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Episode 418-The Show Must Go On
As the escorting destroyers fill up with rescued crewmen, now it’s the Ohio’s turn as her engines give up the ghost. But the men in this story are determined to get her to Malta, by hook or by crook. For her fuel is the difference to whether Malta endures or...
Episode 417-Interview w/ Craig Nelson about his book V is For Victory
Craig Nelson's book V is For Victory has it all: FDR's early days of combatting the Great Depression, restoring faith in the country and gearing up for a war that many hoped would never come. But it was FDR putting the country on the right path that got the US ready...
Episode 416-The Terrifying Had Become Commonplace
When the sun rose on August 13th, the Axis forces in the Mediterranean knew they had one last day to stop Operation Pedestal. As such, the Axis air formations came in hot and heavy, with their normal level of accuracy. This wasn’t over yet and more ships would be...
Episode 415-Ships That Sink In The Night
Within a four hour period of darkness, Pedestal will lose many ships. By morning, 7 of the 14 merchants were gone. Still if the rest can get through, then Pedestal would be considered a success. And yet, the rising sun brings whole scores of Luftwaffe planes, vying to...
Episode 414-In the Lap of the Gods
As August 13th turns into the 14th, more ships of Pedestal are lost. Some fought bravely during their last moments, other’s not. But Adm. Syfret’s orders are that all ships are to try. And Commander Gibbs of the destroyer HMS Pathfinder and his crew enter into the...
Episode 413-I Was Always Grateful to Mussolini
The ships of Pedestal have entered The Narrows. Waiting for them are Italian E-boats that rule the night. But Keith Park, Malta’s Air Arm commander, has an ace up his sleeve. Well, at least a great poker face. Meanwhile Kesselring and the Italians argue from sun rise,...
Episode 412-Courage and Cowardice
Churchill visits Stalin for the first time, only to give him bad news. There will be no Second Front in 1942. Then, back to Pedestal as the merchant ships have been scattered. The destroyers will try to round them up, but some captains don’t want to finish the trip....
Episode 411-The Deadly Game of Dodge Bomb
As Pedestal nears the Narrows, more escorts and merchant ships are lost to Axis planes and submarines. The convoy had been laid on heavily, to make up for any anticipated losses, but the losses about to take place would strain the very reason for London even trying.
Episode 410-Four Torpedoes Can Make All the Difference
As Force Z leaves Force X and Pedestal to their fate, Italian subs and torpedo boats line up in the narrow Sicilian Narrows to finish off the merchantmen. Adm. Burrough is confident that he can get through, until a lone but lucky Italian sub launches 4 torpedoes that...
Episode 409-Will This Day Never End?
It’s still August 12, 1942 and after two large attacks, the Axis now launch their main attack, that afternoon. There were to be Axis dive bombers, torpedo bombers, high level bombers, submarines and torpedo boats. A potpourri of death for the Pedestal Convoy. Yet the...
Watch Ray Harris jnr on ‘In the Hanger’ on the Taking Off YouTube Channel
Ray Harris Jnr joins host Daniel Millican on the Taking Off YouTube Channel to cover one of the 'Best' and also 'Worst' pilots from WWII.
Episode 408-Operation Pedestal: One Hell of an Afternoon
The early afternoon of August 12th would be hell for the defenders of Pedestal. Several air attacks take place, in between U-boat attacks. And the Italians have their own technologically advanced surprise for the ships of Pedestal. But can they pull it off?
Episode 407-Interview w/Chloe Melas about Frank Murphy’s book: Luck of the Draw
Chloe Melas, granddaughter of the author, comes on to discuss the book, Luck of the Draw. Frank Murphy, a navigator was shot down and became a POW for 18 months. His camp was liberated by Gen. Patton. Frank Murphy will be on of the characters in Tom Hank's new series,...
Episode 406-Operation Pedestal: One Hell of a Morning
It’s August 12, 1942 and it’s a beautiful day. Which makes Axis reconnaissance flights ideal. Soon, Rome knows all it needs to and its various ships, subs and planes are sent out, all to converge on the convoy. Pedestal will need a miracle just to make it to noon.
