BFBS Stories

Jamie Gordon was a trainee presenter at BFBS Berlin in 1989.  This is his personal account of what happened on the night of the 9th of November when the Berlin Wall came down. 

In this programme, made to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the event, Jamie returns to Berlin and speaks to former servicemen and BFBS colleagues who were stationed in the city at the time. You’ll hear about what it was like for British Forces serving in this divided city and how servicemen and women bore witness to this incredible moment in history at the end of the Cold War.

You’ll also hear some recordings from our archive.  These were some of the first English speaking news reports from the city and as a result were in huge demand throughout the world. 

Whether you were there or following the news from elsewhere, or are entirely new to this story, this special programme captures the atmosphere of a unique time in the 20th century.

Produced by Hal Stewart and Jamie Gordon, ‘Berlin 30: Fall of the Wall’ is a finalist at the New York Festivals Radio Awards 2020

Jade Callaway and Jess Bracey delve into the history of 6 Squadron with the help of material from the BFBS archive. You’ll hear interviews from 6 Squadron crew recorded 50 years ago, followed by the reaction of current squadron members as they consider how life in the RAF has changed.

You’ll also hear about the highs and lows of deployment, what they think the RAF will be like in another 50 years as well as the debate surrounding their nickname. Are they “The Can Openers” or “The Tin Openers”?

Jason Herbert explains how a special unit consisting of mechanics, technicians, plumbers and even circus trapeze artists were brought together to break the stalemate of the First World War.

What they did would revolutionise warfare for the modern age. They came up with the idea of the tank.

Hear about the development of the tank, the people who built and crewed it and the meticulous preparation that led to the Battle of Cambrai.

Listen to the story of D-Day as told by radio news broadcasts from the time. 

Hear speeches from Prime Minister Winston Churchill, as well as other heads of state and key military leaders in this compelling and atmospheric programme.

Tony Rodgers uncovers the importance of the wartime Northern Irish airfields which were used by the United States Army as a transit hub and manufacturing base.

You’ll also hear how a secret agreement with the Irish Free State helped the Allies win the Battle of the Atlantic.

More than 3000 Afghans worked as interpreters alongside British troops during the conflict in Afghanistan.

They played an important role helping soldiers overcome language barriers, providing local knowledge and advising the military on cultural affairs. Some were invited to live in the UK but others faced the challenge of the then Home Secretary's hostile environment policy.

Hear the interpreters’ stories in their own words as well as the experiences of the military officers who worked with them and became their friends.

Written and produced by William Warren, this programme won two awards at the 2019 New York Festivals Radio Awards.

Mikaela Roche asks today’s servicemen and women why the British Army’s famous 1815 victory is still important to them in the 21st century.

This vibrant documentary commemorates the bicentenary of the battle. From the off, you’ll be catapulted into a battlefield soundscape at the 2015 re-enactments in Belgium.

Mikaela enlists a historian to relay the events of 18 June 1815, while the words of serving soldiers, whose regimental forebears fought there, weave through the narrativ

The MCTC provides training for those servicemen and women sentenced to a period of detention.

Much myth, rumour and speculation exist about the centre and what happens within its confines. BFBS presenter Liz Mullen was allowed inside to record this programme.

“We are told that the MCTC is not a prison, but if not, what is it?” asks Liz.

“Many of us have fixed ideas about what life is like behind the wire. But having the chance meet staff and offenders was a real eye-opener. I think people will be in for a few surprises.”

Liz explores the differences between ‘A Company’, for those due to return to service, and ‘D Company’, for offenders facing discharge and life on Civvy Street, and discovers how soldiers, sailors and airmen are retrained and prepared for life after release.

Jess Bracey looks at the history of the only RAF Squadron to be permanently based overseas.

From the Western Front to their current home in Cyprus via India, Libya, Iraq and Burma, Jess speaks to crew past and present.

You’ll hear about the heroic plight of one pilot who received the Victoria Cross, the story of the crew who made it to Fraser Island in Australia by boat and find out why a pair of bloomers takes pride of place in the Squadron archive corridor.

In recent times the squadron has been working as part of Operation Shader and has seen its efforts noted by the Prime Ministers of Cyprus and the UK.

In this special programme, we follow key moments in Ann Addis' relentless search for her son and listen to previously un-broadcast tapes offering us a look into a mother’s search for the truth.

To celebrate Dame Vera's 100th birthday, BFBS takes look at her illustrious career.

In this special program, Chris Pearson looks at Dame Vera's first professional performance at the age of seven to performing for British Troops in the steamy jungles of Burma.

Gini Carlin talks to serving sailors about Admiral Lord Nelson’s victory. You’ll hear from a Warfare Officer, a Submariner, a Master at Arms (police), Nursing Officer and the Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, who all take themselves back to 1805 to consider what their role in that battle might have been.

It’s an emotional listen that shows the loyalty, pride and sense of service that courses through the veins of Royal Navy sailors.

One in every hundred adults has a stammer. We find out how they cope if they're serving members of the forces.

Amy Matthews finds out how the Defence Stammering Network has helped members of the forces who have a stammer.

During Op Herrick 17, Richard Hutchinson was given unprecedented access to medics serving in Afghanistan. Here he follows the route of those injured in battle from the point of injury, through the trauma room at Camp Bastion and back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

This programme was Highly Commended at the 2014 AIB Awards (Association for International Broadcasting).

Cassidy Little is now an actor and presenter and has appeared in Coronation Street and Midsomer Murders. He also danced his way to winning ‘The People’s Strictly for Comic Relief.

Before that he served as a medic in the Royal Marines, losing a leg in an explosion in Afghanistan.

Hear about Cassidy’s life as a Royal Marine on the front line, his time at Headley Court rehabilitation centre and get a glimpse of the sacrifices made by those who serve.

Four entertaining and inspiring Chelsea Pensioners talk to Richard Hatch and Hal Stewart.

Recorded at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.