BFBS Stories

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.

We follow 70 Squadron, one of the Royal Air Force’s most well-travelled squadrons who provide strategic air transport worldwide.

In 1968 a series of programmes were made documenting the histories of the squadrons based at RAF Akrotiri at the time. Now, 50 years on and celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force, we are revisiting those squadrons still in existence to see where they are and how much has changed. This 30-minute special looks at the work of 70 Squadron.

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.

The WRNS, more commonly known as The Wrens, was formed in 1917 when the Royal Navy faced a shortage of men during the First World War. It was disbanded in 1919 and then revived at the beginning of the Second World War. In 1993 the Wrens were fully integrated with the Royal Navy and ceased to exist as a separate service.

Listen to a former Wren as she talks to veterans of the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) and the Royal Navy about their experiences.

Written and produced by Gini Carlin in 2017 to celebrate 100 years since the formation of the WRNS.

Gini Carlin talks to six submariners about life under the ocean. They tell her about their jobs, their skills and their pride of being a member of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service.

They also talk about isolation, separation from their families and even the unique smell of a submarine!

Patrick Eade tells the story of the radio station for the British armed forces which began in wartime Algiers in 1943.

Hear the stories of the radio presenters who provided a much-needed boost to moral by playing the hits in troubled times and dangerous places.

Ask anyone who has served alongside the Gurkhas to sum up the skills and qualities these proud Nepalese soldiers bring to the British Army and you will be told of their loyalty, bravery and cheerfulness.

Jill Misson traces the history of the Brigade and looks at the events celebrating 200 years of service to the Crown.

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.