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
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
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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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/
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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
Interview 40: The German-Soviet War with Jeff Rutherford
Buy The German Soviet War: Combat, Occupation, and Legacies Edited by Jeff Rutherford and Robert von Maier here: https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501781070/the-german-soviet-war/#bookTabs=4
If you are reading this before June 27, 2025 use this coupon code for 50% off: https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/unlock-a-world-of-knowledge-5-days-50-off-sale-june-2025/
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221: The Battle About Britain Pt. 5 - A Simple River Crossing
In this episode, we explore the pivotal moments leading up to Operation Sea Lion, examining Hitler's failed "Last Appeal to Reason" speech and the chaotic coordination struggles within the German military. Discover how conflicting priorities between the Wehrmacht branches delayed invasion planning, the critical role of radar in shaping the Battle of Britain, and the strategic miscalculations that
220: The Battle About Britain Pt. 4 - The Channel Battle
This episode delves into the intense aerial battles of July 1940 during
the Battle of Britain, focusing on the RAF and Luftwaffe's clash over
the skies as Germany sought to dominate the English Channel and cripple
British shipping and naval power. From fiery dogfights on July 10th to
covert bombing raids that tested Nazi morale, the episode explores the
strategic gambits, weather challenges,
219: The Battle About Britain Pt. 3 - The Three Speeches
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the pivotal moments of the Battle of Britain, exploring Winston Churchill’s powerful speeches that galvanized Britain during the 1940 air campaign. From vivid historical comparisons to the heroic sacrifices of RAF pilots, the episode unpacks the tension, strategy, and resilience that defined this critical conflict. Listeners will hear ex
Interview 39: Sisterhood of Ravensbrück with Lynne Olson
The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler's All-Female Concentration Camp By Lynne Olson
The book is available starting June 3, 2025 published by Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/749046/the-sisterhood-of-ravensbruck-by-lynne-olson/
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218 - The Battle About Britain Pt. 2 - What Are We Doing Now?
In this episode of *History of the Second World War*, delve into the pivotal moment during the Battle of Britain as Britain grapples with the decision to reject German negotiations, leaving its fate hanging in the balance. Explore the high-stakes strategies employed by the Royal Air Force, from cutting-edge communication systems to coded orders like "scramble" and "vector 180 angels 10," which sha
217 - The Battle About Britain Pt. 1 - What Are We Doing Next?
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the critical moments of the Battle of Britain, exploring the German plan for invasion—Operation Sealion—and its unrealistic ambitions to cross the English Channel. As the Luftwaffe struggled with unclear strategies and fragmented operations in the summer of 1940, the episode reveals how chaos and uncertainty shaped the conflict. Listener
216: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 8 - Operation Catapult
This episode of History of the Second World War delves into the pivotal moments of Operation Catapult, the controversial British effort to seize French naval assets in 1940 as France surrendered to Germany. Explore the tensions between Churchill’s aggressive wartime strategies and the moral dilemmas of targeting a defeated enemy’s fleet, while uncovering how this decision shaped Britain’s path in
215: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 7 - Attrition Over France
This episode delves into the intense strategic clashes during the Battle of Britain, focusing on the critical decisions made in late May and early June 1940 as Allied forces grappled with the deteriorating situation in France. It explores the tension between Air Chief Marshal Dowding’s warnings about keeping fighters in Britain and the urgent demands from French leaders and the BEF for more aircra
214: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 6 - An Easy Way Out
In this episode, we delve into the critical period leading up to the Battle of Britain, exploring the growing tensions between Britain, France, and Germany as Churchill and Halifax worked tirelessly to find a path forward. The discussion centers around the hesitant attempts at negotiations with Mussolini and the Italian government, alongside the strategic planning for a continued fight against Ger
213: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 5 - Churchill and the Few
Join us as we delve into the critical role of pilot experience in the Battle of Britain! This episode explores how the skills and bravery of foreign pilots, particularly those hailing from across the British Empire, were vital to the RAF's success. From the pivotal dogfight scenarios between single-engine fighters to the impact of Winston Churchill’s leadership, we’ll uncover the stories behind th
212: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 4 - Leaves Upon the Wind
This episode dives deep into the often-overlooked details of the Battle of Britain, going beyond the famous aircraft to explore the technological and logistical factors that impacted the fighting. We examine the strengths and weaknesses of aircraft like the Defiant, the crucial role of high-octane fuel in providing a performance edge, and even how seemingly minor details could influence the outcom
211: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 3 - How to Build a Bombing Campaign
This episode delves into the often-overlooked early years of Britain’s Bomber Command during 1940, revealing a story of ambitious plans, flawed assumptions, and determined aircrews. We explore how Bomber Command transitioned from pre-war theory to desperate anti-invasion efforts, laying mines and attacking German harbors as the threat of a Nazi landing loomed. Beyond the immediate crisis, we uncov
210: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 2 - Flying Blind
This episode delves into the fascinating, high-stakes cat-and-mouse game of radar and radio countermeasures during the Battle of Britain. Discover how British intelligence meticulously deciphered the German “Knickebein” and “X-Gerät” bombing guidance systems—starting with insights from captured soldiers and culminating in signal detection—and how they scrambled to develop countermeasures like the
209: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 1 - Electronic Tripwires
In the years before the war the new technology of radar would begin to solve many of the problems of air defense, but it was not perfect.
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