Radio At War
A look at the never ending human conflict of war through radio broadcasts.
RADIOATWAR.NET
Things We Forgot to Remember
Things We Forgot to Remember
Michael Portillo presents a series revisiting the great moments of history to
discover that they often conceal other events of equal but forgotten importance.
'Peace for Our Time'
Broadcast Mon 14 Dec 2009
Michael examines one of the most notorious events in Britain's 20th century history,
Neville Chamberlain's declaration of 'peace for our time' to jubilant crowds on 30th September 1938.
copied from a usenet newsgroup
Michael Portillo presents a series revisiting the great moments of history to
discover that they often conceal other events of equal but forgotten importance.
'Peace for Our Time'
Broadcast Mon 14 Dec 2009
Michael examines one of the most notorious events in Britain's 20th century history,
Neville Chamberlain's declaration of 'peace for our time' to jubilant crowds on 30th September 1938.
copied from a usenet newsgroup
Played: 36 | Download | Duration: 00:27:59
The Voice of Company A
Suspense - The Voice of Company A
When William N. Robson was the producer and director of Suspense, he would begin the show by giving the audience a brief introduction to the story that was about to be performed. His monologues were always intriguing but his introduction for the episode "The Voice of Company A" speaks volumes. He described the episode this way: "During its long and distinguished career on the air Suspense has never taken an editorial stand, until now. Now we state unequivically that this program is against murder. Oh, we play around with the more titallating and entertaining aspects of murder from time to time, but fundamentally we are against it as a personal, national or international policy. Only those in favor of murder will find anything objectionable or controversial in the next half hour. The story you are about to hear is but a tiny word of protest, perhaps it is too little, but please God, let it not be too late."
This is a story about "celestial propaganda" that begins in a lab at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The world is on the verge of war and at midnight the United States is planning to launch a screamer satellite that will jam all of the radio and television transmissions on Earth. Dr. George Grieg has been put in charge of the satellite's message but he is haunted by his own experiences as a lieutenant in WWII. Not long before the satellite's launch, he is visited by the ghost of one of the soldiers who served with him. The ghost explains to George that he and all of the other soldiers who died in WWII would like him to put that screamer satellite to a better purpose.
"The Voice of Company A" was written by Michael Frost and starred Everett Sloane. Also appearing were Lillian Buyeff, John Dehner, Jack Kruschen, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce. This episode aired on August 3, 1958.
http://www.escape-suspense.com
When William N. Robson was the producer and director of Suspense, he would begin the show by giving the audience a brief introduction to the story that was about to be performed. His monologues were always intriguing but his introduction for the episode "The Voice of Company A" speaks volumes. He described the episode this way: "During its long and distinguished career on the air Suspense has never taken an editorial stand, until now. Now we state unequivically that this program is against murder. Oh, we play around with the more titallating and entertaining aspects of murder from time to time, but fundamentally we are against it as a personal, national or international policy. Only those in favor of murder will find anything objectionable or controversial in the next half hour. The story you are about to hear is but a tiny word of protest, perhaps it is too little, but please God, let it not be too late."
This is a story about "celestial propaganda" that begins in a lab at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The world is on the verge of war and at midnight the United States is planning to launch a screamer satellite that will jam all of the radio and television transmissions on Earth. Dr. George Grieg has been put in charge of the satellite's message but he is haunted by his own experiences as a lieutenant in WWII. Not long before the satellite's launch, he is visited by the ghost of one of the soldiers who served with him. The ghost explains to George that he and all of the other soldiers who died in WWII would like him to put that screamer satellite to a better purpose.
"The Voice of Company A" was written by Michael Frost and starred Everett Sloane. Also appearing were Lillian Buyeff, John Dehner, Jack Kruschen, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce. This episode aired on August 3, 1958.
http://www.escape-suspense.com
Played: 42 | Download | Duration: 00:20:21
The Gunpowder Plot
Radio 3 marks the 400th anniversary of the plot to blow up King James I and his
Parliament with a play that looks at how the Establishment deals with a terrorist threat.
The Gunpowder Plot (R3 2005-11-06)
The Gunpowder Plot By Jonathan Davidson.
Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, ruthlessly and efficiently conducts the hunt for the plotters
- but his real target is Father Henry Garnet, leader of the Jesuits.
Lord Salisbury....David Calder
Lord Popham....Sean Arnold
King James....Cal Macaninch
Father Garnet....John Henshaw
Father Oldcorn....Hugh Dickson
Anne Vaux....Helen Longworth
Nicholas Owen....Ben Crowe
Thomas Bromley....Trevor Cuthbertson
Carey....Gary McFarlane
Adviser....Chris Moran
Servant 1....Anthony Glennon
Directed by David Hunter
Played: 95 | Download | Duration: 01:35:54
An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
Suspense 571215 e729 An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge
"An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge" tells the strange story of a Confederate civilian sentenced to be hanged by the Union army. The short story by Ambrose Bierce was first published in 1890, and the text is available online from Wikisource.
In 1947, William N. Robson adapted this story for Escape, and though he took some liberties to fill the half-hour time slot, his dialogue and story enhancements were good. He added a scene with a deadly snake, presumably so we wouldn't forget what show we were listening to, and also added a scene with Jethro, a former slave. He presented his radio play once on Escape and then three times on Suspense. Though the script is the same in all four episodes, the lead role was played by four different actors. Most notably, by Joseph Cotten and Vincent Price.
"An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge" was produced, directed and adapted for Escape by William N. Robson. The role of Peyton Fahrquhar was played by Harry Bartell and Jethro was played by Luis Van Rooten. William Conrad and Bill Johnstone narrated. This episode aired on December 10, 1947.
Nine years later, the story was presented for the first time on Suspense.
Victor Jory starred. This episode aired on December 9, 1956.
Suspense presented a slightly shorter version of the same radio-play on December 15, 1957. Joseph Cotten played Peyton Fahrquhar. Also appearing were Ellen Morgan, Harry Bartell, Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, and Roy Glenn. William Conrad was the narrator. This episode aired on December 15, 1957.
Suspense presented this story for the last time on July 9, 1959, with Vincent Price in the lead role. Also appearing were Cathy Lewis, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce, Roy Glenn, Norm Alden, and Sam Edwards.
http://www.escape-suspense.com/
"An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge" tells the strange story of a Confederate civilian sentenced to be hanged by the Union army. The short story by Ambrose Bierce was first published in 1890, and the text is available online from Wikisource.
In 1947, William N. Robson adapted this story for Escape, and though he took some liberties to fill the half-hour time slot, his dialogue and story enhancements were good. He added a scene with a deadly snake, presumably so we wouldn't forget what show we were listening to, and also added a scene with Jethro, a former slave. He presented his radio play once on Escape and then three times on Suspense. Though the script is the same in all four episodes, the lead role was played by four different actors. Most notably, by Joseph Cotten and Vincent Price.
"An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge" was produced, directed and adapted for Escape by William N. Robson. The role of Peyton Fahrquhar was played by Harry Bartell and Jethro was played by Luis Van Rooten. William Conrad and Bill Johnstone narrated. This episode aired on December 10, 1947.
Nine years later, the story was presented for the first time on Suspense.
Victor Jory starred. This episode aired on December 9, 1956.
Suspense presented a slightly shorter version of the same radio-play on December 15, 1957. Joseph Cotten played Peyton Fahrquhar. Also appearing were Ellen Morgan, Harry Bartell, Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, and Roy Glenn. William Conrad was the narrator. This episode aired on December 15, 1957.
Suspense presented this story for the last time on July 9, 1959, with Vincent Price in the lead role. Also appearing were Cathy Lewis, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce, Roy Glenn, Norm Alden, and Sam Edwards.
http://www.escape-suspense.com/
Played: 28 | Download | Duration: 00:25:31
Bearing the Cross
Bearing the Cross (Afternoon Play) Augest 7th 2009
Ken Blakeson's play tells the story of the Battle of Rorke's Drift
and the effect it had on three of the soldiers who fought in it.
