Ep 2. Military Matters

In season 13 episode 2 of QI, titled "Military Matters," guests Sandy Toksvig, Bill Bailey, Rich Hall, and Alan Davies delve into the world of military trivia, discussing a range of topics from the most dangerous animals in war to the origins of the NATO phonetic alphabet.

The episode opens with the panel discussing the unlikely weapon of carrier pigeons, which were used for communication purposes in war throughout history. Toksvig notes that pigeons were actually considered classified military equipment by the US Army in World War II, and there were even cases of soldiers being court-martialed for losing them.

The panel also explores some lesser-known facts about warfare, such as the existence of military dolphins trained to do tasks like detecting mines in the water. They also discuss the origins of the NATO phonetic alphabet, which uses words like "alpha" and "bravo" to ensure clear communication over radio channels.

One particularly interesting segment of the episode focuses on the optics of camouflage in battle. Bailey discusses the use of dazzle camouflage, a technique that involved painting warships with wild patterns to confuse enemy ships and make it difficult to determine the actual size and location of the vessel. Hall notes that in World War I, soldiers sometimes used mirrors to reflect sunlight and signal to their comrades, but this technique was eventually banned because it made them easy targets for snipers.

Throughout the episode, the panelists engage in witty banter and challenge each other on their knowledge of military trivia. They also learn some surprising new facts, such as the fact that human urine was used as a disinfectant during World War I.

As with previous episodes of QI, "Military Matters" is not just informative but also entertaining, with plenty of humorous moments and unexpected twists. Fans of the show will appreciate the lively discussion and the chance to learn something new about the fascinating and complex world of military history.