Episodes
| Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Black Gi In China | 20161128 | In November 1950 Clarence Adams, an African-American soldier fighting in the Korean War was captured by the Chinese Red Army. He was held prisoner until the war ended but then, instead of returning to the USA, Adams and 20 other GIs chose to settle in China. Rob Walker has been speaking to his daughter Della Adams about her father's life in Communist China. How did a black American soldier end up living a privileged life in communist China? Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| A Polish Odyssey | 20120916 | 20220209 (R4) 20220212 (R4) | When Danuta Maczka was 14 years old, she and hundreds of thousands of other Poles were sent to Siberia by invading Soviet troops. But when the Nazis turned against the Soviet Union, the Polish exiles were set free and made their way to the Middle East to form an army under General Wladyslaw Anders. By the end of World War Two Danuta was driving a three-ton truck at the Battle of Monte Cassino. One girl's story of exile and soldiering during World War Two. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Albania's Economic Chaos | 20170302 | On March 2nd 1997 the Albanian President Sali Barisha declared a state of emergency after weeks of unrest and violence prompted by the collapse of unregulated pyramid schemes. The investment scams had brought the country to the brink of economic meltdown. Monica Whitlock has spoken Lorina Naci who lived through the chaos in the Albanian capital Tirana. There was rioting across Albania after pyramid investment schemes collapsed. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Angela Merkel | 20160630 | As Britain begins to negotiate its exit from the European Union we're looking back at the early career of one of the key players in those negotiations, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. She started her career, not in politics, but as a chemist in a laboratory in Communist East Germany. Lucy Burns has spoken to someone who worked alongside her in the days before she took up politics. A look back at the career of the German Chancellor before she became a politician. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Arafat Goes To The United Nations | 20120930 | 20230804 (R4) | In the autumn of 1974 a young Palestinian was sent to New York to pave the way for Yasser Arafat to make a speech at the United Nations . His name was Nabil Sha'ath, and he was only given the mission because no other member of the Palestinian leadership agreed to go. When Arafat arrived in America, he was greeted with noisy opposition - but his plea for an independent Palestinian state was to go down in history. In the autumn of 1974 a young Palestinian was sent to NY to pave the way for Yasser Arafat Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Australia's Rabbit Plague | 20150526 | How Australia battled a plague of rabbits which was destroying its agricultural economy. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Baby Fae And The Baboon's Heart | 20130113 | 20220219 (R4) 20220216 (R4) | In 1984 doctors in California tried to save a baby girl's life by giving her a heart transplant. Unable to find an infant human donor, they used the heart of a baboon. Dr Leonard Bailey, who led the transplant team, and nurse Marie Hodgkins, talk about their attempts to save Baby Fae. Photo: Baby Fae in the isolation unit listening to her mother's voice a few days after her operation. Courtesy of Loma Linda University Medical Center. In 1984 doctors tried to save a baby girl's life by giving her a heart transplant. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1984 doctors in California tried to save a baby girl's life by giving her a heart transplant. Unable to find an infant human donor, they used the heart of a baboon. Dr Leonard Bailey, who led the transplant team, and nurse Marie Hodgkins, talk about their attempts to save Baby Fae. Photo: Baby Fae in the isolation unit listening to her mother's voice a few days after her operation. Courtesy of Loma Linda University Medical Center. In 1984 doctors tried to save a baby girl's life by giving her a heart transplant. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1984 doctors in California tried to save a baby girl's life by giving her a heart transplant. Unable to find an infant human donor, they used the heart of a baboon. Dr Leonard Bailey, who led the transplant team, and nurse Marie Hodgkins, talk about their attempts to save Baby Fae. Photo: Baby Fae in the isolation unit listening to her mother's voice a few days after her operation. Courtesy of Loma Linda University Medical Center. In 1984 doctors tried to save a baby girl's life by giving her a heart transplant. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Battle Of Tora Bora | 20160324 | After the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, in late 2001, the hunt for Osama bin Laden began in earnest. CIA commander Gary Berntsen led the drive to catch the Al Qaeda leader. In December 2001 he ordered a small group of special forces soldiers and Afghan fighters into the White Mountains close to Pakistan in the hope of cornering bin Laden in the caves of Tora Bora. After the Taliban fell in Afghanistan, the hunt for Osama bin Laden began in earnest. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Bay Of Pigs Invasion | 20120715 | 20211126/27 (R4) | A Cuban exile tells how he and several hundred others tried to overthrow Fidel Castro. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Bloods And Crips | 20150415 | 20150819 (R4) 20220827 (R4) 20220828 (R4) | In the early 1990s, gang warfare in South Central Los Angeles was claiming hundreds of lives a year. Then, in 1992, peace activist Aqeela Sherrills helped negotiate a truce between the two main black gangs, the Bloods and the Crips. He tells Witness how it transformed his local neighbourhood of Watts. The truce in 1992 between the two main black street gangs in Los Angeles. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Bob Marley Survives Assassination Attempt | 20170301 | In December 1976 gunmen tried to kill the most famous reggae artist of all time, Bob Marley, at his home in Kingston, Jamaica. Marley's friend and neighbour, Nancy Burke, was at the singer's house that night. She's been telling Mike Lanchin about life in the reggae star's entourage, and how she hid in a back room when the unidentified gunmen broke in. An eye-witness remembers the night gunmen tried to kill the global reggae star. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Britain's Gi Babies | 20191230 | 20200104 (R4) | During World War Two hundreds of thousands of US troops were posted to the United Kingdom and several thousand of those soldiers were African-American. But when children were born as a result of relationships between those black GIs and white British women, their babies often grew up in children's homes and went on to have difficult lives. Farhana Haider has been speaking to one of those children, Babs Gibson-Ward. Photo: Hoinicote House children, c.1948 Credit: Lesley York The story of children born to British mothers and black GIs during WW2 Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Camouflaging Leningrad In World War Two | 20180208 | Russian mountaineers disguised monuments in the city to protect them from enemy fire. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Canadian Indigenous Protest | 20180525 | Throughout the summer of 1990 the authorities in Canada found themselves in a standoff with indigenous people over the question of land rights. The Oka crisis, as it became known, started when a small group of Mohawk protesters in Quebec attempted to block plans for a golf course on an ancient burial ground. Rebecca Kesby has been speaking to one of the indigenous protestors. Plans to expand a golf course led to a stand-off between Mohawks and Canadian police. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Cesar Chavez, Yes We Can! | 20130310 | In March 1966 Mexican-American farm workers staged a protest that inspired the Latino civil rights movement in the USA. It was led by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Chavez died in 1993 but Dolores Huerta has been speaking about their long struggle against California's grape growers, and about the phrase that came to signify their movement "si se puede - yes we can". Photo: Cesar Chavez in 1979. AP How a Mexican-American civil rights leader coined the phrase that would inspire Obama. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Chairman Mao's Red Guard | 20170224 | One boy's story of communist fervour in 1960s China. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Chester Williams, South African Rugby Legend | 20191231 | 20200105 (R4) | In 1995, South Africa won an emotional victory as hosts of the Rugby World Cup shortly after the end of apartheid. Chester Williams was the only black player in the team and became a personal friend of President Nelson Mandela. Williams' death in September 2019 was widely mourned in South Africa and beyond. His friend and fellow rugby player Jerome Paarwater tells his story to Rebecca Kesby. The story of the only black player in the Springbok team that won the 1995 Rugby World Cup Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| China's Barefoot Doctors | 20180521 | In 1968 Chairman Mao officially launched a scheme to provide health care to the rural masses. He ordered basic medical training for thousands of young people and sent them out to work in China's villages. They were known as the 'barefoot doctors'. Lucy Burns has been speaking to Gordon Liu who became a barefoot doctor in Sichuan province after leaving secondary school. In 1968 Chairman Mao sent thousands of young people into rural China to work as doctors. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| China's Crackdown On Falun Gong | 20180202 | The spiritual movement Falun Gong was banned in China in July 1999. Thousands of people were arrested and the Chinese government announced that Falun Gong was an 'evil cult', but followers of the movement say they have been the victims of state persecution. Lucy Burns has been hearing from Falun Gong practitioner Chao Yu who spent time in jail because of his beliefs. The Chinese government banned the spiritual movement, Falun Gong, in 1999. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Date Rape | 20160627 | 25 years ago, in June 1991, a young American college student, Katie Koestner, became a talking point across the USA when she appeared on the front cover of Time Magazine after refusing to let a 'date rape' go unchallenged. She has been speaking to Claire Bowes about the rape, and the notoriety that followed it. The first time 'date rape' hit the headlines in the USA. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Deaf University Protest | 20180522 | In 1988 a protest got underway at the world's only university for the deaf. Two thousand students occupied their campus at Gallaudet University in Washington DC in protest against the selection of a hearing person as the institution's new president. Their action caught the media's attention and helped change attitudes towards deaf people. Claire Bowes spoke to the man who became the first deaf President of Gallaudet, his name is I. King Jordan. How deaf students forced their American university to appoint a deaf president. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Death In The Amazon | 20170223 | In January 1956, members of the Auca, or Huaorani tribe in Ecuador attacked and killed five American missionaries. The missionaries had made contact with the isolated and notoriously violent tribe to try to convert them to Christianity. Mike Lanchin speaks to Steve Saint and Valerie Shepard, children of two of the victims, who later met their fathers' killers. In January 1956, members of an Amazonian tribe murdered five American missionaries. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Death In The Boxing Ring | 20131123 | 20230902 (R4) | In November 1982, the boxer Deuk-Koo Kim died of brain damage after a world title fight against the American Ray Mancini. Kim fell into a coma after being repeatedly knocked down in the 14th round. His death led to a series of reforms in boxing. Ray Mancini shares his memories of the fight and its aftermath. In November 1982, the boxer Deuk-Koo Kim died of brain damage after a world title fight. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In November 1982, the boxer Deuk-Koo Kim died of brain damage after a world title fight against the American Ray Mancini. Kim fell into a coma after being repeatedly knocked down in the 14th round. His death led to a series of reforms in boxing. Ray Mancini shares his memories of the fight and its aftermath. In November 1982, the boxer Deuk-Koo Kim died of brain damage after a world title fight. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Duke Ellington Plays Kabul | 20130922 | In September 1963, the jazz legend gave a concert in the Afghan capital. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Dutch School Hostage Crisis | 20130224 | 20220315 (R4) | In 1977 independence activists from Indonesia's Molucca islands took an entire Dutch primary school hostage. They wanted to force the Dutch government to support their freedom fight. They held children and teachers captive for days on end. Geert Kruit, was just nine years old at the time and is still traumatised by what happened to him. Photo: Geert, a couple of years before the hostage crisis. In 1977 independence activists from Indonesia's Molucca islands took a school hostage. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1977 independence activists from Indonesia's Molucca islands took an entire Dutch primary school hostage. They wanted to force the Dutch government to support their freedom fight. They held children and teachers captive for days on end. Geert Kruit, was just nine years old at the time and is still traumatised by what happened to him. Photo: Geert, a couple of years before the hostage crisis. In 1977 independence activists from Indonesia's Molucca islands took a school hostage. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Eichmann In Argentina | 20150604 | 20220814 (R4) 20220813 (R4) 20150729 (R4) | In 1960, the Nazi war criminal, Adolf Eichmann, was abducted in Argentina and smuggled to Israel to face trial. He had been living in Buenos Aires under an assumed name. During his time in Argentina, he had spent hours talking to Willem Sassen a Dutch journalist and Nazi sympathiser. His daughter, Saskia Sassen, remembers. In 1960, leading Nazi Adolf Eichmann was abducted in Argentina and smuggled to Israel. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1960, the Nazi war criminal, Adolf Eichmann, was abducted in Argentina and smuggled to Israel to face trial. He had been living in Buenos Aires under an assumed name. During his time in Argentina, he had spent hours talking to Willem Sassen a Dutch journalist and Nazi sympathiser. His daughter, Saskia Sassen, remembers. In 1960, leading Nazi Adolf Eichmann was abducted in Argentina and smuggled to Israel. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1960, the Nazi war criminal, Adolf Eichmann, was abducted in Argentina and smuggled to Israel to face trial. He had been living in Buenos Aires under an assumed name. During his time in Argentina, he had spent hours talking to Willem Sassen a Dutch journalist and Nazi sympathiser. His daughter, Saskia Sassen, remembers. In 1960, leading Nazi Adolf Eichmann was abducted in Argentina and smuggled to Israel. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| El Salvador's Stolen Children | 20191212 | 20200103 (R4) | In 1994 investigators in El Salvador located the first of several hundred children who'd disappeared more than a decade earlier during the country's brutal civil war. There had been rumours that the children had been kidnapped by the army. Mike Lanchin has been speaking to Elsy Dubon who was taken from her family as a child, and to the investigator who helped to find her. Photo: Peasants who lost their children during military operations in the El Salvador civil war at a rally in March 2006 (YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images) During El Salvador's civil war, soldiers abducted children in rebel areas Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1994 investigators in El Salvador located the first of several hundred children who'd disappeared more than a decade earlier during the country's brutal civil war. There had been rumours that the children had been kidnapped by the army. Mike Lanchin has been speaking to Elsy Dubon who was taken from her family as a child, and to the investigator who helped to find her. Photo: Peasants who lost their children during military operations in the El Salvador civil war at a rally in March 2006 (YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images) During El Salvador's civil war, soldiers abducted children in rebel areas Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Farzad Bazoft, Observer Journalist In Baghdad | 20120902 | 20220126 (R4) | In September 1989 the Observer journalist Farzad Bazoft was arrested in Baghdad and accused of spying for Britain. Six months later he was executed by the Iraqi authorities. A British nurse called Daphne Parish was also arrested. She was eventually released and returned to the UK. She, and British diplomat Robin Kealy, spoke to Witness about their memories of Farzad Bazoft. In 1989 the Observer journalist was arrested and accused of spying for Britain. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Fidel Castro Takes Havana | 20160322 | In 1959, the rebel leader took control of Cuba's capital city. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Fighting In The Iran-iraq War. | 20130106 | 20220226 (R4) 20220223 (R4) | When Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Iran in 1980, he said his war would be over in days or weeks. But the Iran-Iraq War lasted for almost 8 years and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Ahmad al-Mushatat was a young medic who served in front line trenches during the last months of that war. Hear his story. Photo: Ahmad al-Mushatat during the Iran-Iraq war, second from the right. An Iraqi doctor remembers serving in one of the longest wars of the 20th Century. