History of the Second World War
History of the Second World War is a weekly podcast that covers World War 2, starting from the tumultuous years after the First World War, continuing into the descent into war during the 1930s, through the war years, and then into the post-war aftermath.
Episodes
279: North Africa '41 Pt. 1 - Why Are the Germans Here?
German forces arrived in North Africa in February 1941 to shore up Italy’s collapsing position, but the limited mission conceived in Berlin soon collided with Erwin Rommel’s far more ambitious plans. This episode examines the creation of the Afrika Korps, the uneasy German-Italian command arrangement, the arrival of German ground and air units in Libya, and the supply problems that would shape eve
278: The War At Sea '41 Pt. 16 - The End of the Surface Raiders
News of Bismarck's sinking brings celebration in London, but the sailors struggling in the cold Atlantic face a desperate fight for survival. This episode examines the rescue effort, the Royal Navy's reckoning with the loss of Hood, the German leadership's response to the failed operation, and how the destruction of Bismarck helped bring the era of German surface raiding in the Atlantic to an end.
Listener Questions Pt. 8
More strategic bombing discussion, how did merchant shipping work, occupied economies, and more.
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277: War at Sea '41 Pt. 15 - The End of the Bismarck
After days of pursuit, King George V and Rodney finally close with the crippled Bismarck in the stormy Atlantic. This episode follows the brutal final battle from the opening salvos through the destruction of Bismarck's guns and superstructure, the British battleships' point-blank bombardment, and Dorsetshire's torpedo attack as Germany's most powerful warship slips beneath the waves.
Credit Lo
276: War at Sea '41 Pt. 14 - Wounded Beast
With Bismarck crippled and unable to steer after the Ark Royal's torpedo attack, the German battleship's crew struggles through flooding, failed repairs, and growing exhaustion while both German commanders ashore and British forces at sea prepare for the inevitable final encounter. This episode follows the messages that revealed the ship's desperate condition, the nighttime attacks by Captain Vian
275: War at Sea '41 Pt. 13 - Lucky Strike
After Bismarck slips away from her British pursuers, the Royal Navy launches a desperate search before dwindling fuel supplies force the chase to end. This episode follows the intelligence breakthrough that reveals the battleship's course, the Ark Royal Swordfish strike that mistakenly attacks HMS Sheffield, and the second attack that cripples Bismarck's steering and seals her fate.
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Listener Questions. Pt 7
Greece, First World War Blockade Breaking, Crete, and WW2 Main Battery shell reliability.
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274: War at Sea '41 Pt. 12 - On a Wing and a Prayer
With Bismarck damaged and making for France, the Royal Navy concentrated an enormous collection of ships to contain and destroy her while Admiral Lütjens worked to release Prinz Eugen and escape his pursuers. This episode follows Bismarck’s clash with the shadowing force, the inexperienced aircrews of HMS Victorious launching their torpedo attack, and the maneuver that finally allowed the German b
273: War at Sea '41 Pt. 11 - The End of the Mighty Hood
The Battle of the Denmark Strait opened with British fire directed at the wrong German ship before Bismarck and Prinz Eugen concentrated their guns on Hood. This episode follows Hood’s catastrophic destruction, Prince of Wales’s withdrawal, the damage inflicted on Bismarck, and Admiral Lütjens’s decision to abandon the commerce-raiding mission and make for France while the Royal Navy remained in p
272: War at Sea '41 Pt. 10 - On the Eve of Battle
As Hood and Prince of Wales raced toward Bismarck and Prinz Eugen, worsening weather, uncertain contact reports, and the limitations of Hood’s armor shaped Admiral Holland’s plan of attack. This episode follows the tense final hours before the Battle of the Denmark Strait, from preparations aboard all four ships to the identification error that sent the British guns toward the wrong target as the
271: War at Sea '41 Pt. 9 - Found and Followed
As Bismarck and Prinz Eugen entered the Denmark Strait, the cruisers Suffolk and Norfolk made contact and began the difficult task of shadowing them through fog, ice, and dangerous proximity to the German guns. This episode follows the first exchanges of the pursuit, the radar limitations confronting both sides, and the Royal Navy’s race to position its forces for the battle ahead.
