The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr

Episode 76-The Army of the Nile

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:04:18 +0000

The Italians have been pushed out of Egypt and Gen. Richard O’Connor has lost his 4th Indian Division. Still, he decides to pursue the retreating Italian 10th Army. The Italians make it to the port city of Bardia before British armor can catch them, so that is the next place the Allies will attack, this time using Gen. MacKay’s Australians.

Tannafax Jelly

WWIIPodcast — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:37:49 +0000

Member’s Episode 7 is ready for download. It covers some of the medical treatments prior to 1939. The RAF finally get their seal sealing tank.

Episode 75-Military Aviation Museum

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:54:43 +0000

Here is an Mp4 episode of my recent trip to the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA. Amazing place!

Membership Episode 5-Strange WWII Facts

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:13:40 +0000

This Membership episode exposes rarely heard short stories of WWII as well as common slang used by Commonwealth Forces. Members, please go to the Member’s page and download the latest episode.

Episode 74-Operation Compass

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 23:53:35 +0000

After 6 months of planning, the British are ready to move against Marshal Graziani.

Alfred Krupp

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 22:59:45 +0000

Alfred Krupp, the subject of Membership Episode #4 would be hailed as the “Cannon King” in his lifetime. Alfred Krupp (born Alfried Felix Alwyn Krupp), son of Friedrich Carl, was born in Essen in 1812. His father’s death forced him to leave school at the age of fourteen and take on responsibility for the steel works. Prospects were daunting: his father had spent a considerable fortune in the attempt to cast steel in large ingots, and to keep the works going the widow and family lived in extreme frugality. The young director laboured alongside the workmen by day and carried on his father’s experiments at night, when not touring Europe trying to make sales. It was during a stay in England that young Alfried became enamored of the country and adopted the English spelling of his name.

Episode 73-Italian Checks, Greek Balances

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 02:50:42 +0000

Greek soldiers continue to dominate and push the Italian invaders back into Albania and closer to the sea. The RAF makes its presence felt by downing dozens of Italian aircraft. Mussolini can’t hide the backsliding of his troops from Hitler but Prime Minister Metaxas shields his own secret from his men and the world.

William Mitchell

WWIIPodcast — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 03:12:54 +0000

The subject of Membership Episode #3. William (Billy) Mitchell (1879-1936), considered by many the father of the U.S. air force, led the American air effort during World War One. He fought the good fight, but in the end, lost. The disaster at Pearl Harbor proved him right.

Episode 72-Taranto Pt 3

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 04:29:12 +0000

The last episode covering the Battle of Taranto. The second attack wave of Swordfish make for the harbor, but only after overcoming problems of their own. Admiral Cunningham scores a major success and British moral is lifted. But the Italian Navy is not finished yet.

Episode 71-Taranto, Pt 2

WWIIPodcast — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 05:20:42 +0000

Adm. Cunningham updates the plan to attack Taranto, but then suffers several setbacks. These are over come, the Italians are confused by the massive ship movements during the first ten days of November. Then the first of two attacks are launched by Swordfish at the Italian harbor.

Episode 70-The Battle of Taranto, Pt 1

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:51:45 +0000

British Admiral Andrew B. Cunningham, commander of the Mediterranean Fleet has his orders: Maintain the sea lanes between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. Holding on to Malta will allow the British to recon their main target, the port of Taranto. If the Italian war ships there can be neutralized, the Suez stays safe, Crete remains out of Axis hands and Britain’s vital passage to the far East remains open.

The Battle of Taranto

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 00:59:12 +0000

The Battle of Taranto took place on the night of 11–12 November 1940 during the Second World War. The Royal Navy launched the first all-aircraft ship-to-ship naval attack in history, flying a small number of obsolescent biplanetorpedo bombers from an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea. The attack struck the battle fleet of the Regia Marina at anchor in the harbour of Taranto using aerial torpedoes despite the shallow depth of the water in the harbour. The devastation wrought by the British carrier-launched aircraft on the large Italian warships was the beginning of the rise of the power of naval aviation, over the big guns of battleships. According to Admiral Cunningham “Taranto, and the night of November 11–12, 1940, should be remembered for ever as having shown once and for all that in the Fleet Air Arm the Navy has its most devastating weapon.”