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there When Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Iran in 1980, he said his war would be over in days or weeks. But the Iran-Iraq War lasted for almost 8 years and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Ahmad al-Mushatat was a young medic who served in front line trenches during the last months of that war. Hear his story. Photo: Ahmad al-Mushatat during the Iran-Iraq war, second from the right. An Iraqi doctor remembers serving in one of the longest wars of the 20th Century. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there When Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Iran in 1980, he said his war would be over in days or weeks. But the Iran-Iraq War lasted for almost 8 years and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Ahmad al-Mushatat was a young medic who served in front line trenches during the last months of that war. Hear his story. Photo: Ahmad al-Mushatat during the Iran-Iraq war, second from the right. An Iraqi doctor remembers serving in one of the longest wars of the 20th Century. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Fighting The Contras In Nicaragua | 20140309 | A former left-wing Sandinista soldier talks about the war against US-backed Contra rebels in the early 1980s. "Daniel Alegria" was an idealistic follower of the Sandinistas when he joined the brutal struggle against the rebels as a member of the Sandinista special forces. (Warning: This programme contains descriptions some listeners might find distressing). A former left-wing Sandinista soldier talks about the war against US-backed Contras. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Forced Sterilisation In Peru | 20160708 | In the 1990s, President Alberto Fujimori launched a family planning programme in Peru. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Germany's Guest Workers | 20140330 | In the 1960s Germany recruited hundreds of thousands of foreign workers to help power the country's economic regeneration. Most of them came from Turkey, or Southern Europe. It was a move that meant huge changes for German society, and for the immigrants themselves - like Yilmaz Atalay and Idil Lacin. In the 1960s, Germany recruited hundreds of thousands of foreign workers, many from Turkey Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-in | 20120701 | 20211110 (R4) | How a white-only lunch counter was challenged in North Carolina, USA, in 1960. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Haile Selassie Visits Jamaica | 20130721 | In 1966, the Emperor of Ethiopia made a state visit to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Harrer In Tibet | 20160330 | In 1944, two Austrian mountaineers fled into the forbidden land of Tibet to escape from a prisoner-of-war camp in India. Heinrich Harrer and his friend Peter Aufschnaiter spent seven years as guests of the Tibetans, gaining a unique perspective on a way-of-life that was about to disappear. Harrer became the young Dalai Lama's unofficial tutor and later wrote a famous account of his visit called Seven Years in Tibet. Hear Heinrich Harrer's memories of Tibet from the BBC archive. In 1944, Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer fled into the forbidden land of Tibet. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Hungary's Jewish Underground | 20180131 | Soon after Hitler ordered the invasion of Hungary in March 1944, the Nazis began rounding up hundreds of thousands of Hungarian Jews. Most were immediately sent to their deaths in the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. David Gur was a member of the Jewish Hungarian underground, who helped produce tens of thousands of forged identification documents. These allowed Jews to hide their true identities and escape deportation to the death camps. David Gur has been speaking to Mike Lanchin about his part in one of the largest rescue operations organised by Jews during the Holocaust. During WW2 thousands of fake documents helped save Jews from the Nazis in Hungary. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| In Prison With Nelson Mandela | 20120708 | 20211119 (R4) 20211124 (R4) | Ahmed Kathrada was one of the ANC activists accused of conspiring to overthrow Apartheid at the Rivonia Trial in South Africa in 1964. He was jailed on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela and spent almost as long in prison. In this edition of Witness he spoke to Alan Johnston about his time in prison: the petty distinctions that Apartheid imposed on the prisoners according to their race, how they filled their time, and what they missed most. Ahmed Kathrada died in 2017. Ahmed Kathrada was jailed in South Africa alongside Nelson Mandela. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| India's Disability Law | 20170303 | It wasn't until 1995 that disabled people in India were guaranteed rights. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Iran Hostage Rescue Mission | 20150512 | In April 1980, the US launched Operation Eagle Claw - a daring but ultimately disastrous attempt to free dozens of hostages held captive in the US Embassy in Tehran. The rescue mission ended in chaos almost as soon as it began. Witness speaks to Mike Vining, a member of the US special forces team. Photo credit: US Army. Mike Vining (far right) returning from the mission. Rob Walker reports on an attempt to free hostages from the US embassy in Iran in 1980. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Jackie Kennedy And Aristotle Onassis | 20150404 | 20220807 (R4) 20220806 (R4) | The romance between the widowed US First Lady and the Greek shipping tycoon in the 1960s. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there The romance between the widowed US First Lady and the Greek shipping tycoon in the 1960s. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there The romance between the widowed US First Lady and the Greek shipping tycoon in the 1960s. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Jailed For Speaking His Mind In China | 20140826 | Harry Wu was a young student jailed for nearly 20 years in Communist China. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| James Salter: Writer And Pilot | 20150715 | The acclaimed American author recalls his time as a US fighter pilot during the Korean War Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Kathrine Switzer: Women's Marathon Pioneer | 20140415 | 20140418 (R4) | In April 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the historic Boston Marathon. At the time, athletics officials tried to stop her, believing women were incapable of running more than a mile and a half. Switzer managed to cross the finishing line, but was later disqualified. It was an experience that turned her into a lifelong campaigner for women's sport. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer broke the gender barrier and ran the historic Boston Marathon. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In April 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the historic Boston Marathon. At the time, athletics officials tried to stop her, believing women were incapable of running more than a mile and a half. Switzer managed to cross the finishing line, but was later disqualified. It was an experience that turned her into a lifelong campaigner for women's sport. In 1967, Kathrine Switzer broke the gender barrier and ran the historic Boston Marathon. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Ken Kesey And The Merry Pranksters | 20140916 | In the summer of 1964 the author Ken Kesey led a group of friends on a roadtrip across America. Travelling in a converted school bus and experimenting with LSD along the way, they called themselves the Merry Pranksters. Their trip would become one of the defining moments of American counterculture. Hear from Ken Babbs who was on that bus. In 1964, author Ken Kesey led a group of friends on a psychedelic road trip across the USA Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Lahore Cricket Attack | 20180201 | Heavily armed gunmen attacked buses carrying the Sri Lankan Cricket team and match officials to a stadium in the Pakistani city of Lahore, in March 2009. Rebecca Kesby spoke to two survivors of the attack, Ahsan Raza, a Pakistani umpire who was badly injured, and Chris Broad, the British referee credited with saving his life. Islamist militants attacked a convoy of international cricketers in Pakistan in 2009. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Last Of The Red Hot Mamas | 20160325 | It is 50 years since the great American recording star Sophie Tucker died in New York. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Lebanon Hostage Crisis | 20130317 | 20230909 (R4) 20230721 (R4) | In 1991 Giandomenico Picco went to Beirut to try to free Western hostages. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1991 Giandomenico Picco went to Beirut to try to free Western hostages. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1991 Giandomenico Picco went to Beirut to try to free Western hostages. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Leipzig, Before The Wall Came Down | 20141103 | Massive demonstrations in the East German city heralded the fall of the Berlin Wall. