PODCAST · history
Battles of the First World War Podcast
by Mike Cunha
The Battles of the First World War Podcast tells the story of the Great War of 1914-1918. Telling the stories of the men and women who fought, died in, and survived the battles of the First World War connects our world to theirs and keeps their memory alive. The BFWWP studies one battle at a time from World War I in narrative form, diving into the people, strategy, tactics, and events of each of these titanic clashes. How and why these battles unfolded and happened as they did is told through the voices of those who were there. Narrative episodes go in-depth into the battles of WW1. Discussions, interviews, and book talks highlight other interesting events and people of the First World War. Follow now to hear and remember the stories. Host: Mike Cunha, MA Military History Questions, comments, concerns, or WW1 memes: [email protected] Join the BFWWP community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast Support the BFWWP via PayPal: verdunpodc
Episodes
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MOD War Detectives - Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre
New Ypres League member Rosie Barron joins the podcast to discuss her work as part of the Joint Casualty & Compassionate Centre, aka the MOD War Detectives. Join us for a fascinating conversation with someone whose daily work is to help identify the missing and unknown soldiers of the Great War…
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2027 Meuse-Argonne & Aisne-Marne WW1 Battlefield Tours
Battles of the First World War Tours, part of the BFWWP, is excited to offer two WW1 battlefield tours for summer 2027: Meuse-Argonne July 01 - 07, 2027 A journey through the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the largest military operation conducted by the United States in its history. Aisne-Marne July 07…
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Honoring the Fallen at Flanders Field American Cemetery
New Ypres League member Christopher Sims joins the podcast to discuss his four decades of working for the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) as the Senior Cemetery Associate for World War I Flanders Field American Cemetery, in Waregem, Belgium. During his career with the ABMC…
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Ypres Day with Lady Lucy French & Roger Steward of the New Ypres League
Lady Lucy French, great granddaughter of BEF commander Field Marshal Sir John French, Roger Steward, Chairman and co-founder of the New Ypres League, Ypres Battlefield Tours guide, and author, join the podcast to discuss the Ypres Day commemoration events scheduled for the weekend encompassing…
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Second Marne - The Period of Waiting
Following the discussion of German plans for their next great offensive, we turn now to French and Allied plans to meet this next attack. Allied Supreme Commander Marshal Ferdinand Foch and French Army commander GEN Philippe Pétain intended to respond to this next attack differently: as soon as…
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New Jersey's Role in World War I - with LTC (Ret.) Richard Wasserman
***Technical note: My apologies on the audio reverb that may be heard in this episode. A concise history revealing New Jersey's vital industrial, military, and civilian contributions to America's World War I effort. During World War I, New Jersey played a prominent role in the manufacturing of...
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Matz - La Mort du Sergent Jules Héme
The story behind an often erroneously captioned photograph of the First World War, and remembering the man in it. The BFWWP is on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast. Any questions, comments or concerns please contact me through the website,...
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Second Marne - Friedensturm
This episode will visit the German strategic situation in June 1918 and the resulting plans for their next offensive, which would be called "Friedensturm:" the Peace Offensive. The BFWWP is on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast. Any questions, comments or concerns...
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Memorial Day - "The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak"
A short exploration of the American poet Archibald MacLeish's connection to the First World War, and his poem "The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak." The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak Nevertheless they are heard in the still houses: who has not heard them? They have a silence that speaks for...
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Citizen of the Shadows - The Lives and Lies of Lothar Witzke
Authors Paul Friedland and Robert Hornick join us on the podcast to discuss their thoroughly researched, well-argued and thrilling biography of a now-forgotten German spy during WW1. One of the most notorious German spies of the twentieth century, Lothar Witzke lived a life that reads like a...
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There Will Come Soft Rains - with Briana Gervat
In 2022, just as the world began to open after the isolation of a global pandemic, Briana Gervat set out to walk the length of the Western Front. Beginning at the border that France shares with Switzerland she went into the wild in search of hope and in search of peace. For 500 miles, she climbed...
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John McCrae: Beyond Flanders Fields - with Susan Raby-Dunne
Author, historian, and battlefield guide Susan Raby-Dunne joins us to discuss her book "John McCrae: Beyond Flanders Fields." Most Canadians are familiar with John McCrae through his iconic poem "In Flanders Fields," which was penned on the battlefields of the First World War and remains a symbol...
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The French Army in the First World War, a Discussion: Pt 7, Pt 1
Part 7 of the ongoing discussion continues to look at the French Army in 1917. We look at the state of the French Army going into 1917, where the army itself was in good shape but its leadership was an entirely different story. The rising star of GEN Robert Nivelle and the politics around his...