Episode 405-Operation Pedestal: Slow Gets You Killed
HMS Furious having delivered its Spitfires to Malta, turns around with its escort. But they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile, as the ships of Pedestal get closer to Malta, the Allies launch several distractions. Some are a waste of time, but one gives the British...
Episode 404-Operation Pedestal: First Blood
Churchill pushes to have the largest convoy thus far, sent to Malta. Yet the Germans and Italians are ready. Before the Merchantmen and the tanker Ohio can reach Malta, they will have to survive both enemy's air forces and U-boats, not to mention Italy's cruiser...
Introducing Grey History Podcasts: The French Revolution
Join me in listening to the first episode of William Clark's exploration of The French Revolution, from Grey History Podcasts. Clark goes deep and explores the grey areas around all history and certainly of Revolutionary France. The following is the episode that got...
Episode 403-Rommel is Stopped in His Tracks
Rommel gathers his panzers in the south for another attack. But he has gone to the well, one time too many. Monty predicts this and plans his own cauldron trap. The question is, can the Afrika Korps be tricked into taking the bait? And for the first time, the U.S....
Episode 402-Monty Sets the Stage for Rommel
Monty comes to grips with the type of fighter Rommel is and plans accordingly. More men are brought forward and a trap is set for the Axis forces. Meanwhile, Churchill brings the Allies closer together with a visit to Stalin in Moscow. The bad news is there will be no...
Episode 401-Interview with Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch about The Nazi Conspiracy & Churchill Gives British 8th Army to Monty
First, Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch come to discuss The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill. For the second episode: Auchinleck is out, Monty and Harold Alexander are in. They all know that Rommel is going to attack and soon, so...
Episode 400-The Second Battle of Ruweisat Ridge
Though both sides are depleted, Churchill wants Auchinleck to attack again, so he does. As not much has changed, the result is another loss of men, material and fuel, with nothing to show for it. Meanwhile, Rommel is asking for more of everything as he is so close to...
Episode 399-The First Battle of Ruweisat Ridge
With the First Battle of El Alamein over, the two generals settle for smaller battles while their reinforcements arrive. C in C, ME Auchinleck will take a page from Rommel’s book, by forcing The Desert Fox to react to him. But then Rommel shows why he’s worth...
Episode 398-First Battle of El Alamein
With the First Battle of El Alamein, Rommel’s building desperation clashes with Auchinleck’s determination to finally make a stand. But it’s the mistakes made by Afrika Korps that will determine the success or failure of The Desert Fox’s latest attack. Not that Rommel...
Episode 397-Interview w/ Iain MacGregor: The Lighthouse of Stalingrad & Prelude to the 1st Battle of El Alamein
Another 2 Episode Special! First, my interview with Iain MacGregor about his book, The Lighthouse at Stalingrad: The Hidden Truth at the Heart of the Greatest Battle of WWII. An excellent single source of the battle. Then, Prelude to the 1st Battle of El Alamein. With...
Episode 396-The Battle of Mersa Matruh
As Tobruk has fallen, the next defensive line is set up at Mersa Matruh, but C in C, ME Auchinleck has little faith in Gen. Ritchie’s latest plan. Thus Auchinleck takes over the battle himself, but is frustrated by bad communications and Gen. Gott’s misreading of the...
Episode 395-The Gazala Gallop
With Tobruk lost, 8th British Army falls back to the Egyptian border. But C in C Claude Auchinleck is still not convinced that they are safe from Rommel, so agrees to another pull back to Mersa Matruh. Gen. Ritchie sets up his defenses, but Auchinleck has another line...
Episode 394-Warrior Next Door Podcast Interview & Tobruk Has Fallen
First, Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo, the hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast return to share more clips of WWII Veterans and their experiences. The Second Episode: Now that the Battle of Gazala is over and the bulk of the 8th British Army was back along with...
Episode 393-Interview w/ James Shone: Host of Taiwan Through Time Podcast & Operation Harpoon
Two Episode Special! James Shone comes on to share what Taiwan, then Formosa, was going through during, but also, before the war. Then, as Rommel prepares to surround Tobruk, Churchill and the War Cabinet decide to once again, try to get supplies to Malta. What...
