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
Apr 17, 2025 • 9min
Clearing landmines in Cambodia
Aki Ra, a former child soldier for the Khmer Rouge, shares his harrowing journey from laying landmines to becoming a deminer in Cambodia. He discusses the tragic aftermath of a conflict that left millions affected by unexploded devices. Aki reveals his personal reckoning after encountering villagers harmed by the very mines he once planted, leading to a transformative commitment to repairing the damage. This compelling conversation highlights the enduring impact of war and the power of redemption in healing a nation.
Apr 16, 2025 • 10min
The Khmer Rouge take power in Cambodia
In April 1975, Cambodia faced a chilling upheaval as the Khmer Rouge seized power, leading to a devastating four-year reign of terror. A young boy's harrowing tale reveals the panic and forced exodus of families from urban centers to rural camps. Personal stories illustrate the brutal realities of life in labor camps, where survival often came at a heart-wrenching cost. The regime's impact echoes through time, with two million lives lost and a quest for justice that remains fraught with challenges.
10 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 10min
The invention of the white LED lightbulb
Discover the fascinating journey behind the invention of the white LED lightbulb from Japan in 1993. Learn about Professor Shuji Nakamura's resilience in overcoming funding issues and skepticism without a PhD. Dive into the challenges faced during the development of blue LEDs and the innovative phosphor technique that made white light possible. Explore how the widespread adoption of this energy-efficient technology has transformed modern lighting and its profound environmental impact.
Apr 14, 2025 • 10min
The Bali Nine drug smuggling case
In April 2005, nine Australians tried to smuggle heroin from Indonesia, leading to a gripping tale of tragedy and controversy. Families faced immense emotional turmoil amid strict drug laws. A bishop's unique connection adds personal insight into the harrowing prison realities. The story explores mixed public opinions and the Australian government's pleas for mercy. It also touches on the haunting experiences of those involved, showcasing how these events ripple through society and impact lives long after.
Apr 11, 2025 • 10min
Germany’s ‘Green Belt’
In this engaging discussion, guest Kai Frobel, a Professor at the Bund Environmental Organization and a key figure behind Germany's Green Belt, shares his passionate journey in environmental activism. He recounts the dramatic transformation of the land once known as the ‘death zone’ of the Berlin Wall into a vibrant ecological haven. Kai emphasizes the urgency of protecting this unique habitat enriched with rare species, reflecting on the emotional reunification of people and nature after decades of division.
5 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 10min
Oklahoma City bombing
Dr. David Tuggle, a pediatric surgeon, recounts his harrowing experience during the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. He vividly describes the chaos he faced while treating survivors at the Children's Hospital amid devastation. The emotional toll on medical teams is palpable as they race against time to save young lives, including a gripping story about a survivor named Dana Bradley who endured an emergency amputation. Tuggle reflects on the resilience of the community and the profound impact of this tragedy on those involved.
Apr 9, 2025 • 10min
Liberia’s women in white who helped end civil war
Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning Liberian activist, shares her remarkable journey mobilizing thousands of women to end Liberia's civil war. She recounts the powerful non-violent protests that pressured President Charles Taylor into negotiations. Gbowee discusses their strategic activism, including a famous sex strike that galvanized attention. Her stories emphasize the strength of collective action and the transformative impact of peaceful resistance in the face of tyranny, ultimately leading to a hopeful future for Liberia.
Apr 8, 2025 • 10min
The Reichstag fire
Sefton Delmer, a Berlin-born journalist for the Daily Express, provides a gripping eyewitness account of the Reichstag fire in 1933, a pivotal moment in Nazi history. He vividly recalls the chaos of the night, walking through the flames alongside Hitler and Goring, sharing their chilling conversations. Delmer discusses the immediate political fallout, including a tense exchange between Hitler and von Papen, and reveals how the fire was manipulated to consolidate power and silence opposition, showcasing his own strategies to resist the regime.
Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
The UN retreat from Somalia
Halima Ismail Ibrahim, a former UN worker who bravely navigated the chaos of Somalia's civil war, shares her harrowing experiences from the front lines. She recounts the horrors of the conflict, juxtaposing childhood memories with the grim realities of life in Mogadishu. Halima discusses her efforts to engage with warlords for safety and the tragic fallout following the UN's withdrawal in 1995. Her insights offer a poignant reflection on the challenges and consequences of international intervention in humanitarian crises.
Apr 4, 2025 • 10min
Resusci Anne: the world’s first life-saving resuscitation dummy
Discover the inspiring story behind the creation of the first life-size resuscitation dummy, meant to train people in mouth-to-mouth techniques. Åsmund Lærdal’s near-death experience sparked his mission to make life-saving skills accessible to everyone. Resusci Anne not only transformed medical training but is believed to have saved over two million lives globally. This discussion highlights the innovative design process, societal impact, and the evolving importance of CPR education in emergency response.
