WW1 Digger History Podcast

Phil Mannell presents true accounts by soldiers of the Great War (World War 1 / WWI ). This is primary history as told by the soldiers themselves, mostly Australian diggers but possibly tommies, poilus, doughboys, kiwis or others, with additional commentary and definitions.

Episode 8.16 Jerusalem Bluegum 16 02/24/2024

Episode 8.16 Jerusalem Bluegum 16 It never stops does it? The Holy Land is in the news now as it was in 1917. We take a look at the fall of Jerusalem and the entry of General Allenby into the city marking the start of just over 30 years of British rule. Oliver Hogue, a 10th Light Horse trooper and a local bystander tell the story of the attacks leading up to the surrender of Jerusalem and how Allenby entered the old city on foot. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/30088773

Episode 8.15 Beersheba Bluegum 8.15 10/01/2023

Episode 8.15 Beersheba Bluegum 8.15 This one covers fan-boy Oliver's description of the work done by General Allenby, the widely attributed last cavalry charge of history by the Australian Light Horse on Beersheba and later battles around Gaza and Khulweilfe. We also cover the death of a great Aussie cricketer, Albert 'Tibby' Cotter and the unsubstantiated claim that his mates killed the Turks that killed him... It does happen but there is no proof it happened this time. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/28189430

Episode 8.14 The desert patrol Bluegum Part 14 06/26/2023

Episode 8.14 The desert patrol Bluegum Part 14 This one is about the hardships of living in the desert, the Bedouin, camels, Mount Sinai and blowing up railway lines. All fun stuff, to be sure. Be advised: Politically incorrect language and poor pronunciation warnings! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/27280662

Episode 8.13 The battles of Gaza and spin doctors Bluegum Part 13 04/07/2023

Episode 8.13 The battles of Gaza and spin doctors Bluegum Part 13 We won that battle, didn't we? .... We did, we did! Trust us, we'd never lie. Honest! Spin doctors were alive and well in WW1 and they worked overtime on the Australian and British public after the disastrous battles around Gaza in the Holyland in early 1917. Oliver gives a reasonable account of the battles, anecdotes about the troopers and lastly advice to a certain young actress. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/26472915

Episode 8.12 The Battle of Rafah Bluegum Part 12 01/23/2023

Episode 8.12 The Battle of Rafah Bluegum Part 12 The little known Battle of Rafah was the last in the Sinai Desert Campaign. The Aussies, Kiwis, British and Indians including the Cameleers with their 'Bing Boys' gunners had to attack a fortified position deep in the desert with absolutely no cover. Guess what? ... They won and here is their story. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/25694061

Episode 1.11 Keeping up with the Joneses 12/26/2022

Episode 1.11 Keeping up with the Joneses Finally for the 100th real episode the long promised interview with Len Jones' grandson Murray. We talk about Len, the family and the service of Len's son and grandson, Norman and Murray. 3 wars for the price of one, folks! Episode artwork is Len in later years courtesy of Murray Jones. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/25434099

Episode 8.11 The Battle of Maghdaba Bluegum Part 11 10/24/2022

Episode 8.11 The Battle of Maghdaba Bluegum Part 11 I actually enjoyed editing this one which covers not only the Battle of Maghdaba, but also the Battle of Bir-el-Abd. Oliver has a gripe about a job he wants and the way the Middle East is covered in Australian press. It is a good one, please enjoy the 99th full episode of the podcast. Episode level artwork is the Standard of the Turkish 80th Infantry Regiment (AWM Item: RELAWM15159) captured by the 2nd Light Horse Regiment at Maghdaba. Link posted in Facebook. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/24775416

Episode 0.6 Podcast Update 6 10/07/2022

Episode 0.6 Podcast Update 6 Just a brief update on what is in store for the podcast. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/24624264

Episode 8.10 The Battle of Romani Bluegum Part 10 08/02/2022

Episode 8.10 The Battle of Romani Bluegum Part 10 Here's Part 10 of the saga of Trooper Bluegum. One of the major battles in the Middle East during WW1 secured much of the Sinai in Allied Hands. This is Oliver's and a Boer War Veteran description of the battle. Episode artwork is Brig. Royston, courtesy AWM /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/23934126

Episode 6.9 Battle of Bullecourt Harry Murray VC Part 2 06/29/2022

Episode 6.9 Battle of Bullecourt Harry Murray VC Part 2 Part 2 covering the life of one of Australia's greatest soldiers. Harry Murray recalls the Battle of Bullecourt in great detail "Now, there were many furious arguments in billets and dugouts as to who — Jacka or Murray — was the Aussie with the greater number of decorations. “Murray killed yet?” Was always the first query shot at a 13th man whenever he went visiting. The answer was, “No, still going strong,” and the visitor would have some new tale to tell of Murray's latest piece of daring. Everybody wondered how long it could last!" (Trove) /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/23575487