Episode 69B-Talk History

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:57:49 +0000

We are joined by Steven Guerra of The History of the Papacy Podcast to discuss Italy’s attack on Greece, the Battle of Taranto and some of the what if’s of WWII.

General Sebastiano Visconti Prasca

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:49:37 +0000

Sebastiano Visconti Prasca (1883–1961) was an Italian general. He led the initial offensive of the Greco-Italian War, but was relieved of his command after two weeks for incompetence.

Episode 69-Greek Fire, Part II

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 01:29:30 +0000

Italy has invaded Greece, but under Prime Mister Metaxas, the Greeks are ready. The Italians are drawn in and then the defenders use their mountains to launch counter attacks. The world is impressed, but Churchill is already committed to Egypt and the U.S. is committed to Britain. General Prasca’s leadership will last only 15 days.

Episode 68-Greek Fire, Pt. 1

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:37:54 +0000

Mussolini and Hitler deceive each other over desired territory, while Prime Mister Metaxas of Greece tries to stay below Italy’s radar. Britain is through trying to separate Italy from Germany and decides to support the smaller Aegean power, despite the prevailing opinion that the outcome will be nothing more than a quick Italian victory.

Episode 67-Mare Nostrum

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:24:29 +0000

Mussolini would pay back Hitler “in his own coin” by invading Greece without first telling his Axis partner. But the Greek people, for all their industrial limitations were angry with the Italians and their Dictator Ioannis Metaxas, had the experience to ready his people and country to their limit. The photo is of Greek Dictator Metaxas.

Episode 66-D Day Memorial and Contest Drawing

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:09:08 +0000

Here is an overview of my recent visit to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. This episode is in an Mp4 format, so please enjoy the pictures. At the end, is the drawing for the replica newspaper from December 8, 1941.

Operation Compass

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:01:43 +0000

Operation Compass was the first major Allied military operation of the Western Desert Campaign during World War II.British and Commonwealth forces attacked Italian forces in western Egypt and eastern Libya in December 1940 to February 1941. The operation was a complete success. Allied forces advanced from inside Egypt to central Libya, captured 115,000 Italian prisoners, and destroyed thousands of tanks, artillery pieces, and aircraft, while suffering very few casualties.^[6]

Gen. Richard O’Connor

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:59:04 +0000

Sir Richard Nugent O’Connor KT, GCB, DSO & Bar, MC, ADC (21 August 1889 – 17 June 1981) was aBritish Army general who commanded the Western Desert Force in the early years of World War II. He was the field commander for Operation Compass, in which his forces completely destroyed a much larger Italian army — a victory which nearly drove the Axis from Africa, and in turn, led Adolf Hitler to send the German Africa Corps under Erwin Rommel to try and reverse the situation. O’Connor was captured by a German reconnaissance patrol during the night of 7 April 1941, and spent over two years in an Italian prisoner of war camp. He eventually escaped in December 1943, and in 1944 commanded VIII Corps in Normandy and later during Operation Market Garden. In 1945 he was General Officer in Command of the Eastern Command in India and then in the closing days of British rule in the subcontinent headed Northern Command. His final job in the army was Adjutant-General to the Forces in London in charge of the British Army’s administration, personnel and organisation.

Lt. Gen. William Gott

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:53:56 +0000

William Henry Ewart Gott CB, CBE, DSO and bar, MC (13 August 1897 – 7 August 1942),nicknamed ”Strafer”, was a British Army officer during both the First and Second World Wars, reaching the rank oflieutenant-general when serving in the British Eighth Army. In August 1942 he was appointed as successor to Claude Auchinleck as commander of the Eighth Army. On the way to take up his command he was killed in a plane crash. His death led to the appointment of Bernard Montgomery in his place. It’s been argued that the Germans singled him out and purposefully went after Gott.

Admiral Andrew Cunningham

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 19:50:36 +0000

Andrew Browne Cunningham, 1st Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope, (7 January 1883 – 12 June 1963), was widely known by his nickname, “ABC”. In the Second World War, as Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet, Cunningham led British naval forces to victory in several critical Mediterranean naval battles. These included the attack on Taranto in 1940, the first completely all-aircraft naval attack in history, and the Battle of Cape Matapan in 1941. Cunningham controlled the defence of the Mediterranean supply lines through Alexandria, Gibraltar, and the key chokepoint of Malta. The admiral also directed naval support for the various major allied landings in the Western Mediterranean littoral. In 1943, Cunningham was promoted to First Sea Lord, a position he held until his retirement in 1946.

