Witness History

Max Stahl, a British filmmaker known for documenting East Timor's fight for independence, shares gripping insights about the Santa Cruz massacre. He vividly recounts the tragic shooting of unarmed activists by Indonesian troops during a memorial march in 1991. Stahl emphasizes the bravery of those protesting for their freedom and his role in capturing the harrowing event on film. Archive materials and first-hand accounts bring a powerful perspective to this significant chapter in history, shedding light on resilience in the face of brutality.

On August 9, 1965, Singapore announced its independence from Malaysia, a moment brimming with emotion as Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew faced the nation. Personal stories from that pivotal day reveal the anxiety and uncertainty felt during this drastic shift. The podcast delves into the tumultuous journey towards independence, covering rising tensions and unexpected proclamations. It also highlights Singapore's transformation from a struggling state to a thriving global player, showcasing the resilience and national pride that emerged.

Antonio Celso Dos Santos, a former federal police chief, recounts the audacious 2005 Banco Central heist in Fortaleza, Brazil. The thieves ingeniously disguised themselves as a landscaping crew while digging a tunnel 80 meters long into the bank vault. Santos shares the thrilling details of the investigation, including breakthrough moments that led to tracking the gang. The heist, though impressive in execution, sparked significant consequences, highlighting the intricate dance between crime and law enforcement.

Frank Kingdon-Ward, a British botanist, recounts his harrowing experience during the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake while camping in Tibet with his wife, Jean. He vividly describes the earth trembling beneath them and their overwhelming fear as they faced destruction. The catastrophic impact of the quake, which claimed around 4,800 lives, leaves them stranded with limited supplies. Their perilous two-week journey to safety reveals both the challenges of navigating chaos and the strength of their bond in the face of nature's fury.

Explore the tumultuous relationship between composer Dmitri Shostakovich and Stalin's oppressive regime. Discover how a scathing review transformed Shostakovich's career and led him to create the politically charged Symphony No. 5. Hear eyewitness accounts that reveal the dangers he faced under censorship, as well as the enduring impact of his work. Dive into the debate over whether his compositions were acts of defiance or conformity, and gain insights from his son about the legacy of a musical genius shaped by tyranny.

On 9 August 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, killing at least 74,000 people. It led to the end of World War Two in Asia, with Japan surrendering to the Allies six days later. The Nagasaki bomb, alongside the Hiroshima bomb on 6 August, remain the only times nuclear weapons have been used in a war.In an interview he gave to the BBC in 1980, British prisoner of war Geoff Sherring describes how he survived the explosion. Produced and presented by Rachel Naylor. This programme was made in collaboration with BBC Archives. 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.(Photo: The Nagasaki bomb on 9 August 1945. Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

Explore the historic launch of the Space Shuttle, a pivotal moment that transformed space exploration. Discover the innovative technology and the bravery of the astronauts who ventured into the unknown. Dive into the dreams and realities behind its development, capturing the emotional highs and lows experienced by mission control. This fascinating story reveals the triumphs and tragedies that marked a revolution in modern space travel.

Steve Okamoto, the designer of the Steel Dragon 2000, shares his thrilling journey in the world of amusement rides. He recounts the unique challenges of creating the world’s longest roller coaster, clocking in at nearly 2.5 km. From engineering hurdles to negotiating with amusement parks, delve into the intricate process behind this record-breaking ride. Okamoto's passion shines through as he describes the electrifying grand opening and the cultural significance of the Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan's amusement history.

Explore the haunting tale of Chuquicamata, a once-thriving mining town in Chile now left deserted. Hear poignant stories from former residents about life in the town and the pollution that forced them to leave. Feel the nostalgia as they return annually to celebrate their past, singing happy birthday to their ghostly home. Vivid imagery captures the eerie remnants of the town while highlighting efforts to preserve its rich history as a World Heritage Site.

In 1986, Cleveland attempted to break a world record with a jaw-dropping release of 1.5 million balloons. What started as a dazzling spectacle quickly turned into chaos as strong winds prevented the balloons from floating away. Eyewitness accounts reveal the excitement and subsequent environmental concerns that arose from this grand event. Listen as the project manager recounts the ambitious hopes and unforeseen challenges of Cleveland Balloonfest, a day that became unforgettable for both its triumphs and missteps.