Episode 6.8 I wasnt mad Harry Murray VC Part 1 05/22/2022

Episode 6.8 I wasnt mad Harry Murray VC Part 1 He was the most highly decorated Australian soldier of WW1. Brave dashing and highly resourceful, Harry Murray rose from the ranks to command a machine gun battalion. This is the first of a 2 part series on the man who shunned the limelight after the war, always maintaining that he did not deserve the attention he received. Listen and decide for yourself. Warning, this one contains a lot of action! Harry describes Gallipoli, Moquet Farm and the battle where he wins the Victoria Cross. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/23193632

Episode 8.9 Ugly smelly creatures Bluegum Part 9 04/24/2022

Episode 8.9 Ugly smelly creatures Bluegum Part 9 In 1916 the Imperial Camel fought the Ottoman backed revolt by the Senussi in the Western Desert of Egypt. Oliver talks about training, patrols, deaths and near deaths from lack of water, including the ultimately pointless act of self-sacrifice by a British Pilot in the desert. We meet their 'hooshta' and hear how the Aussies hated these animals at first. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/22887761

Episode 8.8 Done like a dinner Bluegum Part 8 03/05/2022

Episode 8.8 Done like a dinner Bluegum Part 8 The Turks bombarded our lines and hurled half-a-dozen shells into our trench, smashing down parapets, wrecking rifles and gear, splattering bullets and splinters everywhere, and yet miraculously missing everybody. Later on, a single stray bullet found its way through a loophole, ran along the barrel of a rifle, ricocheted off at an impossible angle, and killed young Trooper Bellinger. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/22345286

Episode 8.7 The war is a fair cow Bluegum Part 7 12/28/2021

Episode 8.7 The war is a fair cow Bluegum Part 7 In this one we meet a 'gentleman' nicknamed 'Tommy' a sergeant who after the war went back to being, ahem, a gentleman... stick around for the rather long bios to hear about that. We also have Brigadier Ryrie doing chicken impressions, Oliver in his dugout, mail call, and we reacquaint ourselves with old friends, Billy Sing and the 'Old Bird' Major Midgely. So maleesch, settle down and don't imshee until it's finished. No baksheesh! (You'll work it out). /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/21614126

Episode 6.7 Jim Martin The youngest Anzac to die 11/24/2021

Episode 6.7 Jim Martin The youngest Anzac to die Guest presenters, 12 year old Abbey, 11 year old Xavier and their teacher, Mr Rob Coughlan, from St Michael's School in Western Australia bring you the story of Jim Martin, believed to have been the youngest Aussie Digger to die at Gallipoli. He was just under 14 years and 10 months old when he died of disease on a hospital ship. It is very fitting that a couple young Australians, just a few years off Jim's age present this true story. Lest we forget! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/21269918

Episode 8.6 Cop it in The Nek Bluegum Part 6 10/19/2021

Episode 8.6 Cop it in The Nek Bluegum Part 6 This one is a long way late. Oliver continues his time on Galipoli witnessing the Battles of Lone Pine and The Nek. He also describes one of the Brigade's cooks, George and the deaths of three brave sergeants. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/20863718

Episode 8.5 Gravel Crushers Bluegum Part 5 08/17/2021

Episode 8.5 Gravel Crushers Bluegum Part 5 The men of the Light Horse move into the trenches at Gallipoli and are soon mixing it with the Turks. Oliver describes minor battles, skirmishes, sniping and the taking of Walker's Ridge in this one. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/20164778

Episode 8.4 In Egypt Bluegum Part 4 08/05/2021

Episode 8.4 In Egypt Bluegum Part 4 In this one, Oliver and the men of the Light Horse are in Egypt when the Infantry go to Gallipoli. The men get restless and some rip the bad part of Cairo up in a brawl known as The Battle of The Wazzir. Finally the men get the word, they are going to Gallipoli.... without their beloved horses! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/20040281

Episode 8.3 Its not the Love Boat Bluegum Part 3 05/30/2021

Episode 8.3 Its not the Love Boat Bluegum Part 3 Do you fancy a cruise? Do you like travelling with pets? What was life like on a cruise liner with nearly 500 horses on board. Oliver and the Light Horse travel to Egypt on the SS Suevic. Don't worry, it's not as boring as it may sound. So wrap yourself up in some tarpaulin ... never mind, just come aboard! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/19288229

