The SS in The Bulge

Garrett E Eriksen takes a look at the uniforms and insignia worn by the Waffen-SS at the Ardennes Offensive. The rest of this article can be found in the January 2018 issue of The Armourer. [This article is primarily on the uniforms and insignia of the Waffen-SS at the Ardennes Offensive, however some historical context will benefit further understanding of this important battle and the equipment … Continue reading The SS in The Bulge

Podcast Episode 4 – African Monsters (Halloween Special) [Show Notes]

African Monsters is an anthology that “explores old African myths and monsters in short stories and art.” In this special Halloween episode, we interview contributing authors Nerine Dorman and Toby Benet on their chosen African monsters and discuss the mythology surrounding these creatures, identity and death, the nature of writing in general, and how authors explore these various topics. Listen to “Episode 4 – African Monsters (Halloween … Continue reading Podcast Episode 4 – African Monsters (Halloween Special) [Show Notes]

Podcast Episode 3 – The Recce [Show Notes]

The Recce is a newly released film that explores various emotional and historical themes against the backdrop of the South African Border War as well as the elite reconnaissance unit that served during this conflict known as The Recces. In this episode, we interview director Ferdinand van Zyl about his film and also explore his responses to criticism from the Border War veteran community. An … Continue reading Podcast Episode 3 – The Recce [Show Notes]

Podcast Episode 2 – Do Robotic Elephants Never Forget? [Show Notes]

On this episode of Citizen Historian, you heard an interview with Dr Benjamin Rosman of the CSIR at The University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. We discussed AI, robotics, machine learning and all that other neat stuff, and also how this applies to Africa as part of the developing world – and of course the big robotic elephant in the room: the dangers of … Continue reading Podcast Episode 2 – Do Robotic Elephants Never Forget? [Show Notes]

Public Talk – 4 August 2018

I will be speaking at the Congolese Civil Society symposium on 4 August 2018 at the Iziko South African Museum. My talk will be on the mining of nuclear resources and their humanitarian consequences. If you have any interest in World War II, African history or it’s present, please do come join us. There will be a host of other speakers and it promises to … Continue reading Public Talk – 4 August 2018

From Conquerors to Custodians: In Defence of Zoos, Ambassador Animals, and Captive Breeding (Part II)

Series Contents:Part I: Introduction – In Defence of ZoosPart II: The History of Zoos & Animal Welfare Organisations PART II – The History of Zoos & Animal Welfare Organisations This is Part II of the Conquerors to Custodians series where we will explore a brief history of zoos, and detail the various facilities and organisations that manage and monitor them. We’ll start this article with a brief … Continue reading From Conquerors to Custodians: In Defence of Zoos, Ambassador Animals, and Captive Breeding (Part II)

RAF Memorials: what we many owe to The Few

Memorials, monuments and flights dedicated to the Royal Air Force and those who flew to defend our liberty. The rest of this article can be found in the special RAF 100 Year Anniversary Edition 2018 issue of The Armourer. They found his body washed up on the stark and stony shore of Trondheim, Norway. He was dressed in the uniform of Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force, Scottish … Continue reading RAF Memorials: what we many owe to The Few

From Conquerors to Custodians: In Defence of Zoos, Ambassador Animals, and Captive Breeding (Part I)

Header Photo Credit: Terry Allen Series Contents:Part I: Introduction – In Defence of ZoosPart II: The History of Zoos & Animal Welfare Organisations PART I – Introduction There is so much to discuss on a topic like this, especially for someone like me who, although currently a historian, grew up working on a conservation facility with my family, and still occasionally works in this field. This article is not a quick … Continue reading From Conquerors to Custodians: In Defence of Zoos, Ambassador Animals, and Captive Breeding (Part I)

Podcast Episode 1 – Rise of the African Superhero [Show Notes]

On this episode of Citizen Historian, you heard an interview with Loyiso Mkize and Clyde Beech from Kewzi comics where we spoke about heroes, villains, popular culture and how this all applies to Africa and her growing cultural movements. Listen to “Episode 1 – Rise of the African Superhero” on iTunes Kwezi Links Kwezi Comics: http://kwezicomics.com Kwezi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwezi_flyboy Kwezi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kwezicomicbook/ Loyiso Mkize: https://www.instagram.com/loyisomkize More Info & … Continue reading Podcast Episode 1 – Rise of the African Superhero [Show Notes]

Hysterical Accuracy: Women, WWII, and Gaming

First, let’s answer the question: “is it historically accurate that women fought in WWII?” Short answer: yes. Now, let’s elaborate. Battlefield is a long-running gaming franchise that has roamed through several different eras of warfare including World War I and II, Vietnam, the modern era, and even the distant future. It is a series built around intense battles and action where you can hear your … Continue reading Hysterical Accuracy: Women, WWII, and Gaming