Volume 6 “Battle of Britain, Part 2″

Paul — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:25:27 +0000

This CD contains 10 episodes that finishes off the Battle of Britain series. It covers the events right after The Day of Eagles to The Battle of Britain Day. It wraps ups with the questioning of German and British air tactics. Length: 7 1/2 hours.

Episode 65-Mediterranean Life Line

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:49:51 +0000

By 1940, Great Britain had several possessions in the Mediterranean Sea, that they would use to project power against the Axis. But exactly how did Britain obtain them?

Episode 64-The Royal Navy in the Mediterranean Sea 1940

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 00:25:01 +0000

Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, joins us to discuss the Royal Navy’s position in the Mediterranean Sea. Outgunned but not outmanned, the British Navy under Admiral Cunningham takes the fight to the Italian Fleet and quickly dominates the Eastern and Central Med. Until the Luftwaffe and U-boats arrive.

Episode 63B-Talk History

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 04:28:40 +0000

We are joined by Luke Whitehorn, special effects artist from the movie Iron Sky. WWII and Sci Fi! What’s not to love. We cover episodes 62 and 63 and Luke brings a good perspective to our story so far in North Africa.

Episode 63-October 1940

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:26:34 +0000

The British plan their attack against General Graziani and the Italian 10th Army. Hitler and Franco meet to discuss an attack on Gibraltar. And General Charles de Gaulle moves to restore Free France and his reputation.

Episode 62-Failure, Failure Everywhere

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 14:05:16 +0000

Marshall Graziani FINALLY moves into Egypt, but then stops. Gen. De Gaulle is in place to take Dakar in West Africa. Finally, a quick look at the Italian Navy.

Contest and Announcement

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:04:17 +0000

Voting for the Podcast Awards starts November 1st. Please think of me! I’m in the Cultural/Arts category. So is Laszlo, but that’s his problem. Also, listen to find out how you can win a replica newspaper from December 8, 1941.

Episode 61B Talk History

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 17:06:55 +0000

Jamie Redfern of The History of: Hannibal spends time with us to discuss the war in the desert, Iran and somehow-Buddy Ebsen.

Episode 61-Able but Unwilling

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 22:33:42 +0000

This time, we cover the tension between Churchill and two of his three service leaders in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Marshall Graziani is poised like a statue to invade Egypt. But, like a statue, he doesn’t move. And Admiral Cunningham takes his weaker naval vessels and reminds the Italians what war means. The cover photo is of Graziani.

Project History Cage Match-Rome: Over-rated?

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:13:15 +0000

Is the influence and greatness of the Roman Empire over-rated? Listen to your’s truly and other history podcasters debate this and find out!

Episode 60C-WWII meets China History Podcast

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 02:59:58 +0000

WARNING: The following is not a normal WWII episode. But, it is entertaining! With the kind permission of The China History Podcast, here is the 100th episode of Laszlo Montgomery’s podcast. Together, he and I talk about our podcasts, other history podcasts and our experiences over the last two years. Enjoy! You’ll laugh, we certainly did.

Episode 60B-Talk History

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 05:53:42 +0000

Zack Twamley of the When Diplomacy Fails Podcast joins me in discussing the events of Episode 60 as well as the war so far covered in Europe.

Episode 60-Sand, Saltwater and Oil

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:58:48 +0000

Mussolini wants his Roman Empire in Africa. But the British refuse to yield. Gen. Archibald Wavell is asked to do much, with very little. France is out of the war, so the battle for the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa is between Great Britain and Italy. For now.

Episode 59-Miracles and Mistakes

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:24:04 +0000

Here is the Final Episode of The Battle of Britain series. We sum up the Luftwaffe’s chances of ever really getting across the English Channel, Dowding’s future, Chamberlain’s end and the next step in Hitler’s plan for European domination.

Episode 58-Battle of Britain Day

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 23:40:38 +0000

The Germans are convinced that Fighter Command is on its last leg. Waiting out the foul English weather, the Luftwaffe, Kesselring and Goering, finally get their chance to wipe the RAF out of the skies. But Keith Park of 11 Group will prove to be their tactical master.

