BFBS Daily Dits
Daily stories from the British Armed Forces community at home and around the world. Join Lauren Mitchell and the BFBS Radio team as they link up with soldiers, sailors, aircrew and military families across the globe, sharing stories about the issues and real life experiences that matter to you. From life on deployment to life back home, BFBS Daily Dits brings you British military voices, culture and conversation in one place. With over 80 years of serving the forces community, BFBS continues to inform, connect and entertain wherever you are in the world.
Episodes
University Officer Training Corps Cadets Experience the Bundeswehr
University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) cadets from the UK have visited Augustdorf in Germany, for a unique opportunity to learn from the Bundeswehr, the German army. Lauren Mitchell and Curtis Tyler followed them on their exercise 🫡In this episode WO2 Jans Vander of the Bundeswehr outlines how the trip’s fostered interoperability and international partnership between t
School of Rock with the British Army Band Catterick
Musicians from British Army Band Catterick have helped children at Sacred Heart Primary School in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, turn their ideas and lyrics into an original recorded song.Chris Kaye headed to a recording session and catches up with Lauren Mitchell. 🎺In this episode What’s life like as a musician in British Army Band Catterick? Discover the unique opportunitie
Netball fun with the AGC Warriors in Gibraltar
The Adjutant General’s Corps Warriors Netball team have been busy training in Gibraltar. Whilst on tour, they also lead a netball session with military children. Jacob Dyer met the players and catches up with Lauren Mitchell. 🏀️In this episode: Lieutenant Colonel Lorraine Thomas, Chair of AGC Netball, on developing the next generation of players - blending experienced athlet
On board with the Head of The Royal Navy: An unfiltered conversation
We take you behind the scenes of an exclusive, access all areas interview with the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, aboard HMS Daring at HMNB Portsmouth. Tim Cooper from Forces News joins Lauren Mitchell to talk through what it was really like to spend time with the man in charge of the Royal Navy. ⚓In this episode: The First Sea Lord says “morale’s high and th
Shooting Drones out of the Sky with 1 Rifles
Soldiers of 1st Battalion The Rifles have conducted experimental counter drone exercises on Sennybridge Training Area in the Brecon Beacons, Wales. BFBS's Toby Pickard was there and joins Lauren Mitchell. 🪖 In this episode: Riflemen test identifying, tracking and jamming enemy drone threats in pioneering training Learn how drone warfare is shaping and
Myth-busting about Life in the Army
The Army Engagement Team host a “Meet Your Army” showcase in Colchester, giving students, school-leavers and local businesses the chance to find out what it’s really like to be in the armed forces. Ashley Paul tells Lauren Mitchell all about it. 🪖In this episode: Busting common myths about the military Young people explore the vast array of careers in the British A
Soldiers in Edinburgh Celebrate Salamanca Day
3 Battalion The Rifles have been commemorating the Duke of Wellington’s 1812 victory at the Battle of Salamanca. Mark McKenzie and Jim Gellatly from BFBS Scotland tell Lauren Mitchell how it was marked at Dreghorn Barracks. Content Warning: this episode features the sound of gunshots 🫡 In this episode: What is Salamanca Day? Jim gives us a history lesson. How do 3 Rifles
Military Volunteers at Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Tim Humphries joins Lauren Mitchell to explore the tennis tournament’s close connection with the British armed forces. 🎾 In this episode: Volunteers from the British Army and the Royal Navy reflect on the prestige and pride they feel serving as stewards on court this year A bittersweet moment for one sailor serving at SW19 in memory of his brother Hear the fascinati
Sennelager Summer Fete: Tanks, Welly-Wanging and Operation Ice Cream
Lauren Mitchell and Curtis Tyler look back on a fun-packed community day in the sunshine at the Garrison Summer Fete. 🍦 In this episode: Why the Fete is such an important thank-you to service personnel and families posted to Germany. Lauren climbs into a Challenger 2 tank and gets up close to the M3 amphibious rig with 23 Amphibious Engineer Squadron. There’s som
Who won the Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood?
