Somme: Tara-Usna Hills

Posted on March 22, 2025 by

12 Comments

In this episode for the fifth anniversary of the Podcast we travel back to the Somme and look at the story behind the naming of Tara and Usna Hills overlooking La Boisselle, and discuss two First World War objects found in a Somme junk sale.

Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.

BATTLEFIELD MAP:

Podcast Extras:

Category: Podcast Episode, Somme, WW1 Objects

12 Comments on “Somme: Tara-Usna Hills”

  1. Another fantastic podcast Paul.

    We stayed at the Ibis a few years ago and it is quite thought provoking to realise how close you are, whilst staying in a 21st century industrial estate, to the events of the Great War.

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  2. Congratulations on 5th wonderful years of the “Old Frontline” podcast. I really appreciate everything you do and thank you for all the incredible knowledge you pass onto all of us.

    I really enjoyed today’s episode especially the bonus story on John Smith.

    thanks again John.

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  4. Thanks for an excellent podcast Paul, especially the story of John Smith. I wonder how he fared in civilian life? Listening to his crime sheet reminded me of Kipling’s line in “Tommy” about single men in barracks not making plaster saints!

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  5. Hi Paul ,Really enjoyed the this podcast , especially the story of John Smith , many simalarities with my own grandfather Albert Rowen , a miner from Sheffield , a driver in the RFA and also court marshalls on his record although sadly i can’t find out what for , Thank you

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  6. Hi Paul – I have not been able to work out how to comment on your podcasts but now find I can contact you this way! Being now 81 I find the internet still a bit of a mystery! I continue to enjoy your podcasts. However after suffering a stroke in 2023 I find my concentration span diminished and wonder if you could give the timing details for each part of your podcasts so I can choose which ones particularly interest me and might wish to hear again. I first met you when you were still at school and collecting WWI postcards. Sadly I can no llonger visit pc fairs but still have my WWI colection. I even have a letter you wrote to me all those years ago in my pc files mentioning JHD Smith who was also interested in WWI. Sadly he has long gone as have so many of the pc names. Ron Mead (remember all his albums on his table?) also died several years ago. We have lost Bipex and Bloomsbury and the two large Paris fairs which i loved to attend 4 times a year. The hobby continues with new faces now … Best wishes Liz McK

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    • Thanks Liz – good to hear from you! I’m still collecting postcards, although they cost a little more these days! Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. When you ask about timings, I’m not sure what you mean? There is a description of each podcast so you can see what it is about?

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      • By timings I meant the time of the start of each section of your podcasts would really help.

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      • Hi Liz – unfortunately that would add quite a layer of work to the workflow so it’s not practical to do unfortunately.

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      • OK I quite understand. I shall try and be patient. Carry on the good work.

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