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Book Launch Special: From Enemy Alien to British Commando: The Unlikely Journey of Colin Anson with Dr. Helen Fry
Join us for an electrifying episode of History Rage, where we dive into the untold tales of bravery and moral dilemmas from World War II with renowned historian Dr. Helen Fry. Broadcasting live with an audience for the first time, we explore the extraordinary life of Colin Anson, a German-Jewish refugee who became an X Troop commando for Britain. Discover the motivations behind Helen's latest book, "Why I Became an X Troop Commando," and the compelling stories of the 10,000 Germans and Austrians who fought for Britain.
Colin Anson: A Life of Moral Complexity:
- The harrowing journey from Nazi Germany to the British commandos.
- The deep moral dilemmas faced on and off the battlefield.
- The emotional connection and lessons from his father, a political prisoner who died in Dachau.
Veterans' Voices and Untold Stories:
- The modesty and reluctance of veterans to see themselves as heroes.
- The importance of recording and remembering these personal histories.
- The unique experiences of X Troop, a unit of German-speaking commandos.
Post-War Challenges and Moral Decisions:
- Returning to a war-torn Germany and the quest for justice.
- The psychological impact and dual identity of fighting for Britain.
- The significance of remembrance and the moral compass guiding Colin's life.
Rage Against Historical Inaccuracies:
- Colin Anson's frustration with Tarantino's portrayal of commandos in "Inglourious Basterds."
- The importance of accurate historical representation in media.
Engage with Helen Fry as she shares these riveting stories and her journey in bringing them to light. Don't miss the chance to pre-order her book and delve deeper into the life of Colin Anson and the remarkable individuals like him.
Pre-Order here: Why I Became an X Troop Commando
For more information, follow Dr. Helen Fry on her website and on Twitter @drhelenfry. Stay connected with History Rage on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @HistoryRage.
Support our work by joining our Patreon community for access to livestreams, early episode access, and the coveted History Rage mug at patreon.com/historyrage.
Tune in, stay informed, and stay angry!
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1. The Real Anne of Cleves: Beyond the Flanders Mare with Heather Darsie
44:02||Season 15, Ep. 1Step into the tumultuous world of the Tudor court with this riveting episode of History Rage. Host Paul Bavill is joined by Heather Darsie, author of "Anna: Duchess of Cleves" and "Children of the House of Cleves," as well as the upcoming "Stuart Spouses," to debunk the myths surrounding Anne of Cleves and shed light on the reality of her life and legacy. The Misunderstood Queen:- Heather Darsie tackles the persistent and unfair label of Anne of Cleves as the "Flanders Mare," revealing the true origins and inaccuracies of this nickname.Historical Catfishing Unveiled:- Discover the truth behind Henry VIII's annulment from Anne, including the political and personal motivations that led to this decision, and why Anne was never actually called "ugly" by Henry.Anne's Early Life and Education:- Heather delves into Anne's upbringing in the German court, debunking myths about her education and revealing the rich cultural context of her youth.Political Intrigues and Alliances:- Explore the complex political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire and how Anne's marriage was intended to solidify alliances, rather than being a simple Protestant match.Life After the Annulment:- Learn about Anne's life post-annulment, her status as Henry's "beloved sister," and her relationships with Mary I and Elizabeth I, as well as the challenges she faced during Edward VI's reign.Reevaluating Anne's Legacy:- Heather calls for a more nuanced understanding of historical figures, urging listeners to see Anne of Cleves as a real person with a complex life, rather than a caricature.Join us for this enlightening episode as we strip away the layers of myth and misrepresentation to reveal the true story of Anne of Cleves. For those eager to dive deeper, Heather's books offer a treasure trove of insights and are available through the History Rage bookshop.Order Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's 'Beloved Sister'Follow Heather on Twitter @hdarsiehistory, and on Instagram at hdarsiehistory. You can also read her articles at maidensandmanuscripts.com.Support our quest for historical truth on Patreon. For £5 per month, gain early access to episodes, livestreams, entry into prize draws, the chance to pose questions to future guests, and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at patreon.com/historyrage. Stay informed, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!Intro to Series 15
