Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by and curious about 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 how the Excel spreadsheet was developed, the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy and how the sound barrier was broken.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines’ life and Omar Sharif’s legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, like the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world; the birth of the G7; and the meeting of Maldives’ ministers underwater. We cover everything from World War Two and Cold War stories to Black History Month and our journeys into space.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 8, 2025 • 10min
The Reichstag fire
Sefton Delmer, a Berlin-born journalist for the Daily Express, provides a gripping eyewitness account of the Reichstag fire in 1933, a pivotal moment in Nazi history. He vividly recalls the chaos of the night, walking through the flames alongside Hitler and Goring, sharing their chilling conversations. Delmer discusses the immediate political fallout, including a tense exchange between Hitler and von Papen, and reveals how the fire was manipulated to consolidate power and silence opposition, showcasing his own strategies to resist the regime.
Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
The UN retreat from Somalia
Halima Ismail Ibrahim, a former UN worker who bravely navigated the chaos of Somalia's civil war, shares her harrowing experiences from the front lines. She recounts the horrors of the conflict, juxtaposing childhood memories with the grim realities of life in Mogadishu. Halima discusses her efforts to engage with warlords for safety and the tragic fallout following the UN's withdrawal in 1995. Her insights offer a poignant reflection on the challenges and consequences of international intervention in humanitarian crises.
Apr 4, 2025 • 10min
Resusci Anne: the world’s first life-saving resuscitation dummy
Discover the inspiring story behind the creation of the first life-size resuscitation dummy, meant to train people in mouth-to-mouth techniques. Åsmund Lærdal’s near-death experience sparked his mission to make life-saving skills accessible to everyone. Resusci Anne not only transformed medical training but is believed to have saved over two million lives globally. This discussion highlights the innovative design process, societal impact, and the evolving importance of CPR education in emergency response.
Apr 3, 2025 • 9min
JFK’s 1963 Ich Bin Ein Berliner speech
In Berlin, JFK's iconic 'Ich bin ein Berliner' speech rallied support at a critical Cold War juncture. Gisela Morel-Tiemann recalls the electrifying atmosphere as students united against division. The talk not only stirred emotions but also pushed for peaceful coexistence with the Soviet Union. A personal account reveals the tensions of attempting to bridge ideological divides, highlighting the bravery of individuals in a city split by a wall. Dive into the compelling stories of resilience and hope that emerged from this historic moment.
Apr 2, 2025 • 10min
The Wonder Woman of DC Comics
Jenette Kahn, the trailblazing Publisher of DC Comics since 1976, was the first woman to lead the company at just 28 years old. She shares her journey from comic fan to industry pioneer, discussing how she revamped the company name and ensured artists retained rights to their work. Kahn explores her role in diversifying comics and how she introduced new characters that resonated with readers. Her innovative vision not only transformed storytelling but also helped redefine the comic book industry's image during a pivotal time.
Apr 1, 2025 • 10min
The invention of superglue
Dive into the accidental invention of superglue, sparked by Dr. Harry Coover's unexpected discovery during a 1951 experiment. It soon transformed into a consumer sensation after a memorable television demonstration. Find out how this quick-setting adhesive not only revolutionized everyday repairs but took on a surprising role in medical applications, enhancing battlefield medicine. Personal anecdotes from Coover's grandson add a heartfelt touch, highlighting the legacy of innovation that superglue represents.
Mar 31, 2025 • 10min
The 'ghost town' of Namibia
Dieter Huyssen, a descendant of Kolmanskop's founders, shares heartfelt family memories of this once-thriving diamond town in Namibia. He details the rise of Kolmanskop during the diamond rush and its lavish lifestyle, contrasting it with the eerie silence of its current ghostly state, overwhelmed by the desert sands. The story delves into the architectural wonders brought by German influence and reflects on the emotional connections to abandoned places, highlighting how they shape our understanding of history and identity.
Mar 28, 2025 • 10min
The father of Ethio-Jazz
Mulatu Astatke, known as the father of Ethio-jazz, shares his inspiring journey of blending Ethiopian music with jazz and Latin rhythms. He recounts his transition from engineering dreams to pursuing music, fueled by the vibrant NYC club scene. Mulatu reflects on the challenges he faced in promoting his unique sound, prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial success. He also shares surreal moments on stage, from the excitement of performing to the unexpected reactions from audiences, marking a significant evolution in global music.
Mar 27, 2025 • 10min
Harold Riley’s 'one of a kind' portrait of Nelson Mandela
Harold Riley, an acclaimed English artist known for his vivid portrayal of Salford's working-class life, shares his unique experience capturing Nelson Mandela on canvas. He describes the six sittings with Mandela as transformative, filled with insightful conversations that shaped the portrait. Riley reveals how this masterpiece, unveiled in 2005, not only showcases Mandela’s legacy but also raised over $1 million for South African children's charities. His artistic journey intertwines community and leadership, making for an inspiring discussion.
Mar 26, 2025 • 9min
The suspicious death of Rear Admiral Durović
Explore the troubling tale of Rear Admiral Đurović, a steadfast officer caught in the chaos of the Croatian War of Independence. His promise to protect Dubrovnik raised questions about loyalty and integrity during a tumultuous time. Suspicion looms over his sudden death in a helicopter crash, as conflicting narratives abound regarding its true nature. Delve into the moral dilemmas faced by military leaders in war and the ripple effects of one man's decisions on a nation's fate, with chilling insights from eyewitness accounts.
