Fighting High - Making Their Story Our History

The Hampden: Restoring History, Preserving Memory | Darren Priday (S2E5)

Hangar Talk The Hampden: Restoring History, Preserving Memory with Darren Priday The Handley Page Hampden was one of the RAF's most important aircraft during the early years of the Second World War, yet today it remains one of its least remembered. In this episode, Steve Darlow speaks with Darren Priday, Manager of the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at the RAF Museum Midlands, about the remarkable conservation of the RAF Museum's Hampden. Their conversation explores the challenges of preserving this rare aircraft, the dedication of those who restored it, and, above all, the powerful human stories of the aircrew, families and survivors whose memories continue to give the Hampden lasting significance. (The Hampden image used in the podcast graphic is copyright of the RAF museum.)

Once Upon a Time in War | Melody Foreman (S2E4)

Our History Once Upon a Time in War with Melody Foreman In this episode of the Fighting High Podcast, Steve speaks with author Melody Foreman about her lifelong fascination with wartime stories and the human experiences behind them. Drawing on her background in journalism, biography, and storytelling, Melody explores how memory, artefacts, and personal histories shape her work. She reflects on writing A Spitfire Girl and her relationship with ATA pilot Mary Ellis, highlighting themes of modesty, courage, and resilience. The conversation also covers her research into actors and filmmakers in wartime, revealing how conflict shaped creative lives. Central to the discussion is her new book, Love as Strong as Death, which tells the intertwined stories of war artist Eric Ravilious and pilot Ginge Culver. Through letters, loss, and love, Melody examines the emotional realities of war, emphasizing storytelling as a powerful way to connect past and present. Love as Strong as Death is released in June 2026 and available from the Fighting High website www.fightinghigh.com

Spitfire Ace Leonard Haines DFC | Remembrance (S2E3)

Remembrance Spitfire Ace Leonard Haines DFC In this special remembrance episode, Fighting High tells the story of Flying Officer Leonard Archibald Haines DFC—Battle of Britain ace, leader, and one of Fighter Command’s young heroes. Drawing on his vivid combat reports and deeply personal letters, we follow Leonard from the chaos of Dunkirk through the height of the Battle of Britain, where he claimed multiple victories in the skies over southern England. But alongside the precision of combat, his letters reveal something more: the voice of a very young pilot—eager, humorous, and determined to do his part. Newly married and decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Leonard’s story does not end in combat, but in tragedy, during a training flight in April 1941. This episode brings together action and humanity, offering a powerful portrait of a young man at war—and a life cut short. We will remember him. Leonards combat reports are taken from the respective chapter in the book Fighting High - WW2 Air Battle Europe. Leonard's letter excerpts are sourced from the Haines, Leonard Archibald Collection, held in the Ball State University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections - and are reproduced with their permission.

Light Night Striking Force: The Mosquito Menace (S2E2)

Insights Light Night Striking Force: The Mosquito Menace In this episode of the Fighting High Podcast, we explore the story of the Light Night Striking Force—Bomber Command’s fast and highly effective Mosquito force. Joined by author Sean Feast, we trace its evolution from a small diversionary force into a precision striking arm. Flying the versatile Mosquito, these crews combined speed, skill, and innovation to deliver powerful attacks with remarkable efficiency. We also examine the experienced men behind the missions and challenge long-held assumptions about the force within a force. This is the story of how a modest idea became one of the most effective elements of the Allied air offensive. (Senior commanders mentioned in the podcast are: Air Vice Marshal Donald Clifford Tyndall Bennett, CB, CBE, DSO (8 Group); Air Chief Marshal Sir Ralph Alexander Cochrane, GBE, KCB, AFC (5 Group); Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Travers Harris, 1st Baronet, GCB, OBE, AFC (AOC-in-C Bomber Command).) The podcast is hosted by Steve Darlow and details of Steve's and Sean's books can be found on www.fightinghigh.com Details of the two books mentioned in the podcast - Mosquito Down! by Frank Dell and Brett Piper, and Resolute by George Dunn, Ferris Newton and Steve Darlow - can be found on www.fightinghigh.com (Picture of Guy Lockhart in the graphic is copyright Sean Feast.)

A Lancaster Pathfinder Pilot Remembers: Desmond Pelly (S2E1)

In this opening episode of Series 2 of The Fighting High Podcast, we hear the remarkable story of Lancaster Pathfinder pilot Andrew Desmond Pelly DFC, in his own words. Recorded in 2010, this interview traces his journey from eager young recruit to captain of a four-engine bomber at just twenty-one. Desmond recalls his training under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the forging of a tight-knit crew drawn from across the world, and the realities of operations with Bomber Command. From his first nervous sortie to the intense demands of Pathfinder duties—marking targets at the head of the bomber stream—he provides a vivid insight into life in the air war over Europe. His story reaches a dramatic climax on his 41st operation, when his Lancaster is shot down over Germany. What follows is a powerful account of survival, loss, and captivity, including interrogation by the Gestapo and eventual liberation in 1945. Reflective, candid, and often understated, Desmond offers a deeply personal perspective on duty, leadership, and the moral complexities of the bombing campaign. This is a compelling first-hand account of courage, professionalism, and the lived experience of Bomber Command aircrew. This episode includes archive audio recorded during interviews by Steve Darlow with Second World War veterans. These recordings were made during original research for published historical works and are used here with the greatest respect. The purpose of their inclusion is to preserve and share firsthand historical testimony. For more details about Fighting High books visit www.fightinghigh.com