William Jones VC ...... Nigel Anthony
Robert Jones VC ...... Sebastian Harcombe
Henry Hook VC ...... Jon Strickland
Landlord/Buffalo Bill ...... Robert Blythe
Barmaid ...... Bethan Walker
Original music by David Chilton
A Goldhawk Essential production for BBC Radio 4.
Played: 53 | Download | Duration: 00:43:52
Tarawa Was Rough
Suspense 0512 e698 Tarawa Was Rough
http://principlesoverpolitics.com/tarawa.html
TARAWA
"Hell Revisited"
by Gil Ferguson
The battle for the island of Tarawa, 50 years ago this November 20th [1993], marked America's first major offensive in the Pacific war. It was also the first attempt to make an amphibious assault against a highly fortified enemy position. It wrote a new page in military annals, as one of America's and the Marine Corps' bloodiest battles. And though I fought in three wars and dozens of battles, I will never forget Tarawa: It was living Hell.
Played: 37 | Download | Duration: 00:25:00
Columbia Presents Corwin
Norman Corwin - 1945-05-13 On A Note Of Triumph
(I'm not sure that Columbia Presents Corwin is correct)
Played: 53 | Download | Duration: 00:59:21
Columbia Presents Corwin
Columbia Presents Corwin - 1945-08-14 Fourteen August
read by Orson Welles
Played: 45 | Download | Duration: 00:16:14
Nazi Eyes on Canada
421018_Holly Metcalf Bob Haxwell Story
Played: 88 | Download | Duration: 00:29:55
XPD 1
1985 Pt 1- A Small Killing in Hollywood
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
XPD is a spy novel by Len Deighton, published in 1981, and set in 1979, roughly contemporaneous with the time it was written. It concerns a plan by a group of former SS officers to seize power in West Germany, in which they intend to publish some wartime documents about a (fictional) secret meeting between Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler in June 1940, and the efforts of a British agent, Boyd Stuart, to prevent the documents becoming public.
The title is the code used by the Secret Intelligence Service in the novel to refer to assassinations it carries out, short for "expedient demise".
The novel was dramatised in eight parts by Michael Bakewell for BBC radio in 1985.
Played: 230 | Download | Duration: 00:25:51
Nazi Eyes on Canada
420920_Premiere Show
1942. From the West, from the East, the war draws near to Canadian shores. Canada is saying goodbye to her sons who are off to serve in all parts of the world. Taxes, the restrictions on unessential services, and the re-allocation of man power bring the war into the life of every Canadian. But Canadians are still living in relative luxury, and they still hold fast to the greatest of blessings - freedom. "Nazi Eyes on Canada" shows how all this would have changed in the Nazi lust for power on the North American continent had been fulfilled.
A Nazi Spy, alias Colin Ross, travelled throughout Canada in the 1930s reporting back to his Nazi superiors on strategic Canadian locations that would enable a North American invasion. Based on Ross' reports,"Nazi Eyes on Canada" brings the Nazi vision for North American domination to life.
September 20, 1942
Played: 137 | Download | Duration: 00:35:54
Military Medicine
Case Notes - Military Medicine
broadcast on Wed, 13 Jan 2010, 16:30 on BBC Radio 4
In the week when it was revealed that one in five of Britain's infantry soldiers are not fit enough for full deployment,
often as a result of injuries sustained in battle, Mark Porter visits Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.
The soldiers, injured mostly in Afghanistan, are flown here and cared for by a combination of NHS and military medical staff.
The casualties make up an unusual group of patients. They have often sustained a complex set of injuries,
from gunshots and multiple fractures to amputations, loss of sight or hearing and brain injury.
As Mark Porter discovers, despite quite devastating injuries, the fitness and determination
of this unique group of patients helps them to cope with the challenges of recovery.
Selly Oak Hospital primarily treats the physical impact of war, but identifying and treating the psychological scars is also important. Soldiers are now being trained to identify warning signs in their peers while in Afghanistan, so that they can be treated early.
Efforts are also being made to help soldiers cope with the transition from the war zone to civilian life.
