What great stories you have told Thanks keeping the history of your father and others in the War very interesting and inspiring Thanks for the 10 years and I hope many many more

So I heard a story or a French Canadian soldier by the name of Leo major. Leo was in d-day I think Juno or sword beach maybe but it could be another beach. Anyway he was a scout and one day he was out on patrol when he ran into a German tank. So he captured the crew and drove it back to his platoon commander while have to tell them not to shoot. Then later private Major was again out scouting alone when he ran to 4 SS scouts he kill the first 3 but the last one threw a grenade and the the shrapnel hit his left eye blinding his left eye. The medics wanted to send him home and he told them “ I only need one eye to shoot a rifle” he fought in the battle of scheldt in holland then in Rhineland Germany feb1945 his amphibious vehicle struck a land mine and exploded killing everyone except him he was wounded but again he returned to the battlefield he was out looking for 50 “zombies” when ran into a ss camp he woke the commanding officer and told him to come with him he then told the un suspecting ss troops to come with him or die one trued to shoot him but he was faster that day he capture 93 troops and was awarded the distinguished conduct medal but declined it saying his commander didn’t deserve to give him the reward then he was going to take with his platoon the town a zwol there were going to bomb it he knew there would be many civilian casualties so he and corporal Willie arsenault a friend were going to warn the people but on the way arsenault was killed by ss artillery fire enraged he picked up a machine gun and shot a German took his machine gun hijacked a jeep and drove to a bar and there he disarmed the leader of operations told that it was going to be bombed ran away now with 3 machine guns and gernades captured10 Germans ran back to camp dropped them off and repeated until the town was clear of Germans then he burned down the ss and gestopo headquarters there and with the help of some undercover Dutch resistance fighters took the capital of the city he started at 8 pm and liberated at 3 am and was rewarded. Later served in the Korean War and with 15 other troops defended against entire platoons and later got again the distinguished conduct medal and this time he excepted it.

I’m writing to tell you a quick story about my grandfather. I was able to interview him before his passing in 2009. He landed at D-Day +6 or seven. He was in a replacement company. He said that they would go out on patrols to keep busy before being assigned. On one patrol, they took fire from a farmhouse, all the guys from the patrol shot at the house and when the firing stopped, they went in to investigate. It was a woman she had sniped at them from a ventilation crawlspace. My grandfather‘s patrol had killed her that was particularly hard for him to talk about the fact that he had taken part in the killing of a woman affected him greatly.

I always agree that the best telling of history is by those who made it, not by authors or alleged journalists with an agenda to push!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

This is my fourth time listening thru! Every time is better than the first. This is a great series giving the REAL perspective. I hope episodes never stop coming. Great job!

Thanks for the awesome stories. Can’t wait for new stories Leo

I don’t know why it’s taken so long for me to formally review but I hope that anyone that is looking for a great WW2 podcast starts here. Paul is a wonderful story teller and the stories he tells are emotional educational and real. He goes through great lengths to find personal accounts and memoirs of the people who fought in world war 2. I have always found these stories and the soldiers personal experiences to be the very best source of learning as it’s a first person account! Hear about what they are, what they saw and the dangers they faced. Most recently, kisses on. Post card, gives an amazing tale of children Evacuees during the war. You’ll feel sad for the children, you’ll sing along with the children and you’ll become invested in the story. Thank you Paul, for honoring so many hero’s with great stories to tell. Finally, along with the podcast is Paul’s father Bills great memoir, fighting through from Dunkirk to Hamburg. It’s an amazing story with episodes in this podcast dedicated to it. Buy the book, you won’t be disappointed! Thank you to Paul by keeping these heroes memories alive and teaching future generations about them!

Thanks for taking the time and care these stories deserve. You read them with respect and authentic human interest. I’m very glad to have found this podcast.

Plenty of WW2 podcasts out there but this is the best. Paul’s reading of the men’s own words is heartwarming and his interview with his mother was wonderful. Having a father who was in the middle of it all adds to Paul’s great work. He was kind enough to read the material I sent in about my own father (Normandy and then on through France, Battle of the Bulge and finally deep into Germany) and I’m so very appreciative. Paul is a good man and has access to just the greatest stories!

If you enjoy unique perspectives of World War Two experiences then you owe it to yourself to give this show a listen. Paul’s podcast is a true gem. Check it out and share with a friend or two.

This podcast is a must for anyone who is interested in WWII history, especially if you want first-hand accounts from the Veterans who were there. Paul is still traveling to interview these last surviving members of their generation who fought in the largest and most impactful conflict of the last century. The research is thorough, the narration is wonderful, and you can tell Paul is a genuine person who cares about getting Veterans’ stories out there. Thank you for this incredible contribution to the historical record, and keep up the good work!