Episode 392-Interview w/ Dr. Paul Gill Jr: Armageddon in The Arctic Ocean and Tobruk is Surrounded
Another two episode special! First, Dr. Paul Gill Jr. comes on to talk about his dad’s book about his life and war time adventures, Armageddon in The Arctic Ocean: Up the Hawse Pipe from Galley Boy to Third Mate on a Legendary Liberty Ship in the Biggest Convoy Battle...
Ep 291: Two Episode Special! Interview w/ Taylor Downing about his book 1942: Winston Churchill and Britain’s Darkest Hour and then, The British 8th Army is Outfoxed
First, historian Taylor Downing comes on to talk about his new book, 1942: Winston Churchill and Britain’s Darkest Hour and then we pick up with Rommel and Ritchie battling it out in North Africa. The Desert Fox will push his men to the breaking point, but the Axis...
Episode 390-The Battle of Knightsbridge Box
With the Battle of Bir Hakeem over Rommel is ready to drive on Tobruk, but first he has to get passed the Knightsbridge Box, where the 2nd and 4th Armored Brigades are waiting. What follows is mistakes by both sides, but Rommel reacts more quickly because he is with...
Episode 389-Interview w/ Saul David about his book Devil Dogs
Historian Saul David talks about his latest book, Devil Dogs: From Guadalcanal to the Shores of Japan. King Company of the legendary 1st Marine Division will take part in 4 major battles in the Pacific; Guadalcanal, New Britain, Peleliu and Okinawa. But first...
Bad Women: The Blackout Ripper
Here’s a preview of Bad Women: The Blackout Ripper. Over a single week in February 1942, a depraved serial killer stalked London’s dark and WWII bomb-ravaged streets, hunting for victims in the city’s bars and clubs. Using new research from police files, court...
Episode 388-The Battle of Bir Hakeem: The Redemption of French Honor
Now that the Battle of the Cauldron was over, Rommel could come for the Free French at Bir Hakeem, to his SW. With this outpost removed, Africa Corps would be free to drive to the NE and take Tobruk. But the Desert Air Force would strive mightily to save the French,...
Episode 387-The Battle of The Cauldron
Rommel anticipates British 8th Army’s attack and prepares. The attack, Operation Aberdeen is launched, but will come to a sad end. This allows Rommel to commence his own attack, scattering thousands of Allies troops before him. The Battle of the Cauldron was supposed...
Episode 386-Damien Lewis discusses his book, Agent Josephine: American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy
Writer Damien Lewis returns to discuss his latest book about the beautiful Josephine Baker. She has found everything she wanted in France, but soon the country is over run by Nazis. Now she will be enlisted to spy for the Allies so France can, one day, return to its...
Episode 385-The Cauldron
Rommel’s lunge at Tobruk causes his panzers to get trapped. So the Desert Fox changes his plans and 8th Army Commander Ritchie gives Rommel days of freedom, while the Commonwealth troops set up to push on to Libya. Rommel uses this time to attack the isolated 150th...
Episode 384-The English GI: A Yorkshire Schoolboy’s Adventures in the US and Europe
This graphic novel by Jonathan Sandler covers the story of a young Jewish British citizen on vacation in NY when Pearl Harbor is attacked. Soon he is swept up in the US Army fighting for Uncle Sam, while his family back in Leeds worries over his safety. The story is...
Episode 383-Rommel Comes For Tobruk
The day of battle is here. Both sides have made flawed plans. The question is who can adapt faster. Still, the first phase of the Battle of Gazala goes to The Desert Fox. But there is always the question of fuel. And of course, I had to put out an episode on the...
Episode 382-Dale Jenkins discusses The Battles of Coral Sea and Midway
Retired Naval Officer Dale A. Jenkins, who served in the Pacific has a book coming out in December: Diplomats and Admirals. Today he sets up and examines the two battles, Coral Sea and Midway, then how their outcomes affected the rest of the Pacific War. His website...