Played: 93 | Download | Duration: 00:27:55
Crossing Paris (Suspense Version)
Escape - Crossing Paris (Suspense Version)
Escape's "Crossing Paris" takes place during the Nazi occupation of France. It isn't so much a war story as it is a suspense story about two men who have to cross Paris on an icy winter night without getting caught by the German police. Food rationing is in effect and they are carrying four suitcases containing a slaughtered pig that is worth a fortune on the black market. The main character, Martin, makes his living this way but not his new assistant, Grandgil, whom he had only met earlier that day. Out of the compassion felt during hard times, Martin had asked Grandgil to join him on this job to earn 450 francs, but as the night passes he soon regrets his goodwill. Grandgil is difficult, dishonorable, and condescending from the start. Martin is non-confrontational at first, but as the truth about Grandgil comes to light, their trek together takes a bleak turn.
Escape's radio-play was adapted by John Meston from the 1950 short story "Crossing Paris" by the French novelist Marcel Ayme (1902-1967.) Their version stays close to the original work but makes a few changes at the end. Ayme's story is available in English in the anthology Stories in the Modern Manner (1953). In 1956, the short story was the basis for the movie La Traversee de Paris, but the movie version was a comedy with a happy ending. In 1957 Escape's radio-play was performed again for an episode of Suspense.
"Crossing Paris" starred Jay Novello and William Conrad. It also featured Howard McNear, Barney Phillips, Edgar Barrier, Vivi Janiss and Paul Frees. Unfortunately, none of the actors have convincing French accents. This episode aired on August 25, 1950.
Suspense's version made a few changes and has better French accents. It starred Hans Conried, John Dehner, Ted Di Corsia, Joe Di Santis, and Paul Dubov. This episode aired on June 2, 1957.
Leeched the above material from: (do you think I could write this?)
http://www.escape-suspense.com
Check out the site, it is one of the best.
Played: 115 | Download | Duration: 00:25:18
Hitler's Buddha
Hitler's Buddha by R J Gallaher - R4 - 20010213 - Afternoon Play
In Nanking, in 1937, as the Japanese pursue their brutal invasion, hundreds of Chinese lives are saved by the bravery
of John Rabe, a hero and a Nazi. With John Rowe, Paul Courtenay Hyu, Rachel Atkins and Richard Rees.
Directed by Alison Hindell
copied from a usenet newsgroup
Played: 119 | Download | Duration: 00:44:38
In A Land Far Away
In A Land Far Away
Afternoon Play
By Andy Macdonald. Jamie, a British soldier in Afghanistan, struggles to show his emotions when a friend is killed on patrol and to communicate with his young son back home in Scotland. But thanks to the help of Wali, the company's Afghan interpreter, he begins to open up and talk about his feelings.
Jamie 'Bullett' McQueen ...... Sean Biggerstaff
Wali ...... Khalid Laith
Gavin Yates ...... Steven McNicoll
Kay ...... Molly Innes
Kyle ...... Hugo Homer
Steve/Corporal ...... Robert Jack
Officer/Padre ...... Kenny Blyth
Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane.
A very very special thanks to Private Walker for posting this and many other posts on the newsgroups
Played: 118 | Download | Duration: 00:44:04
Betrayal In Vienna
Suspense - Broadcast: October 08th 1951 e442 Betrayal In Vienna
This story is based on actual events.
The true story of a man who traitorously destroyed an empire.
Played: 82 | Download | Duration: 00:29:37
Suspense #361
Great story starring Jimmy Stewart as an ex-pow in a hospital when he see's his former prison chief.
491201 e361 Mission Accomplished
Played: 75 | Download | Duration: 00:28:54
Suspense - Episode #112
441005 e112 Dateline - Lisbon
Story about a photograph, and finding a war criminal.
Played: 88 | Download | Duration: 00:29:29
Strange Death of Charles Umberstein
431123 e067 The Strange Death of Charles Umberstein
Suspense
Played: 112 | Download | Duration: 00:29:29
Operation Fleur De Lis
470714 Operation Fleur De Lis
High Quality recording - 40.5 mb
Starring Jack Webb
Leeched from: http://tennesseebillsotr.com/
Played: 139 | Download | Duration: 00:29:32
05 LAST Minus 2 - Drop Zone 20040604
D-day Minus N
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
05 LAST Minus 2 - Drop Zone 20040604 By Hilary Fannin from a story by Mike Walker.
On 4th June 1944 in FRANCE Father Pierre receives an urgent message to call on Mme des Rochers at her chateau. Life under German occupation has changed the lives of the locals in unexpected ways.
