The Unconventional Soldier

CONTENTThe guest today is Phil Blood a British historian and author specialising in military history, the Holocaust, and Nazi occupation policies. He is best known for his in-depth research on the intersection of warfare and genocide, particularly in Eastern Europe during World War II. On this episode we focus on historical perceptions of the German army during World War II and compare it to the British Army. The discussion begins by questioning the post-war narrative that often idealised German professionalism at the expense of the British. Phil, drawing on his military background and historical research, challenges this view, asserting that British soldiers were more capable than often portrayed, especially as the war progressed and their professionalism increased. The conversation then delves into various factors influencing these perceptions, including wartime propaganda, Sydney Jary's classic book "18 Platoon", the impact of specific battles (like Normandy and Arnhem), the performance and limitations of German equipment (like Tiger tanks), and the contrasting training and effectiveness of both armies. Ultimately, the dialogue questions the enduring myth of German military superiority and seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of the fighting forces involved in the conflict.Phil has written several books on WW2 including: Hitler’s Bandit Hunters: The SS and the Nazi Occupation of Europe, which explores the brutal anti-partisan campaigns conducted by the SS and Wehrmacht, revealing their integral role in the Holocaust and war crimes. Birds of Prey:Hitler’s Luftwaffe, Ordinary Soldiers and the Holocaust in Poland, reveals how the Luftwaffe, were perpetrators of Lebensraum and genocide.War Comes to Aachen: The Nazis, Churchill and the 'Stalingrad of the West narrates the tumultuous era of total war through the fate of Aachen. Imperial Germany’s seat of power for 600 years, site of Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor, and a place with greater geopolitical significance for Adolf Hitler in 1944 than Stalingrad in 1943.He has contributed to academic and military institutions and is recognized for his meticulous archival research and ability to uncover new perspectives on well-studied conflicts. His work continues to influence both scholarly and public understanding of Nazi occupation and military policy.  Phil's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "United States: Essays 1952-1992" by Gore Vidal. My choice is Phil's Book "Hitler’s Bandit Hunters: The SS and the Nazi Occupation of Europe".WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is former soldier Chris Binch. After serving 7 years with 2 PARA he left to work in the Private Security Industry before joining the fire service. He is the host of the The Old Paratrooper Podcast. We discuss military experiences, the transition to civvi street and perspectives on current conflicts. We also delve into the realities of army life, including training, operational tempo, and the impact of combat, alongside reflections on the private security industry. Finally, we explore evolving attitudes towards military service and the stark contrast between past and present depictions of warfare on social media, culminating in a shared interest in podcasting as a platform for open dialogue and supporting the veteran community. Chris's book choices on Desert Islands Dits are “The Watchman” by Chris Ryan and “Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know" by Ranulph Fiennes. My choice is “Regarding The Pain Of Others” by Susan Sontag.  Follow Chris on Instagram @theoldparatrooper.Contact Chris: chrisbinch10@gmail.comWHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent bookstores online sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is Mark "Splash" Aston. Splash joined the Gloucester Regiment in 1964 as a teenager. He later passed selection for 22 SAS as a Colour Sergeant in the late 1970s joining Mountain Troop of D Squadron.  On this episode discuss his early army life, training for selection and the Falklands war in 1982 when his squadron was instrumental in key operations against Argentine forces. Splash took part in various missions during Op CORPORATE, including the landing on Fortuna Glacier, the successful capture of South Georgia, and the assault on Pebble Island airstrip. He was one of the survivors of the Sea King helicopter crash which claimed the lives of 22 fellow soldiers. Despite his injuries Splash refused medical evacuation and returned to the squadron to take part in further operations on Mount Kent and West Falkland. We also discuss his post war visits to the Falklands, what it was like to be an instructor at the International Long Range Recce Patrol School in Germany and why he wrote his book SAS: Sea King Down.  Splash's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Warlord Chronicles" series by Bernard Cromwell. My choices are Splash's book "SAS: Sea King Down, The Extraordinary True Story Of The SAS At War In The Falklands" and "Across an Angry Sea: The SAS in the Falklands War" by Lt General Cedric Delves.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTOn this episode I will be discussing jungle warfare with Kev and we cover; how Britain transformed its army into an effective jungle fighting force in WW2 after an inauspicious start, why jungle warfare training is relevant in the 21st century, Exercise IRON LANCE a typical jungle training course in the early 90s run by 22 SAS.  Finally we take a look at two books, the classic The Jungle Is neutral by Freddie Spencer Chapman and Jungle Soldier: the true story of Freddy Spencer Chapman, an autobiography by Brian Moynahan WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim Read, a former soldier and military trainer, shares his unique experiences from Cold War Germany. He recounts remarkable anecdotes about encounters with WWII veterans and details the lives of former East German soldiers, including a tank driver and a Stasi officer. The conversation dives into the psychological impact of Stasi surveillance, contrasting military cultures, and the ongoing perceptions of the Ukraine conflict among Germans. Kim's insights offer a compelling reflection on the lasting effects of history on modern identities.

