The History Syndicate Podcast

On this episode, Mark welcomes Mike Peters, expert on glider operations during the second world war, host of the Mighty Eighth Podcast, co-author of Glider Pilots of Arnhem, The Glider Pilot Regiment and Bomb Group books. Mark and Mike discuss the Fallschrimjager operations on the Albert Canal in Belgium on 10 May 1940. Divided into four assault groups using the DFS 230 gliders, they launch four a...

This episode contains explicit language and contains recollections of warfare. Listener discretion is advised. On this episode, Mark welcomes Brigadier Ian Gardiner to the syndicate to discuss his experience of the Falklands War (1982) as a company commander in 45 Commando as outlined in his book 'The Yompers: With 45 Commando in the Falklands War'. They discuss the experiences of the war from dep...

On this episode, Mark welcomes Mrs Yvonne Stone MBE to the syndicate to discuss Florence Nightingale. With connections to the Bracebridges, a local North Warwickshire family in Atherstone, Florence was encouraged to pursue her passion for the care of others. With their support and that of other officials, she took over the control of a makeshift hospital in Scutari for Allied soldiers during the C...

On this episode, Mark welcomes author Mark Bridgeman to the syndicate to discuss his newly released book 'Nothing for Something: The Violet Charlesworth Story'. Mark discussed the story of Violet Charlesworth, an Edwardian con-artist who defrauded many to steal the equivalent of over £4,000,000 in assets. It is likely that she stole far more and when her creditors caught up with her, along with ot...

On this episode, Mark welcomes Dr William Fletcher to the syndicate to discuss the British Army Staff College during the Napoleonic Wars. The subject of his upcoming publication in 2026, Will discusses the purpose and impact of the British Army staff cohort in the Peninsular War that fought under The Duke of Wellington. From the bonds created at the college, also known as The Antelope Inn in high...

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 th...

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 histor...

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...

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 very significant casualties for the German Army on the W...

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 subjec...

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...

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 se...

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 overl...

On this episode, Mark welcomes Simon Browne to the syndicate to discuss what it is to be a Battlefield Guide. Their discussion takes them from discussing Simon's experiences of being a battlefield guide, weaving between experiences of taking groups to places such as Omaha Beach, Bastogne and Kohima, as well as discussing the challenges of taking on new areas of expertise for Simon, such as the Fir...

On this episode, Mark welcomes Frank Pleszak to the syndicate to discuss the Avro Lancaster and their role with 617 Squadron, aka 'The Dambusters'. Their discussion takes them from discussing the changes made to the Lancaster for Op Chastise and some of the lesser known elements of the action took place on 16/17 May 1943. With his in depth knowledge and experience as a volunteer at the Avro Herita...

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. On this episode, Mark welcomes Dr Spencer Jones to the syndicate to discuss the lessons for the British Army from the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). They discuss the origins of the war, some of the events that led to the conflict, the role of personalities in...

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. On this episode, Mark is joined by Dr Adam Lyons to discuss the ill-fated 1711 expedition to Quebec led by General Hill and Admiral Walker. Overshadowed by events on the European continent during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and the successes...

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. On this episode, Mark is joined by Keith and Catherine to discuss their families history in the village of Kineton. From blacksmith to motor dealership and now to cafe ownership, the Gilk's family have seen diversification and change throughout the last ce...

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. On this episode, Mark is joined by the Commanding Officer of Prince Rupert's Blew Regiment of Foote, a First English Civil War re-enactment and living history history group who represent the regiment in modern times. They discuss the origins of the "Blewco...

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for everybody with a common interest in all things history. Whether your research is academic, a museum exhibition, an historical project or personal family history, the syndicate want to hear it and share it with the world. So much work, time and effort placed into discovering, re-evaluating or add to histor...