Gloucester History Festival Special #5 - The Real SAS Escapes: Beyond Tunnels and Horses with Damian Lewis

Welcome back, ragers, to day five of the Gloucester History Festival! Today, host Paul Bavill is joined by historian, author, and former war reporter Damian Lewis for a riveting discussion about the often misunderstood world of prisoner of war escapes, particularly those involving the SAS and special forces. Damian, known for his extensive work on the SAS, is here to rage against the common misconceptions surrounding these daring escapes. Debunking the Myths: Damian Lewis sets the record straight on the true nature of prisoner of war escapes, moving beyond the clichés of tunnelling and vaulting horses.Understanding the impact of Hitler's Commando Order on special forces and their need for immediate escape.The psychological and strategic reasons for escaping at the moment of capture.Examples of audacious escapes, including the heroic actions of Gerald Hoff in North Africa.Real Escapes and Strategies:The use of tunnels for hiding rather than escape, especially during the Italian armistice in 1943.The dramatic last-minute escapes of Serge Vaculik and Ginger Jones from Nazi execution squads.The formation and operations of the SAS's own Nazi hunter unit post-WWII.Legacy and Justice:The role of the SAS in bringing Nazi war criminals to justice, led by Major Bill Barkworth and his team.The ethical approach to interrogation and the importance of psychological tactics over torture.The transformation from a mission of vengeance to a mission of justice, exemplified by the SAS's war crimes investigations.Guest Information:Damien Lewis's book: "SAS Great Escapes 3"Catch Damien's talk live or on-demand at the Gloucester History Festival: www.gloucesterhistoryfestival.co.uk.Don't forget to leave a review for History Rage on Apple, Podchaser, Amazon, or wherever you can! And join the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon for early episodes, prize draws, and the History Rage mug. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/historyrage.You can follow History Rage on Twitter @HistoryRage or Paul individually @PaulBavill and let us know what you wish people would just stop believing using the Hashtag #HistoryRage.To catch up on all the rage from bygone times go to the website www.historyrage.comIf you want to get in touch with History Rage then email historyragepod@gmail.comStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

"History Rage" is a weekly podcast that invites renowned historians to passionately debunk the most pervasive myths and misconceptions about major historical events and figures. Each episode features a historian "raging" about a historical "fact" they wish everyone would just stop believing. From the Victorian era's obsession with sex to the strategies behind Blitzkrieg in World War II, the podcast delves into the real stories behind the legends.With a focus on topics all history from Roman, through Tudor, to World War 1, World War 2 and the Cold War, "History Rage" provides a platform for experts to set the record straight and reveal the truth behind the myths that have persisted for generations. Hosted by Paul Bavill, the podcast delivers an entertaining and educational listening experience for history buffs and casual listeners alike. Prepare to have your historical knowledge challenged and your preconceptions shattered in this myth-busting series. Follow "History Rage" on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes insights:Twitter: @HistoryRageInstagram: @HistoryRageFacebook: facebook.com/HistoryRageSubscribe to "History Rage" on your favorite podcast platform to explore the untold stories and uncover the real history behind the headlines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.