Paul Cheall is a wonderful storyteller, a dedicated historian and and would give Shelock Holmes a challenge as a detective. I have listened to all his podcasts and am always eager for the next one to find out what he will uncover and share with us next. So, from this lifelong amateur WWII hobbiest, keep up the great work! How good is that!! John Muskego, Wisconsin

Paul Cheall is an excellent story teller and a true gentleman. I really enjoy military history, so finding his podcast has made being sick this past week a whole lot easier. ;-) Vincent Wyoming, USA

I drive with Uber Eats. This gives me plenty of hours to listen to this great podcast. I am still catching up and don’t look forward to the day when I have to wait for the next episode. The stories hold so many emotions from laughter to “moist eyes.” This is a very important record of this great generation. What is best is having Mr. Cheall’s, ah Paul’s, great narration and friendly tone. It is like riding with a friend who can tell great stories. “How great is that!”

Mr. Cheall, I want to personally thank you for giving us all the privilege of hearing this amazing story! It was as if I was experiencing the war through this extraordinary teenager’s eyes! Well written and I have to say, your reading was Spot on! What an incredible job you did conveying this material to us in spoken word, you breathed life back into this man! I absolutely love your pod, and, as an American, you make me proud of my “mostly” English ancestry! Bravo sir!

Mr. Cheall’s, Been listening to your podcast since the beginning. My grandfather was in ww2 as a master sergeant in the mobile artillery unit. He came in a few days after d-day and provided support for the advancing units. He would not talk about his experience much but I have recently found letters that he wrote my grandmother while he was over seas. My grandmother is 100 and let me read some of them and talk about an emotional rollercoaster reading them, it was eye opening and filled in on why he would not speak of his time over there. Anyways, I just wanted to tell you to keep up the great work of bringing the memoirs of all the brave men and women that fought through this war. Thanks Travis Moore Charlotte, NC

WOW—the story of the German soldiers war perspective was unbelievable. Great job finding it and having the guts to have in your podcast. Thanks again

The stories are superbly read. But that music bed encroaching, impeding, and distracting from the thought process completely sends me running for something else.

Very well produced, clearly a labor of love. As good or better than any other WWII podcast I’ve found. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

It’s amazing that you want to share soldiers experience’s. This is an awesome podcast!

I’ve been a student of WW2 since I was 6 years old . I’d ask my Grandpa about his time in the big one ,and he’d tell me about day to day activities and pranks he and his brothers would play on one another. When I was a young man I finally got brave enough to ask about the darker aspects of war ,and he obliged best he could. I saw how he went back there and I had never felt closer to my hero than I did that day . It’s so important to archive these experiences . It’s like Churchill said “those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it” and the host Paul is a wonderful man who brings these memories to life . I can’t thank him enough for the shout outs he did for my family (ep62) . If I could give it more stars I totally would. If you have an interest in history, this podcast Is a must listen. Paul gives perspectives from every angle. Being American we don’t learn about Dunkirk in history class and one episode is told from a German soldiers on D-Day . It’s fascinating to hear that. Paul please keep up the great work. I truly appreciate you Buddy. “Now how good was that?” lol , over and out !

I love this podcast so much. First hand accounts of the second world war are so important. I love the sweetness, humor, and reverence with which the host delivers these accounts. Highly recommended for all ages!

I’m a 24yr old listener in the US who has no close family members (outside a very distant relative in the Navy in the 40s) who took part in WWII, or any American conflict outside of those somewhat recently in Panama, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror. Despite this I’ve been ever fascinated with World War II in all theaters from all sides, specifically with bomber aircrews of the USAAF. This podcast is fantastic for it’s first hand accounts. Having listeners write in with family stories and sharing diary entries from people in the midst of war puts a human touch on a conflict that is slowly becoming a historical footnote as the years pass on. I very much enjoyed Ep.47 on the German perspective on D-Day. That episode pushed me to write this review. I’d love to hear more about the Axis perspective if possible. Thank you for this great show. -Josh

This podcast is simply amazing . The stories , history and adventures that are talked about on this show are truly remarkable . Sometimes I will listen to an episode and I will say “ well that’s it , can’t get any better than that one”... and guess what?? Next episode tops the previous ! I will have goosebumps from the action and I will be on the edge of my seat. Amazing job Paul. I could go on forever about how much I enjoy the show ! Much respect to your father and much respect to everything that you do to provide us such an amazing show. Jon From New Orleans , Louisiana USA

While this podcast may have started as a way to publicize his dad’s book, it has grown into a community that has recorded the history of the common soldier that would have been lost without Paul’s efforts. If you have even a slight interest in WW II, then you really owe yourself a listen.

“Bumped” into this podcast. Wow, it blew me away. Great interviews, accounts and stories. Thanks for committing these untold accounts to posterity!

I recently lost my grandpa. He was a navy pilot from ‘43-‘46. I miss him dearly and listening to this makes me feel close to him. Thank you

Thank you for making me want learn more about WWII History. My sons are both very knowledgeable and we’ve spent time at great WII museums. The personal touch you give to your podcast makes it very compelling, informative and real. And of course your voice is exceptional!

