Europe At War: A WW2 Podcast
A weekly podcast exploring the lesser-known battles and stories of the Second World War, with a particular focus on the Eastern Front. The show covers topics often overlooked in mainstream histories. Listeners can engage with the host via email or the show's website.
Episodes
BONUS: The Gleiwitz Incident (and other false flag attacks)
On the night of the 31st of August 1939, as Europe stood on the brink of war, Nazi Germany staged a series of false-flag attacks along the German-Polish border, carefully choreographed to provide a pretext for their invasion of Poland.
The most notorious of these operations unfolded at the radio station in Gleiwitz, where German operatives disguised as Polish insurgents stormed the transmitter and
4.5 - The Battle of Leipzig: A New Dawn
With the battle over, peace reigns across Leipzig.
However, the American occupation forces are confronted with a new set of challenges in the city.
The dead must be buried, the destroyed buildings must be rebuilt, and if possible, Leipzig’s return to democracy must be achieved.
But whatever challenges the people of Leipzig faced under the Americans, nothing can prepare them for the arrival of
4.4 - The Battle of Leipzig: The Last Stand
American forces have captured most of Leipzig, but key strongholds throughout the city remain in German hands.
For example, at the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, a German garrison led by the fanatical Colonel Von Poncet refuses to surrender, leading to a tense stand-off with the Americans…
Dates covered: 19th - 20th of April 1945.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations feature
4.3 - The Battle of Leipzig: City Under Siege
With Leipzig surrounded on all sides by American forces, the US 2nd Infantry Division and the 69th Infantry Division launch their assault on the city.
In the face of such unrelenting American military strength, one of Leipzig’s leaders tries to surrender the city…with farcical results.
Date covered: 18th of April 1945.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in t
4.2 - The Battle of Leipzig: The Americans Are Coming
April 1945: American forces, led by US V Corps, advance across central Germany, seeking to crush the Third Reich once and for all.
With Leipzig now clearly within the crosshairs of the Americans, the city's military and civil leadership panic over how exactly to defend Leipzig from the impending American attack…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the seri
4.1 - Welcome to the Battle of Leipzig
An introduction to the Battle of Leipzig, including an overview of the importance of the city to the Third Reich’s war effort.
In this episode I also outline the military situation facing the Americans in Germany in 1945 - and how that directly impacted the subsequent American decision to assault (and capture) Leipzig.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations
3.14 - The Battle of Berlin: The 2nd of May (And Epilogue)
With defeat now inevitable for the Germans and the Soviet capture of Berlin all but complete, General Weidling enters into final surrender negotiations with the Soviets.
In the meantime, the breakout groups continue in their attempt to fight their way out of the capital.
Epilogue: Once the fighting ends, the victors, the defeated, and the people of Berlin, all take stock after the battle.
Berl
3.13 - The Battle of Berlin: The 1st of May
With the rapidly diminishing Berlin garrison forces trapped in an ever-decreasing pocket in the centre of the city, Goebbels, as the new Chancellor, decides to start negotiating with the Soviets.
But rather than delivering a quick-end to the fighting, these negotiations quickly descend into farce.
Meanwhile, breakout groups launch desperate attempts to escape Berlin, before the city is handed ov
3.12 - The Battle of Berlin: The 30th of April
The Red Army launches its long-awaited assault on the Reichstag. But all Stalin wants to know is whether or not the building will be captured before May Day…
Meanwhile, in the bunker, Hitler bites the bullet.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
Map: Here is a map of the Soviet assault on the Reichstag.
If you have any comments or questi
3.11 - The Battle of Berlin: The 29th of April
Red Army forces brave fire and fury as they launch their assault across the Landwehr Canal, whilst Soviet riflemen establish a foothold in the Diplomatic Quarter after successfully crossing the Moltkebridge.
The Reichstag now lies within touching distance for the Soviets…
For the Berlin garrison forces, it seems the only thing holding back the Soviet advance are the foreign SS volunteers, who a
3.10 - The Battle of Berlin: The 28th of April
With the Berlin garrison forces unable to stop the Soviet advance, the Red Army stands poised to launch a three-pronged assault on the Zitadelle district.
The rivalry between Marshal Zhukov and Marshal Konev is also brought to a head when Moscow issues a new demarcation line between the 1st Belorussian and 1st Ukrainian Fronts in Berlin.
Meanwhile, Hitler is treated to a new round of betrayal,
3.9 - The Battle of Berlin: The 27th of April
Rumours circulate amongst the Berlin garrison forces regarding the possibility of General Wenck’s 12th Army coming to save the city.
In the meantime, the Soviets creep ever closer to the centre of Berlin.
Plus, in this week’s episode, we take a closer look at how the women of Berlin suffered during the battle.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the ser
Europe At War Needs You! - Patreon Announcement
Join the ranks of the Europe At War supporters by visiting patreon.com/europeatwar.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com
3.8 - The Battle of Berlin: The 26th of April
In a desperate attempt to resupply the beleaguered Berlin garrison, an airstrip is constructed in the Tiergarten park. However the airstrip fails to live up to expectations…
Meanwhile, the Red Army drives deeper into Moabit and Neukölln, whilst also launching a renewed assault on the Tempelhof airport.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
If y
3.7 - The Battle of Berlin: The 25th of April
Fighting rages throughout the city as the Berlin garrison struggles to counter the combined forces of two Red Army Fronts.