The Royal Navy’s biggest training base, HMS Collingwood has held its annual open day and hosted the historic Field Gun competition. But who won bragging rights? George Ryland was there and tells Lauren Mitchell all about it. ⚓ In this episode: Behind the scenes at the historic Field Gun competition Find out who won the coveted Brickwoods Trophy HMS
A Heartwarming Farewell for the CBF Gibraltar
After a four-year tenure as Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Tom Guy waves goodbye and sets sail for the next chapter. BFBS Gini Carlin tells Lauren Mitchell about the special send-off... ⛵ In this episode: Visitors to the Rock A final farewell for CBF Tom Guy Highlights of Tom’s time in command And who’s the new CBF? 📻 Fancy more to listen to? BFBS SITRE
REME Captain takes on Three Ultra Marathons
Captain James Harris of REME is taking on an extraordinary fundraising challenge: three ultra marathons in four months. BFBS’s Richard Wyeth gives Lauren Mitchell all the details. 🏃♂️ In this episode: A look back at the Jurassic Ultra A summer holiday won’t stop preparations Nearly £3000 raised for Help for Heroes Can he conquer the final and toughest run
A Very British Festival for NATO troops in Belgium
The military community in SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Belgium, have celebrated British culture at BRIT Fete. Curtis Tyler visited the event and catches up with Lauren Mitchell. 😎 In this episode: British personnel and families show off their culture and cuisine Find out about the diversity of the NATO teams that make up SHAPE Curtis ge
24 hours of Swimming in Brunei
Team spirit was high in British Forces Brunei as the community came together for a 24-hour swimathon. The event raised money for the Army Benevolent Fund and several Bruneian charities. Honor Mant was poolside and catches up with Lauren Mitchell. 🏊 In this episode: Serving personnel, families and locals take on this relay swim Chief of Staff and other military lea
Friendly Rivalry at Armed Forces Day in Aldershot
Armed Forces Day celebrations took place in Aldershot on Saturday, bringing together all three services for a packed day of displays, activities, and community engagement. BFBS’s George Ryland shared her highlights with Ryan Galpin. 🫡 In this episode:A rundown of the dayInsight into being a Chinook pilotGeorge makes friends with ex-sniper Aldo KaneMore football predictions📱Watch the high
Army recruits celebrate finishing training
Recruits at ATC Pirbright marked a major milestone with a pass-off parade after completing 13 weeks of training. Natasha Reneaux from BFBS Aldershot talks to Ryan Galpin about the big day. 🎉 In this episode: Ice cream, cheer masters, and proud parade-day moments A name change for the 1 Fowler Squadron Look ahead to Armed Forces Day in Aldershot 📻 Useful Links&nb
What will a Social Media Ban mean for Forces Kids?
Government plans for new restrictions on social media use for under 16s are likely to change how those in service families keep up with their friends overseas. BFBS’s Joe Carden tells Ryan Galpin what this could mean for the Armed Forces Community. 📱 In this episode: Insight from Clare Shere MBE, CEO of the Naval Children’s Charity The shift to safer communica
Armed Forces Week in Scotland
Edinburgh commenced Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony at the City Chambers.BFBS’s Mark McKenzie tells Lauren Mitchell all about the day and how he is spotlighting the reserves by making them radio stars.☀️ In this episode:Celebrations in EdinburghScotland’s Armed Forces Week PlansMark gets some new co-hosts📱Watch the Flag Raising on our socials:@bfbs.scotland on Instagram @BFBS S
Military Life on the Rock of Gibraltar
Gibraltar is home to a unique Armed Forces community, it’s a great posting with plenty of things to get involved with.BFBS’s George Ryland recounts her recent adventures in Gibraltar for Lauren Mitchell.☀️ In this episode:A look into the Royal Gibraltar RegimentGibraltar’s unique runwayLife with the Royal Navy Gibraltar SquadronPhotobombing the royal navy📱Follow the journey on our social channels:
RAF Falcons wow the crowd at Armed Forces Day in Northern Ireland
Armed Forces Day celebrations kicked off in Coleraine in Northern Ireland on Saturday. BFBS’s Rachel Cochrane has all the highlights for Lauren Mitchell. 🫡 In this episode: The Royal Marines abseil from the top of the town hall Rachel chats with Sergeant Luke Riddell from the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team A flypast from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Rache
RAF Chinook Role Demo Display Team Take to the Skies for UK Airshows
At RAF Odiham, the Royal Air Force Chinook Role Demo Team are making final preparations ahead of appearances at several airshows across the UK this summer. Richard Wyeth has been chatting to the air crew and shares some behind the scenes insight with Lauren Mitchell. 🚁In this episode: Hear how the RAF aviators wow the crowd, demonstrating the aircraft's versatility and c
British Army Officer named in the King's Birthday Honours List
Major Ed Rutherford of the First Fusiliers is awarded the prestigious Member of the British Empire in the King’s Birthday Honours. BFBS Germany’s Jade Callaway catches up with Lauren Mitchell to share more about the service personnel being recognised. 👑In this episode: What does it feel like to see your name on the Honours list? Find out about the Combat Ready Trai
The Royal Navy Aquatics Team visits Gibraltar
