonos. Now a sought after TV scriptwriter, he rubs shoulders with The Rolling Stones and Jackie Onassis and entertains the great and the good with his wife Nemone Lethbridge, one of the UK's first female barristers who defended the Kray twins. Yet the shadow of his conviction looms large over them both. His son, Ragnar O'Connor, along with his brother Milo and their 93-year-old mother are intent upon trying one last time to finally get to the truth.

Rory Stewart explores ideas of what it means to be a hero from the ancient world to the present day. How have these ideas changed? Why do heroes matter? Who are the heroes we need today?With the help of leading historians, psychologists, philosophers and theologians, he examines how heroism is continually questioned and re-invented in every age, and how these contrasting visions of the hero might speak to us in our own time. What does it mean for our moral life? How should we perceive and pursue human excellence?In this first episode of the series, Rory explores ideas of the hero from the classical world to the middle ages. To hear more episodes, search "Rory Stewart: The Long History of..." on BBC Sounds.

A gruelling, emotional mission draws to a close. In the aftermath of the operation and recovery at Jugroom Fort, the risks and rewards are analysed, but some costs are incalculable.The Fort was told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces, many speaking for the first time. Produced by Kev Core Edited by Sue Roberts Sound by Sharon Hughes Commissioning Executive Tracy Williams Commissioned by Dan Clarke

Under pressure and under fire, the team are faced with the task of returning Lance Corporal Mathew Ford to base. As exhaustion sets in and the clock ticks, Ed the pilot leaves the Apache to help with the recovery. Back at the Zulu Company lines, Mathew's colleauges await his return. The Fort is told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces.Produced by Kev Core

The bomber has created an enormous dust storm at The Fort. Disorientated and under enemy fire, the team rush headlong from the grounded Apaches which have now become sitting duck targets for the Taliban. Tom, alone and effectively stuck inside his aircraft spots Taliban activity ahead. But the objective is clear: Find the stricken Lance Corporal Mathew Ford. But the men on the ground are confronted with the difficult reality of that task. Produced by Kev Core

Precariously positioned on the side of two Apache attack helicopters Dave, Chris, Colin and Gary are flying straight into danger. Apaches are absolutely not supposed to land in the conflict zone, and as the helicopters take off, more helicopters provide crucial "top cover". We meet Charlotte Madison, a woman with a unique place in UK military history. A heavy bomber is tasked with creating a massive diversionary explosion for the crews of Ugly 50 and Ugly 51 - and the pilots and their passengers fly back to the Taliban stronghold under cover of a thick dust storm. Charlotte Madison spoke to the BBC in 2010.The Fort is told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces.Produced by Kev Core

For Apache helicopter pilots Tom O'Malley and Ed Macy - the mission has changed. Their new objective is to prevent the stricken Lance Corporal Mathew Ford from becoming a prisoner of The Taliban. So they take the fight to them. But Tom is growing increasingly frustrated. With fuel and ammunition limited - how long can they sustain their airborne protection of the fallen marine?He devises a new plan. Only ever conceived as a last-dtich emergency escape plan for downed pilots, Tom wants to land, pick up four volunteers from HQ, and fly them into the battlezone on the side of their helicopters. They will rush to Mathew, secure him to the helicopter - and they will fly him out. The volunteers have been chosen. Royal Marines Chris, Gary and Colin and Royal Engineer Dave are now tasked with what their commander Rob Magowan calls - the most dangerous mission these men would ever embark upon. The Fort is told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces.Produced by Kev Core

Overwhelmed by enemy fire, Zulu Company have marshalled their casualties from the "killing ground" and staged a hurried withdrawal.Last to leave, Company Sergeant Major Shep Shepherd describes desperate efforts to account for their missing man.Senior Marine, Lance Corporal Mathew Ford cannot be found. Back at base - the decision is instant. A "no-brainer". "We're going back to get him." A small, mobile group of volunteers is assembled for the "dirty dash" - a race back to the scene of the battle in the Viking vehicles. Captain Chris Witts gives an insight into the nature of decision-making under pressure. But it's a plan that the enemy may see coming. An alternative option comes from a pilot high above them. The Fort is told solely by current and former members of the Armed Forces.Produced by Kev Core.