logo
episode-header-image
Nov 7
1h 1m

284 - Renault FT Tank

Angus Wallace
About this episode

In this episode of the WW2 Podcast, I'm joined by Robby Houben from the Belgian Royal Military Museum to discuss the Renault FT. This small but revolutionary French tank changed armoured warfare.

Designed during the First World War, the FT introduced the fully rotating turret and tracked layout that became the blueprint for every tank that followed. We talk about its design, its service life between the wars, and how it was still seeing action when the Second World War began.

You can see an original Renault FT on display at the Belgian Royal Military Museum in Brussels.

Robby also shares his passion for armoured vehicles on YouTube — check out his channel Two Dudes Talking Tanks.

If you enjoy the show, remember — it's just me here behind the mic. I research, record, and edit every episode myself. Your support on Patreon helps keep the podcast going. Patrons get ad-free listening and bonus excerpts from interviews that didn't make it into the main episodes.

 Find out more at patreon.com/ww2podcast

 

 

Up next
Nov 15
285 - The Nuremberg Psychiatrist
<p>In the aftermath of the Second World War, the Allies brought twenty-four of Hitler's most senior figures to justice at Nuremberg. Among them was Hermann Göring — once Hitler's designated heir and still a commanding presence, even in defeat.</p> <p>Before the trial began, the U ... Show More
36m 14s
Nov 1
283 - General Lucian Truscott
<p>General Lucian K. Truscott was one of the United States Army's most capable commanders of the Second World War. Known for his aggressive leadership and determination, Truscott led American forces in North Africa, Sicily, at Anzio, and later in southern France and Germany. Desp ... Show More
42m 28s
Oct 22
282 - The Battle for Arakan, Burma 1945
<p>In early 1945, the Allies were advancing in Burma after their hard-won victories at Kohima and Imphal. The focus shifted to the Arakan, a region of dense jungle, mangrove swamps, and unforgiving terrain.</p> <p>For the men sent there, disease, supply difficulties, and the mons ... Show More
36m 53s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2023
The original rogue heroes of the SAS
In today’s long read, we’re bringing you a story of extravagant lies, homemade bombs and adrenaline-pumped commandos, as historian Joshua Levine charts the formative years of the SAS through the exploits of four extraordinary servicemen – Mick Gurmin, Jock Lewes, Mike Sadler and ... Show More
26m 21s
Mar 2024
Beyond Torture: Andy McNab's Mental Fortitude in Bravo Two Zero
Andy McNab is a former member of the British SAS who led Bravo Two Zero during the first Gulf War. During his time in the military, Andy conducted counter-terrorist and anti-drug missions in Central America, South America and throughout the Middle East. He also worked undercover ... Show More
15m 51s
Nov 11
History's Toughest Heroes: Hugh Glass: The Real Story of The Revenant
The real-life Revenant who survived a savage bear mauling and crawled hundreds of miles across the American plains to confront the scoundrels who abandoned him.In History's Toughest Heroes, Ray Winstone tells ten true stories of adventurers, rebels and survivors who lived life on ... Show More
28m 29s
Oct 2024
SAS in France '44: Operation TITANIC (Part 2)
In this second installment of our special series, Al Murray and James Holland team up with Tom Petch to dive into the daring missions of the Special Air Service (SAS) in France during World War 2. From Operation Titanic's deception to fierce firefights in Brittany, the SAS pushed ... Show More
46m 10s
Aug 1
Episode 1121: The Yank - My Life as a Former US Marine in the IRA (extract)
In April 1975, a young Irish-American from Long Island headed on a mission to enlist in an elite unit of the US Marine Corps. His goal: to receive the most intensive and rigorous military training possible, and then move to Ireland to join the IRA and fight to end British occupat ... Show More
42m 43s
Jul 2020
The Balcombe Street Gang (part2/2): Episode 193
<br>It was in August 1974, that the first members of the IRA Active Service Unit later named 'The Balcombe Street Gang' touched down in Heathrow. Between October 1974 and December 1975, they carried out at least 40 bomb and gun attacks in and around London, leading to one descrip ... Show More
28m 7s
Jul 2024
The Never-ending Battle of Henry Johnson
Henry Johnson, nicknamed Black Death, was one of the most famous American soldiers of World War I. He was part of the Harlem Hellfighters, the legendary all-Black U.S. Army unit, and awarded the French Croix de Guerre for single-handedly stopping an invading enemy force in the tr ... Show More
33m 45s
May 2024
American Castaways: Treachery & Survival in the Falklands
<p>Today we dive into the little-known true story of American castaways abandoned on the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812 ― a tale of treachery, shipwreck, isolation and a desperate struggle for survival.</p><br><p>In this fascinating episode, best-selling author Eric Jay ... Show More
32m 49s
Jul 2025
#214 Jay Cal - SAS Operator Charged with Murder
Jay Cal is a former British special forces operator who served in the elite 22 Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment following a distinguished career as a Royal Marine Commando. After passing the grueling SAS selection process—known for its 90% dropout rate—Jay went on to serve in h ... Show More
6h 27m