•directed by.... Tanya Nash
•father pierre....Bill Wallis
•louise....Claudia Harrison
•madame des rochers....avril elgar
•narrator....Juliet Stevenson
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
05 LAST Minus 2 - Drop Zone 20040604 By Hilary Fannin from a story by Mike Walker.
On 4th June 1944 in FRANCE Father Pierre receives an urgent message to call on Mme des Rochers at her chateau. Life under German occupation has changed the lives of the locals in unexpected ways.
•directed by.... Tanya Nash
•father pierre....Bill Wallis
•louise....Claudia Harrison
•madame des rochers....avril elgar
•narrator....Juliet Stevenson
Played: 122 | Download | Duration: 00:13:29
04 Minus 3 - Lilly's Mum 20040603
D-day Minus N
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
04 Minus 3 - Lilly's Mum 20040603 By Louise Ramsden from a story by Mike Walker.
•directed by.... Peter Leslie Wild
•eddie....ricci harnett
•lilly....Emily Chennery
•margaret....alison belbin
•narrator....Juliet Stevenson
•on june 3rd 1944 margaret, down from coventry, tracks down her runaway daughter in london
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
04 Minus 3 - Lilly's Mum 20040603 By Louise Ramsden from a story by Mike Walker.
•directed by.... Peter Leslie Wild
•eddie....ricci harnett
•lilly....Emily Chennery
•margaret....alison belbin
•narrator....Juliet Stevenson
•on june 3rd 1944 margaret, down from coventry, tracks down her runaway daughter in london
Played: 89 | Download | Duration: 00:13:56
03 Minus 4 - Harry And Gloria 20040602
D-day Minus N
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
03 Minus 4 - Harry And Gloria 20040602 By Katie Hims
Harry is a Canadian soldier who's been stationed in ENGLAND for months but now it looks as if he's leaving to take part in the invasion. Their camp has been closed to visitors and no one is allowed in or out. Harry doesn't know when or where he'll be going. All he knows is that he has to say goodbye to Gloria, the ENGLISH woman he'll be leaving behind - so he writes her a letter.
Played: 100 | Download | Duration: 00:13:58
02 Minus 5 - Taking Leave 20040601
D-day Minus N
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
02 Minus 5 - Taking Leave 20040601 By Arnold Evans from a story by Mike Walker
•ben....steven meo
•narrator....Juliet Stevenson
•on june 1st 1944 a tommy makes an unscheduled visit to a welsh school
•peggy....mali harries
•directed by.... gilly adams
Played: 112 | Download | Duration: 00:13:50
01 Minus 6 - Putting You Through
D-day Minus N
First broadcast from 20040531 to 20040604.
Series of dramas set in the week leading up to D-Day. Radio 4
Womans Hour Drama
5 episodes
01 Minus 6 - Putting You Through 20040531 By Patricia Hannah from a story by Mike Walker Wednesday, 31st May 1944.
At a telephone switchboard somewhere in LONDON, two young operators enjoy a short break from their duties.
•aurora....julie austin
•georgina....lucy paterson
•narrator....Juliet Stevenson
•directed by.... david jackson young
Played: 110 | Download | Duration: 00:13:45
Welcome
Radio At War.Net is online and alive!
A look at the never ending human conflict of war through radio broadcasts.
After operating as a sub domain of M Radio, funding became available not only to buy
the domain name of radioatwar.net, but to fund this blog cast for the next two years!
Like many people, I have always had a interest with world conflicts.
World War II in particular, but not exclusively.
The site is totally free. There is NO advertising and NO begging for donations.
There is no real schedule for the posting, so stop by often or put your email address
in the SUBSCRIBE box, you will be notified of new entries (you will not be spamed).
Some of the stuff will be recent, some not so recent.
Feel free to contact me via the "Add Comment" icon under any entry or e-mail me
ralphcj@gmail.com
99.99% of the material here is available from multiple web sites and usenet newsgroups.
.01% is what I write.