The Soviets then lay siege to Tempelhof Airport…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on i
3.6 - The Battle of Berlin: The 24th of April
The Berlin garrison is bolstered by the deployment of the 56th Panzer Corps around the city, whilst more badly-needed reinforcements arrive in the city in the form of French SS volunteers.
In the meantime, Marshal Konev launches his assault on the Teltow canal in the south of Berlin, plus units from Konev and Zhukov’s fronts link-up in the south-east of the capital…
Map: Here is a map giving an o
3.5 - The Battle of Berlin: The 23rd of April
With the Berlin garrison unable to halt the Soviet advance, a new pie-in-the-sky counterattack plan to save Berlin is formulated involving General Wenck’s 12th Army.
Meanwhile, General Weidling is “promoted” to Commander of the Berlin Defence Area…
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please
3.4 - The Battle of Berlin: The 22nd of April
Marshal Zhukov sends some of his forces on a flanking manoeuvre to the north of Berlin in order to encircle the capital, unaware that Marshal Konev’s 1st Ukrainian Front is rapidly approaching Berlin from the south.
Meanwhile, the Führerbunker eagerly awaits news of “Army Detachment Steiner’s” counterattack.
Plus, General Weidling’s 56th Panzer Corps is pushed by the Red Army’s advance into th
3.3 - The Battle of Berlin: The 21st of April
The battle of Berlin begins in earnest when 1st Belorussian Front forces advance into the northern and eastern outskirts of the capital.
In a desperate ploy to save Berlin, Hitler comes up with a preposterous counterattack plan involving Steiner’s forces to the north of the city.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or
3.2 - The Battle of Berlin: The 20th of April
The Führer’s birthday celebrations are interrupted by a huge Allied bombing raid on the capital. Plus, Marshal Zhukov’s 1st Belorussian Front launches their first artillery barrages on Berlin from their positions just outside the city.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch
BONUS Episode: A chat with Peter Graham from Berlin Battle Damage
Peter Graham was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and he is an independent historian and researcher specialising in the history of Berlin during WW2.
In 2018 Peter founded the popular Facebook page "Berlin Battle Damage" which currently has over 15,000 followers and focuses on the tangible remains of WW2 to be found in Berlin today.
In 2023 Peter launched a series of specialised walking tours wh
3.1 - Welcome to the Battle of Berlin
An in-depth look at Berlin in 1945, with a focus on how the city prepared itself physically and mentally for the impending Soviet assault.
Plus, an outline of the Berlin defence strategy, the Berlin garrison forces, and the attacking Soviet forces.
Map: Here is an overview of the German and Soviet forces on the eve of the assault on Berlin, including the various major offensives which are launch
BONUS Episode: A Talk With Matthew Menneke From On The Front Tours
Matthew Menneke is a military historian and former serviceman in the Australian Army. Matthew is also the founder of On The Front Tours, which is a tour guide company specialising solely in Second World War tours in and around Berlin.
One of the tours Matthew runs is a tour of the Halbe Pocket, so naturally I was curious to hear his views on the battle, and to hear why he thinks the Halbe Pocket s
BONUS Episode: A Talk With Scott Bury From The Beyond Barbarossa Podcast
Scott Bury, producer and host of the Beyond Barbarossa podcast, joins me for a chat about the peculiarities, vastness and horrors of the Eastern Front of the Second World War.
If you want to learn about the history of the Eastern Front from start to finish then I highly recommend you check out the excellent Beyond Barbarossa podcast.
You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or vi
2.7 - The Battle of Bautzen: The Aftermath
The fighting has ended, but who won?
Plus, a look at how the legacy of the battle is still hotly-contested to this day.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhis
2.6 - The Battle of Bautzen: The Final Phase
The Germans have lifted the siege of Bautzen, and are now poised to take the fight to the Polish-Soviet forces with the intention of driving them out of Saxony completely.
However, a rapidly-strengthened Polish-Soviet defence line seeks to halt the German advance.
Dates covered: April 25th-onwards.
Map: Here is an overview of the German, Polish, and Soviet forces, during the final days of fig
2.5 - The Battle of Bautzen: The German Counterattack
The Germans launch their counterattack, hoping to recapture Weißenberg, lift the siege of Bautzen, and potentially threaten the entire Soviet assault on Berlin.
Meanwhile, the Bautzen garrison awaits rescue.
Dates covered: April 22nd - April 24th.
Map: Here is an overview of the German counterattack in Saxony.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations
2.4 - The Battle of Bautzen: Rattenkrieg
The Soviet vanguard forces launch their assault on Bautzen, leading to deadly street battles and house-to-house fighting between the Soviet attackers and the German defenders.
Meanwhile, the fragility of the Polish-Soviet advance is exposed, offering the Germans a chance to re-take the initiative and break through the enemy lines.
