The History Hour

← The History Hour22 Aug · 1 h 00 min

The battle of Mandalay and the New World screwworm

The battle of Mandalay and the New World screwworm22 Aug1 h 00 min

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History episodes from the BBC World Service.

Our guest is Dr Elisabeth Fondren, Associate Professor of Journalism at St John's University in New York, USA.

We start by hearing some groundbreaking frontline reporting from the Battle of Mandalay in World War Two.

Then, we hear how in 1950s Canada, a controversial government scheme saw the relocation of nearly 30 thousand people.

Next, a pioneering scientist on his role in the fight against a flesh-eating parasite, the New World screwworm in the 1950s.

Plus, the extraordinary life and times of India's "Queen of Melody", Asha Bhosle.

Then, the formation of the English Premier League in 1992.

Finally, how, an Australian recipe book brought novelty birthday cakes to the masses in 1980.

Contributors:

Dr Elisabeth Fondren - Associate Professor of Journalism at St John's University in New York, USA.

Douglas Cleverdon - BBC radio producer (Archive).

Don White - one of thousands relocated under a Canadian government scheme (Archive).