Episode 57-German Armada

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 14:31:57 +0000

Unable to break Fighter Command by the needed date for Operation Sea Lion, the Luftwaffe changes their tactics and will go after London. Dowding and Park will do their best to protect the capital, but in a moment on honesty, are relieved that their air fields will be spared. Now the people of London must come to grips that the Luftwaffe’s might will be focused on them.

Jubilee Celebration

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:28:00 +0000

A view from the rear of a Lancaster Bomber. Amazing! Thank you Mike B.

Episode 56-Breaking Point

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 02:33:54 +0000

September brings the beginning of the end of The Battle of Britain. London will become the Luftwaffe’s target as Germany needs the war to end. Soon Goering will take a personal hand in the war over the Channel.

Episode 55-Battling Friends and Foes Alike

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 18:16:50 +0000

As tired as everyone is, Kesselring of Luftflotte Two steps up the intensity of the attacks on RAF airfields, especially those near London. And Hitler will release the Luftwaffe to attack London, as the battle is not going in Nazi Germany’s favor. Also Group Commanders Keith Park and Leigh-Mallory have their own feud over how best to defend Great Britain.

Episode 54-Pandoras Box

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 02:08:44 +0000

London becomes more of a target for the German bombers, until Goering warms them away. But it’s too late. Churchill and the War Cabinet decide to bomb Berlin. The war will shift into it’s final phase.

Episode 53- Things Missed

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 28 May 2012 23:24:02 +0000

This episode covers 4 missed or lightly treated subjects: Operation Pied Piper- the evacuation of Britain’s children, the disaster of the Lancastria, the occupation of The Channel Islands by the Nazis and the Italian Conquest of British Somaliland.

Episode 52-Moves on the Chessboard

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:28:24 +0000

C in C of the Luftwaffe Goering calls his young bloods to Karinhall to devise a new strategy to destroy Fighter Command. The result is a reinforced Kesselring pitted against Keith Park of 11 Group. But during a lull in the fighting, Park and his superior, Air Marshal Dowding make their own plans for defense. By August 24th, the clouds have cleared and everyone is in place for the up coming 3rd Phase of The Battle of Britain. Also included is Churchill’s speech about “The Few” on August 20, 1940.

Episode 51-The Hardest Day

WWIIPodcast — Sat, 05 May 2012 22:52:40 +0000

This episode covers August 16 to the 18th. Goering plans on finishing Fighter Command on August 18th, by using almost every fighter and bomber from Luftflottes 2 and 3. The idea is simply to overwhelm the shrinking RAF forces. But Radar still plays a major role in helping Dowding and his Fighter Groups. Their real problem is the number of pilots. The first American pilot, Billy Fiske, dies fighting for Britain. And as Fighter Command holds the Luftwaffe at bay, the Italians finally push the British troops, under Major-General Godwin-Austen, out of British Somaliland. Awards and medals are given as men continue to fight and die for their country. The cover for this episode in Flight Officer Billy Fiske III.

Episode 50- Black Thursday, August 14-15th

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:52:12 +0000

August 15th was one of the greatest days of battle in The Battle of Britain. Goering makes his plans for improved attacks against the RAF but Dowding and Park stay with their tried method. The fighting continues over the channel while Churchill has his own combat within the walls of the Commons. Meanwhile, the British position in British Somaliland grows worse.

Episode 49- Adlertag: August 8th-13th

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:03:07 +0000

Goering is ready for Phase Two. Fighter Command’s air shield will be tested as more and more raids approach the British coasts. And now that the Radar towers will be targeted, the RAF must fight off the raiders during the day and make repairs at night. Exhaustion will become the order of the day. Meanwhile in East Africa, the Italian troops are closing in on Berbera, the capital of British Somaliland.

Episode 48: Things Learned. August 2nd – August 7th.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:54:14 +0000

The RAF and Luftwaffe size each other up and ready for Adlertag. The war in North Africa has started and the British will have to withdraw, like Dunkirk, for now. But they know Egypt must be kept safe. But Mussolini wants his African Empire. Goering is ready for Phase Two, but the RAF is still in the fight.