Episode 381-The Battle at Gazala: The Waiting is All
As The Allies and Axis prepare for a battle at Gazala, Rommel and Gen. Ritchie both feel confident that their plan is best. Yet both sides have weaknesses: Rommel doesn’t know where all the Allied formations are and the British led forces think they have it easier in...
Episode 380-The British 8th Army vs The Desert Fox
Rommel is able to take Cyrenaica back from the British 8th Army, but between his fuel issues and C in C, ME Auchinleck’s personnel changes, the two sides will stare at each other for a while. But the combat will return as North Africa’s fate will determine the future...
Episode 379-Rommel Strikes Back
With the failure of Gen. Auchinleck's Operation Crusader, at the end of 1941, Rommel resupplies and heads out again, before the British can start Operation Acrobat, the drive on Tripoli. And like a year ago, the Allies are stretched far too thin and the men are under...
Episode 378-West Africa and Charles De Gaulle
Before moving on to Operation Pedestal and then the Eastern Front, Gen. Charles De Gaulle’s moves in West Africa have to be covered. He seeks to rebuild the French Empire by grabbing African lands that went with the Vichy Government after France fell to German forces.
Episode 377-Iceland: A Peaceful Invasion
In this one off episode, Iceland and Greenland’s participation in the war is covered. Denmark leads these two islands to the north, but when Nazi Germany occupies Denmark, the islands are on their own. Churchill, as the First Lord of the Admiralty decides that these...
Episode 376-The Falcon of Malta
In the mold of Adrian Warburton, one George Beurling comes to Malta in July. Like Warby, George or Screwball as he is called, does not care for much for anything really, only flying and fighting. And in a short time, he will cause hell for the Axis pilots. However,...
Episode 375-Starvation and Betrayal
Lord Gort will have his own Quisling to deal with as a Malta youth comes ashore to spy for Mussolini. Meanwhile, another convoy is attempted, but it too will fail. Gort has no choice but to reduce rations further. His biggest fear is if the Maltese people want to give...
Episode 374-Churchill: Malta’s Patron Saint
As Field Marshall Kesselring loses some of his planes to other theaters, Malta, thanks to Churchill, gets a large influx of Spitfires. The defenders may be able to retake control of their skies, but this does nothing to bring in food, fuel and ammunition. The people...
Episode 373-Malta: A Thunderstorm of Steel
As April 1942 comes to an end, a spot of hope is dashed as the Axis continue their daily bombing of Malta. The ships and subs have been driven away, the island’s air force is weak. The only thing holding the invaders back is Malta’s AA gun crews and they are running...
Episode 372-Malta Loses A Hero
As Field Marshall Albert Kesselring ramps up his attacks on Malta, Adm. Andrew Cunningham and others will leave the theatre as they are beyond exhausted. Still, the fight goes on. And those still defending the island are about to experience hell on earth, for months....
Episode 371-Interview w/ Thomas McKenna about his book Moro Warrior
MORO WARRIOR tells the remarkable true story of the Philippine Muslim (Moro) resistance fighters of World War II—the most successful and least-known guerrillas of the Pacific Theater. It is the story of Mohammad Adil, a sword-wielding warrior chieftain commissioned as...
Episode 370-Interview w/ Peter Bradley about his book, The Last Train: A Family History of the Final Solution
Former Labour MP Peter Bradley discusses his book that covers the events of his Jewish parents and extended family, as they try to stay one step ahead of the Nazi Government. This leads to a moving history of the Final Solution and Anti Semitism itself.
Car Show! Episode: The Jeep During WWII
We’re shaking things up today and sharing a preview from Car Show!, a new podcast from our friends at Pushkin Industries. Longtime Car and Driver editor Eddie Alterman tells the stories of the vital cars — the ones that have changed how we drive and live, whose...
Ep 369-Interview w/ Paul Brandus about FDR’s Use of Media and Midway
Writer and White House Correspondent Paul Brandus comes on the show to cover FDR's brilliant use of the media, before Pearl Harbor. Also, we discuss the significance of the Battle of Midway. YouTube - Watch now Facebook - Like now Instagram - Follow now Twitter -...
