When the Allies invaded Italy in the summer of 1943 they hoped to be in Rome by Christmas. Instead, it wasn't until June 1944 that the Italian capital was liberated, following a gruelling march up the peninsula that ended with what James Holland describes as "five months of hell". In his new book, the historian, author and podcaster zones in on these months ... Show More
Oct 12
The pioneering surgeon who stood up to Rasputin
She pioneered lifesaving battlefield surgery, challenged the medical establishment, stood up to Rasputin, and became the world's first female professor of surgery – yet today, few people have heard of Vera Gedroits. In today's episode, acclaimed biographer Miranda Seymour tells E ... Show More
48m 26s
Jun 2025
World War Two’s Rome escape line
Between September 1943 and June 1944 in World War Two, the Italian capital Rome was occupied by German soldiers.Italy had surrendered and thousands of Allied prisoners of war had escaped from internment camps in the country. An Irish priest, Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who was wor ... Show More
10m 31s
Apr 2024
Cassino ’44 - Capturing Cassino (Part 4)
As the battle heats up in Italy, Al Murray and James Holland detail of the most iconic moments in WW2 history - the Battle of Monte Cassino in February 1944. The Nazis defending the Abbey are depleted, but the Allies' attacks up narrow ridges are failing. Progress is slow, and th ... Show More
58m 11s