All Stations

In this episode, we're diving into the medical legacy of both clubs and hearing from a plastic surgeon who has treated more veterans of the Afghan conflict than any other in the UK. The members of both the guinea pig club and the cassava club were united by the severity of their injuries, injuries that had previously been unsurvivable.

Made up of World War Two airmen, the Guinea Pig Club has left a lasting legacy on future RAF generations and were instrumental in helping Sir Archibald McIndoe develop pioneering plastic surgery techniques. In episode two, actress Fiona Dolman explains how the Guinea Pig Club inspired the CASEVAC club. A club established for those who have been seriously wounded in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador Mike Goody sits down with the award-winning TV writer Jed Mercurio to talk about his experience as a CASEVAC club member. 

Made up of World War Two airmen, the Guinea Pig Club has left a lasting legacy on future RAF generations and were instrumental in helping Sir Archibald McIndoe develop pioneering plastic surgery techniques.  Our hosts Victoria Taylor and Emily Mayhew, explain how the Guinea Pig Club formed. From our archive, we also hear remarkable stories from members of the Guinea Pig Club themselves. Andrew Perry, son of Guinea Pig Club member Jack Perry, tells us of his experience of standing proudly beside his dad. Listen to our All Stations Series 3 Podcast, where we tell the incredible story of The Guinea Pig Club.

Join us and listen as we explore the history and legacy of the Guinea Pig Club on its 80th anniversary. The Guinea Pig Club were a group of young airmen who survived fiery crashes during the Second World War. Plastic Surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe formed a social group of brave men and encouraged members not to hide their injuries and live full, active and happy lives. In Series Three of All Stations, we listen to the real-life stories from the Guinea Pig Club members, and we learn of their triumphs against the obstacles they faced.   Series three is presented by historian Victoria Taylor, Writer Jed Mercurio, Actress Fiona Dolman and many others, including our RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador Mike Goody. 

This Battle of Britain Day, we are delighted to present to you a moving,  original audio drama inspired by the stories of those who took part in the  battle. 

This Battle of Britain Day, we are delighted to present to you a moving,  original audio drama inspired by the stories of those who took part in the  battle. 

The Battle of Britain was a decisive victory that kept Britain in the war and forced Nazi Germany to postpone its plans to invade. The war continued for nearly five more years, so what lessons did the British – and the Germans – learn from the battle?

It’s early September 1940. The Luftwaffe has been sending their bombers and fighters over Great Britain in ever greater numbers. This is the start of the Blitz.

German forces had swept across Europe - occupying much of the continent in just a few months. Great Britain stood alone in Europe, facing imminent invasion by the Germans. But it didn’t fight alone.

The second series of All Station marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Find out just what it took to face the unrelenting onslaught of the German air force - day, after day, after day.