Episode 47- Support Teams & The Battle, July 29th-August 1st

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:22:01 +0000

The brave men and women behind the RAF pilots and Fighter Command. The British people come together to defend their island: Anti-Aircraft guns, balloon barrage, BAM Fuel, Private companies working ahead of the government, the Air Transport Auxiliary and the Home Guard. The Battle of Britain is covered through August 1st, when Hitler issues Directive #17, the destruction of the RAF.

Episode 46-A Day in the Life, July 26th-28th

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 04:28:51 +0000

This episode gives a glimpse into the daily routine of Luftwaffe pilots fighting over the English Channel. The Straights of Dover are now being called Hellfire Corner from the number of sunken convoy ships. Also July 26th-28th of the Battle of Britain is covered. Dowding rests his men and their aircraft, while Luftwaffe leader Goering tries to coax the RAF fighters into the sky. Flying Ace Major Werner Moelders of the Luftwaffe returns after a being a POW of France and gets a proper welcome from the RAF.

Episode 45- Numbers Tell, July 23rd-25th

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:44:58 +0000

The Me 109E will bring Nazi Germany to greatness and to the water’s edge at the English Channel. It came before the Hurricane and Spitfire and was faster. But it was also without armor, at first. The Luftwaffe is still testing the RAF: its air craft, pilots and RDF system. Both sides will draw blood as Adlertag and Operation Sea Lion comes closer. The Battle of Britain, July 23-25.

601 Squadron- The Millionaires Squadron

WWIIPodcast — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:39:15 +0000

601 Squadron was formed at RAF Northolt on 14 October 1925 when a group of wealthy aristocratic young men, all of whom were amateur aviators, decided to form themselves into a Reserve Squadron of the RAF after a meeting in White’s Club, London. The squadron battle honours most notably include the Battle of Britain and the first Americans to fly in World War II were members of this squadron. When fuel was hard to get, the 601 bought their own gas station in order to service their air craft.

Volume One: “Setting the Stage”

Paul — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:58:37 +0000

Volume One: “Setting the Stage”- This CD contains the first 14 episodes and covers the rise of The Nazi party, Hitler’s ascension to power, and the diplomatic intrigues that led to war in Europe. It also covers the rise of Mussolini and his first 10 years as Il Duce. It finishes with the episodes that cover the rise of the militarists in the Japanese government. Volume One is almost 9 hours.

HE or High Explosive bombs

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:09:03 +0000

The SC 1800 Satan was one of the largest bombs in the Luftwaffe armoury during the Second World War and the largest regularly used during the Blitz. SC indicates High Explosives, 1800 the 1,800kg (3,968lb) payload and Satan was its nickname. The SC 1800 had a length of 13ft 3in and a diameter of 2ft 3in, and was normally carried by the Heinkel He 111.

One of the Luftwaffe’s best- Werner Molders.

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:47:20 +0000

Werner Mölders was a World War II German Luftwaffe pilot and the leading German fighter ace in the Spanish Civil War. Mölders became the first pilot in aviation history to claim 100 aerial victories and was highly decorated for his achievements. He was instrumental in the development of new fighter tactics, which led to the finger-four formation. He was captured by the British in the Battle of France and then turned over to the French. Upon signing the Armistice, they released him back to Germany. On 22 November 1941, Mölders traveled as a passenger in a Heinkel He 111 from the Crimea to Germany to attend the funeral of his superior, Ernst Udet, who had committed suicide. Attempting to land at Breslau during a thunderstorm, the aircraft crashed. Mölders, pilot Oberleutnant Kolbe and flight engineer Oberfeldwebel Hobbie were killed. Mölders’ fatal injuries included a broken back and a crushed ribcage. He was given a state funeral in Berlin on 28 November 1941. His coffin was laid out in the honour court of the Imperial Air Ministry.

Volume Two: “War is Upon Us”

Paul — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:01:01 +0000

Volume Two: “War is Upon Us”- This CD contains almost seven hours of episodes that cover the start of WWII in Europe as Poland is conquered in a mere 5 weeks. With open war in Europe, Nazi Germany goes on to conquer Denmark, Norway and begin the Battle of France & the Low Countries. Special episodes- A conversation with Laszlo Montgomery, host of The China History Podcast, about The Long March and Japan’s exploits into China from 1937-1940.