Episode 368-Interview w/ Damien Lewis about his book, Churchill’s Great Escapes: Seven Incredible Escapes Made by WWII Heroes
Writer Damien Lewis comes on the show to discuss his new book Churchill's Great Escapes: Seven Incredible Escapes Made by WWII Heroes. During the war, there was no standing order for Allied Officers to try to escape a POW Camp. However, the men of the British Special...
Episode 367-The Second Battle of Sirte
Desperate, Adm. Cunningham arranges another convoy for Malta. But the Italian Fleet and German Air Arm are ready. The result, a tiny fraction of supplies will get through. Malta’s days as a forward base are coming to an end. YouTube - Watch now Facebook - Like now...
Episode 366-Interview w/ Brandon Gauthier about his book, Before Evil
Professor Brandon Gauthier comes on to discuss his book Before Evil, where he examines the making of 20th Century’s greatest tyrants. He reminds us to never forget that the world’s monsters are humans too, with dreams, fears, ambitions and childhoods. That they were...
Episode 365-The Spitfires are Coming!
The RAF on Malta actually run out of Hurricane fighters on March 3rd. Fortunately, the promised Spitfires arrive. But how are 15 Spitfires supposed to hold back the entirety of Kesselring’s air arm of Italian and German planes. The dark time for Malta are far from...
Episode 364-Mussolini’s PR Nightmare
As 1942 opens up the Axis have the upper hand. Still, those in London make plans to invade Sicily. What follows only fills up Davie Jones' locker all the more.
Episode 363-Guest Host Lindsay Graham of History Daily Recounts the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The host of several well known podcasts, Lindsay Graham, of History Daily, American Scandal and American History Tellers, is allowing me to share with you, his coverage of the day that will live in Infamy. Here is the three episode arc from The History Daily...
Episode 362-Interview w/ Michael Benson about his book Gangsters vs Nazis
Author Michael Benson comes on the show to talk about his latest book, Gangsters vs Nazis: How Jewish Bobsters Battled Nazis in Wartime America. Some of the most notorious Jewish gangsters, Meyer Lansky, Charles Lucky Luciano, Mickey Cohen and Bugsy Siegel team up...
Episode 361-Interview w/ Edward Aldrich: The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson and the Extraordinary Collaboration That Won WWII.
Edward Aldrich comes on the show to discuss his book that covers the highly effective teamwork of Secretary of War Henry Stimson and Army Chief of Staff George Marshall. Once they are both in position, they will have 17 months to ready the American Armed Forces before...
Episode 360-The Germans Have Returned
As winter sets in on the Eastern Front, Field Marshal Albert Kesselring is given Luftflotte 2, submarines and motor torpedo boats. His task is to subdue Malta. And he is well on his way as the Italians launch a daring underwater raid on Adm. Cunningham’s Mediterranean...
Episode 359-All Good Things Must Come to an End
As the war goes on, some key personnel leave Malta, heading for new assignments or some much needed rest. But as winter comes, Hitler will send his German pilots back to Sicily. Malta will need help and soon. Instead, Adm. Cunningham looses the carrier Ark Royal.
Episode 358-The Saturday Night Club Run
Adm. Cunningham is given Force K, a gift from Churchill. And right away Force K will prove itself by annihilating an entire convoy, looking to resupply Rommel.
Episode 357-Operation Halberd
Malta based subs and planes are having a surge of success against Axis shipping heading to North Africa, but increased operations means more fuel is needed. Thus, another convoy is headed to the Mediterranean. This one will be the largest so far, but the Italians will...
Episode 356-Interivew with Philip Martin about his book-From Orphan to High Flyer
Philip Martin comes on the show to talk about the book he wrote with RAF Pilot Denis Elliott. Denis' early life was full of pain, which caused a lack of confidence. But then comes the war and young Denis will find himself and grow in belief in himself as a part of the...
Episode 355-Interview with Robert Child about his book Immortal Valor
Robert Child, an Emmy® Nominated Producer / Director comes on the show to discuss his latest book, Immortal Valor. The Black Medal of Honor winners of WWII. Just over one million African Americans participated in the war against The Axis, but only 7 of them were given...