01:56||Season 15, Ep. 0Welcome to Series 15 of History Rage! A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey—your encouragement means the world. Here's a sneak peek at the fiery topics we'll be tackling over the next ten weeks. Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about history.Upcoming Rages:Heather Darsie takes on Anne of Cleves and the 'Flanders Mare' mythNick Le Huray gets his rage on at the 'Model Occupation' of the Channel; IslandsMuseum Curator Liam Gauci of the Malta Maritime Museum rages that Corsairs and Pirates are very differentJohanna Strong is sick to death of the Bloody Mary tagTobias Capwell rages that armour is for fighting in, of course you can move in itSteve Tibble argues about the realities of the Crusades and their missionAuthor Ron Drabkin takes a new look at the Pearl Harbour blame game and who was at faultShalina Patel shouts that there are many more suffrage campaigners than the PankhurstsNicola Clark rages that Anne Boleyn did not withhold sex to become QueenJames Crossland explores the farce that is the Lockhart plot and that British Intelligence is not infallibleThe ragefires will burn again with general release on 16th December. See you then!Stay Connected:Follow us on Twitter: @HistoryRageJoin the conversation with Paul Bavill: @PaulBavillShare your thoughts using the hashtag #HistoryRageSupport History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, the chance to submit questions to guests, prize draws, and the exclusive History Rage mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage.To catch up on all the rage from bygone times, visit our website www.historyrage.comIf you want to get in touch with History Rage, email historyragepod@gmail.comStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage10. The Sailors’ Stories: The Navy's Role in Normandy with Nick Hewitt
56:19||Season 14, Ep. 10In this episode, historian and author Nick Hewitt shares his expertise on the role of sailors in the Normandy invasion during World War II. He debunks the misconception that sailors only put the army on the beach and then left. · The Navy was involved in maintaining supply lines, providing naval gunfire support, and defending against German attacks.· Intelligence gathering and preparation, including the work of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties, were essential before D-Day.· Their responsibilities included delivering troops to the beaches, coordinating the movement of ships and supplies, providing naval gunfire support, and establishing and maintaining the Mulberry Harbours.· The Navy had beach masters and tri-service beach groups that organized the traffic and logistics on the beaches.· There were forward observer teams that called in naval gunfire support and sailors who cleared and operated captured ports.Connect with Nick:· - Follow Nick on Twitter: @nickhweitt4Support the Show:· If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Nick’s Books· Normandy: the Sailors' Story: A Naval History of D-Day and the Battle for France· Coastal Convoys 1939-1945: The Indestructible Highway· Firing on Fortress Europe: HMS Belfast on D-Day Follow the Rage:· - Twitter: @HistoryRage· - Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavill· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/· Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!9. The Myths of Mata Hari and Edith Cavell with Helen Fry
43:21||Season 14, Ep. 9In this episode of History Rage, historian Dr. Helen Fry discusses the misconceptions surrounding Mata Hari and Edith Cavell. She reveals that Mata Hari was not a spy, despite popular belief, and that her image as a glamorous femme fatale has overshadowed the contributions of real women in intelligence. On the other hand, Edith Cavell, known as an innocent martyr, was actually involved in espionage and ran her own network behind enemy lines in Belgium. Dr. Fry emphasizes the importance of uncovering the true stories of women in intelligence and dispelling myths that have persisted for decades.HighlightsMata Hari was not a spy, despite popular belief, and her image as a glamorous femme fatale has overshadowed the contributions of real women in intelligence.Edith Cavell, known as an innocent martyr, was actually involved in espionage and ran her own network behind enemy lines in Belgium.It is important to uncover the true stories of women in intelligence and dispel myths that have persisted for decades.The public is hungry for new stories and properly researched history that challenges traditional narratives.Connect with Dr. Helen Fry:- Follow Helen on Twitter: @drhelenfrySupport the Show:If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Helen’s BooksWomen in IntelligenceThe Walls Have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of World War IISpymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6MI9: A History of the Secret Service for Escape and Evasion in World War TwoThe London Cage: The Secret History of Britain's World War II Interrogation Centre Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavillFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!8. The Neutrality Nightmare: Debunking Irish WWII Myths with Dr. Joseph Quinn
01:13:56||Season 14, Ep. 8**LANGUAGE WARNING**In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the impassioned Dr. Joseph Quinn, a historian specialising in Ireland and Britain during the Second World War. Together, they tackle one of the most contentious and misunderstood aspects of the war: Irish neutrality. Dr. Quinn, known for his fiery takes, is here to set the record straight on the myths and misconceptions surrounding Ireland's stance during the conflict. Episode Highlights:- Dr. Joseph Quinn's Return: Dr. Quinn is back, bringing his expertise on the Second World War and Irish history to the forefront.- The Roots of Irish Neutrality: Discover how Ireland's decision to remain neutral was not an act of cowardice but a calculated move to preserve national security and avoid civil conflict.- Debunking Myths: Dr. Quinn dismantles the erroneous belief that Ireland was a haven for Nazi sympathisers and collaborators, providing compelling evidence to the contrary.