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270: War at Sea '41 Pt. 8 - The Operation Begins
As Bismarck and Prinz Eugen departed for the Atlantic, British reconnaissance exposed their presence in Norway and set the Royal Navy’s response in motion. This episode follows the German ships through their final preparations and dash toward the Denmark Strait while examining the severe endurance constraints, aging warships, and untested crews that shaped Britain’s pursuit.
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269: War at Sea '41 Pt. 7 - This Seems Risky
In May 1941, the German battleship Bismarck prepared for its first and only wartime cruise into the Atlantic. This episode examines the strategic pressures behind Operation Rheinübung, the compromises that left Bismarck and Prinz Eugen without the support originally envisioned, and Admiral Günther Lütjens’s growing concern that the mission placed Germany’s most powerful warship at unacceptable ris
Listener Questions Pt. 6
Geography, German Success in Russia, Economies, and much more in this listener question episodes.
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268: War at Sea '41 Pt. 6 - Aces Down
This episode follows the Battle of the Atlantic through the costly weeks of March 1941, when Germany lost three of its most celebrated U-boat commanders: Günther Prien, Joachim Schepke, and Otto Kretschmer. It examines the expanding British convoy-escort system, the battle surrounding convoy HX-112, and the decisions that pushed Dönitz to disperse his boats farther west and toward West Africa. Tho
267: War at Sea '41 Pt. 5 - The Undersea Hunters
This episode shifts the focus of the naval war from German surface raiders to the U-boats, tracing why they became the central German weapon in the Battle of the Atlantic and why there were still too few of them in late 1940 and early 1941. It covers the effect of French Atlantic bases, the construction of U-boat pens, cooperation with Fw-200 Condors, early combined attacks on convoys, and the con
266: War at Sea '41 Pt. 4 - The End of Operation Berlin
Operation Berlin reaches its conclusion as Scharnhorst and Gneisenau continue their Atlantic cruise, repeatedly finding merchant shipping but also repeatedly being checked by the presence of British battleships. This episode follows Lütjens through further searches, missed opportunities, encounters with Malaya and Rodney, and the final run into Brest, before turning to the RAF attacks that badly d
265: War at Sea '41 Pt. 3 - Operation Berlin
In early 1941, the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau set out on Operation Berlin, an attempt to break into the Atlantic and strike at Britain's convoy lifeline. This episode follows Admiral Günther Lütjens as he weighs weather, fuel, British patrols, and strict orders against the promise of a major commerce-raiding success, while also examining how the absence of German carrier aviation
Listener Question Pt. 5
Start off this one with a few quick hitters, then a question that takes 15 minutes to answer. Allied invasion of France in 1942? That Churchill guy you may have heard of? How did occupied economies work?
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264: War at Sea '41 Pt. 2 - Cruisers Attack
This episode examines Germany's auxiliary cruisers and the heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper as they carried the commerce war into distant shipping lanes during 1940 and early 1941. It follows the disguised merchant raiders that forced the Royal Navy to disperse its strength around the globe, then traces the Hipper's design limitations, encounters with convoys WS-5A and SLS-64, and repeated mechanical
263: War At Sea '41 Pt. 1 - The Surface Raiders
This episode begins a new look at the German surface raiding campaign of late 1940 and early 1941, when the Kriegsmarine tried to use cruisers and battleships to threaten Britain's Atlantic lifelines. We trace how the fall of France transformed Germany's naval options, why ports like Brest and St. Nazaire mattered, how intelligence shaped the hunt on both sides, and how the Admiral Scheer's attack
262: Crete Pt. 7 - Another Defeat; Another Victory
The evacuation from Crete reaches its final stage as British, Commonwealth, and Greek forces try to escape through Sphakia while others are left behind at Rethymno and across the island. This episode follows the difficult choices made by commanders and naval crews, the losses suffered by the Royal Navy, the surrender and occupation that followed, and the way the defeat shaped later judgments of Fr
261: Crete Pt. 6 - Stick It Out
The battle for Crete shifts toward evacuation as the Royal Navy absorbs severe losses while trying to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the island by sea. This episode follows the aftermath of the disastrous naval fighting around May 22, Cunningham's determination to keep supporting the army, the final British naval operations around Crete, and the beginning of the withdrawal toward Spha
