Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.
For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.
We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.
You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest, the disastrous D-Day rehearsal, and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.
For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.
We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.
You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest, the disastrous D-Day rehearsal, and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 10, 2025 • 10min
How BRICS got its name
Jim O'Neill, a former Goldman Sachs economist, is the mind behind the BRIC acronym, which identifies Brazil, Russia, India, and China as economic heavyweights. He shares the serendipitous moment he coined the term and reflects on the initial indifference it faced. The conversation dives into the evolution of BRICS, its expansion with South Africa, and its current relevance on the global stage. O'Neill also discusses his subsequent career and the ongoing debates about emerging economies. Tune in for a fascinating look at a concept reshaping world economics.
Oct 9, 2025 • 10min
Japan surrenders in Beijing
In this riveting discussion, John Stanfield, a 105-year-old former British Army major, shares his firsthand experience as the last surviving British representative at the 1945 Japanese surrender ceremony in Beijing. He recounts the shocking moment he was informed just half an hour prior that he would sign the surrender documents for Britain. John reflects on the significance of the Forbidden City, the emotional reactions in China, and the symbolic surrender of swords. His unique insights bring history to life, capturing the gravity of Japan's capitulation and its impact on China.
9 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 11min
The remote island that was evacuated to 10,000km away
In 1961, a volcanic eruption forced the entire population of Tristan da Cunha to evacuate to the UK. Islanders faced a harrowing escape filled with earthquakes and landslides. Mary Swain shares her chilling experiences during this time of chaos and uncertainty. Once in Britain, they encountered a culture shock that left lasting impressions. After assessing the damage, islanders voted to return home, leading to a monumental repatriation effort. The story captures resilience and the deep connection to one’s homeland.
8 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 10min
'I designed the Indian rupee symbol'
Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, a designer and PhD student who created the Indian rupee symbol, shares the fascinating journey of his award-winning design. He discusses the intense competition, cultural components embedded in the symbol, and the thrilling moment of the live announcement. Udaya vividly recalls the media frenzy that followed and the public's mixed reactions, including a humorous encounter with a priest. His insights into marrying tradition with modern finance offer a unique perspective on the symbol's significance to India's identity.
8 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 10min
The home video war
Marc Wielage, an industry veteran and former technical editor at Video Review magazine, shares exciting insights into the legendary Betamax vs. VHS rivalry. He explores Sony's initial launch of Betamax's superior quality and the strategic blunders that followed, like declining VHS adoption offers. He reveals how consumer demand for longer recording times influenced the market and the pivotal Supreme Court ruling that protected home recording rights. Marc reflects on Betamax's financial viability despite its eventual loss, highlighting its unique legacy in video history.
7 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 11min
The acquittal of OJ Simpson
Ron Shipp, a retired LA police officer and longtime friend of OJ Simpson, shares his harrowing experience surrounding the infamous murder trial. He discusses the alarm bells he ignored regarding domestic violence between OJ and Nicole Brown Simpson, his shocking reaction to their murders, and the emotional turmoil that led him to testify against his friend. Shipp reveals the pivotal moment of seeing crime scene photos that changed his mind, and reflects on the aftermath of the trial and the fallout he faced as a key witness.
Oct 2, 2025 • 11min
'I took the famous photo of JFK and his son'
Stanley Tretick, a renowned photojournalist who captured pivotal moments of John F. Kennedy's life, shares the story behind his iconic photo of JFK and his son, John-John, peeking from under the Resolute Desk. He recalls the playful atmosphere in the Oval Office, revealing how Kennedy's affection for his son shone through during informal moments. Tretick discusses the emotional timing of the photo's release, published just after JFK's tragic assassination, and the profound public reaction, including Jackie Kennedy's touching response.
10 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 11min
The strike that shook up India's tea industry
In 2015, women tea pickers in India staged a fearless strike demanding better wages and working conditions. Initially starting with just 21 protesters, the movement quickly spread across 36 estates, showcasing their unity and determination. Community support poured in as they maintained a nine-day sit-in. The resulting government intervention led to significant concessions from the tea company, paving the way for increased empowerment and improved quality of life for these women. The strike marked a pivotal moment in their fight for dignity and rights.
23 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 10min
The birth of the Excel spreadsheet
The fascinating story behind the creation of Microsoft Excel unfolds with insights from developer Mike Koss. He shares how an enthusiastic young team combined secrecy with innovation, crafting a groundbreaking tool that transformed data management. Listeners will be amused by quirky anecdotes involving knitting and competitive spreadsheet sports! Discover the rivalry with Lotus, the clever marketing behind the name 'Excel,' and the journey from obscure beginnings to global usage. It's an exhilarating blend of tech history and culture!
Sep 29, 2025 • 11min
The Cradock Four killings
Lucanio Kalata, son of activist Fort Calata, shares his harrowing childhood experience regarding the Cradock Four murders—tragic events from 1985 where four anti-apartheid activists were brutally killed. He recalls the fear of his father's funeral at just three years old, the shocking details of the abduction, and the overwhelming public response. Lucanio discusses the failed justice efforts post-apartheid and his family's relentless campaign for accountability, shedding light on the enduring quest for truth surrounding this dark chapter in history.
