Great British Battle Commanders is a new podcast series hosted by Professor Michael Clarke that reveals the untold secrets of historical commanders.
Professor Clark is a defense analyst and commentator at BFBS Sitrep, with a distinguished career in the study of military strategy, defense and international conflict.
Questions explored in the podcast include: To what extent does leadership determine the outcome of a battle? Can legendary commanders be compared to each other, or is the outcome of a war determined by strategy? Is it more a matter of luck?
This series examines the influence of military leadership on the outcomes of history's most important battles, providing a new perspective on the role of command in shaping history's pivotal moments.
Each episode features in-depth conversations between Professor Clarke and guests including best-selling author Bernard Cornwell and former Chief of the Defense Staff Lord Richards.
Together they explore the strategies, decisions and challenges faced by five iconic commanders, including the Duke of Wellington, Boudicca and Admiral Nelson, and consider the timeless complexities of military command.
This series is filmed on location at historically significant locations to add visual context to the story and analysis. Combining expert discussion and an immersive setting, this production aims to captivate history buffs and those interested in the nature of conducting.
series episode
Duke of Wellington
Guest: Bernard Cornwell, noted author of the Sharpe series and the novel The Last Kingdom.
Location: Horse Guards, London, in the former Wellington offices, overlooking Horse Guards Parade. This office is still used by the General Officer Commanding the Home Division.
Summary: Cornwell delves into Wellington's military campaigns, discusses his commanding style, and draws parallels between him and the fictional character Richard Sharpe. The episode also explores Wellington's place among notable commanders such as King Alfred and Henry V.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding (later Lord Dowding of Bentley Abbey)
Guest: Dr. Victoria Taylor, aviation historian, broadcaster and author.
Location: Dowding's office at Bentley Abbey, Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.
Summary: Analyzes Dowding's leadership during the 1940 Battle of Britain and how his strategic command influenced the development of Britain's air defense system.
Boudica, Queen of the Iceni
Guest: Philip Wise, Colchester Museum Heritage Manager.
Location: Colchester Castle was built on the Roman foundations of the Temple of Claudius, famously plundered by Boudicca's army.
Summary: A discussion of Boudica's leadership and strategy against Roman occupation and her enduring legacy as a powerful symbol of resistance.
Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery (1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein)
Guest: General David Richards, former Chief of Defense Staff.
Location: Southwick House, Portsmouth, D-Day Map Room, where the D-Day landings were authorized.
Summary: A deep dive into Montgomery's strategic decisions during World War II and the D-Day landings, highlighting his complex leadership style and approach to command.
admiral nelson
Guest: Dr Gregory Frémont-Burns, Senior Lecturer, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Location: Nelson Cabin of HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Summary: Explore Nelson's strategic genius and deep influence on naval warfare during the Battle of Trafalgar.
The podcast is available on radio.bfbs.com, videos on the Forces News YouTube channel, and wherever you get your podcasts.