The Royal Navy Aquatics team have held a training camp in Gibraltar as they prepare for the inter services competition later this year. Training is underway for swimming, water polo, diving and open water swimming. BFBS’s Jacob Dyer was poolside with the swimmers and tells Lauren Mitchell all about it. 🏊In this episode: Hear how training is going Find out about the team b
Armed Forces Pay Rise – what you need to know
There’s a 3.6% pay rise on the way for military personnel. But what does this mean for you? James Wharton from BFBS Forces News breaks down the numbers. 📈 In this episode: What does this mean for salaries? The Savvy Squaddie gives his view There’s also an increase in accommodation expenses, what’s the impact? How to find out your exact increase. Useful links: &nb
Liberation Day in the Falklands
June 14th is Liberation Day in the Falklands, commemorating the end of the 1982 Falklands War. Tom Paine was there for BFBS and tells Lauren Mitchell all about it. 🐧In this episode: Padre and Reverend Micheal Lock remembers the sacrifice Falkland Islanders and British Forces made for freedom. Hear from Brigadier Charlie Harmer, Commander British Forces South Atlantic Isla
Martial Arts at Catterick Garrison
Soldiers have been enjoying a masterclass in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as part of a three-day martial arts camp at Marne Barracks in Yorkshire. BFBS’s Chris Kaye, who is no stranger to martial arts, tells Lauren Mitchell what went down at the dojo. 🥋In this episode: What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Hear from Captain Tom Woodman, the BJJ discipline lead in the Army. Did Chris use his
Air Crew from around the world gather in Brunei
The Royal Brunei Air Force are celebrating their 65th Anniversary. 667 Squadron Army Air Corps, the British Army’s only jungle aviators, headed to Rimba Air Base for a Birthday air show. BFBS presenters Honor Mant and Tamsin Robson tagged along. 🚁 In this episode: Honor tells Lauren all about their trip Aviators from around the world show off their aircraft. Tamsin ge
Feeding the Troops at Thiepval
The cookhouse at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn has had a huge refurb. It’s part of the EATS programme to improve junior ranks messes. Lauren talks Rachael Price from BFBS Northern Ireland who’s been to see it. 🍳In this episode: Who’s serving at Thiepval Barracks? What’s changed at the cookhouse? What’s for breakfast lunch and dinner? Hear from the team who made it
Infantry Soldiers fight to be the best
21 infantry soldiers have been put to the test to find the Army’s Best Infanteer. They’ve been through four days of intense physical and mental challenges in an event aimed at making the infantry more lethal and more survivable. Lauren Mitchell talks to BFBS’s Toby Pickard who went along to watch. In this episode: Hear from Colonel James Loudoun OBE who master-minded the event.
What is BFBS Sitrep?
Sitrep is BFBS’s longest running podcast and radio series and now you can watch it! The weekly show explaining all things defence has gone visual. James Hirst, the show’s editor, joins Lauren to explain what it’s all about and why you should watch. In this episode: Hear how Sitrep provides trusted defence analysis which cuts through complicated jargon to make it und
Inside Exercise Rhino Storm in Germany
We go behind the scenes of Exercise Rhino Storm, a large-scale NATO training exercise taking place across Germany and involving an additional 3,500 UK troops.BFBS Germany’s Jade Callaway tells Ryan Galpin about her day on the ground during the final test exercise.In this episode:Inside Exercise Control (EXCON) — the operational hub coordinating the exercise.How the “Red Forces” (enemy simulation)
Bee Company on manoeuvres with The British Army in Aldershot
We’re buzzing to tell you how soldiers have moved thousands of bees to a new hive at Keogh Barracks in Aldershot. Ryan Galpin is joined by BFBS Aldershot’s Natasha Reneaux to talk all things beekeeping in the British Army. 🐝 In this episode: How beekeeping is supporting wellbeing, sustainability, and community across defence sites. Why it’s becoming a popular hobby
RAF Brize Norton’s Passenger Terminal gets a glow-up!
Essential upgrades are underway at RAF Brize Norton where improvements are being made to the passenger terminal. Ryan Galpin is joined by BFBS Brize Norton’s Gemma- Leigh James who takes us behind the scenes at the RAF Station where thousands of British Servicemen and Women pass through on their way to deployments and postings. In this episode: Learn about the logistics involved i
Tasting ration packs from around the world with Jordan Wylie
Rat Pack Roulette—is a BFBS video series combining military ration tastings with in-depth conversations with veterans. Today Lydia Tester talks to the host Karl Lambert about the latest episode featuring Jordan Wylie MBE. Jordan is a veteran, adventurer, and ambassador for the Army Cadet Force but is probably best known for appearing on Channel 4’s Hunted. In this previe
Onboard HMS Stirling Castle in Gibraltar
Welcome to the first episode of BFBS Daily Dits!Today, we head to The Rock, where BFBS’s Jacob Dyer takes us aboard HMS Stirling Castle which has become the first Royal Navy ship affiliated with Gibraltar.In this episode:Jacob tells host Lauren Mitchell about his visit onboard where he caught up with Commander Phil Harper.Hear how the ship’s commercial origins give it a unique layout and features
Introducing BFBS Daily Dits
From life on deployment to life back home, BFBS Daily Dits brings you British military voices, culture and conversation in one place.
