The untold story of Chinese naval officers in D-Day

The untold story of Chinese naval officers in D-Day

Author: Department of War Studies August 28, 2025 Duration: 46:50
In this episode, Professor Andrew Lambert FKC, Laughton Professor of Naval History, Geoff Browell, Head of Heritage Collections, and Angus Hui, curator of the D-Day Hong Kong, explore the untold story of 24 Chinese naval officers who trained with the Royal Navy during World War II and took part in the D-Day landings. Angus discusses the fascinating discovery of a personal diary from one of these officers, providing a rare, first-hand account of their training, military operations and experiences. The episode also delves into the broader historical context of China’s naval rebuilding efforts during the war, the officers' contributions and their post-war journeys. This conversation sheds light on an important yet often overlooked chapter of naval history and World War II. You can find more information about the exhibition here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/lost-found-in-hong-kong-the-unsung-chinese-heroes-at-d-day

Drawn from the work of the School of Security Studies at King's College London, War Studies offers a direct line to one of the world's largest and most dedicated academic communities focused on security, defence, and international relations. This isn't about surface-level headlines; each episode digs into the intricate realities of conflict, diplomacy, and global power. You'll hear scholars and researchers unpack the underlying forces that shape world affairs, moving beyond theory to examine the tangible challenges faced by those navigating these complex spaces. The Department of War Studies produces this podcast to share its world-leading research, treating each conversation as an opportunity to question assumptions and deepen understanding. Tuning in means engaging with rigorous analysis that connects academic insight to the pressing security issues of our time. The consistent thread is a belief that examining the nature of war is essential for comprehending the broader landscape of human conflict and cooperation. Expect thoughtful, evidence-driven discussions that refuse to simplify the difficult questions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

War Studies
Podcast Episodes
Wargaming: Playing out uncertainty with Dr David Banks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Wargaming has surged in popularity in recent years, drawing substantial financial backing from militaries, governments and the private sector alike. But what are wargames and how are they being used within the defence in…
Israel and conflict memory in Lebanon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, Dr Craig Larkin and Bronte Philips reflect on what this means for the people of Lebanon. They explore how the escala…
Violent extremism and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
Tens of thousands of children currently live in dire conditions in Al Hol camp in Syria – and there are concerns this makes them vulnerable to radicalisation and recruitment. But what is the evidence behind this? Caterin…
Translating the stories of conflict-affected populations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
A translator’s job is to take something in one language and convert it to another – but when you’re translating the stories of people affected by conflict, how do you ensure your own feelings don’t get in the way? In thi…
Addressing male conflict trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:44
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence, self-harm, and suicide. Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict Dr Heidi Riley and Beth Heron discuss their research into conflict trauma in men and boys, e…
Growing up in violent extremist families [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict "Imagine that dad is a neo-Nazi, mum has joined a jihadist group" As governments across Europe face the challenge of reintegrating returnees from Iraq and Syria, Dr Joana Cook examines…
Reconciliation and reconstruction in post-conflict Iraq [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:08
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict "Let’s imagine tomorrow Mosul is brick by brick exactly what it was like before ISIS took over – the city has still fundamentally changed." In this episode, Dr Craig Larkin, Dr Inna Ru…