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Life In Ceausescu's Romania | 20130324 | 20230630 (R4) | During the communist dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu, Romanians lived in the shadow of his feared secret police force - the Securitate. Carmen Bugan was a young village girl whose life was turned upside down when her father dared to speak out against the system. From then on police agents recorded everything she and her family, said and did. Photo: Carmen before the Securitate came. Nicolae Ceausescu controlled Romania through his feared secret police - the Securitate. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there During the communist dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu, Romanians lived in the shadow of his feared secret police force - the Securitate. Carmen Bugan was a young village girl whose life was turned upside down when her father dared to speak out against the system. From then on police agents recorded everything she and her family, said and did. Photo: Carmen before the Securitate came. Nicolae Ceausescu controlled Romania through his feared secret police - the Securitate. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Life In The Warsaw Ghetto | 20120722 | 20211203/04 (R4) | Janina Dawidowicz was a nine-year old girl when World War Two engulfed Poland. As Jews, she and her family were soon driven into the Warsaw Ghetto. Seventy years ago, during the summer of 1942, the Nazis began to send the inhabitants of the Ghetto to their deaths in gas chambers. Janina escaped but her family and friends were killed. Hear her memories of the Ghetto - the sights, the characters, the coping mechanisms that people used to survive. Janina Dawidowicz survived the Warsaw Ghetto as a child during World War Two. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Marcel Duchamp In New York | 20161122 | Remembering a wartime surrealist exhibition put on by Marcel Duchamp. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Nehru And Edwina | 20120909 | 20220202 (R4) | As India gained its independence from Britain, the last Viceroy's wife was falling in love. Edwina Mountbatten's younger daughter, Lady Pamela Hicks remembers her mother's deep love for India's first post-independence leader. She talks to Witness about Pandit Nehru's charm and sense of fun, and the correspondence that continued until Edwina Mountbatten died. Lady Pamela Hicks talks about her mother's love for India's first post-independence leader Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Nigeria's War On Indiscipline | 20160401 | In 1984, General Muhammadu Buhari's military regime launched an unusual campaign to clean up Nigeria. Soldiers forced Nigerians to queue, be punctual and obey traffic laws. The punishments for infractions could be brutal. Veteran Nigerian journalist, Sola Odunfa, recalls the reaction in Lagos to the War Against Indiscipline. Photo: The Oshodi district of Lagos , 2008. AFP/Getty Images). In 1984, General Buhari's military regime launched an unusual campaign to clean up Nigeria Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| No Sex In The Ussr | 20180130 | In the summer of 1986 in an effort to promote 'Glasnost' or openness, Soviet women were linked up with American women via satellite for a TV debate. But the dialogue would be remembered above all for the moment when a Russian woman stated 'We have no sex in the USSR'. Dina Newman has tracked down the woman who blurted that out, and Vladimir Posner, the talk show host in the studio at the time. How a satellite TV link-up between American and Soviet women led to misunderstanding. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Re-education In China | 20130929 | In China 're-education' is still used as a form of punishment. It was introduced by the Communist Party and the police still send people for re-education without trial. Listen to the story of Robert Ford, an Englishman who spent 5 years being taught the error of his ways in Chinese jails in the 1950s. He had been captured by the Red Army during the invasion of Tibet. In China 're-education' is still used as a form of punishment - hear one man's story. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Remembering Chairman Mao | 20140909 | Chinese leader Mao Zedong died on 9 September 1976. Sidney Rittenberg knew him well. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Romania's Orphans | 20160328 | After the fall of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, camera crews were allowed inside Romania's state-run orphanages and children's homes for the first time. The appalling conditions shocked the world and a wave of charity workers and volunteers streamed into the country to help improve children's lives. Hundreds of children were adopted by western families. Izidor Ruckel grew up in a Romanian home for 'irrecoverable' children. In 1990 the terrible conditions inside Romania's orphanages first came to light. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Sanctuary Cities | 20170227 | So-called 'sanctuary cities' in the USA have been protecting undocumented immigrants from the threat of deportation for almost 30 years. But President Trump has said he will cut their funding if they don't change their ways. Simon Watts looks back at how San Francisco became one of the first 'sanctuary cities'. How San Francisco became one of the first 'sanctuary cities' in the USA. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Sara Ginaite, Lithuanian Jewish Partisan | 20170228 | Sara Ginaite escaped from a Jewish ghetto to join communist partisans fighting the Nazis. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Sartre And De Beauvoir | 20180209 | The love affair between Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir lasted for 50 years. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Sexual Harassment In India | 20170221 | It's nearly thirty years since the first time a case of sexual harassment was brought to court in India. It became headline news and divided the country because the accused was a senior policeman, celebrated for fighting militants. Claire Bowes has been speaking to the plaintiff, Rupan Deol Bajaj, about the incident she just couldn't ignore. ~Witness hears from the first woman to bring a case of sexual harassment to trial in India. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Siege Of Sarajevo | 20160331 | The siege of Sarajevo lasted for almost four years. Witness Vedrana Seksan tells her story Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Soviet Imaginary Heroes | 20160628 | It is 75 years since the German invasion of the Soviet Union during World War 2. Millions of Soviet soldiers and citizens would lose their lives in the struggle that followed, and many of their stories of heroism and self-sacrifice were absorbed into war propaganda. But one story raised questions right from the beginning..the tale of the so-called 'Panfilov heroes' who were reported to have committed an almost impossible feat of bravery in the face of the Nazi advance against Moscow. Dina Newman reports. A Soviet story of heroic feats of bravery during WWII... that could not have happened. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Space Crash | 20160629 | In June 1997, astronauts on the Mir space station faced disaster after a collision. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Spanish Republic | 20160706 | It is 80 years since the beginning of the Spanish Civil War and the end of a short-lived republican government which had made it a priority to introduce modern education and culture to even the most remote parts of Spain. Simon Watts reports on the movement of writers, artists and volunteers who took part in cultural missions to the rural poor. PHOTO: Village children watching a film, Andalucia 1934 (Courtesy: Residencia de Estudiantes, Madrid) The writers and artists who took part in cultural missions during the Spanish Civil War. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Starbucks: The Early Days | 20160704 | It is 45 years since the Starbucks coffee company was established in Seattle. But its original founders had no intention of selling hot drinks. Claire Bowes has spoken to Zev Siegl and Jerry Baldwin, two of the enthusiasts who started the company, which has changed the way millions of people around the world start their days. It is 45 years since the multibillion-dollar coffee company opened in Seattle in the USA. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Steve Biko | 20140812 | Steve Biko led South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement before he was killed in 1977. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Taiwan, The 228 Incident | 20140316 | In early 1947, Chinese nationalist forces, led by Chiang Kai-Shek, killed an estimated twenty thousand Taiwanese islanders after protests in Taipei. The Chinese had taken control of the island at the end of WW2 after more than 50 years of Japanese rule. Dr Chau Wu was a young boy at the time of the killings. In early 1947, Chinese nationalist forces killed thousands of Taiwanese islanders. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Abduction Of Mehdi Ben Barka | 20161124 | In 1965 French agents in Paris helped kidnap the Moroccan dissident and left-wing activist Mehdi Ben Barka. He was taken to a villa in Paris where it is believed he was murdered by Moroccan security officials. His body has never been found. Alex Last spoke to Bachir Ben Barka who is still fighting to find out what happened to his father. In 1965 a Moroccan disappeared from the streets of Paris. His body has never been found. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Assassination Of Anwar Sadat | 20160707 | On October 6th 1981, Egyptian president Anwar Sadat was killed by army officers. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Assassination Of Benigno Aquino | 20140302 | In 1983, the Philippines opposition leader was shot dead on his return from exile. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Attica Prison Riot | 20161202 | In September 1971 prisoners in a high security jail the USA turned on their guards taking 42 people hostage. After 4 days of negotiations, armed police retook the jail. By the time the siege ended 39 people were dead. Rebecca Kesby has spoken to Carlos Roache, a former prisoner who took part in the uprising. One man's memories of a very public siege in a high security jail in the USA. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Back To Africa Movement | 20160329 | In the 1890s racial violence in the American south was so extreme that many black people tried to emigrate to Liberia in West Africa. Although the Civil War had brought an end to slavery, conditions were still terrible for many African Americans. The largest number of migrants came from one US state - Arkansas. Listeners may find parts of this programme distressing. In the late 1800s, African Americans from Arkansas began moving to Liberia in West Africa. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Ballerina And The Coup | 20130825 | 20130828 (R4) | In 1959, Dame Margot Fonteyn became involved in a bizarre plot to overthrow the government of Panama. The Royal Ballet's prima ballerina was briefly arrested and then deported from the Central American country, after the intervention of British officials. Mike Lanchin speaks to Judy Tatham, a former friend of Dame Margot's, who took part in the failed conspiracy. In 1959, Dame Margot Fonteyn was part of a bizarre plot to overthrow the Panama government Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1959, Dame Margot Fonteyn became involved in a bizarre plot to overthrow the government of Panama. The Royal Ballet's prima ballerina was briefly arrested and then deported from the Central American country, after the intervention of British officials. Mike Lanchin speaks to Judy Tatham, a former friend of Dame Margot's, who took part in the failed conspiracy. In 1959, Dame Margot Fonteyn was part of a bizarre plot to overthrow the Panama government Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Battle For Mount Longdon | 20120812 | 20220405 (R4) 20220408 (R4) 20220521 (R4) | It is 40 years since the end of the Falklands War. Hear two very different views of the conflict from an Argentine veteran and a British veteran. Miguel Savage was a 19-year-old student conscript. He had never wanted to join the army but ended up a reluctant member of Argentina's Falklands invasion force nonetheless. Quintin Wright was a well-trained member of the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment. He had joined up voluntarily, and was excited at the thought of action. They both fought in one of the decisive encounters at the end of the war - the battle for Mount Longdon. First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2012 An Argentine soldier and a British soldier tell their stories of the Falklands War. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Battle For The Woman In Gold | 20200102 | The "Woman in Gold" was one of Gustav Klimt's most famous paintings. It was a portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer commissioned by her husband. But the masterpiece was taken from her family by the Nazis and only returned to her niece after a long legal battle. Louise Hidalgo has been speaking to Randol Schoenberg, the young lawyer who took on the case. How an elderly refugee fought the Austrian government to get back a painting by Klimt Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Battle Of The Carmens | 20140209 | At the 1988 Winter Olympics, an East German and an American ice dancer were vying for Gold Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Biafran War | 20130120 | 20230819 (R4) | The Biafran war ended in January 1970. It had lasted for almost 3 years and split Nigeria. The word Biafra had become synonymous with famine and suffering. Ben Okafor was 12 years old when the fighting started. He fled his hometown with his family, worked in a refugee camp and even volunteered as a child soldier. Hear his memories of the failed bid for Biafran independence. Photo: Ben Okafor - credit Harald Haugan. The Biafran war lasted for almost three years and split Nigeria. Hear one child's story. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there The Biafran war ended in January 1970. It had lasted for almost 3 years and split Nigeria. The word Biafra had become synonymous with famine and suffering. Ben Okafor was 12 years old when the fighting started. He fled his hometown with his family, worked in a refugee camp and even volunteered as a child soldier. Hear his memories of the failed bid for Biafran independence. Photo: Ben Okafor - credit Harald Haugan. The Biafran war lasted for almost three years and split Nigeria. Hear one child's story. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Birth Of The Water Baby | 20180205 | French obstetrician Dr Michel Odent believed that childbirth had become too medicalised. So, in 1977 he began promoting a more natural approach at the French state hospital where he worked. He introduced a pool which women could climb into, to ease the pain of labour. Eventually some babies were even born in the pool. Dr Odent looks back at his innovation which changed the way millions of women approached childbirth. French obstetrician Dr Michel Odent encouraged women to use water to ease childbirth. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Bugging Of The Us Embassy In Moscow | 20161125 | In the mid 1980s the Americans discovered that the Soviets had hidden listening devices deep inside the walls of its new embassy building in Moscow, while it was still under construction. The discovery led to a major trans-Atlantic row and President Ronald Reagan threatened to have the whole building pulled down. Mike Lanchin has spoken to Thomas Jendrysik, an American engineer stationed at the embassy, whose job was to find the secret Soviet equipment. How the Soviets hid hi-tech bugs deep inside the walls of the new US embassy in Moscow. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Capture Of Abimael Guzman | 20161201 | In September 1992 security forces in Peru tracked down and arrested the country's most wanted criminal, the leader of the Maoist rebel group, Sendero Luminoso, or Shining Path. After months staking out a safe house in a quiet residential neighbourhood of the capital, Lima, police seized the 58-year-old Guzman, who was found hiding in an upstairs room. Mike Lanchin has been hearing from the two officers who caught the elusive rebel leader. Tracking down Peru's public enemy number one, leader of the Maoist Shining Path rebels. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Chile Coup | 20130908 | 20230826 (R4) | In September 1973 General Pinochet launched a coup in Chile. Ariel Dorfman was there. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In September 1973 General Pinochet launched a coup in Chile. Ariel Dorfman was there. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Concordski Crash | 20161123 | In June 1973 the Russian rival to Concorde, the Tupolev Tu-144, crashed at the Paris Air Show, killing the crew and people on the ground. At the time the Soviet Union was competing with the West to produce the world's first supersonic passenger aircraft. Former British test pilot, John Farley, recalls the day of the fatal crash of the plane dubbed 'Concordski'. A fateful day in the race to develop the first supersonic passenger plane. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Crate Escape | 20130707 | 20220329 (R4) 20220507 (R4) | In the summer of 1984 a Nigerian exile living in London was kidnapped in a crate. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Crime That Shocked Argentina | 20140819 | In April 2004, the murder of a young student provoked a wave of protests in Argentina. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Cultural Revolution In China | 20130303 | 20220316 (R4) | In the mid 1960s the young people of China were encouraged to turn on their parents and teachers and 'criticise' them. It was part of Chairman Mao's plan to rejuvenate his communist state. Violence and upheaval followed as young Red Guards took his message to extremes. Paul Crook was a foreign teenager living with his family in Beijing. His whole world was turned upside down by the Cultural Revolution. In the mid 1960s the young people of China were encouraged to turn on their elders. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In the mid 1960s the young people of China were encouraged to turn on their parents and teachers and 'criticise' them. It was part of Chairman Mao's plan to rejuvenate his communist state. Violence and upheaval followed as young Red Guards took his message to extremes. Paul Crook was a foreign teenager living with his family in Beijing. His whole world was turned upside down by the Cultural Revolution. In the mid 1960s the young people of China were encouraged to turn on their elders. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Death Of Che Guevara | 20141104 | In October 1967, the Marxist revolutionary was captured and killed in Bolivia. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Death Of Frida Kahlo | 20140805 | On July 13 1954, the celebrated Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, died at the age of 47. Married to the famous mural painter, Diego Rivera, Kahlo was best known for her vivid and often brutal self-portraits depicting different episodes in her tragic life. Witness hears from 90-year-old art critic Raquel Tibol, a friend of Kahlo's, and the veteran Mexican journalist, Elena Poniatowska. On 13 July 1954, celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo died at the age of 47. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Death Of Grenada's Revolution | 20131019 | In October 1983 Grenada's leftist prime minister was killed. Six days later the US invaded Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Death Of Jan Palach | 20160323 | In January 1969 a student set himself alight in protest at the crushing of the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia. Soviet tanks had rolled into the country the year before to bring an end to liberalising reforms. Jan Palach's funeral became, briefly, a rallying point for opposition to Soviet rule. This is a Made in Manchester Production for the BBC. In 1969, a student set himself alight in protest at the crushing of the Prague Spring. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Death Of Walter Rodney | 20150722 | It is 35 years since the Guyanese opposition leader and academic, Dr Walter Rodney, was killed in a bomb explosion. He was one of the leaders of a movement trying to bridge the racial divide in Guyana's politics. His supporters said he had been assassinated on the orders of the government. We hear from his widow, Patricia Rodney, and from Wazir Mohamed who was a young activist at the time. (Photo: Walter Rodney. Credit: the Walter Rodney Family). In 1980, the Guyanese opposition leader Dr Walter Rodney was killed in a bomb explosion. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Destruction Of Iraq's Marshes | 20150826 | In the early 1990s, Saddam Hussein ordered the draining of southern Iraq's great marshes. It was one of the biggest environmental disasters of the twentieth century, and with it, an ancient way of life - dating back thousands of years - was almost wiped out. We hear from the Iraqi environmentalist Azzam Alwash, who has been trying to restore the marshes, and to the journalist Shyam Bhatia, who saw the destruction. A look at the destruction of southern Iraq's great marshes, overseen by Saddam Hussein. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The End Of Apartheid | 20170222 | In February 1990 the President of South Africa, FW de Klerk, began to dismantle apartheid - the system of segregation which had denied the black population basic human rights for over 40 years. Louise Hidalgo has been talking to Adriaan Vlok, who was FW de Klerk's law and order minister, about the end of apartheid and about coming to terms with the crimes that had been committed in apartheid's name. Photo: Adriaan Vlok delivering food to a township near Pretoria where he lives. Adriaan Vlok was in charge of the police in apartheid-era South Africa. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Execution Of Ken Saro-wiwa | 20140119 | 20220910 (R4) 20220907 (R4) | In 1995, the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were executed by the Nigerian military regime. They'd been campaigning against oil pollution in their native Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta. Their deaths led to Nigeria's expulsion from the Commonwealth. Ledum Mitee was a fellow campaigner who was spared execution. In 1995, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were executed by the Nigerian regime. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1995, the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were executed by the Nigerian military regime. They'd been campaigning against oil pollution in their native Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta. Their deaths led to Nigeria's expulsion from the Commonwealth. Ledum Mitee was a fellow campaigner who was spared execution. In 1995, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were executed by the Nigerian regime. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1995, the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were executed by the Nigerian military regime. They'd been campaigning against oil pollution in their native Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta. Their deaths led to Nigeria's expulsion from the Commonwealth. Ledum Mitee was a fellow campaigner who was spared execution. In 1995, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other activists were executed by the Nigerian regime. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Exile Of Solzhenitsyn | 20140223 | In February 1974, Russia's most famous dissident writer was sent into exile in the West. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Failed Kidnapping Of Princess Anne | 20140323 | On March 20th 1974 Princess Anne escaped a kidnap attempt as she was returning to Buckingham Palace. The royal bodyguard, Inspector Jim Beaton, helped fend off the attacker, who was intending to seek a ransom from the Queen for the Princess' safe return. Jim Beaton was shot three times by Ball during the incident. On March 20 1974, Princess Anne escaped a kidnap attempt close to Buckingham Palace. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Fall Of Idi Amin | 20140429 | In April 1979, the brutal Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin, was ousted by invading Tanzanian troops. It was the culmination of a six month conflict between the two countries, which had been triggered by Amin's ill-fated invasion of northern Tanzania. In parts of Uganda, the invading troops were greeted as liberators. During the eight years of Idi Amin's rule, it's estimated that up to 400,000 Ugandans were killed by the regime. In April 1979, the brutal Ugandan ruler Idi Amin was ousted by invading Tanzanian troops. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Fall Of Saigon | 20150501 | 20150805 (R4) 20220820 (R4) 20220821 (R4) | In 1975 US troops airlifted hundreds of people out of the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon as North Vietnamese troops closed in. They were the final days of the Vietnam war and although most American soldiers had long since left the city, there were some left who helped desperate people escape to aircraft carriers waiting off the coast. Hear from Stu Herrington and Vern Jumper, two former American servicemen. In 1975 US troops airlifted hundreds of people out of Saigon as the Vietnam War ended. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Fall Of Singapore | 20130217 | 20220302 (R4) 20220305 (R4) | In February 1942 when Singapore fell to Japanese forces, tens of thousands of Commonwealth soldiers became prisoners of war. They were sent to work in prison camps across South East Asia. Maurice Naylor was put to work building a railway bridge over a river in Thailand - the River Kwai. After World War Two ended, he typed up his memories of internment. February 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese. Tens of thousands of soldiers became POWs. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The First Panda In The West | 20140112 | 20220430 (R4) 20220322 (R4) | In 1936 American socialite Ruth Harkness and her Chinese-American guide, Quentin Young, captured a giant panda cub in the forests of China. Ruth Harkness took the panda to the USA and kept it in her New York flat, before selling it to a Chicago zoo. It was the first time the animal had been seen outside China and panda-mania ensued. It was named 'Su-Lin' and celebrities such as Shirley Temple and Al Capone flocked to see it. Hear from Quentin Young's neice, Jolly Young, about the expedition in search of the panda. ? In 1936, a US socialite and her Chinese guide captured a giant panda and brought it to NY. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1936 American socialite Ruth Harkness and her Chinese-American guide, Quentin Young, captured a giant panda cub in the forests of China. Ruth Harkness took the panda to the USA and kept it in her New York flat, before selling it to a Chicago zoo. It was the first time the animal had been seen outside China and panda-mania ensued. It was named 'Su-Lin' and celebrities such as Shirley Temple and Al Capone flocked to see it. Hear from Quentin Young's neice, Jolly Young, about the expedition in search of the panda. ? In 1936, a US socialite and her Chinese guide captured a giant panda and brought it to NY. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1936 American socialite Ruth Harkness and her Chinese-American guide, Quentin Young, captured a giant panda cub in the forests of China. Ruth Harkness took the panda to the USA and kept it in her New York flat, before selling it to a Chicago zoo. It was the first time the animal had been seen outside China and panda-mania ensued. It was named 'Su-Lin' and celebrities such as Shirley Temple and Al Capone flocked to see it. Hear from Quentin Young's neice, Jolly Young, about the expedition in search of the panda. ? In 1936, a US socialite and her Chinese guide captured a giant panda and brought it to NY. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The 'flour Bomb' Rugby Tour | 20130203 | 20230707 (R4) | In 1981 the South African 'Springboks' rugby team was invited to tour New Zealand. Its presence led to massive anti-apartheid protests across the country. During the final match of the tour protestors took to the air, throwing flour bombs at players and spectators from a light plane. Rebecca Kesby has been talking to Stu Wilson, one of the New Zealand team, and Marx Jones, one of the protestors. In 1981 the South African rugby team toured New Zealand, prompting huge protests. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1981 the South African 'Springboks' rugby team was invited to tour New Zealand. Its presence led to massive anti-apartheid protests across the country. During the final match of the tour protestors took to the air, throwing flour bombs at players and spectators from a light plane. Rebecca Kesby has been talking to Stu Wilson, one of the New Zealand team, and Marx Jones, one of the protestors. In 1981 the South African rugby team toured New Zealand, prompting huge protests. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Gi Who Chose China | 20120727 | 20120729 (R4) 20211205 (R4) | The Korean War ended on July 27th 1953. After the ceasefire, prisoners on both sides were told they could choose where they wanted to go next. Thousands of North Korean and Chinese prisoners headed for a new life in the USA. David Hawkins was one of the 21 Americans who had been held prisoner in North Korea, who chose to go to communist China. He explains his decision, made at the height of the Cold War, and recalls the treatment he recieved as a prisoner, and then as a celebrated guest in Beijing. At the end of the Korean War, 21 American prisoners chose not to go home to the USA. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Greek Military Coup | 20140422 | In April 1967, seven years of military dictatorship began in Greece. During the rule of the colonels, thousands of people were arrested and tortured. Sociologist Gerasimos Nortaras was part of the armed resistance to the military. He was captured, but refused to give away his fellow fighters, even under brutal torture. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Hanafi Hostage Siege | 20180206 | In 1977 a group of American Muslim converts took more than 100 people hostage in Washington DC. They were held captive for more than three days and the siege only ended after ambassadors from Islamic countries helped negotiate with the gunmen. Simon Watts has been speaking to Paul Green, one of the hostages who was held at the Jewish B'nai B'rith centre. How American Muslim gunmen took more than 100 people hostage in the US capital in 1977. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Hong Kong Riots Of 1967 | 20141230 | Throughout much of 1967 striking workers and students filled the streets of Hong Kong. They were inspired by the Cultural Revolution in China and wanted an end to British rule. Witness hears from Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, now the president of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, then a young left-wing student. Striking workers and students filled the streets calling for an end to British rule. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Imprisonment Of Irina Ratushinskaya | 20161129 | The dissident poet spent four years in Soviet prisons and labour camps. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Inuit Children Experiment | 20150812 | In 1951 22 Inuit children from Greenland were taken from their families and sent to live with foster parents in Denmark. It was part of a social experiment aimed at improving the lot of the indigenous people of Greenland but for the children concerned it was a confusing and often traumatic experience. Helen Thiesen was one of those children. Helen Thiesen recalls being taken from her family in Greenland and sent to live in Denmark Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Invasion Of Iraq | 20120923 | For ordinary Iraqis the US-led invasion, which began in March 2003, was a time of fear and insecurity. Lubna Naji was a 17-year old schoolgirl living with her sister and her aunts in Baghdad when the aerial bombardment of the city started. In this edition of Witness she talks to Robin Lustig about the confusion, the claustrophobia and her family's attempts to keep the anxiety at bay. An Iraqi woman remembers living through the US-led invasion of 2003 with Robin Lustig. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Kidnapping Of Frank Sinatra Jr | 20140105 | 20220903 (R4) 20220831 (R4) | In December 1963, the 19-year-old son of Frank Sinatra was kidnapped for a ransom. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In December 1963, the 19-year-old son of Frank Sinatra was kidnapped for a ransom. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In December 1963, the 19-year-old son of Frank Sinatra was kidnapped for a ransom. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Killing Of Dian Fossey | 20140202 | In 1985, the celebrated gorilla expert was murdered at her research station in Rwanda. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Killing Of Vincent Chin | 20180207 | In 1982 a young Chinese-American engineer was murdered with a baseball bat by two white men in the city of Detroit. The lenient sentences the perpetrators received sparked an Asian-American activist movement with protests across the USA. At the time America was going through an economic depression and many were blaming Japan which was perceived to be flooding the US with its cars. For Asian-Americans it was a time of fear. Farhana Haider has been speaking to Helen Zia, one of the activists leading the fight for justice. The brutal murder of a young Chinese-American man sparked a civil rights movement. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Making Of Kind Of Blue | 20141223 | Drummer Jimmy Cobb recalls playing with Miles Davis on the album that changed jazz forever Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Man Who Tried To Kill Hitler | 20140729 | In July 1944, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg attempted to kill Adolf Hitler by planting a briefcase bomb in a meeting at Hitler's headquarters. The attack was supposed to be the trigger for a coup against the Nazi regime. We hear from von Stuaffenberg's son, General Berthold Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. In July 1944 a group of German officers attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Murder Of Anna Politkovskaya | 20141107 | In October 2006, the campaigning Russian journalist was shot outside her Moscow flat. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Murder Of Archbishop Oscar Romero | 20150519 | The outspoken Archbishop of El Salvador was killed by gunmen whilst preaching in church in March 1980. Hear from a Salvadoran journalist who was in the church at the time; and from the former US Ambassador to El Salvador, who knew him. Archbishop Romero will be beatified by the Catholic Church later this week - a step on the road to sainthood. Two witnesses give their account of the shooting of the archbishop of El Salvador. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Nepali Royal Massacre | 20130818 | In 2001, the Crown Prince of Nepal killed nine people and then turned the gun on himself. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Opening Of Euro Disney | 20130811 | 20230623 (R4) | Twenty-one years ago, Disney finally opened a park near Paris after years of negotiations. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there Twenty-one years ago, Disney finally opened a park near Paris after years of negotiations. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Plot Against Franco | 20130210 | 20230811 (R4) | In 1964 a young Scot called Stuart Christie joined a plot to assassinate the Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco. He had become friends with Spanish exiles living in London and was keen to help end Franco's rule. But the plot failed and Christie ended up in jail. He has been telling his story to Mike Lanchin. Photo: Stuart Christie, in jail in Spain in 1967. In 1964 a young Scot joined a plot to assassinate the Spanish dictator, General Franco. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there In 1964 a young Scot called Stuart Christie joined a plot to assassinate the Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco. He had become friends with Spanish exiles living in London and was keen to help end Franco's rule. But the plot failed and Christie ended up in jail. He has been telling his story to Mike Lanchin. Photo: Stuart Christie, in jail in Spain in 1967. In 1964 a young Scot joined a plot to assassinate the Spanish dictator, General Franco. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Poisoning Of Viktor Yushchenko | 20160321 | In 2004, the Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was mysteriously poisoned during his election campaign. He has spoken to Witness about the night he was taken ill and the symptoms he suffered. Badly disfigured, he managed to carry on campaigning and win the Presidency against his Moscow-backed rival. He spoke to Dina Newman. In 2004, Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned and nearly died. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Port Arthur Massacre | 20140902 | The murder of 35 people by one gunman led to sweeping changes in Australia's gun laws. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Queen's Coronation | 20220603 | Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Rajneesh Poisoning Scandal | 20180523 | In the summer of 1984 disciples of an Indian guru clashed with locals in a small town in Oregon in the USA. The guru was the hugely popular Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh whose followers wore orange and believed in sexual experimentation. But in Oregon some of his disciples were eventually found guilty of poisoning hundreds of people. Dina Newman has been speaking to a local official from Oregon, and a former member of the Rajneesh commune there. How the followers of an Indian guru tried to poison their opponents in Oregon, USA. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Renovation Of Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper | 20160705 | In 1999, after 20 years of restoration work, the masterpiece was revealed to the public. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Sinking Of The Uss Indianapolis | 20130728 | On July 30th 1945 a US warship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Pacific. The sailors who survived the attack spent 4 days adrift in shark-infested waters. Out of 1197 men on board just 317 made it out of the water alive. The horror of their ordeal was made famous by the film 'Jaws'. Loel Dean Cox is one of the last remaining survivors. July 1945 - a US warship sinks in the Pacific; its crew face days in shark-infested waters Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Sophiatown Removals | 20150403 | In February 1955 the apartheid government in South Africa began forcibly evicting residents from Sophiatown, a multi-racial suburb of Johannesburg. It was demolished and turned into a whites-only area called Triomf. Victor Mokine was a child at the time and shares his memories with Witness. (Photo: Victor Mokine at the Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre in Sophiatown. Credit: THMC). How apartheid destroyed one of the last multiracial communities in 1950s South Africa. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Soviet Gulag | 20130714 | 20230728 (R4) 20220514 (R4) 20220412 (R4) | Hear one man's story of life in a Soviet labour camp during Stalin's rule. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there Hear one man's story of life in a Soviet labour camp during Stalin's rule. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there Hear one man's story of life in a Soviet labour camp during Stalin's rule. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there Hear one man's story of life in a Soviet labour camp during Stalin's rule. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| The Soweto Uprising | 20141106 | In 1976, schoolchildren marched in protest at the apartheid regime in South Africa. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Stockholm Syndrome | 20161121 | One of the original Stockholm hostages talks about her kidnap ordeal. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Suicide Of Yukio Mishima | 20120826 | Yukio Mishima, the celebrated Japanese author, killed himself in very public circumstances in Tokyo in 1970. Henry Scott Stokes was working as a foreign correspondent in Japan at the time and knew the great writer well. He remembers the day of Mishima's death, and his long-standing interest in ritual suicide. A friend remembers the dramatic death of one of Japan's greatest 20th century writers. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Trial Of Saddam Hussein | 20160701 | On 1 July 2004, Saddam Hussein made his first appearance in a Baghdad courtroom. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| The Us School Bible Controversy | 20161130 | In November 1956 a protest by an American schoolboy challenged the requirement for daily Bible reading in many US schools. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court and eventually thousands of schools in the USA had to change their teaching practices. The schoolboy's name was Ellery Schempp and he has spoken to Claire Bowes for Witness. How a schoolboy challenged the practice of daily Bible reading in US schools - and won. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Tilikum The Orca | 20170220 | On this day in 1991 a killer whale called Tilikum drowned one of its trainers. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Tunnelling Under The Berlin Wall | 20140126 | In 1964 a group of West German students helped more than 50 people escape from East Berlin Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Us Airman Shot Down, By Syrian Forces | 20130915 | In 1983, Lt Robert Goodman was captured while attacking Syrian positions in Lebanon. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Us Psychological Warfare In Vietnam | 20180129 | During the Vietnam war, the US army's Psychological Operations, or PSYOP, teams were deployed to battle communist Viet Cong guerillas and the North Vietnamese Army. Their goal was to try to weaken the enemy's willingness to fight. They used a variety of methods including playing spooky "Wandering Soul" tapes which preyed on local beliefs about the afterlife. Alex Last has been speaking to PSYOP veteran Rick Hofmann who was deployed to Vietnam in the late 1960s. How American military PSYOP teams waged war in Vietnam in the 1960s. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Vietnam, The 'christmas Bombings' | 20130127 | On January 27th 1973 a ceasefire took effect in Vietnam, allowing the USA to pull its troops out of the country. It followed an intense aerial bombardment of North Vietnam by American B-52s - the 'Christmas Bombing Campaign'. 40 years on, it is still not clear what the bombardment was meant to achieve, as the January deal was much the same as one that had been drawn up before the bombing started. Ha Mi was just ten years old and living in Hanoi with her family when the bombs began to fall. Photo: Ha Mi in the summer of 1972. One girl's memories of the bombing that came before the ceasefire of 27 January 1973. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Vietnam, Us Prisoner Of War | 20130804 | In August 1964, US Navy pilot, Everett Alvarez, was shot down over the Gulf of Tonkin by communist North Vietnamese forces. He spent more than 8 years in captivity, suffering physical and psychological torture. He is one of the longest-held American POWs ever. Photo: Everett Alvarez (left) and other POWs on their release in 1973. Credit: Getty Images. In August 1964, Everett Alvarez was shot down by communist North Vietnamese forces. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Voting Against The War On Terror | 20141105 | Only one person voted against giving the US president extra powers after 9/11: Barbara Lee Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Water Polo And The 1956 Hungarian Uprising | 20120805 | 20211212 (R4) | In November 1956 the Hungarian uprising against Soviet rule was quickly quashed. Tanks were sent into the capital Budapest and rebels were rounded up. But the Olympics in Melbourne later that month, gave the country's water polo team one last chance to stand up to the USSR. Before his death in April 2012, Hungarian water polo player Ervin Zador, spoke to Witness about the clash which became known as the 'blood in the water match'. How a water polo match came to symbolise Hungary's fight for freedom from Soviet rule. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |
| Wine Shock: The Judgement Of Paris | 20180524 | Unknown Californian wines beat top French wines in a blind tasting in Paris in May 1976. The result shocked the wine world, transformed the reputation of Californian wine, and horrified the French wine industry. Steven Spurrier, the man who organised the tasting spoke to Alex Last about what became known as 'the Judgement of Paris'. How California stunned the French wine world in the 1970s. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Women And The Iranian Revolution | 20140216 | In February 1979, Iran was undergoing a revolution which would lead to an Islamic state. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there | |
| Woodstock | 20120819 | The Woodstock music festival, held 43 years ago this weekend, has come to symbolise much of the idealism of the 1960s. Hear from one man whose life was changed by those 3 days of peace, love and chaos in August 1969. Patrick Colucci was training to become a Roman Catholic priest when he decided on the spur of the moment to join the stream of young people heading for a dairy farm in the Catskills in New York state. The Woodstock music festival has come to symbolise much of the idealism of the 1960s. Series looking at key events in history, as told by the people who were there |