CONTENTMy guest today is Lilian van Mourik. On this episode we dicuss the recovery of Stirling bomber BK716 and its seven crew members as part of the remarkable Dutch national programme for WW2 aircraft recoveries which was set up in 2019 and aims to unearth 30 aircraft over the next decade. We also discussed Dutch wartime remembrance culture, the morality of area bombing, the deprivations of the hunger winter and how the sacrifices made in WW2 are relevant today.  Keep an ear out for our competition question and the chance to win a book about BK 716 and also a few beers that were brewed to commemorate the crew. All competition entries should be sent to: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com.Lilian's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "Luchtmeisjes (Sky Girls)" by Ingrid van der Chijs. My choice is "Bomber" by Len Deighton.For more information on BK716 use the following links:E-magazine : https://www.bk716.their-story.org/Documentary: https://www.vliegenoverpolderlijnen.com/Government website aircraft recovery programme - https://www.government.nl/topics/second-world-war/wreckage-recovery-of-second-world-war-aircraftThe Aircraft Recovery Group, who initially found the aircraft and a huge part for the families of the dead airmen https://www.arg1940-1945.nl/en.htmBooks: https://www.almere.nl/over/historie/erfgoedhuis/boekenBrewery: https://www.brouwerijstijl.com/For more information Lilian can be contacted at: info@their-story.orgWHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTOn pod # 070 we interviewed the author Andrew Long about his book “The Story Of BRIXMIS And The Secret Cold War - Intelligence Gathering Operations Behind East Germany”. This episode continues our examination of Cold War espionage focusing on BRIXMIS members operating deep inside Soviet occupied East Germany. Our guest is Nick a former member of the Intelligence Corps. We talk about his remarkable career in the Corps when he joined as a private soldier and completed his Colour service as a Lieutenant Colonel.   Nick details his experiences and operations as part of BRIXMIS and the discussion includes insights into training, the significant intelligence gathering of the unit, as well as their interactions with Soviet and East German forces. It highlights the challenges faced, including the risk of detainment, and the inherent dangers of operating unarmed in hostile environments. Additionally, Nick provides anecdotal accounts of acting as an interpretor for the infamous Nazi Rudolf Hess and reflects on how the Cold War's lessons remain relevant today in Ukraine.Nick's book choice on Desert Islands Dits is "The Spy Who Came In from the Cold" by John Le Carre. The team's choices are "Dead Men Risen" by Toby Harnden and "We Win They Lose: Republican Foreign Policy And The New Cold War" by Matthew Kroenig and Dan Negrea.Corrections: A couple of post production corrections. The Spandau role came to the Mission in 1982, when the British Military Government interpreter, Mr Sanders, finally asked to be allowed to retire - he had previously agreed to serve on beyond his retirement date 'until the prisoner has died', but Hess appeared to be immortal. Mr Sanders retired and BRIXMIS stepped into his role and continued until Hess died in 1987. Also three former Intelligence Corps junior soldiers retired as Lt Lieutenant Colonels not four.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTAt the end of November I went on a road trip with Kev to Northern Ireland. In many respects it was more of a battlefield tour than a road trip covering areas where we had been on operations. On this pod we discuss the transformation of Northern Ireland since we were there in the late 80s and early 90s with a focus on Belfast, Londonderry and South Armagh. We reflect on our past tours on Op BANNER during the Troubles and provide comparisons between the past and present while exploring key landmarks like the Europa Hotel. We also travel the roads in South Armagh, visit former military bases and discuss the region's struggles and journey towards peace. During our trip we saw how far Northern Ireland has come and reflect on the compromises and changes that have contributed to its current state.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is  Patrick Bury a former Royal Irish Regiment officer who joined the army in 2005 and spent five years in uniform, including a tour in Sangin, Helmand in 2008. We discuss the complexities of COIN warfare and the leadership and ethical challenges during this type of operation. We examine the phenomenon of 'warrior culture,' accountability in military leadership, the corrosive effect of combat on soldiers and the need, or otherwise, for moral soldiering by liberal democracies fighting an enemy who are not hindered by such ideals.  Paddy, is now an academic and a Senior Associate Professor in Security at University of Bath and a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellow specialising in CT and warfare. His areas of expertise include: counter-terrorism transformation and capacity building; military operations; British Army Reserve; military logistics; the Second World War; NATO; Irish military service. He regularly provides expertise on security matters to both global and national media.His book choice on Desert Island Dits is "A Rumor Of War" by Philip Caputo. My choice is "Ground Truth: The Moral Component In Contemporary British Warfare". We also discuss "Black Heart" by Jim Frederick and "On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society" by Dave Grossman.WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENTThe guest today is Chris Cocks who was on pod 72 when we discussed his service in the Rhodesian Light Infantry and his book "Fire Force - One Man's War In The Rhodesian Light Infantry". On this episode we discuss life after he finished his service and his sequel to Fire Force "Survival Course - Rhodesian Denouement And The War Of Self". The conversation focuses on Chris's transition from military to civilian life and his role as a farm manager while also serving as a reservist in the police anti-terrorist unit (PATU). He elaborates on the guerrilla warfare conducted by the enemy, his patrol duties, the challenges faced with limited and outdated equipmen and the moral complexities encountered in combat scenarios. The episode delves into Chris's post-war struggles with PTSD and substance abuse, his journey through rehabilitation, and his reflective thoughts on the war's lasting impact. Personal anecdotes, including ambushes, interactions with former guerrillas, and the societal divide in Rhodesia all providing a vivid account of Chris's experiences. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of mental health support for veterans.No Desert Island Dits this episode as Chris has been on before but my recommendation is Chris's book "Survival Course - Rhodesian Denouement And The War Of Self". WHERE TO GET OUR DESERT ISLAND DITS BOOK CHOICESMost of our book recommendations can be bought via the Unconventional Soldier Bookshop. 10% of each purchase supports the pod and helps independent book stores on line sales.  "BUY ME A COFFEE"If you want to support the podcast you can buy me a coffee here.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram @the_unconventional_soldier_pod.Facebook @lateo82. Twitter @TheUCS473.Download these and other platforms via Link Tree.Email us: unconventionalsoldier@gmail.com. This episode brought to you in association with ISARR a veteran owned company. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.