New Zealander Flight Lt. Alan Deere

WWIIPodcast — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:04:46 +0000

Alan “Al” Christopher Deere would distinguish himself in WWII, like so many other brave pilots. He fell in love with his Spitfire “Kiwi” and compared it to flying a captured Me 109. He liked the Spitfire better. He was shot down on May 28th during Dunkirk but was saved by a soldier who then complained that the RAF wasn’t doing enough to help. On 9 July Deere shot down a Bf 109 over the channel, but then collided head on with a Bf 109 of 4 Staffel Jagdgeschwader 51 flown by Oberfeldwebel Johann Illner. The propeller blades of Deere’s spitfire “Kiwi” were bent backwards, the engine disabled, and much of the fin and rudder lost. Nevertheless, he managed to glide back to the coast near Manstonwhere his forced landing in a paddock ended against a stone wall.

Volume Three: “France Falls & The Miracle of Dunkirk”

Paul — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:02:18 +0000

Volume Three: “France Falls & The Miracle of Dunkirk”- This CD contains the most popular series so far in the podcast: the salvation of the BEF from Dunkirk. At just over 5 hours, the dramatic action on the coast and over the Channel is covered in great detail as the British try to save as many of their men as possible, to fight another day.

Volume Four: “France Divided & Hitler Biography”

Paul — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:03:18 +0000

Volume Four: “France Divided & Hitler Biography”- This CD contains 9 episodes and deals with the end of the French Republic and the beginning of Vichy. Also included is a 3 episode arc covering the life of Hitler until the Beer Hall Putsch. Running time is almost 6 hours.

Major Adolf Galland of the Luftwaffe

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:09:23 +0000

Galland makes a brief appearance in episode 45. He leads his Geschwader against shipping in SE Britain, only to lose good men and his own plane due to Radar. However, his pilots have a surprise for the RAF fighters. He would be shot down 4 times, but have 104 victories. He would soon be promoted to general and thus be unable to fly combat missions any more. He died in 1996.

Flame Fougasse

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:59:45 +0000

In readying the southern British coast for invasion, besides the usual pillboxes and barbed wire, there was also the Flame Fougasse. A camouflaged oil drum filled with petroleum, lime and tar that could be ignited and then rolled into the path of an invader. But further offshore were pipes, laid beneath the surf, through which oil could be pumped to spread over the surface of the water. Then, as the enemy came closer, the oil could be ignited with a flare pistol. Viola- an instant wall of flame to incinerate would be invading troops.

British Sea Forts

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:45:57 +0000

These Sea Forts helped keep a look out for incoming raiders. Three were located near Liverpool and four were in the Thames Estuary. They all had impressive artillery, like Lewis guns, Bofors, and 3.7 inch antiaircraft cannon. However, the ones close in the Thames also had radar. These antennae helped with tracking the low flying Luftwaffe planes dropping mines. With their information, the Royal Navy minesweepers were able to deal with this threat to shipping.

Ray Harris appears on Paranormal Eh? Radio

Paul — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:51:41 +0000

Ray Harris appears on the Paranormal Eh? Radio show. The episode is titled ‘The Nazi’s and the occult’.

Listen to internet radio with Terry Konig on Blog Talk Radio

Episode bio:

Ray Harris from the podcast “A History of WW2″ joins us to take a look at the Nazi obsession with the occult. This is going to be a good one guys.

Volume 5: “Battle of Britain, Part 1″

Paul — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:48:00 +0000

This CD contains 10 episodes that cover the beginning of the Battle of Britain from July, 1940 to August 13th, known as the Day of Eagles. Reichmarshal Hermann Goering, frustrated by the English weather, is ready to focus on the radar towers, although he is partially unaware of their critical role. Air Chief Dowding’s system, years in the making will be tested. Also covered in the beginning of the war in Africa as the Italians push their way into British Somaliland. Total running time: 7.6 Hours.

12 Group Sector Operations Room at Duxford

WWIIPodcast — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:15:53 +0000

When ordered by their Group HQ, the sector stations would “scramble” their squadrons into the air. Once airborne, the squadrons would be directed by radio-telephone (R/T) from their sector station. Squadrons could be ordered to patrol airfields or vital targets or be “vectored” to intercept incoming raids.

