TODAY’S RADIO

Tommies

2.15PM, RADIO 4

As ever, this excellent First World War drama series goes out exactly 100 years to the day after the events covered in the drama happened. Drawing on war diaries, letters and eyewitness accounts, this two-part adventure follows Captain Mickey Bliss and his team as they find themselves caught up in the turmoil of the war in the Middle East.

Steve Lamacq

4PM, BBC 6 MUSIC

It’s the tenth anniversary of 6 Music’s Wear Your Old Band T-Shirt To Work Day. Kate Moss, Simon Pegg, Debbie Harry and Brian Cox are among the many who have donned their Ts in previous years. Those of you still sporting the T-shirt that you wore on this day back in 2007 may be ready for a new one. If that’s the case, Peter Saville, the record sleeve designer, has created a new T-shirt as a celebration of this quirky event. He joins Steve on the show today.

Radio 3 In Concert

7.30PM, RADIO 3

The London Jazz Festival launches tonight and, for the next ten days – in big venues, small clubs and various pubs – all kinds of jazz will be played in the capital. Andrew McGregor introduces this opening concert from the Royal Festival Hall, with artists including Liane Carroll, Seal, Mica Paris, Angelique Kidjo, Miles Mosley and Vanessa Haynes.

Friday Night Is Music Night

8PM, RADIO 2

Earlier in the year, the BBC Concert Orchestra gave a concert in honour of Vera Lynn’s 100th birthday. The White Cliffs Of Dover and We’ll Meet Again brought back memories of the bravery of the Forces Sweetheart who gave so many performances so close to enemy lines. Also included in this repeat broadcast are Spitfire Prelude, The Dam Busters March and The Bridge On The River Kwai.

Science Stories

11.30PM, RADIO 4

Caroline Herschel contracted typhus when she was a child. It stunted her growth, and blinded her left eye. Despite this, Caroline became a highly regarded astronomer. Naomi Alderman tells the story of the woman who, in the late 18th century, discovered several comets.

Vera Lynn (8pm, Radio 2)