260: Crete Pt. 5 - Failed Counterattacks
The Royal Navy's success in turning back the German invasion convoys in the waters north of Crete on the night of May 21st removed the threat of a seaborne landing, but it could not undo the damage done by Commander Freyberg's obsession with that very threat. This episode examines how Freyberg's misreading of Ultra intelligence about the 5th Mountain Division led him to hoard troops along the coas
Listener Questions Pt. 4
War Aims and Strategic Bombing
History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
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259: Crete Pt. 4 - Naval Victory, Naval Disaster
As the first day of the German invasion of Crete drew to a close on May 20th, 1941, neither side held the clear advantage they had hoped for — the Germans had failed to secure their primary objectives, while the British commander General Freyberg struggled with poor communications and an overriding fear of a seaborne invasion that would shape his decisions in the days ahead. This episode examines
258: Crete Pt. 3 - May 20th a Day of Failures
The first day of the German airborne invasion of Crete, May 20th, 1941, saw paratroopers drop not only around the critical airfield at Maleme but across three other sectors of the island. Near Chania, German forces landing in Prison Valley were held in check by New Zealand and Greek troops under Colonel Kippenberger, while the poorly armed 8th Greek Regiment stopped their attackers and then re-equ
257: Crete Pt. 2 - May 20th at Maleme
At dawn on May 20, 1941, the German airborne assault on Crete began — the largest parachute operation in history to that point. This episode covers the opening day of the battle at Maleme, where a combination of German intelligence failures and disastrous British command decisions would set the course of the entire campaign. Despite heavy losses among the German paratroopers — many cut down in mid
256: Crete Pt. 1 - Preparations
Following the Allied defeat on the Greek mainland, thousands of British, Australian, and New Zealand troops were evacuated to the island of Crete in late April 1941, many arriving without their heavy weapons and with morale badly shaken. This episode examines the Allied defense of Crete under General Bernard Freyberg, who despite possessing Ultra intelligence pointing clearly to a German airborne
255: Greece Pt. 7 - The Invasion Ends
Just ten days after Germany launched Operation Marita, the decision was made to evacuate all British forces from Greece — and this episode covers the chaotic final weeks of the campaign as that decision unfolded. Greek military commander Papagos had largely given up hope by mid-April, the Greek government and royal family fled to Crete, and the 200,000-strong Greek force in Albania surrendered to
254: Greece Pt. 6 - The Invasion Begins
On April 6th, 1941, Germany launched Operation Marita, the invasion of Greece, with the 12th Army under General List striking primarily through the newly conquered territory of Yugoslavia to outflank the well-prepared Greek Metaxas Line. The opening days of the attack were harder than the Germans expected — the Greeks defended stubbornly along the Metaxas Line, particularly at the Rupel Pass, but
Listener Questions Pt. 3
Spanish Civil War Guerillas, the impact of Yugoslavia's transportation infrastructure, and evaluating British generals across the world wars.
History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
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253: Greece Pt. 5 - Cape Matapan
While the land campaign in Greece was grinding forward, the Mediterranean was the scene of an equally consequential struggle at sea. This episode tells the story of the Battle of Cape Matapan, one of the most decisive British naval victories of the entire war. When the Italian fleet sortied to intercept a British convoy carrying New Zealand troops to Greece, the Royal Navy was waiting — thanks in
252: Greece Pt. 4 - Spring 1941
As the spring of 1941 approaches, the war in Greece enters a critical new phase. The Italians launch a major offensive in Albania, staking everything on capturing the heavily defended Hill 731, only to suffer over 12,000 casualties and gain essentially nothing after weeks of futile assaults. Meanwhile, Bulgaria's decision to join the Tripartite Pact and allow German troops to cross its territory f
251: Greece Pt. 3 - The Path to Escalation
The Italo-Greek War, which began as a purely regional conflict in October 1940, would transform into a broader European confrontation as both Germany and Britain made the fateful decision to intervene in Greece. For the Germans, concerns about protecting vital Romanian oil fields from potential British air attacks, combined with fears of Italian collapse, drove the planning of Operation Marita, an
Interview 52: Why Barbarossa Failed with Timothy Manion
For this interview I was joined by Timothy Manion to discuss his upcoming book Why Barbarossa Failed: Germany and Russia in the Second World War which released March 5, 2026.