- Pro-Allied Neutrality: Learn about the extensive, albeit covert, cooperation between Ireland and the Allied forces, including intelligence sharing and the facilitation of Irish volunteers joining the British military.- The Book of Condolence: Addressing one of the most persistent myths, Dr. Quinn clarifies the reality behind De Valera's controversial visit to the German representative following Hitler's death.- Churchill's Critique and De Valera's Response: Delve into the diplomatic tensions between Ireland and Britain, highlighted by Churchill's post-war speech and De Valera's poignant reply.Join us as we navigate through the murky waters of historical distortion and emerge with a clearer understanding of Ireland's complex role during the Second World War. This episode promises to be a rollercoaster of revelations, challenging long-held beliefs and shining a light on the nuanced reality of Irish neutrality. Connect with Dr. Joseph Quinn:- Follow Dr. Quinn on Twitter: @ww2researchSupport the Show:If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug. Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavillFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!7. The Unsung Bomber: The Halifax's Contributions to Victory with Jane Gulliford Lowes
40:57||Season 14, Ep. 7In this high-flying episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Jane Gulliford Lowes, historian, author, and co-host of the "Never Mind the Dambusters" podcast, to dismantle the myth that the Lancaster bomber single-handedly won World War II. Jane takes us on a turbulent journey through the skies of the Second World War, passionately advocating for the often-overlooked Handley Page Halifax and other unsung aircraft of RAF Bomber Command. Prepare for a deep dive into the complex and multifaceted history of these wartime workhorses and get ready to challenge the narrow narratives perpetuated by popular media and historical oversights.Episode Highlights:- Jane Gulliford Lowes' Introduction: Jane shares her journey from a much-loathed legal career to becoming a historian and aviation enthusiast, driven by a childhood fascination with the Falklands War and a personal connection to RAF Bomber Command through her great uncle Jack Clyde.- The Lancaster Myth: Jane passionately debunks the notion that the Lancaster bomber won the war on its own, criticising the "Lancastrification" of World War II history and highlighting the vital roles played by other aircraft, particularly the Halifax.- The Halifax's Contributions: From strategic bombing to mine-laying operations, SOE missions, and supporting airborne operations, Jane details the extensive and varied contributions of the Halifax, arguing for its rightful place in the annals of aviation history.- Challenges and Improvements: Jane discusses the early issues faced by the Halifax, its subsequent improvements, and how it evolved to become a formidable aircraft by the time of the Mark III, which rivalled the Lancaster in terms of performance.- The Overlooked Heroes: Jane calls for a broader recognition of all the aircraft that contributed to the war effort, including the Hamdens, Stirlings, Wellingtons, and Blenheims, urging listeners to appreciate the full spectrum of Bomber Command.Connect with Jane Gulliford Lowes:- Grab a copy of Jane's book "Above Us the Stars" from The History Rage Bookshop- Follow Jane on Instagram @justcuriousjane and Twitter @LydiaJane13Support the Show:If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavillStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage6. Jane Seymour - Beyond the Boring Queen with Elizabeth Norton
40:27||Season 14, Ep. 6Step into the tumultuous world of Henry VIII's court as Paul is joined by historian and author Dr. Elizabeth Norton, who is here to set the record straight on one of history's most misunderstood queens: Jane Seymour. Elizabeth, renowned for her extensive work on Tudor women, passionately argues against the common perception of Jane as a dull, submissive figure and reveals the true complexity and significance of her life.Introducing Dr. Elizabeth Norton:- Elizabeth shares her background in Tudor history and her latest projects, including a groundbreaking study on Jane Seymour and a book on reigning queens.Jane Seymour: More Than Just Henry VIII's Wife:- Elizabeth debunks the myth of Jane Seymour as merely the mother of Henry's son, highlighting her overlooked qualities and achievements.Early Life and Upbringing:- Delve into Jane's enigmatic early years, her family background, and the factors that shaped her into a formidable figure at court.Jane's Rise to Power:- Explore Jane's strategic ascent to queenship, her court connections, and the political manoeuvres that positioned her beside Henry VIII.Challenging the Stereotypes:- Elizabeth counters the portrayal of Jane as a gentle, submissive queen, presenting evidence of her intelligence, ambition, and influence.Jane's Political and Personal Influence:- Uncover Jane's role in the dissolution of the monasteries and her daring interventions in Henry's policies, which reveal a more assertive and politically savvy queen.Jane's Relationships with Her Stepchildren:- Learn about Jane's nurturing relationships with Mary and Elizabeth, and her significant impact on their lives during her queenship.Legacy and Misconceptions:- Elizabeth discusses why Jane Seymour's legacy is often overshadowed and calls for a re-evaluation of her contributions and significance in Tudor history.Conclusion:See Jane Seymour in a new light, recognising her as a remarkable and influential figure in her own rightFor a deeper dive into Jane Seymour's life, grab a copy of Elizabeth's book Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's True Love from the History Rage Bookshop and follow Elizabeth on Twitter @ENortonHistory.Share your thoughts on Twitter @HistoryRage using the hashtag #HistoryRage. Join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon for exclusive perks, including early episode access and the esteemed History Rage mug, at patreon.com/historyrage.Follow History Rage on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialStay Angry, Stay InformedBOOK LAUNCH SPECIAL: Women, Witchcraft, and the War on Healers with Karen Bloom Gevirtz