Episode 354-The Battle of Valletta
Though Operation Substance successfully resupplies Malta, the Allies lost planes, ships and men. What followed was the Battle of Valletta, as the Italians try to finish off the convoy while in the Grand Harbor. Paying in kind, sub commander Shrimp Simpson will send 3...
Episode 353-Malta’s Magic Carpet Service
Adm. Cunningham begins to believe that he may loose Malta. The Germans are gone, but he only has half his normal fleet and the Axis are not slowing down in transporting men to Rommel in North Africa. Picture-HMS Olympus, a part of the Magic Carpet Service. She lost...
Episode 352-Interview with Ray Boomhower about his book-Richard Tregaskis:Reporting Under Fire from Guadalcanal to Vietnam
Ray Boomhower has written about 3 important war correspondents, Richard Tregaskis, Ernie Pyle and Robert L. Sherrod. Today we discuss the young Tregaskis as he covers events like Midway, Guadalcanal, and the invasion of Sicily. Tregaskis will almost die in Italy, but...
Episode 351-Interview with Scott Rank of The History Unplugged Podcast
Scott Rank comes on the show to discuss the more impactful events of the Pacific Campaign: The East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, The Battle of Midway, the Fire Bombing of Tokyo and the likely casualties of an Allied invasion onto the main Japanese Islands.
Episode 350-Operation Primrose
As the Battle for the Atlantic is not going well for the Allies, Churchill’s War Cabinet puts into motion a plan to steal a Nazi Enigma machine. Bletchley Park has been trying to break the German Naval codes for years, but more is needed. Meanwhile Malta is about to...
Episode 349-Malta’s Orders: KBO-Keep Buggering On!
With Crete falling so quickly, Churchill and Adm. Cunningham have to assume that Malta is next. Still, ABC expects his subs, like the Upholder, to hold the line until Malta can be reinforced.
Episode 348-Interview with Scott Bury about his Eastern Front Trilogy
Author Scott Bury joins us to talk about his Eastern Front Trilogy. The story centers around Maurice Bury, a Canadian who is forced to fight for Soviet Russia against Nazi Germany.
Episode 347-Malta: Dark Days are Coming
We return to Malta as Adm. Cunningham is at his low point. Churchill wants total war, but Cunningham needs more of everything, including time. The short term answer seems to be more subs, but Malta will have to make do, for now. Doing his part is Lt. Commander Wanklyn...
Episode 346A-The Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast
Today's offering is an episode from Gary Arndt's Podcast, Everything Everywhere Daily. On this show, he covers the important contribution of Native Americans using their language to stump the Nazi Intelligence services from breaking the Allied Code.
Episode 346-Interview with the Hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast
Today on the show, I talk to Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield about their show, The Warrior Next Door Podcast. Listen to the oral histories of World War II veterans from interviews conducted by Tony and Ryan as they provide historical context. Their efforts will help the...
Episode 345-Interview with Joe Lee about his book Forgiveness
Artist Joe Lee comes on the show to talk about his book, Forgiveness: The Story of Eva Kor, Survivor of The Auschwitz Twin Experiments. Find out what happens to Dr. Josef Mengele, the tormentor of Eva, her sister Miriam and the other twins of Auschwitz and the...
Episode 344-Interview with Prof. Jeffrey Jackson about his book, Paper Bullets
Jeffrey Jackson, professor of history at Rhodes College comes on the show to tell us about Lucy and Suzanne’s courage in defying the nazi occupation of the channel island Jersey. These two lovers, having developed their avant garde artistry in 1920 and 1930’s Paris,...
Episode 343-Interview with Ambassador David McKean about his book, Watching Darkness Fall
Former Ambassador to Luxembourg and before that, the Director of Policy Planning at the US department of State, Ambassador McKean is currently the senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the US in Washington, DC. Today he joins us to talk about how all but one of...
Episode 342-Interview with Jack Fairweather about his book, A Rebel In Auschwitz
War reporter Jack Fairweather comes on to discuss his latest book A Rebel in Auschwitz. The story is of Witold Pilecki, a member of the Polish Resistance who is chosen to purposefully get arrested to be taken to the camp. Upon seeing the daily cruelty, Witold has to...