https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/why-barbarossa-failed-germany-and-russia-in-the-second-world-war.php
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History of the S
Listener Questions Pt. 2
Because so many questions were sent in for the first Questions episode, I had to make another.
If you have First or Second World War Questions send them to historyofthesecondworldwar@outlook.com.
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History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
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250: Greece Pt. 2 - After the Failure
This episode continues the story of the Italo-Greek War following the disastrous Italian invasion of Greece in late October 1940. After the Italian defeat at Kalpaki, the Greeks launched a counteroffensive that quickly pushed Italian forces back across the border and into Albania, capturing the city of Korce and taking over 10,000 prisoners. The episode examines the Italian leadership shake-ups th
249: Greece Pt. 1 - Plans and Preparations
In October 1940, Mussolini launched an invasion of Greece from Albania, determined to secure Italian expansion in the Balkans before any peace could be negotiated. This episode examines the lead-up to the Italo-Greek War, beginning with Greece under the Metaxas dictatorship and its efforts to build up military strength despite limited industrial capacity. We explore Italy's decision to target Gree
248: Taranto Pt. 2 - The Attack
On the night of November 11, 1940, the HMS Illustrious launched two waves of Swordfish torpedo bombers against the Italian fleet anchored at Taranto. Despite losing formation in the clouds and facing intense anti-aircraft fire, the British pilots pressed home their attacks against the Italian battleships. When the smoke cleared, three battleships—the Littorio, Conti di Cavour, and Duilio—had been
247: Taranto Pt. 1 - Plans and Preparations
In November 1940, the Royal Navy launched one of the most audacious carrier operations of the Second World War—a nighttime air attack on the Italian fleet anchored at Taranto. This episode explores the planning and preparations behind Operation Judgement, examining why Admiral Cunningham and his Mediterranean fleet turned to airpower when traditional fleet engagements proved elusive. From the capa
246: Yugoslavia Pt. 2 - The Invasion
In Episode 246 of History of the Second World War, titled “Yugoslavia Pt. 2 – The Invasion,” we explore how the short-lived Yugoslav state collapsed under German military pressure just weeks after its own internal coup. On April 6, 1941, Nazi forces invaded from multiple directions, swiftly overwhelming the disorganized and poorly equipped Yugoslav army — leading to surrender within eleven days. T
245: Yugoslavia Pt. 1 - Belgrade's Impossible Position
In this episode of “History of the Second World War,” we explore Yugoslavia’s precarious position in the early years of WWII — a newly formed nation straddling ethnic diversity and geopolitical tension, created after WWI from the remnants of the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. As Germany surged into Poland and Italy sought to expand its influence in the Balkans, Yugoslavia found itself caugh
Listener Questions Pt. 1
Late last year I asked for listener questions, this is the result!
If you have First or Second World War Questions send them to historyofthesecondworldwar@outlook.com.
Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.
