Life on the Line

Angus Hordern interviews Vietnam veteran Ron Aitken. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Vietnam veteran Ron Aitken. Ron flew 261 operational bombing missions over Vietnam.

Alex Lloyd speaks with Dr Brendan Nelson, Director at the Australian War Memorial. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day and to talk about this very special day of reflection and commemoration, Alex Lloyd spoke with a very special guest. The Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson has a long and distinguished career in public service. Just to name a few prominent positions, Dr Nelson was the Federal President of the Australian Medical Association before serving as the Federal Member for Bradfield from 1996 to 2009, where one of his portfolios was Minister for Defence. After a key ambassadorial role, Dr Nelson was appointed as Director of the Australian War Memorial in 2012.

Angus Hordern continues his interview with Rear Admiral Andrew Robertson AO DSC. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's episode is the second instalment of the conversation with Andrew Robertson, covering Andrew’s experiences in Vietnam, a near-death crash in London, and the career of a senior navy officer.

Angus Hordern interviews World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran Andrew Robertson. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran Andrew Robertson. This is the first of a two-part episode.

Excerpts from FOR SCHOOL AND COUNTRY interview with World War II veteran Arthur Pardey. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today's bonus episode is from our archive vault, an interview with World War II veteran Arthur Pardey.

Alex Lloyd interviews Afghanistan and Iraq veteran, formerly of the 2nd Commando Regiment, Eddie Robertson. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, Eddie Robertson. A former member of the 2nd Commando regiment, Eddie saw multiple deployments to the Middle East as an elite soldier. Alex Lloyd spoke to Eddie about his combat operations, the life of a Commando and about his good friend, the late Cameron Baird VC, MG.

Interviews with Angus Hordern, David Leafe and Rex Ward about Rex's service in the Vietnam War. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today’s bonus episode focuses on Rex Ward, Vietnam veteran, who was Angus Hordern’s history teacher at school.

Angus Hordern interviews Vietnam veteran David Leafe. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Vietnam veteran David Leafe. David joined the army for a scholarship to study dentistry, and found himself in the heart of Vietnam’s jungle.

Alex Lloyd speaks with John Moore, former emcee of the Sydney Martin Place ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today’s bonus episode is with John Moore. John was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army Reserves, an ABC commentator for the Sydney Anzac Day Parade, and was the emcee of Sydney’s Martin Place Dawn Service for twelve years, the fourth man in all its history to hold that position. 

Angus Hordern interviews War on Terror veterans Sarah Turner and Michael Wright. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with two veterans of the War on Terror, Sarah Turner and Michael Wright. Sarah and Michael served together aboard HMAS Kanimbla. They shared how battle scars travel across generations, stories of their time at sea, and the difficulties of life after service when one is trained for war - but not for peace.

Alex Lloyd speaks with Elizabeth Smith and members of The Lancer Band. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today’s bonus episode is with Elizabeth Smith of the Lancer Band. They’re the Regimental Band of the Royal New South Wales Lancers and are the oldest military band in Australia. Alex Lloyd spoke with Liz and some other members of the band at the Lancer Barracks in Parramatta, at one of their weekly rehearsals. 

Trailer for Barney Greatrex - from Bomber Command to the French Resistance - the stirring story of an Australian hero. Barney Greatrex - from Bomber Command to the French Resistance - the stirring story of an Australian hero. BARNEY GREATREX is the biography of World War II veteran Barney Greatrex. Written by Michael Veitch, based on the research by Alex Lloyd and Angus Hordern. This book was inspired by the documentary miniseries FOR SCHOOL AND COUNTRY by Thistle Productions, the makers of this podcast. We collaborated with publisher Hachette and bestselling author Michael Veitch to produce this awesome account of Barney’s life.

Alex Lloyd interviews World War II veteran Tom Hughes. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with World War II veteran Tom Hughes. Tom is a veteran of the Royal Australian Air Force, a former Australian politician and an incredibly prominent barrister. He’s the brother of the late Robert Hughes, acclaimed author and critic, and the father of three children, including Lucy Turnbull – our Prime Minister’s better half. Alex Lloyd spoke with Tom on his farm about his military service, and his father’s experiences in World War I.

Alex Lloyd speaks with Jay Devereux, founder and CEO of Veterans 360 Australia. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Most weeks we also have a bonus episode, where we speak to historians, authors and others in the veterans community. Today’s bonus episode is with a man who is tracking down homeless Australian war veterans and putting a roof over their heads. Jay Devereux is the founder and CEO of Veterans 360 Australia, a charity that locates and provides ongoing support for homeless veterans throughout the country. 

Angus Hordern interviews Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy career officer Ivan Ingham. Life on the Line tracks down Australian war veterans and records their stories. Today's conversation is with Ivan Ingham, formerly of the Royal Navy and currently serving with the Royal Australian Navy. This is the story of a modern Navy serviceman.