The Dyle Plan

WWIIPodcast — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:46:32 +0000

The Dyle Plan or D Plan was the primary war plan of the French Army to stave off the expected German attack during Fall Gelb. It was conceived by French General Maurice Gamelin in 1940. Named after the Dyle River , which flows from southern Belgium down to Antwerp , the main objective of the plan was to halt the advancing German Army Group B , incorrectly perceived as the strongest, in central Belgium.

Video of The Battle of Britain

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:30:32 +0000

Part 1 of 6. Click “Read More”.

The French surrender to Hitler

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:10:32 +0000

Hitler sets up the conditions of the French surrender.

Area of 13 Group of Fighter Command

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:28:16 +0000

13 Group covered Great Britain to the North. Most attacks on 13 Group came from Norway. Who knows how many Luftwaffe pilots had to ditch their Me 109 or Me 110 when they ran out of fuel.

Bentley Priory

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:14:25 +0000

Fighter Command’s HQ where Air Marshal Dowding organized and lead The Battle of Britain. Located in Stanmore near London.

Episode 44-Defense of the Air.

WWIIPodcast — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:45:21 +0000

This episode covers the beginning of the RAF and Fighter Command. Air Marshal Dowding is Fighter Command’s first Commander in chief. Through trial and error, radar is developed and a detection and respond system is worked out to defend the Channel coast. The Battle of Britain, from July 20th to July 22nd. The Spitfire and Hurricane hold their own as the Luftwaffe rethinks its strategy and tactics.

Area of 10 Group.

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:32:12 +0000

Covering the SW of Britain.

Air Vice Marshal Keith Park of 11 Group

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:29:30 +0000

New Zealander Keith Park defended the southern coast.

Field Marshal Albert Kesselring of Luftflotte 1.

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:34:28 +0000

Competent and professional.

Area of 12 Group of Fighter Command

WWIIPodcast — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:58:26 +0000

Churchill’s makes his aims clear.

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:23:15 +0000

Churchill gives his we shall fight on the beaches speech.

Goring and his staff at the water’s edge.

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:08:51 +0000

Episode 43-The Battle, July 16th-19th.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:21:01 +0000

German tactics, English weather and the Spitfire.

Edinburgh

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:19:06 +0000

View Larger Map

The area of 11 Group

WWIIPodcast — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:10:45 +0000

Air Vice Marshal Keith Park in command.

Ref test

Paul — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:52:03 +0000

blog sample

Paul — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:51:47 +0000

Fighter Command’s areas of operation.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:25:06 +0000

Fighter Command was broken up into 4 Groups. Below, you can see the two main German Luftwaffe Groups opposing them.

Episode 42-Battle of Britain, Part 2.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:20:34 +0000

A close up of the Hawker Hurricane and the Battle of Britain, July 11th-15th.

Episode 41-Great Britain’s turn.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:28:02 +0000

Battle of Britain- July 10, 1940.

Episode 40-Unexpected surprise for Hitler.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:25:05 +0000

Hitler is ready to end the war, but not Churchill.

Episode 39-Hitler bio, Part 3.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:21:56 +0000

Hitler until the Beer Hall Putsch.

Episode 38-Hitler bio, Part 2.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:18:44 +0000

Hitler through the end of WWI.

Episode 37-Hitler bio, Part 1.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:16:08 +0000

The early life of Adolf Hitler.

Episode 36-The End of the French Third Republic.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:13:52 +0000

Petain and the New France.

Episode 35-The question of the French Fleet.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:09:04 +0000

Britain and France clash and Churchill settles the question of the French fleet once and for all.

Episode 34-The war of France is over.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:06:17 +0000

Petain’s government signs the Armistice Treaty with Nazi Germany.

Episode 33-Premier Petain seeks peace.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:03:12 +0000

Petain rushes to find peace, giving little thought of the price.

Episode 32-French Premier Reynaud falls.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:59:17 +0000

Reynaud falls and Marshal Petain takes over.

Episode 31-Paris falls.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:55:59 +0000

Paris falls. June 5th – 13th.

Episode 30-The End of Dunkirk.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:53:34 +0000

Rescue operations come to a close as the Germans advance on the Allied perimeter.

Episode 29-June 2nd. Massed ships.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:49:34 +0000

British civilians help rescue troops from Dunkirk.