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British Doctrine in the Great War with Phil Watson
British Army veteran and University of Wolverhampton PhD candidate Phil Watson joins the podcast for a fascinating discussion on British doctrine in the Great War. (Which YES, they did have a doctrine.) Phil has a couple of questions for the listeners as well, in the interest of generating...
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The Extraordinary Life of Henri Langie with Eric and Tom Langie
Independent historians Eric and Tom Langie, a father and son duo, come on the podcast to discuss the extraordinary life of their ancestor Henri Langie and the book they have written about him, "Henri Langie: From War Volunteer in WW I to Honorary Major in WW II." Henri went from a schoolteacher…
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A Penny a Shell - A Discussion with Antony Bell
Author Antony J. Bell comes on the podcast to discuss his novel "A Penny a Shell." From the author's website: "In a WWI munitions factory, the lives of three women converge on a dangerous production line where a single spark means the difference between a bonus and a burial. Eliza Wren, a…
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Second Marne - Mangin on the Matz
The guns of Blücher-Yorck were still smoking when the Germans reoriented and hastily launched a new offensive between Montdidier and Noyon. The goal was to straighten the line between two bulging German salients, seize more of the Soissons rail line, and continue to drive towards Paris. But the...
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AEF Tank Corps - A Discussion with Steve Girard
Steven Girard, US Army veteran and veteran battlefield guide, comes back on the podcast to discuss the American Expeditionary Force's Tank Corps during the First World War. Suggested reading: Treat 'Em Rough: The Birth of American Armor 1917–20 -...
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The Battle for Disabled Veterans' Recognition - A Discussion with Dr. Eric Story
Dr. Eric Story, a Historian-in-Residence at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University in London, Ontario in Canada, and Adjunct Professor at Wilfred Laurier University, joins us on the podcast to discuss the struggles faced by disabled Canadian veterans after the First World...
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Die Vergessene Schlacht - A Discussion with Alfons Philippi
Independent historian Alfons Philippi of Germany joins the podcast to discuss his German-language book on the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Die Vergessenne Schlacht (The Forgotten Battle). We also discuss the family history that led him to write the book, as well as the impact of 20th century history…
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Second Marne - Blücher-Yorck
The battlefield of the Second Battle of the Marne was shaped by an earlier German offensive in late May and early June of 1918: Unternehmen Blücher-Yorck. Looking to draw away French reserves from the Flanders and Picardy areas, German GEN Erich Ludendorff aimed a new German attack in a sector...
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Remembering Victoria Cross Recipients with Ron Howard and Adam Pearce
Adam Pearce and his uncle Ron Howard have spent the past few years visiting the graves of the UK's and British Commonwealth's Victoria Cross recipients. They hope to raise awareness of not just the recipients of the British Army's highest award for valor, but of the other men buried with them in...
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Fighting the Kaiser's War: The Saxons in Flanders 1914/1918
Authors and historians Andrew Lucas and Jürgen Schmiseschek come on the podcast to discuss their collaborative work on the Saxon Germans on the Flanders front during the Great War. Where to buy "Fighting the Kaiser's War:"...
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Searching for John DeWitt - A Discussion with John Chase, MD
Author and grandson John Chase, MD comes on the podcast to discuss his book based on the letters his grandfather, John DeWitt, wrote home during the First World War. From Hellgate Press: When recently retired orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Chase stumbles upon a hidden trove of over 80 letters from…
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Demarcation Stones Fundraiser with Roger Steward and Dr Dominiek Dendooven
Founders of the New Ypres League Dr Dominiek Dendooven and Roger Steward join the podcast to discuss a worthy remembrance project for the old Ypres battlefields: replacing and restoring the demarcation stones that marked the limit of German advances throughout the Great War. Where to donate - New...
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Second Marne - Directive No. 4
In the prelude to the prelude of the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918, we set the clock back to December 1917 to look at the position of the Allies at that point in the war. Specifically, we look at French Army commander General Philippe Petain's Directive No. 4 issued that month. In this short...
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"Bicycling My Grandfather's WW1 Journey" - A Discussion with Brett Hawkes
Cape Ann, Massachusetts resident Brett Hawkes comes on the podcast to discuss his long bicycle trips through France, where he followed in his Doughboy grandfather's WW1 footsteps. The BFWWP is on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast. Any questions, comments or…
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Ypres - Demarcation Stone Fundraiser
This is a quick episode to make listeners aware of a fundraising drive by the New Ypres League to restore some of the post-WW1 demarcation stones in the Ypres, Belgium area. Where to donate: https://www.newypresleague.com/ There will be a talk released in early December where the New Ypres League...
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"An Unladylike Profession" by Chris Dubbs - American Women War Correspondents in WW1
Educator and First World War enthusiast Kristin Stelfox comes on the podcast to discuss some of the first and pathbreaking American women war correspondents who covered the first years of the war. New Ypres League: https://www.newypresleague.com/ "An Unladylike Profession" by Chris Dubbs -...
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"Loaned for the Summer" - A Discussion with Craig DeSteiguer
Writer Craig DeSteiguer joins us to tell the story of his grandfather John Horace Merriman, who was deeply affected by his First World War-era service. "Death in the Trench" Let me sing no whispers of war. Let me tear my eyes, of all death…that lay. Let me hold the hand of their last breath. Let…
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2026 Lost Battalion Tours Meuse-Argonne Pilgrimage
We have dates for the 2026 Meuse-Argonne Battlefield Pilgrimage! The trip is from July 02 - 08, 2026. This next visit will be one where we really plan to put boots on the ground: we will be walking in the paths of some individual Doughboys in 2026. This is a new feature of Lost Battalion Tours…
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Aisne-Marne & Vesle Sector - SGT William Shemin
In the final days of the Aisne-Marne Offensive, American forces pursued the retreating Germans to the River Vesle in August 1918. During the battles for possession of the key village of Bazoches-sur-Vesle, an American son of Russian-Jewish immigrants would distinguish himself by looking out for…
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Angel Down: A Discussion with Daniel Kraus
NYT bestselling author Daniel Kraus comes on the podcast to talk about his novel set in the Meuse-Argonne battle "Angel Down." From Simon & Schuster: Private Cyril Bagger has managed to survive the unspeakable horrors of the Great War through his wits and deception, swindling fellow soldiers at...
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Montreal to Courcelette via Paardeberg, a Discussion with Michel Gravel
Historian Michel Gravel comes back on the podcast to discuss an incredibly interesting gentleman named John Stevenson Youngson. Michel's works can be found here: https://ysec.fr/?s=Michel+Gravel&post_type=product Michel's GoFundMe for "La place Joseph Kaeble, VC, MM," in Neuville-Vitasse, France:...
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GEN Edmond Buat & the Heavy Artillery Reserve: A Discussion with Xavier Lewis
My good friend Xavier Lewis comes on the podcast to discuss his dissertation topic. General Edmond Buat had an idea and devised a plan to defeat the German army on the Western front in World War I. A study of his diary, the notes he wrote and his later writings on German generals Ludendorff and...
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"To the Limit of Endurance: A Battalion of Marines in the Great War" A Discussion with Pete Owen, LTC USMC (Ret.)
Pete Owen, LTC USMC (Ret.) comes on the podcast to talk about his book "To the Limit of Endurance: A Battalion of Marines in the Great War." From Texas A&M University Press: "Scholars and historians offer several theories for the crippling losses suffered by the American Expeditionary Forces on…
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Great War Expo II at SGT Alvin C. York State Park in Tennessee
Tennessee State Park Rangers Nate Dodson and Tanner Wells come on the podcast to discuss the upcoming Great War Expo II at York State Park in Pall Mall, TN. On April 5th, 2025, the second annual Great War Expo will be held at Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park in Pall Mall, TN. This is an...
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The French Army in the First World War, a Discussion: Pt 6
Part 6 of the ongoing discussion continues to look at the French Army in 1916, and this time we focus on events and developments outside of the Verdun battlefield. This episode will focus on the French Army's experience in 1916 outside of the Verdun battlefield. Joining us for this discussion…
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"The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front" A Discussion with Dr. Ian Isherwood
Dr. Isherwood returns to the podcast to talk about his new book "The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front." From Casemate Publishers: "How did ordinary citizens become soldiers during the First World War, and how did they cope with the extraordinary challenges they confronted…
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Joncherey - The Skirmish
Before the First World War officially began, the killing was already underway. In the small French village of Joncherey, two men would meet for a brief but violent moment on August 2nd, 1914, the day before war was officially declared. The moment would turn them into eternal brothers, transformed...
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The French Army in the First World War, a Discussion: Pt 5
The group is back! Part 5 of the ongoing discussion looks at the French Army in 1916, the first of a two- or three-part series on this crucial year of WW1. This episode will focus on the French Army's experience in its most trying battlefield crucible: the Battle of Verdun. Joining us for this...
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Jake's Pilgrimage & Lost Battalion Tours
This is a recording of our monthly talks on Patreon. Jake is a great friend of mine whom I've known for years, thanks to the podcast! Jake joined us to go on the 2024 Meuse-Argonne tour with Lost Battalion Tours, as well as a pilgrimage to where his dad fought during the Second World War. Dr.…
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"Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War Since 1867" with David Borys
Author David Borys comes on the podcast to discuss his book "Punching Above Our Weight: The Canadian Military at War Since 1867," which takes readers on a riveting exploration spanning one hundred and fifty years of Canadian forces. "Punching Above Our Weight" is a photograph-rich history of 150...
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"Serpents of War:" A Discussion with Drs. Steven Trout & Ian Isherwood
From University Press of Kansas: "Serpents of War" is the memoir of Pennsylvanian Major Harry Dravo Parkin, is a rare account of World War I as seen from the perspective of a battalion commander. As a mid-level officer responsible for the lives and welfare of over a thousand men, Parkin conveys…
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Ors Communal Cemetery - Wilfred Owen's Grave
An homage to Wilfred Owen, based on a visit to his grave in Ors, France in July 2024. The BFWWP is on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast. Any questions, comments or concerns please contact me through the website, www.firstworldwarpodcast.com. Follow us on Twitter at...
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Jake's Pilgrimage & Lost Battalion Tours
This is a recording of our monthly talks on Patreon. Jake is a great friend of mine whom I've known for years, thanks to the podcast! Jake joined us to go on the 2024 Meuse-Argonne tour with Lost Battalion Tours, as well as a pilgrimage to where his dad fought during the Second World War. Dr.…
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"The Other Trench: The WW1 Diary and Photos of a German Officer" with Philipp Cross
Author Philipp Cross comes on the podcast to discuss his book "The Other Trench: The WW1 Diary and Photos of a German Officer," which contains the diary of his great-great-grandfather Alexander Pfeiffer. "The Other Trench" website: https://www.theothertrench.com/ Where to buy "The Other Trench:"...
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"Never Home - Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned" with Richard Sherman
Author Richard Sherman comes on the podcast to discuss his book and homage "Never Home - Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned." In 2017, professional photographer and Navy veteran Richard Sherman embarked on a journey to visit and photograph all 23 American overseas World War I and...
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Verdun - The Defence of Retranchement R1
This episode was inspired by an afternoon walking tour hosted by the Mémorial de Verdun museum. For five days in the beginning of June 1916, French Army CPT Charles Delvert and his 8th Company, 101st Infantry Regiment, defended the Retranchement R1 redoubt against ceaseless German attacks. This…
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"Under Foreign Flags:" Tennessee Volunteers in WW1 with Historian Pat Gang
Independent historian Pat Gang comes on the podcast to talk about Tennessee men who volunteered to fight in foreign armies before the United States entered World War I. The men discussed: Paul & Kiffin Rockwell Charles Loring Clark Zephaniah Porter Broom James Clyde Lloyd Dr. John W. Morris New...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Battles of the First World War Podcast tells the story of the Great War of 1914-1918. Telling the stories of the men and women who fought, died in, and survived the battles of the First World War connects our world to theirs and keeps their memory alive. The BFWWP studies one battle at a time from World War I in narrative form, diving into the people, strategy, tactics, and events of each of these titanic clashes. How and why these battles unfolded and happened as they did is told through the voices of those who were there. Narrative episodes go in-depth into the battles of WW1. Discussions, interviews, and book talks highlight other interesting events and people of the First World War. Follow now to hear and remember the stories. Host: Mike Cunha, MA Military History Questions, comments, concerns, or WW1 memes: [email protected] Join the BFWWP community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BattlesoftheFirstWorldWarPodcast Support the BFWWP via PayPal: verdunpodc
HOSTED BY
Mike Cunha
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Battles of the First World War Podcast have?
Battles of the First World War Podcast currently has 224 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Battles of the First World War Podcast about?
The Battles of the First World War Podcast tells the story of the Great War of 1914-1918. Telling the stories of the men and women who fought, died in, and survived the battles of the First World War connects our world to theirs and keeps their memory alive. The BFWWP studies one battle at a time...
How often does Battles of the First World War Podcast release new episodes?
Battles of the First World War Podcast publishes regularly with 224 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Battles of the First World War Podcast?
You can listen to Battles of the First World War Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Battles of the First World War Podcast?
Battles of the First World War Podcast is created and hosted by Mike Cunha.
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