We Sons of World War Two Vets cover art

We Sons of World War Two Vets

We Sons of World War Two Vets

By: Matthew Collins
Listen for free

About this listen

A new podcast (April '25) about men who fought in World War Two, whose stories will be told by their sons.

In each episode, Matthew Collins speaks to a son who tells the story of his father's war and explores its effects - on his father and on himself.

Matthew's father, Patrick, joined the RAF in May 1939 when he was 17. He returned from the war at the age of 24, more mature in many ways than Matthew was at 40.

But his father rarely talked about the war. And when he did, he usually told light-hearted war stories - rather than discuss seriously what he'd seen and done.

Matthew has long known that he was partly shaped by his father's war.


His dad's war experience seeped into his consciousness - often to Matthew's annoyance.

So, after his father died, he started to compare notes with other veterans' sons.

He then started recording interviews with men who told the stories of their fathers' war and reflected on its effects - on their fathers and on themselves.

So far, he's recorded 20 interviews with men all over the UK.

To coincide with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, six have just been launched as podcasts - along with a 17 minute taster episode.

More episodes will be released in May.


Pics of the fathers and sons featured are at:


www.matthewcollins.com


POSTSCRIPT:


There are many more World War Two Vets' sons out there - with personal-historical reflections to share.


Matthew wants to document as many as possible.

​​

He's already travelled around the UK recording interviews. And will continue to do so, funding this project out of his own pocket.


But ideally, he could do with assistance.

If you would like to support this podcast, please see "Support the Show" under each episode’s info.


Or go to:

https://www.patreon.com/wesonsofww2vets


Thank you.

© 2025 We Sons of World War Two Vets
Relationships Science Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Episode 7. Eric and George. And George.
    Apr 16 2025

    Eric Grant talks about his father George who took 11 bullets after parachuting into Arnhem.

    He also talks about his mother, Pearl; about wartime romance; and about a desire to erase wartime history.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Episode 6. Robert and Hugh
    Apr 16 2025

    Matthew talks to Robert Sackville-West about his father Hugh.

    Hugh won a Military Cross for his heroic actions in a tank battle during the liberation of France.

    But none of his family knew the full details of how he won his medal until after he died.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Episode 5. Richard and Thomas
    Apr 16 2025

    Richard Hicks and Matthew met in prison - when they were teaching in Wormwood Scrubs.

    Richard's father, Thomas, was a Wellington bomber pilot with 458 Squadron. Thomas had so many lucky escapes that his crew thought he was in league with the devil (because the devil looks after his own....) and his crew refused to fly with any other pilot.

    Thomas was a survivor but, says Richard, his war experiences left him desensitised.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins

What listeners say about We Sons of World War Two Vets

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.