Episode 12: Hymn to Freedom

Down the Line: a Secret Army podcast

This month AJ & Andy appraise Michael Chapman's sole contribution to Secret Army: Hymn to Freedom, which explores the political and personal motivations of the Quisling-like Van Reijn as he attempts to leave Occupied Belgium behind.

Andy has issues with Chapman's storytelling style, while AJ has cause to sing a refrain of 'Interchangeable Men'. Elsewhere, a draughts trope irritates Andy, AJ considers how differently they might react to Lisa if a man talked to them like Curtis does, and both of them are thrilled to learn about a filming location used in the episode.

We are joined, as ever, by Ryan, and also by Alex Wilcock whose reading of the episode brings lots of new ideas to light. At the end of the episode we are joined by Sophia Bennett (@sophiabennett on Twitter) who reflects on how Secret Army has affected both her reading and her writing. You can find out about her books here: http://sophiabennett.com/books/

Also you might want to check out Flemish and Wallooon POWs in the Second World War by Jean-Michel Veranneman (as mentioned by AJ): https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Belgium-in-the-Second-World-War-Paperback/p/20249

As ever, thank you for listening and please do share links and promote the podcast wherever you can.

You can tweet us at @secretarmypod or email us/drop us a voice-note at [e-mail]

Next Time: Bait