On this episode, Mark welcomes Dr Graeme Callister to the syndicate to discuss the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Armies. Author of the upcoming title "Napoleon's Conscripts: Conscription and the French Army 1798-1815' and 'Waterloo: The Attack of I Corps', Graeme guides the episode through the intricacies of the french forces, how they were raised, trained and fought against a backdrop of the French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon as Consul and the Emperor of the French Empire. Perhaps all saw the external threats to France as a uniting force to create an experienced fighting force that gains competence that is becoming better led and capable of securing the Revolution and the later Empire or perhaps they caused discontent within the population that fostered a sense of disunity. The first half of the podcast revolves around the Revolutionary Army and the second half around Napoleon. Aged only 26 when appointed to the campaign in Italy, he makes his mark and drives French interests to become the most preeminent General of the French, but upon a military system based on honour rather than a service to the revolution.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Dr Graeme Callister.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Andre Dellevoet to the syndicate to discuss the role played by the Dutch-Belgium contingent of the Allied Army during the Waterloo Campaign (1815), particularly at the Battle of Quatre-Bras two days before, in preparation for this topic to be released for TV on History Channel in September with Andre. From an initial discussion into why Andre wanted to produce history programmes, focussed up on the film Napoleon, into the topic the Dutch-Belgium contribution to Waterloo, which actually lies in the Battle of Quatre-Bras two days prior to Waterloo. The importance of the crossroads at Quatre-Bra was strategically so important that if it had have fell, there would potentially have not been a Battle of Waterloo. Additionally, Mark and Andre conduct a re-evaluation of the Prince of Oranges' contributions in the battle. A fascinating episode that will lead to a great documentary, reflecting two years of work by Andre and his team.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Andre Dellevoet.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Dr Eric Hollister (Lieutenant Colonel US Army Retired) to the podcast to discuss his research on the Command and General Staff College Guest Visitor Programme. Throughout the episode, they discuss the requirements made of Eric from the research, transcribing audio reels into text pre-auto transcription, for circa 135 hours of speeches, alongside the core tenants and values that the guest speakers discussed. The episode features original audio from General Matthew Ridgway discussing courage, General Omar Bradley discussing leadership for the 1944 Normandy invasion and some thoughts on his friend General George S Patton during the Battle of the Bulge, General Bernard L Montgomery discussing the requirements of the Cold War and his First World War experiences, President Truman, General Schoomaker and others. 135 hours that took 5 years to turn into the book, find out more about the book entitled 'While You Were Sleeping: Pearls of Wisdom from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College's Guest Speaker Program' at:

https://www.firstcitypress.com/

Audio and sound transcripts featured in Dr Hollister's research are done so with the kind permission of the United States Army Command and General Staff College. The views expressed are those of the author and those featured. They do no necessarily reflect those of the Command and General Staff College, the United States Army or the United States Department of Defence. The audio speeches featured have been edited from the original tapes to remove background or audience interference where possible for clearer audio.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Dr Eric Hollister.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes onto the podcast Professor Matthias Strohn, writer of many First World War books and host of the 'Both Sides of the Wire' WW2 podcast. They to discuss the German spring offensive of 1918 and in particular, Operation Michael beginning on 21st March 1918. Despite tactical innovations and procedures, it results in the bloodiest day for the German Army on the Western Front, outstripping the number of casualties suffered by the British Army on 1st July 1916. They describe the strategic situation post 1917 moving into 1918 involving the Eastern Front and the arrival of American troops on the Western Front, alongside how the strategic and operational design for the offensive was inherently flawed and thus doomed to fail. General Ludendorff's strategy, operational plans, tactical initiatives did not work as Professor Strohn describes how the offensive unfolded. A fascinating and interesting discussion about one of the most significant events in 1918 that had dramatic strategic repercussions contributing to the Armistice of the First World War.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Professor Matthias Strohn.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Jon Cresswell to the syndicate to discuss the role played by the town of Besancon in France during the Second World War (1939-1945). Originally it was meant to cover the internees of the Vauban fortress in the town, an SOE enabled bombing raid on its railway station, and then finally its literation by the United States Army. However, each were such fascinating subjects, they all now have their own episode. So join this one to discuss the internees of Besancon in 1940-41. A tale of tenacity, courage in the face of adversity, resistance and a sheer will to survive.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not necessarily represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Ian Peat.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Ian Peat to the syndicate to discuss the evolution of AV Roe's aviation company Avro in Manchester. A lead volunteer at the Avro Heritage Museum, both discuss some of the most iconic planes to have been designed and served in the British Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force, alongside what the museum offers the public. A wonderful century of aviation heritage full of anecdotes and facts, Manchesters, Lancasters and Vulcans, this history and insight into the wonderful heritage work of the volunteers at the museum is inspiring and interesting to all.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Ian Peat.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Simon Shephard and Dr Victoria Carr to the syndicate to discuss their research and upcoming book 'Steps to Glory; Commissioning into Britain's Armies 1660-2025'. Through this episode, they discuss the evolution of Commissioning as an Officer in Britain's Armies over nearly the last four centuries. From the different 'routes' to gaining a commission and thoughts on selection methodology, the episode introduces a refreshingly new perspective on the subject alongside fascinating insights in to the reforms required by the pre-First World War in 1908, The First and Second World Wars. This includes the establishment of the War Office selection boards as an antecedent to the selection processes that run today.

If you or know of anyone who has commissioned into the British Army and wish to be included in the research, please email TSTG.1660.2025@gmail.com.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Simon Shephard and Dr Victoria Carr.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mark welcomes Professor Gary Sheffield to the syndicate to discuss the re-evaluation of Field Marhsal Sir Douglas Haig. During the episode, they discuss Haig's experiences pre-war, the relationships and approaches of different commanders, the attritional nature of trench warfare, Haig's perhaps over-optimistic drive for innovation (including technological) and also the often overlooked role he played in post-war stability while advocating for military veterans. Excellence from Professor Sheffield, this episode is the perfect initial insight into one of the most controversial personalities and commanders of the First World War.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

The views expressed are those of the author and guest. They do not represent any views of any other organisation or institution.

Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Professor Gary Sheffield.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

Cover Art and images created using Canva and Canva DreamLab AI.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.