About this episode

This episode features a collection of historical accounts including the Battle of Mandalay, a Canadian relocation scheme, and the fight against the New World screwworm.

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). Edward Knipling - entomologist known for his development of the Sterile Insect Technique (Archive). Asha Bhosle - celebrated Indian playback singer…

People in this episode

Host: Max Pearson

Guest: Dr Elisabeth Fondren

Topics covered

• World War Two
• Canadian history
• scientific innovation
• Indian music
• sports history
• cultural impact

Keywords

• Battle of Mandalay
• New World screwworm
• Asha Bhosle
• English Premier League
• Canadian government scheme
• 1950s history
• World War Two

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Canada, India, Burma

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