Always enjoy Paul’s podcasts.

Throughly enjoyable and at times very moving.

There are plenty of military history podcasts but this one hits the spot. The stories put you right along side of the soldier throughout their struggles. Although we can never know the pain, discomfort and smells of war this podcast gets you as close as possible to the front lines. Most history seems like cliffs notes on the popular stories. I appreciate the insights and the knowledge. And why is it that the British seem so casual about sacrifice in war? Maybe not casual,,, stoic!! As long as they have a cup of tea first then it’s a good day to die. Thought i know they prefer not to! I absolutely love it! We Americans are a bit more dramatic about it to be sure! Please continue to put out more podcasts whenever possible. History is a precious thing.

Perhaps the best series of first person accounts of WWI/II I’ve run across. Well narrated fascinating experiences of both the mundane and murderous aspects of these conflicts focusing on the British Green Howards, the narrator’s dad’s unit. Try it- you’ll like it and you’ll hear amazing chapters of unwritten real history from those who made it.

Listening to these old gents remind me of the stories my dad would tell about his time in the US Air Force. Fortunately, for him, he served between Korea and Vietnam. He was an aircraft mechanic. Well done, sir. Rob Pinnick

I love the veteran and God bless America and British men and their families

Fantastic podcast! I'm a few episodes in and cannot stop listening. Wonderful speaking voice.

This podcast reminds me of the Monty Python sketch where the professor talks about her theory on dinosaurs, and spends the entire interview talking about talking about the theory, then clears her throat over and over, and then finally gets to it. Literally just listened to an episode where it took him 25 minutes to finally get to actual content. There was the review reading, but before that there was the commentary about the review reading, and of course afterward there was the comment on the reading of the review. Oi! Just Get On With It!

Greatly done with personal presentation of son honoring his father and many brave soldiers first hand accounts. Gives fresh and revealing backstories of battles and soldiers life of the greatest generation. Professional produced and the telling of stories gives me impression of what it was like only to hear news of battlefront from radio. This is a can’t miss podcast for those who want to know more about men, women and families of this harrowing time of history!

I cannot thank you enough for the amount of energy and determination you expended in this wonderful accounting of British Soldiers during the French, Italian Campaigns and beyond. Highly recommended especially to young people who don’t yet realize “Freedom Is Not Free” Cordially, Georgiana Kennedy USA

I am a utility work and ha e to read meters once a month and this is by far the best podcast to listen to while I’m reading meter it makes the day fly by

This is by far my favorite podcast I have ever listened too; I sit for 10 hours a day doing quality control; and this is my go to content to help the time pass by. It is so gripping; I have been so choked up so many times; and constnatly get goosebumps all over my body listening to these stories. It is truly amazing; i love the interviews with all the veterans; and your mother she is wonderful. It is so amazing and different to hear the stories "from the horses mouth" rather than to read it in some history book in school. Thank you for what you are doing and keep up the amazing work!

Absolutely wonderful! I enjoy my daily drive now. Can’t wait for more episodes.

Love the show please keep it going anyone looking to get an inside look to the ground pounders life give this a listen my favorite episode was Gallipoli absolutely incredible from start to finish thanks so much Bill James B USA

I love this podcast It is the best I ever listened to and I have so many of your episodes and I love history. Keep doing what your doing.

Paul, thank you for your very sincere effort to preserve World War II history. I, too, share your love of history. I enjoy hearing about the war from the British side. (I’m American.)

Every episode is exceptional. The interviews are excellent but I think the readings are even better, Paul captures the essence of every subject and situation. Mark

A deeply compassionate podcast. Wonderful stories, lovely narrator.

Paul, Wanted to let you know that i love your podcast. Great way you have woven together the diaries of many individuals, not just your dad's memoirs. All are entertaining and informative. I really enjoy the way you present the readings, great podcast voice and tempo. Interesting perspectives and topics. If I ever get caught up on my reading I will definitely keep the book in mind and give it a read. I very much appreciate what you are doing to bring this history back to life, and of course what all of those did not just to live the events, but to take the time and effort to document them. Only constructive feedback is to bring down the mix volume when you add the tunes in, the volume changes are distracting. Thanks again Paul for the great work. Blaine - Oregon, USA

Like history podcasts? You’ll love the 1st-hand historical accounts of this WWII podcast. Really appreciate hearing about the war from the British perspective. And as Anglo-obsessed American, I enjoy the British accents too.

I listen to this podcast everyday at work. The way you tell their amazing stories leaves me wanting more! Keep up the good work!

I was driving across Montana and stopped to download a few new podcasts. I downloaded an episode of the show to try it out. When the episode I downloaded about the bee was done I raced the 2 hours drive to the next town so I could get an internet connection and download the rest of the show. Ever since then I have looked forward to new episodes.