How much does leadership shape the outcome of battles? Can legendary commanders be compared to each other or is the outcome of war often more a matter of luck than strategy? These questions lie at the heart of Great British Battle Commanders, a new podcast series hosted by Professor Michael Clarke, from the creators of the award-winning Sitrep.
This thought-provoking series examines the influence of military leadership on the outcomes of history’s most significant battles, offering a fresh look at the role of command in shaping pivotal moments in history.
Each episode features in-depth conversations between Professor Clarke and a line-up of distinguished guests, including best-selling author Bernard Cornwell and former Chief of the Defence Staff General Lord Richards. Together, they explore the strategies, decisions, and challenges faced by five iconic commanders – including the Duke of Wellington, Boudica, and Admiral Lord Nelson –illuminating the timeless complexities of military command.
The series is uniquely filmed on location at historically significant sites, adding a rich visual context to the narrative and analysis. This blend of expert discussion and immersive settings promises to captivate history enthusiasts and those curious about the nature of command.
Series Episodes
The Duke of Wellington
Guest: Bernard Cornwell, acclaimed author of the Sharpe series as well as The Last Kingdom novels.
Location: Horse Guards, London in Wellington’s former office, overlooking Horse Guards Parade. The office is still used by the General Officer Commanding the Household Division today.
Overview: Cornwell delves into Wellington’s military campaigns, discussing his command style and drawing parallels to his fictional character Richard Sharpe. The episode also explores Wellington’s place among other notable commanders like King Alfred and Henry V.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding (later Lord Dowding of Bentley Priory)
Guest: Dr Victoria Taylor, aviation historian, broadcaster, and writer.
Location: Dowding’s office at Bentley Priory, Headquarters Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.
Overview: An analysis of Dowding’s leadership during the 1940 Battle of Britain and how his strategic command influenced the development of Britain’s air defence system.
Boudica, Queen of the Iceni
Guest: Philip Wise, Heritage Manager for Colchester Museums.
Location: Colchester Castle, built on the Roman foundations of the Temple of Claudius, which Boudica’s forces famously sacked.
Overview: A discussion on Boudica’s leadership and strategy against Roman occupation and her enduring legacy as a powerful symbol of resistance.
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery (1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein)
Guest: General Lord David Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff.
Location: D-Day Map Room, Southwick House, Portsmouth, the site where the D-Day landings were authorized.
Overview: A deep dive into Montgomery’s strategic decisions during World War II and the D-Day landings, shedding light on his complex leadership style and approach to command.
Admiral Lord Nelson
Guest: Dr Gregory Fremont-Barnes, Senior Lecturer at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Location: Nelson’s cabin aboard HMS Victory, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Overview: An exploration of Nelson’s strategic brilliance at the Battle of Trafalgar and his profound impact on naval warfare.
About the Host
Professor Michael Clarke is BFBS Sitrep’s defence analyst and commentator with a distinguished career in studying military strategy, defence, and international conflicts.
He is a former Director of the Defence think tank RUSI. The series is inspired by his latest book ‘Great British Commanders.’
His deep understanding of the art of command offers listeners a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of history’s greatest military leaders.
Professor Clarke is available for interview on the nature of Battle Command through history.
The podcast is available on radio.bfbs.com, in video on the Forces News YouTube channel and wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen now: https://radio.bfbs.com/podcasts/commander
For more information about the series and episode updates, please visit radio.bfbs.com or contact laura.mcturk@bfbs.com