History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice
244 - East Africa
In this episode of “History of the Second World War,” we explore the often-overlooked but strategically significant campaign in East Africa during 1940–1941, where British and Italian forces clashed across rugged terrain. While the Western Desert dominated headlines, behind-the-scenes battles raged in Ethiopia and Somalia — fought not just by Britons and Italians, but by diverse colonial troops in
243: North Africa 1940 Pt. 7 - Beda Fomm
In Episode 243 of History of the Second World War, we explore the pivotal Battle of Beda Fomm in North Africa during January 1941 — the decisive follow-up to the British victory at Bardia that shattered Italian morale and control in Libya. With the Italian 10th Army decimated and retreating, British forces swiftly capitalized on their momentum, capturing thousands of prisoners and securing key Med
242: North Africa 1940 Pt. 6 - Bardia
In Episode 242 of History of the Second World War, we dive into Operation Compass, Britain’s first major offensive in North Africa in late 1940 — specifically focusing on the critical assault on Bardia, an Italian stronghold along the coast with formidable defenses. After initial successes capturing Sidi Barrani and forcing a chaotic Italian retreat, British forces now face the challenge of overco
241: North Africa 1940 Pt. 5 - Operation Compass
In Episode 241 of “History of the Second World War,” dive into the explosive opening of Operation Compass — Britain’s first major offensive in North Africa during WWII, launched in December 1940 against Italian fortified camps. Witness how British forces, including the 7th Armored and 4th Indian Divisions with their iconic Matilda tanks and devastating artillery, overwhelmed Italian defenses throu
Interview 51: Pearl Harbor with Mark Stille
For this interview I was joined by Mark Stille to discuss his latest book, Pearl Harbor: Japan's Greatest Disaster. https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/pearl-harbor-9781472865311/
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History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f
240: North Africa 1940 Pt. 4 - British Build-Up
As Italy advances into Egypt, Britain quietly prepares its first major offensive — Operation Compass — in this tense buildup episode. We explore the friction between Churchill’s impatient push for victory and General Wavell’s insistence on realistic desert readiness, while massive reinforcements arrive: Matilda tanks, armored regiments, artillery, and supplies all vital to a bold strike through th
Interview 50: Defenders of the Reich with Robert Forsyth
This time I was joined by Robert Forsyth to discuss his new book Defenders of the Reich: The Luftwaffe's War Against America's Bombers which you can purchase from Osprey publishing here: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/defenders-of-the-reich-9781472862860/
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239: North Africa 1940 Pt. 3 - Italy Attacks
The first shots have been fired in the desert war! This episode covers the opening moves of the North African campaign in 1940. From small-scale raids and skirmishes to the first major Italian offensive, we'll see how both sides tested each other's strengths and weaknesses. While the Italians pushed into Egypt, their advance was hampered by logistical problems and a determined, if small, British r
Interview 49: Rhineland: Hitlers Last Defence 1944-45 with Anthony Tucker-Jones
This time I was joined by Anthony Tucker-Jones to discuss his new book Rhineland: Hitlers Last Defence 1944-45 which covers the Allied efforts in late 1944 and early 1945 to move their forces into western Germany.
Buy the Book: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/rhineland-9781472859921/
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238: North Africa 1940 Pt. 2 - The Key to Empire
While the Italians were preparing for war, what were the British doing? This episode dives into the British perspective on the North African campaign in 1940. We'll explore the strategic importance of the Suez Canal, the desperate attempts to keep Italy out of the war, and the state of the British army in Egypt. Led by the often-underestimated General Wavell, the British were about to embark on a
Interview 48: Flying with the 384th Bomb Group with Hans Smith
In this interview I was joined by Hans Smith to talk about his book Bombs Away: A B-17b Pilot's 'Small' Part in a Big War which covers the experiences of his Great Uncle Herbert Small who flew with the 384th Bomb Group during the war.
Bombs Away can be purchased here: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=mP2MsCJWp54htljFc6ecBoyyXdmJ2aZaV9857QcJ7WN
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237: North Africa 1940 Pt. 1 - Italian Aspirations
In the summer of 1940, with the fall of France, the war in North Africa began in earnest. On one side, the Italian army in Libya, massive in number but beset by industrial and logistical problems. On the other, a small British force in Egypt, tasked with defending the Suez Canal. This episode explores the Italian war effort in the opening months of the North African campaign, from the strategic de
Interview 47: Advance Britannia with Dr. Alan Allport
This time I was joined by Dr. Alan Allport to discuss his new book: Advance Britannia: The Epic Story of the Second World War, 1942-1945
You can order the book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548833/advance-britannia-by-alan-allport/
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Summary 7: The Spanish Civil War
This summary episode explores the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), the devastating conflict that served as a bloody rehearsal for World War II where competing political ideologies clashed with deadly consequences. Born from the collapse of Spain's military dictatorship and the struggle of the Second Spanish Republic against economic depression and social upheaval, the war erupted when General Franci
Interview 46: Into the Reich with Prit Buttar
Prit Buttar joins the podcast for the second time to discuss his recently released book for Osprey Publishing titled Into the Reich: The Red Army's Advance to the Oder in 1945.