54:15|Welcome to an electrifying episode of History Rage Live, where we delve into the murky waters of medical history with esteemed guest Karen Bloom Gewirtz. A scholar of early British literature and historian of science, Karen joins host Paul Bavill to challenge the myths surrounding women healers and their alleged ties to witchcraft. Prepare for a riveting exploration of how domestic medicine evolved into a commodified industry, and why the narrative of the witch healer is a misguided myth.Unveiling the Myth:Karen passionately debunks the myth that women healers were frequently accused of witchcraft and executed, arguing that such beliefs undermine the historical role of women in medicine.Discover how practical necessity made women indispensable in early modern communities, providing essential healthcare where professional medical services were scarce.Women in Medicine:Explore the integral role of women in 17th-century medicine, where household remedies and recipe books were the cornerstone of healthcare.Learn about the transition from domestic to professional medicine and the gender dynamics that influenced this shift.The Evolution of Medical Practices:Examine the use of botanicals in historical remedies and their surprising relevance in modern medicine.Understand how the commodification of medicine led to a cultural shift, undermining traditional female roles in healthcare.Quackery and Professional Medicine:Uncover the bizarre and often dangerous practices of professional medicine, from viper wine to laudanum.Reflect on the societal impacts of quack medicine and the enduring myths that continue to shape perceptions of historical medical practices.Join us for a thought-provoking journey through the history of medicine, where Karen Bloom Gewirtz brings her expertise to dismantle myths and reveal the hidden history of women healers. For more insights, be sure to grab a copy of "The Apothecary's Wife" from the History Rage bookshop.Follow History Rage on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more updates. Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and the chance to join our 'Angry Mob'. Stay informed, stay passionate, and let the rage for historical truth burn on!Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.5. The Vietnam War Unveiled: The Messy Truth with Dr. Robert Thompson
01:01:12||Season 14, Ep. 5In this fiery episode of History Rage, we delve into the most contentious conflict in American history: the Vietnam War. Host Paul Bavill is joined by Dr. Robert Thompson, historian, documentary maker, and author of "Clear, Hold and Destroy," to dismantle the myths surrounding this divisive war.Unmasking the Myths:- Dr. Thompson challenges the simplistic good vs. evil narrative often associated with the Vietnam War.- We explore the complexities of the conflict, including the roles of the United States, South Vietnam, and North Vietnam.The Roots of Conflict:- Discover how America initially got involved in Vietnam, starting from its support of French Indochina to its direct military engagement.- Dr. Thompson explains the geopolitical stakes and the domino theory that drove U.S. involvement.South Vietnam's Struggles:- Examine the internal challenges faced by the South Vietnamese government, including corruption and ineffective leadership.- Understand the impact of these issues on the broader war effort.The Role of ARVN:- Debunking the myth that the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) was passive and ineffective.- Highlighting key battles and contributions of ARVN troops.American Strategy and Public Opinion:- A look at the U.S. military strategy and the often misunderstood objectives of battles like Khe Sanh and Hamburger Hill.- The impact of media coverage and public opinion on the war effort.My Lai and War Crimes:- Addressing the infamous My Lai Massacre and its repercussions on American and global perceptions of the war.- Dr. Thompson discusses the complexities of war crimes and the U.S. military's response.Conclusion:- Reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Vietnam War and the importance of understanding its complexities.- Dr. Thompson urges listeners to look beyond simplistic narratives and appreciate the multifaceted nature of historical events.For further insights, grab a copy of Dr. Robert Thompson's "Clear, Hold and Destroy" from The History Rage Bookshop and follow him on Twitter @DrRobThompson.Don't forget to share your thoughts on Twitter @HistoryRage using the hashtag #HistoryRage. Join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon for exclusive perks, including early episode access and the esteemed History Rage mug, at patreon.com/historyrage.Follow History Rage on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage