The black soldier's lament

A hundred years on from the end of World War I, we wanted to look at an aspect of the conflict we don't often talk about: the role of millions of troops of colour who fought for European powers. The excellent Christian Koller, professor of modern history at Zurich University, is here to help us explore what life was like for African and Asian soldiers who were often dismissed as 'savages' while risking their lives for European governments.

Also: France faces its past, European conservatives face their future, and Dominic faces a lifetime of incessant church bells.

Our episode name comes from the poem by George A. Borden: 'Black blood was spilled black bodies maimed / For medals brave no black was named.'

You can read Christian's fascinating research here: https://bit.ly/2JYrDGu