Episode 6.6 The ode 04/24/2021

Episode 6.6 The ode Most Australians can quote the Ode far easier than they can remember the words of the National Anthem: "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/18842510

Episode 6.5 The desert columnist Ion Idriess 04/24/2021

Episode 6.5 The desert columnist Ion Idriess Australia's greatest adventure novelist kept a diary in WW1 which he turned into his most enduring book. As a very young soldier he experienced Gallipoli and the battles across the Sinai Desert and into the Holy Land before being returned home after his third wound. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/18842420

Episode 8.2 Bluegum and Frantic Bluegum Part 2 03/14/2021

Episode 8.2 Bluegum and Frantic Bluegum Part 2 Well, who is the future famous star of stage and film that stole a soldier's heart before he went to war? Find out in this second episode on the life of Trooper Bluegum, Oliver Hogue! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/18313958

Episode 8.1 Oliver Hogue The Great War Blogger 01/16/2021

Episode 8.1 Oliver Hogue The Great War Blogger Trooper Bluegum wrote numerous articles widely published in the press, turning these into 2 books after his semi-fictional "Love Letters of an Anzac". These letters were fake but his real love interest would become a Broadway Star and Oscar nominee. Follow him through Gallipoli and the Battles in the Holyland. But this man's fate has a modern irony and I give you a spoiler alert part way through. Oliver Hogue was an interesting man, take the time to hear the first part a look at his life and works. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/17574749

Episode 6.4 Billy Sing Gallipoli sniper 12/19/2020

Episode 6.4 Billy Sing Gallipoli sniper He was described as 'a picturesque man-killer' and the 'murderer' but Billy Sing. Half Chinese Billy was almost denied the right to enlist in 1914 to became arguably the best sniper Australia ever produced. Billy returned home, mined gold, drank hard and died alone and almost a pauper at age 57 in a rented room in Brisbane. Here is his story. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/17256779

Episode 7.7 The return of the Verdi Part 7 10/27/2020

Episode 7.7 The return of the Verdi Part 7 Verdi meets 'The wickedest woman in Britain', although she is an Australian born New Zealander in Paris (Go figure that out!). It is the 7th and final episode of his memoirs where he does some sightseeing, goes to hospital (No, not the Spanish 'flu) and returns home to Australia. Verdi's health postwar is complicated by his service abroad which you will hear. For Verdi: Lest we forget! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/16559060

Episode 7.6 The Empire strikes back Verdi Part 6 09/12/2020

Episode 7.6 The Empire strikes back Verdi Part 6 On September 29 1918, the Australians and the Americans launched the Battle of St Quentin Canal against the Hindenburg Line. Verdi describes his part in the battle and gives us some insight into the sad fate of many of the American soldiers during the attack. He also visits his cousins grave for his Aunty to deliver .... /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/15981458

Episode 7.5 A new hope Verdi Part 5 08/11/2020

Episode 7.5 A new hope Verdi Part 5 Verdi Schwinghammer developed trench fever on the western front, spends time in Hospitals in France and England. Then he goes back into the line in France, sees some gruesome things. Then we leave him preparing for one of the largest battles at the end of the war. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/15565985

Episode 7.4 The German Spring Offensive Verdi part 4 07/11/2020

Episode 7.4 The German Spring Offensive Verdi part 4 "From a point in our trench the observer could see the Germans massing ready for attack. They came in mass formation to the top of the hill in front of us, and then spread out into single file, shoulder to shoulder, in a wave rushing forward towards our trenches. When they came over the rise of the hill they were excellent targets for our machine and Lewis guns, which mowed them down like flies." /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/15166271

Episode 7.3 In and out of the line Verdi Part 3 05/31/2020

Episode 7.3 In and out of the line Verdi Part 3 On Boxing Day night I had a narrow escape. One of the men was cleaning his rifle on the step of the trench. I was on duty, standing up close by. He thought his rifle was unloaded (but it wasn’t) and the trigger caught and it went off, the bullet whizzing just past my left ear and grazing it – a narrow escape! /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/14632214

Episode 7.2 The Battle of Broodseinde 05/10/2020

Episode 7.2 The Battle of Broodseinde Just as day was breaking, zero hour arrived, and, as if by magic, our guns opened up and we rushed forward and commenced the attack. For the first five minutes or so I could remember nothing, but after I had collected myself, found myself automatically going forward with my section. It was now pretty light and the scene which confronted us I will never forget nor could I adequately describe it. /episode/index/show/6bobaday/id/14353667

WW1 Digger History Podcast

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