Episode 341- Battle of the Tarigo Convoy.
PM Churchill wants Adm. Andrew Cunningham to sink supply ships heading for Rommel's North African Army. Cunningham wants more ships, but is told to make do with what he has. So in mid April, Cunningham sends out 4 destroyers under the Flagship HMS Jervis, with Capt....
Episode 340-Interview with Chris Berman
Writer and lecturer Chris Berman joins us to discuss the Night Witches, the female soviet pilots, cultural perceptions of warfare and the lady pilots of The United States and Great Britain. Check out his latest book, A White Star in a Red Sky.
Episode 339-The Battle of Cape Matapan
The Luftwaffe keeps trying different types of bombs until they find one that works well against Maltese buildings. And their Bf109 fighters are decimating the British Hurricanes. Malta is threatened. But Adm. Cunningham will engage the Italian Navy during the Battle...
Episode 338-The Siege of Malta Begins
Churchill wants the Italians hit hard as the German's begin bombing Malta almost daily. This will include Operation Colossus and Commander Shrimp's sub, HMS Upholder heading out to interdict supplies heading to Rommel in North Africa. Pic-Lt. Comm. Wanklyn and second...
Episode 337-The Illustrious Blitz
After the successful raid against the Italy Naval Fleet at Taranto, Cunningham and Churchill wonder when the Italians will strike back and when Hitler’s Luftwaffe will join them. They will not have to wait long.
Episode 336-With A Friend Like Mussolini
Malta goes stronger each day, with Churchill's help and Adm. Cunningham's persistence. Still, the clouds grow darker as Mussolini invades Greece, which prompts Hitler to get involved in the Mediterranean.
Episode 335-Churchill Wants War
As Malta is pounded by Mussolini's Air Force, PM Churchill is determined not to give up on the island or any of the Mediterranean Sea. And Adm. Andrew Cunningham is in full agreement as the Battle of Calabria gets underway.
Episode 334-All Roads Go Through Malta
For thousands of years, Malta has had numerous masters. But as WWII seems inevitable, the British and Maltese people come together to ready themselves to take on the Axis Powers. Not until Mussolini declares war against the Allies does Malta get attacked, but even...
Episode 333-The Doolittle Raid Pt 4: The Pacific War Takes Shape
As most of Doolittle's Raiders make it home safely, one crew is soon in Stalin's hands and two others are captured by the Japanese. After this, go back and listen to Episode 299, to hear the end of the tale. Pic-Doolittle with President Roosevelt. Twitter...
Episode 332-The Doolittle Raid Pt 3: Japan’s Pearl Harbor
This episode covers the flight paths of the 16 Doolittle Raiders. A solid hour of hell is visited upon The Japanese Empire. Adm. Yamamoto and his Combined Fleet will send 6 carriers to chase down Adm. Halsey’s Task Force 16, but it is long gone. Tokyo learns that war...
Episode 331-The Doolittle Raid Pt 2
As TF 16 under Admirals Halsey and Mitscher sail closer to the Japanese Home Islands, the Allies’ naval forces loose several vessels. It’s no longer a question of will Doolittle’s Raiders succeed, but rather, will the carrier Enterprise and Hornet make it safely back...
Episode 330-The Doolittle Raid Pt 1
President Roosevelt, like the rest of America is reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. But his shock is soon joined by rage. He wants the Japanese Empire taught a lesson. The lessons of war. What is needed is a strike against Tokyo itself. Adm. Ernest J. King and...
Episode 329-The Fall of Corregidor
Gen. Wainwright has set up his defenses for Corregidor as best he can, still, all involved know the outcome. It’s only a matter of playing it out, per his order from Gen. MacArthur. The defenders have a few tricks up their sleeve as Homma’s 4th Division lands on...
Episode 328-The Fall of Mindanao
After Gen. Edward King’s surrender of Bataan, the Japanese focus on Corregidor and the three smaller islands below it. And now that the Battle of Bataan is over, Gen. Homma will send numerous Detachments to the Southern Islands.