You can find out more about the book, and purchase your own copy here: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/into-the-reich-9781472866998/
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Summary 6: The Rise of Mussolini
This summary episode revisits the rise of Italian fascism and Benito Mussolini's path to power during the tumultuous early 1920s. Born from Italy's sense of betrayal after World War I—when promised territorial gains in the Mediterranean never materialized—the fascist movement gained momentum as a bulwark against the growing Communist threat. Led by military veterans discharged into a war-ravaged e
Interview 45: Airpower Over Kursk '43 with William Hiestand
For this interview I was joined by William Hiestand to discuss his upcoming book on the usage of airpower over the battlefield of Kursk in 1943. You can grab a copy here: https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/kursk-1943-9781472865168/
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236: The Battle After Britain Pt. 4 - Conclusions and Continuations
In this concluding episode of the Battle of Britain series, we examine the final outcomes and lasting impact of Germany's 1940 air campaign against Britain. While the Luftwaffe lost approximately 1,900 aircraft compared to the RAF's 1,600, the true failure lay in Germany's inability to achieve their strategic goal of neutralizing Fighter Command before the planned invasion. Despite inflated kill c
Interview 44: Opening the Gates of Hell: Operation Barbarossa with Richard Hargreaves
This time I am joined by Richard Hargreaves to discuss his new book Opening the Gates of Hell: Operation Barbarossa.
Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.
History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.
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235: The Battle After Britain Pt. 3 - The Blitz
In this gripping episode, we explore the devastating German night bombing campaign known as the Blitz, which terrorized Britain from September 1940 to May 1941. While London bore the brunt of 57 consecutive nights of bombing that killed 40,000 people and destroyed over a million homes, many other British cities suffered similar devastation as the Luftwaffe attempted to break British morale and cri
234: The Battle After Britain Pt. 2 - Big Wings, Big Egos
By the end of September 1940, the threat of German invasion had passed, but victory in the Battle of Britain sparked a bitter internal conflict within RAF Fighter Command. Air Vice-Marshal Keith Park of 11 Group, who had successfully defended southeastern England using small, quick-response fighter formations, found himself under attack from Air Vice-Marshal Leigh-Mallory of 12 Group, who advocate
233: The Battle After Britain Pt. 1 - Sleeping Sea Lion
In the aftermath of Battle of Britain Day, both sides struggled to understand what had really changed in the aerial war over Britain. While the Luftwaffe leadership blamed their fighter pilots for the costly losses on September 15th, faulty intelligence drastically underestimated RAF strength at just 177 fighters when the actual number was 659—a miscalculation that would prove decisive. As the Ger
232: The Battle of Britain Pt. 7 - Battle of Britain Day
On September 15, 1940—Battle of Britain Day—the Luftwaffe launched what would become the climactic daylight assault of their campaign against Britain. In a desperate final effort to enable Operation Sea Lion, the German invasion of Britain, over 500 bombers escorted by hundreds of fighters targeted London's railways and dockyards in two massive raids. However, RAF Fighter Command rose to meet them
231: The Battle of Britain Pt. 6 - Stumbling to the End
In this episode, we explore the critical second week of September 1940, when the Battle of Britain reached a pivotal turning point that would ultimately determine the fate of Operation Sea Lion—Germany's planned invasion of Britain. Following the devastating bombing raids on London that began September 7th, German invasion preparations were paradoxically at their peak readiness while simultaneousl
Interview 43: The Kwantung Army with Quin Cho
This week I was joined by Quin Cho of Pacific Atrocities to talk about an upcoming book on the foundation and early actions of the Kwantung Army.