Dates covered: April 19th - April 21st.
Map: Here is a map givi
2.3 - The Battle of Bautzen: The Battle Begins
The combined Polish-Soviet forces launch “Operation Lausitz” - their assault on Saxony and the subsequent drive towards Weißenberg & Bautzen.
Dates covered: April 16th - April 18th.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail
2.2 - The Battle of Bautzen: Prelude to the Battle
An in-depth look at the strategic significance of Bautzen, with a particular focus on how the city featured prominently in the Soviet & German campaign plans for April 1945.
Plus, let’s meet the forces and personalities who will be key players in the upcoming fighting.
Map: Here is an overview of the German, Soviet & Polish forces on the eve of the assault on Berlin, including the major
2.1 - The Battle of Bautzen: Welcome to the Battle
What to look forward to in the series on Bautzen.
Map: Here is a map giving an overview of the important towns, cities, and locations featured in the series.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com
Cover photo: picture alliance/ZB
2.0 - Announcement
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end…
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhistory or visit my site davidsumnerhistory.com
1.15 - The Halbe Pocket: The Final Chapter
In this episode we wrap-up the series on The Halbe Pocket by looking at the aftermath of the fighting, with a particular focus on the legacy of the battle and how it continues to shape Halbe and the surrounding area to this day.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on instagram at davidsumnerhisto
1.14 - The Halbe Pocket: May 2nd - May 7th
The combined 9th & 12th armies, along with thousands of German refugees, march towards the Elbe in order to cross the river and surrender to the Americans at Tangermünde.
The Soviets will stop at nothing to prevent them from escaping…
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within t
1.13 - The Halbe Pocket: May 1st
The battered remnants of Busse’s breakout group finally reach the Beelitz area and link-up with General Wenck’s 12th Army.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in
1.12 - The Halbe Pocket: April 30th
Busse’s breakout group reaches the final rendezvous point, and there, they prepare to make the final push towards the 12th Army’s lines.
Meanwhile, the remaining 9th Army forces trapped in the Halbe Pocket are eliminated by the Soviets.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the
1.11 - The Halbe Pocket: April 29th
After surviving the carnage in Halbe, Busse’s breakout group continues their escape westwards.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in the series.
If you have an
1.10 - The Halbe Pocket: April 28th
The final breakout attempt is launched as the 9th Army seeks to smash through the Soviet defences in Halbe.
Meanwhile, the 12th Army successfully evacuates the Potsdam Garrison.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only ser
1.9 - The Halbe Pocket: April 27th
Elements from the 9th Army stage a second breakout attempt, and Wenck’s 12th Army continues their push towards Potsdam.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the events covered in th
1.8 - The Halbe Pocket: April 26th
The two battlegroups fight on, but are crushed by stiff Soviet counter-attacks.
Conditions in the Halbe Pocket worsen as the Soviets tighten the noose, whilst the eastern flank of Wenck’s 12th Army reaches the Beelitz area.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot
1.7 - The Halbe Pocket: April 25th
The first breakout attempt from the pocket is launched by the battlegroups von Luck and Pipkorn.
The 12th Army continues on their mission to rescue the trapped 9th Army.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough
1.6 - The Halbe Pocket: April 24th
The 9th Army is fully encircled by the Soviets in the Halbe Pocket, trapping thousands of men and civilians in an ever-shrinking cauldron of death and destruction.
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide
1.5 - The Halbe Pocket: April 23rd
General Wenck of the German 12th Army is ordered to advance on Berlin and crush the Soviet attacks on the city.
But Wenck, seeking to save as many German soldiers and civilians as possible, has other ideas…
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly
1.4 - The Halbe Pocket: April 22nd
A plan is hatched by the German High Command to rescue Berlin - a plan which offers a slim glimmer of hope to the beleaguered 9th Army…
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units within the army cannot be traced exactly, therefore this map only serves as a rough guide to help you follow the even
1.3 - The Halbe Pocket: April 21st
Elements of the 9th Army begin taking up positions in the Spreewald area whilst others remain engaged in battle on the Oder frontline. General Busse is forced to choose between following Hitler's orders versus saving his men.
Meanwhile, Zossen falls…
Map: Here is a map giving the approximate route the German 9th Army took between mid-April and early May 1945. The precise movements of all units wi
1.2 - The Halbe Pocket: April 16th - April 20th
The Red Army launches its final assault on Berlin, and the German 9th Army, led by General Busse, is tasked with defending the line during the Battle of the Seelow Heights.
However, rapid Soviet advances elsewhere threaten the encirclement of Busse’s men…
Map: Here is an overview of the German and Soviet forces on the eve of the assault on Berlin, including the various major offensives whic
1.1 - Welcome to the Halbe Pocket
Introducing a new podcast series examining the events of the Halbe Pocket in April & May 1945.
To help you follow along with the towns and locations mentioned throughout the series, here is a map showcasing the route taken by the German 9th Army.
If you have any comments or questions about the show, please get in touch via davidsumner.podcast@gmail.com
You can also follow me on instagr
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