Episode 28-The Miracle.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:37:07 +0000

The “Miracle” part of Dunkirk.

Episode 27-29th May.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:33:41 +0000

The clouds and smoke roll away and Dunkirk is exposed to the Luftwaffe.

Episode 26-Dunkirk, Part 2.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:30:28 +0000

The anxious British troops wait on the beaches and the Mole to be rescued.

Episode 25-Dunkirk, Part 1.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:25:51 +0000

The British, seemingly pushed into the sea, organize to save their troops to fight another day.

Episode 24-The panzers reach the coast.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:19:09 +0000

Allied forces in Belgium are cut off as the German panzers reach the coast.

Episode 23-The French 9th Army is destroyed.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:15:41 +0000

Rommel crosses the Meuse north of Sedan and helps destroy the French 9th Army.

Episode 22-German panzers attack through the Ardennes.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:08:56 +0000

German panzers attack through the Ardennes, head for the Meuse River and the town of Sedan.

Episode 21-The fall of France, Part 2.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:01:45 +0000

The invasion of Holland and Belgium.

Episode 20-China 1937 to 1940.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:47:45 +0000

China 1937-40 and Mao Biography.

Episode 19-The Long March w/ Laszlo Montgomery.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:46:33 +0000

The Long March, 1934-1935. Mao and the Chinese Communist Party are saved by running through the mountains and jungles, fleeing from Chiang Kai-shek and his Nationalist troops.

Episode 18-The fall of France, Part 1.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:44:37 +0000

The Phony War has undermined what eagerness there was to fight Germany.

Episode 17-The fall of Denmark and Norway.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:43:28 +0000

Landlocked Denmark surrenders, but Norway resists. The British try to help but are not organized or equipped properly.

Episode 16-The Phony War and Finland’s defeat.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:41:39 +0000

The Allies wait for Hitler and Stalin uses the war to attack Finland. But the Soviet Army is far from ready.

Episode 15-The fall of Poland.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:40:27 +0000

Hitler’s bluffing to gain an empire is over. He will have to fight from now on.

Episode 14-The last days of peace.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:39:25 +0000

Diplomatic wrangling rages over Europe during the summer of 1939.

Episode 13-The line is drawn.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:37:31 +0000

Britain and France are finished giving in to Hitler.

Episode 12-Appeasement.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:36:17 +0000

Hitler’s sabre rattling earns him Austria and the Munich Agreement.

Episode 11-Europe 1933 to 1937.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:33:49 +0000

Europe 1933-1937: Ethiopia, Rhineland, Spanish Civil War.

Episode 10-The Nazification of Germany.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:32:06 +0000

The Nazi Party implements Hitler’s vision as written in Mein Kampf.

Episode 9-Hitler takes on the World.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:14:40 +0000

Hitler, now in power, removes his enemies and defies the international community.

Episode 8-Japan’s China policy?

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:11:53 +0000

Japan struggles to define its policy on China, but events take the decision out the military’s hands.

Episode 7-Japan expands into China.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:08:36 +0000

Japan continues to expand their operations into China and find themselves facing Chairman Mao, backed by the Soviet Union and Chiang Kai Shek.

Episode 6-Japan, 1853-1936.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:05:38 +0000

Japan is opened up to western ways, but the government loses control of the military. Covers from 1853 to 1936.

Episode 5-Il Duce (The Leader)

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:01:07 +0000

Episode covers the first 10 years of Mussolini as Dictator.

Episode 4-Mussolini 1918 to 1922.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:54:12 +0000

Episode covers Mussolini from the end of WWI to his being elevated to power.

Episode 3-Early life of Mussolini.

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:38:33 +0000

Episode covers the early life of Mussolini.

Episode 2-Nazi Politics, 1929-1933

WWIIPodcast — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:33:06 +0000

Episode covers German politics and the rise of the Nazi Party from the Great Depression until Hitler comes to power in January 1933.

Episode 1-Rise of the Nazi Party.

Paul — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:41:11 +0000

This episode covers Germany from the end of World War I to the advent of The Great Depression.

REFERENCES:

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer

Delivered From Evil by Robert Leckie

The Rising Sun by John Toland

Mussolini by R.J.B. Bosworth

The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr

Episode 76-The Army of the Nile

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