Get the Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FK5F787QPacific Atrocities Education: https://www.pacificatrocities.org/
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History of the Second World War is part of the
230: The Battle of Britain Pt. 5 - Shifting Focus
In this pivotal episode of the Battle of Britain series, we explore the mounting pressures faced by both British and German forces as September 1940 unfolds. While the RAF continues its desperate defense against daily Luftwaffe raids, behind the scenes both nations are dealing with critical resource challenges and strategic dilemmas. The British struggle with pilot shortages and factory production
229: The Battle of Britain Pt. 4 - Familiar Failures
In Episode 229 of _The Battle of Britain_, listeners dive into the intense, attritional final phase of the aerial campaign as the Luftwaffe shifts focus to dismantle RAF Fighter Command’s defenses with precision raids on key airfields. From the devastating bombing of Manston to the failed, costly attempt on Portsmouth, each raid reveals a clash of strategy and resilience—where German pilots claim
228: The Battle of Britain Pt. 3 - New Plans
This episode delves into the critical turning point of the Battle of Britain, exploring how the Luftwaffe's ambitious plans faced mounting challenges as weather disruptions and strategic miscalculations threatened their timetable . Discover the innovative German radio navigation system designed to guide bombers accurately, and the fierce aerial intelligence battle waged by British forces to counte
227: The Battle of Britain Pt. 2 - The Hardest Days
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the intense final days of the Battle of Britain, focusing on the critical days following Eagle Day, August 13th, when the Luftwaffe launched its decisive offensive . Despite initial setbacks like poor weather and delayed sorties, the German forces reported significant damage to RAF fighters, fueling confidence in their plan to cripple Fi
226: The Battle of Britain Pt. 1 - Adlertag
This episode of History of the Second World War delves into the
pivotal moments of the Battle of Britain, focusing on the Luftwaffe's
final preparations and the critical operations of Adlertag
(Eagle Day), the code name for the Luftwaffe's intensified campaign to
neutralize RAF Fighter Command and secure Germany's invasion plans . As
the conflict escalates, the podcast explores the high-stake
225: The Battle About Britain Pt. 9 - The Senior Service
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives deep into the pivotal role of the Royal Navy during the Battle of Britain, exploring how its strength served as a critical counterbalance to the Luftwaffe's air campaign . As the podcast traces the evolving strategies of both sides, it highlights the tense interplay between Germany's aerial ambitions and Britain's maritime defenses, setting t
Interview 42: Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945 with Jack Bowsher
This time I was joined by Jack Bowsher the author of Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945: The Greatest Combined Arms Manoeuvre Battle of WW2 which is available now! Come find out about what the fighting was like in Burma during 1945 and why it is a tremendous example of a combined arms Thunder Run.
https://www.chiselbury.co.uk/pre-order/p/thunder-run-meiktila-1945-by-jack-bowsher
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224: The Battle About Britain Pt. 8 - Home Guard and the Airborne Panic
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the critical preparations Britain undertook ahead of the potential German invasion during the Battle of Britain, focusing on the overlooked yet vital role of the Home Guard and the widespread panic surrounding airborne attacks. Discover how civilian volunteers were mobilized, the strategic fears that shaped wartime decisions, and the hum
223: The Battle About Britain Pt. 7 - Invasion Preparations
This episode delves into the high-stakes preparations of Britain’s military and government as they braced for a potential German invasion during the summer of 1940, a pivotal moment in the Battle of Britain . From chaotic early responses fueled by panic to the gradual organization of defenses like the Home Guard, the narrative captures the tension and transformation of Britain’s resilience during
Interview 41: Motorization with Bruce Gudmundsson
In this interview I was joined by Bruce Gudmundsson to discuss some of the benefits, challenges, and difficulties of motorization in the armies of the Second World War.
Check out way more of Bruce's writing over on Substack: https://tacticalnotebook.substack.com/
Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.
History of the Second World War is part of th
222: The Battle About Britain Pt. 6 - Wait, This is Going to be Complicated
This episode delves into the high-stakes planning behind Operation Sea
Lion, exploring how German military strategists grappled with the
immense challenges of invading Britain in 1940. As the Luftwaffe battled
for air superiority, the planners faced a critical dilemma: balancing
the necessity of an invasion with the uncertain feasibility of achieving
the required dominance over the Royal Air
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