Living History With Mat Mclachlan

It's the second episode in our new Q&A series. Today's topics include WW2 sites in Singapore; visiting the medieval battlefields of Crecy and Agincourt; the role of snipers in the First World War; and the attitude of Vietnamese people to Australian Vietnam veterans. Send your questions to Mat on X (https://x.com/MatMcLachlan), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BattlefieldTours) or Insta (https://www.instagram.com/mat_mclachlan/)Presenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiFind out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mat sits down with producer Jess Stebnicki to answer your questions, including: Are there ghosts on the battlefields? How much time do I need to spend on the Australian battlefields? What happened to Australians captured at Gallipoli?, and how much unexploded ammunition is still on the battlefields?Send your questions to Mat on X (https://x.com/MatMcLachlan), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BattlefieldTours) or Insta (https://www.instagram.com/mat_mclachlan/)Presenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiFind out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mat is in Paris, sharing his memories of a very special visit to the Western Front. Topics discussed include how young people engage with the Anzac legend; a German WW2 cemetery that provokes mixed emotions; the Last Post service at the newly-renovated Menin Gate; the Sunken Lane on the Somme battlefield; and a remarkable coincidence involving two Australians killed in 1918.Join Mat on his Signature Tour to the Western Front in 2025: https://battlefields.com.au/western-front-signature-tour-with-mat-mclachlan-2025/Presenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Damien Parer was one of Australia's greatest war photographers and cinematographers. His images and footage of Australians in the Second World War helped define the conflict, both for the people who were in it and for generations to come. His camera work on 'Kokoda Frontline' helped earn Australia its first Academy Award, and his work with American forces in the Pacific set new standards for combat photography. In this episode Mat is joined by Karl James from the Australian War Memorial to tell the story of the life and death of Damien Parer.Presenter: Mat McLachlanGuests: Karl JamesProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mat visits the Australian War Memorial in Canberra for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the artefacts and large items that are rarely on public display. During this special visit he is guided by Head of Military History Dr Karl James, and speaks to historian Dr Lachlan Grant about the new Australians in Bomber Command exhibition.Topics discussed: 'G for George', the AWM's famous Lancaster bomber; the German ME262 German aircraft; a Chinook helicopter that carried Australian troops into combat in Afghanistan; a smashed engine from a Hawker Hurricane that tells the story of an Australian airman who died over Europe; a caravan that was home to a famous WW2 general; a Japanese midget submarine that raided Sydney Harbour; a German V2 rocket on its original carrier; and a special preview of the future Australians in Bomber Command exhibition, which utilises aircraft, objects and technology to tell the story of the air war in WW2.Presenter: Mat McLachlanGuests: Karl James and Lachlan GrantProducer: Jess Stebnicki

Join Mat to hear all about guidl, a new audio tour app that he is contributing to. guidl takes you on walking tours to the world's most historic sites, narrated by leading historians. Mat's first guidl tour is of wartime Ypres and, in this special episode, Mat shares the first chapter of his Ypres walking tour.Download the app and find out more about guidl: https://www.guidl.tours/Join Mat on a battlefield tour: https://battlefields.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Somme region in northern France was the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting of the First World War. Today, it is one of the most important and evocative battlefields for Australian visitors. In this special episode, Mat explores the Somme region and tells you where to go, where to stay and what you will see when you are there.Watch the video version of this podcast! https://youtu.be/vo1LDZI5UZg?si=ru4wT_lpT1JJkkOkPresenter: Mat McLachlanProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Vietnam! In this very special episode of the podcast, Mat is joined by veteran of the Battle of Long Tan, Dave Sabben, MG. Mat and Dave have just walked the entire Long Tan battlefield on the 58th anniversary of the battle, and share their thoughts about this very special experience.Presenter: Mat McLachlanGuest: Dave Sabben, MGProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the Second World War, the Allies were desperate to sink the two biggest battleships in the German fleet, Bismarck and her sister ship Tirpitz. Bismarck went to the bottom in 1941 but in 1944 Tirpitz was still threatening Allied shipping. In a series of daring raids over the icy waters of Norway, Royal Air Force bombers eventually sank the mighty warship. And Australian crews played there part. In his new book, Buckham's Bombers, Mark Baker tells the story of Australian captain Bruce Buckham and his fearless Lancaster crew, who not only participated in the mission that sank Tirpitz, but also in dozens of other daring raids across Europe.Buckham's Bombers: The Australian Airmen who Hunted Hitler's Deadliest Battleship is available now in bookshops Australia-wide.Presenter: Mat McLachlanGuest: Mark BakerProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJo

The First World War is drawing to a close, as the unstoppable forces of France, Britain and America grind the German army into the ground. But some of the toughest fighting of the war is still to come before an Armistice is finally signed. How did the men keep going through this terrible ordeal, knowing that the war could end any day, and yet death still lurked on every corner of the battlefield?In the fourth and final episode of our special series about the triumphant campaign that ended the First World War, Mat is joined by historian Peter Hart to tell the story of the final days that led to victory.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Peter HartProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon to receive exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out more about the podcast and everything Mat is doing at https:

Mat McLachlan and Peter Hart are going to Gallipoli! In this special episode of the podcast, the two historians and chums discuss their upcoming tour in May 2025, which will discover the battlefields of Gallipoli by walking in the footsteps of the men who were there!The 10-day tour begins in Istanbul on May 21, 2025, and we'd love you to join us! There are limited places still available! Click here for full details: https://battlefields.com.au/gallipoli-signature-tour-with-mat-mclachlan-2025/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Battle of Krithia was one of the bloodiest ordeals at Gallipoli, and cost the Australians and New Zealanders nearly 2500 casualties. But for some reason the battle has slipped through the cracks of history, and barely rates a mention in the Anzac story of Gallipoli. Mat McLachlan's new book, Krithia: The Forgotten Anzac Battle of Gallipoli, redresses that oversight, as he tells the story of the bravery and sacrifice of the Anzacs on the plains of Cape Helles in May 1915.In this unusual episode of the podcast, Mat is the interviewee, with special guest host and veteran journalist Ray Martin asking the questions that reveal the true horror and bravery of the Battle of Krithia.Krithia: The Forgotten Anzac Battle of Gallipoli is now available in bookshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. International listeners can order from online retailers or download the audio or e-book on Audible, Apple Books and Google Books. Australian listeners can order an autographed copy by clicking here: https://livinghistory

In three years of combat the Australian Imperial Force evolved from a keen but inexperienced group of new recruits who landed at Gallipoli, to one of the elite assault forces on the Western Front. No discussion of the closing days of WWI would be complete without exploring the key role played by Australian troops, and their enigmatic leader, Lieutenant General Sir John Monash. Was Australian success the result of skill, luck, good management or a combination of all three?In the thirs episode of our special series about the triumphant campaign that ended the First World War, Mat is joined by historian Peter Hart to tell the story of John Monash and his Australian Corps.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Peter HartProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon to receive exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.F

In this bonus episode, which originally aired on our sister podcast, BattleWalks, Mat is joined by historian Pete Smith to tell the story of Australian Olympic gold medallist and WWI officer, Cecil Healy.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Pete SmithProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon to receive exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out more about the podcast and everything Mat is doing at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the successes of August 1918, the Allies are smelling blood and, in one of the most overwhelming series of attacks launched during the entire First World War, they deal the Germans a savage blow. The French and British, supported by Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Americans, launch four huge attacks in four consecutive days in September, smashing the Germans in multiple parts of their line. Can the Germans withstand such pressure or is the writing on the wall?In the second episode of our new special series about the triumphant campaign that ended the First World War, Mat is joined by historian Peter Hart to tell the story of four battles in four days.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Peter HartProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon to receive exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Fi

The Germans have battered themselves to the point of exhaustion in their Spring Offensives of March and April, 1918. Now it's time for the Allies to strike back! Beginning with French actions on the Marne, the great Allied offensive that would eventually lead to the total defeat of the German Army begins. And the attack is soon taken up by the British, Australians and Canadians, culminating in the unprecedented successes of August 8.In the first episode of our new special series about the triumphant campaign that ended the First World War, Mat is joined by historian Peter Hart to tell the story of the Black Day of the German Army. Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Peter HartProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon to receive exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out more about the podcast and eve

The Special Operations Executive was a secretive British organisation that engaged in espionage and supported resistance movements in occupied Europe during the Second World War. In this episode Mat is joined by historian Clare Mulley to tell the story of several women who played vital roles in SOE operations - many of whom lost their lives in the effort.Clare Mulley's latest book, Agent Zo: The Untold Story of Fearless WW2 Resistance Fighter Elzbieta Zawacka, is available now. Find out more about Clare at https://claremulley.comPresenter: Mat McLachlanGuest: Clare MulleyProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe via Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juno Beach was sandwiched between Gold and Sword, and was the responsibility of Canadian forces to secure. But in scenes reminiscent of Omaha Beach to the west, the Canadians came ashore in the face of withering German fire and suffered heavy casualties. What made Juno Beach such a deadly place to land on D-Day?In the final episode of our special series on the D-Day landings, Mat is joined by historian Mike Bechthold to tell the story of the landing at Juno Beach.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Mike BechtholdProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe to listen to EVERY EPISODE NOW in this special series! You'll also receive exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! Subscribe in the Apple Podcasts app or by visiting https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out more about the podcast and everything Mat is doing at https://li

Sword Beach was the most easterly of all the D-Day landing beaches, and the one most likely to face the wrath of German counter-attacks. As the British infantry landed their flank was supported by a daring airborne operation. Would the British get ashore before German reinforcements moved against them?In the fourth of our special series on the D-Day landings, Mat is joined by historian Gary Sheffield to tell the story of the landing at Sword Beach.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Gary SheffieldProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe to listen to EVERY EPISODE NOW in this special series! You'll also receive exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! Subscribe in the Apple Podcasts app or by visiting https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out more about the podcast and everything Mat is doing at https://linktr.ee/matmclac

Our focus now shifts to the British sector of D-Day, and the landing on Gold Beach. Would the Brits get ashore in the face of treacherous weather and fierce German resistance?In the third of our special series on the D-Day landings, Mat is joined by historian Gary Sheffield to tell the story of the landing at Gold Beach.Hosts: Mat McLachlan and Gary SheffieldProducer: Jess StebnickiSubscribe to listen to EVERY EPISODE NOW in this special series! You'll also receive exclusive bonus episodes, early access to all episodes, ad-free listening and special online events with Mat McLachlan! Subscribe in the Apple Podcasts app or by visiting https://www.patreon.com/MMHistoryJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out more about the podcast and everything Mat is doing at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.