Testimony to History

I discuss with Joris Nieuwent, The Battlefield Explorer, the case for and against Operation Market Garden. Was it really worth the casualties and what did it ultimately achieve. Recorded in Arnhem in The Little Hartenstein in 2025.

Crispin Thomas, The Standuphistorian talks to James Aslett founder of  Chelmsford Militaria, one of the leading dealers in the Memorabilia Business about collecting, the laws surrounding the trade and the investment potential. If you are collecting or just interested why people collect these guns this is for you. Enjoy!

  An overview of the Battle of the Bulge – Crispin, Charlie and Joris explore why the battle was a failure for the Germans and a success for the Americans. A very useful top level view of the battle with some great conclusions. Listen to this so you can become an expert dinner party Historian!  

My guests on this live show, recorded at the Victory Show in August 2025, are Tom Petch, ex SAS commander and published author (Penguin: Speed, Aggression and Surprise) and Richard Pinches ( The Lone Rat), acknowledged desert expert on the Long Range Desert Group and its history.

The StandupHistorian, Crispin Thomas, talks live with Richard Pinches about El Alamein. Richard is known as the Lone Rat and is a historian and expert on The Long Range Desert Group and all things Desert in the Second World War. This recording was recorded live at The Victory Show in August 2025.

If You Liked SAS Rogue Heroes (BBC) this is for you. Ex SAS Commander and Author Tom Petch who wrote Speed Agility Surprise ( Penguin Books) recorded this live broadcast with Crispin Thomas, The StandupHistorian, at the 80th Anniversary WW2 Show in Warminster in July 2025.

Airborne expert and Author Neil Barber talks with Crispin Thomas, The StandupHistorian, around the events on D-Day surrounding the action of the 6th Airborne. Namely Pegasus Bridge and the Merville Battery. This podcast was recorded live at the 80th Anniversary WW2 Show in Warminster in July 2025.

Crispin Thomas, The StandupHistorian sits down and chats to Dr. Helen Fry, author and broadcaster, about the women of the SOE. This recording was made live form the WW2 Anniversary show in Warminster, Wiltshire, in July 2025.

The Standuphistorian, Crispin Thomas, talks to Business leader and Counsellor Dan Slade about what motivates  people to re-enact characters from history. A really interesting topic, and one which can stir much debate. Enjoy!

Crispin Thomas, The Standuphistorian, and Joris Nieuwent, The Battlefield Explorer, chat about Jim Gavin and the 82nd Airborne at Nijmegen. In this short podcast they analyse the key strands in taking the bridge.

The Standuphistorian, Crispin Thomas, and The Battlefield Explorer, Joris Nieuwent, visit the centre of the perimeter at The Hartenstein Museum. They wander down to the River via Sheriff Thompson's position, visit the church and then move behind the church to discuss Major Robert Cain. Then it’s  on to the Rhine to discuss the withdrawal on the 25th September.  

The Standuphistorian , Crispin Thomas, and The Battlefield Explorer, Joris Nieuwent, have a chat over lunch in The Little Hartenstein Restaurant, next to The Hartenstein Museum. They chew over the facts leading up to the battle and the events that unfold. With many opinions and incites covered, they then move on to the bridge itself.

Join The Stand-Up Historian, Crispin Thomas, and Battlefield Explorer, Joris Nieuwint, as they journey through the historic Ginkleheath, the scene of intense battles during Operation Market Garden. Discover the scale of the landing zones, the strategic challenges faced by the British, and the German response orchestrated by efficient communication networks. Explore the compelling stories of those who fought, the landing disasters faced by Hackett's troops, and the relentless obstacles presented by the German forces. As Crispin and Joris traverse significant landmarks, from the 75th Memorial to Krafft's blocking line, witness the historical events that unfolded through their vivid narrative and expert insights.

Join the Stand-Up Historian as he chats with Michael Knight, who shares the remarkable wartime experiences of his late father, Maurice Sefton Knight—One of the brave souls who narrowly escaped the final days of the Battle of Arnhem. Delve into Maurice's progression from the Royal Engineers Field Park Company to the Airborne division, embarking on daring missions across North Africa, Italy, and ultimately into the heart of Holland during World War II. Uncover the lesser-known tales of courage and ingenuity, from the draining of the plumbing at the Hartenstein Hotel to his fortunate escape over the river at the end of the battle. This episode paints a personal and poignant picture of survival and legacy, intertwining historical events with memories passed down through generations. Listen to Mike Knight recount a journey of heritage and heroism as he traces his father's steps back to Arnhem, preserving the memories of battles fought and bonds forged during those fateful days.

Battle of Arnhem.  Maurice Knight’s testimony of his 8 days in the Battle of Arnhem in his own words.