Episode 327-The Fall of Bataan
Generals Wainwright, King and Parker are seriously considering surrendering. The problem is that Gen. MacArthur has forbidden it. But the facts of the ground dominate. Months of starvation have robbed the defenders of their ability to fight any longer.
Episode 326-Interview with Rob Lofthouse about his book Honor Through Sacrifice
Gordon Joseph Lippman was only 18 years old when he joined the army in 1943. Earning a spot in the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, he would see action in Italy, Southern France and help Easy Company in The Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he would stay in...
Episode 325-Bataan-The Beginning of the End
During the second battle of Bataan, Gen. Homma has a specific plan, whereas the Allies are simply trying to hold onto their defensive line. But the men on the line are far too weak to offer any real resistance. Sector D has been crushed and its Sector C’s turn. If it...
Episode 324-The Second Battle of Bataan
Gen. Homma, now resupplied and reinforced, will come again. But this time, with MacArthur gone, the Japanese will face Gen. Edward P. King. And he is determined to hold out. But Homma’s plan is straightforward, to bombard the main defensive line to smithereens even...
Episode 323-Bataan: The Readiness is All
As Gen. Homma’ reinforcements come in, his confidence grows. Yet his plan to conquer southern Bataan and Corregidor is flawed. Meanwhile, Gen. Jonathan Wainwright is doing all he can to prepare his men to fight the enemy.
Episode 322-The Battling Bastards of Bataan
As Gen. Homma, commander of the Japanese forces in The Philippines brings in reinforcements and food, the American Government is finding it all but impossible to resupply Gen. Jonathan Wainwright, the new commander on Corregidor.
Episode 321-MacArthur I Shall Return
MacArthur finishes up his escape from Corregidor to Melbourne Australia. But the news waiting for him is not the General’s liking, basically, there are more troops back on Bataan than there are in the whole of Australia. But Gen. George Marshall will sooth MacArthur’s...
Episode 320-MacArthur’s Great Escape Pt 1
It's time for MacArthur to leave Corregidor, but how? Submarine, plane or boat. MacArthur chooses an early departure over safety, thus he and his will suffer for 600 miles on a PT Boat. But the net around Corregidor is being drawn ever tighter by the Japanese. It's...
Episode 319-How Do You Solve a Problem Like MacArthur?
With the war of Bataan coming to a standstill, FDR and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Marshall start to think of the future. MacArthur is too popular to let be captured by the Japanese. Besides, someone will have to lead US Army forces in the SE Pacific and there is...
Episode 318-Battle of the Pockets Pt 2
During the Battle of the Points, Gen. Homma would attack Gen. Wainwright's western line. This allowed 1000 Japanese troops to get through. The Allied Command staff will soon find themselves dealing with 3 enemy forces in their rear. Hopefully the main defensive will...
Episode 317-Battle of the Pockets Pt 1
Gen. Homma has decided to hit the Allied line in two sections. Which means, in Gen. Parker's I Corps, on the eastern side of the Bataan Peninsula, Gen. Clifford Bluemel's Sector C will get all of Gen. Nara's attention. And Bluemel discovers a massive hole in his line...
Episode 316-FDR: The Man with No Fear
I am joined today by Richard Lim, host of This American President Podcast to discuss Franklin Roosevelt. Now that the Japanese have struck at Pearl Harbor, FDR must lead the U.S. to victory. But what kind of man and politician was FDR. Join us to find out.
Episode 315-Battle of the Points
In attempting to smash MacArthur’s line on the Bataan Peninsula, Gen. Homma will send several amphibious end runs behind the lines. If all works out well, in this Battle of the Points, the Allies will loose all. If not, those Japanese troops may find themselves...
Episode 314-The Battle of Bataan
Gen. Homma sends his forces at MacArthur's defensive line on Bataan. For days the line holds, until it doesn't. Falling back, the Allied try to keep cohesion, in order to stave off destruction.
Episode 313-Retreat to Bataan
As Gen. Jonathan Wainwright conducts the battle of the 5 lines, Gen. Douglas MacArthur declares Manila an open city and continues to beg Washington for supplies and reinforcements. All the while, Gen. Homma grabs up more and more of Luzon.
Episode 312-Bataan or Bust
With the defenses of Lingayen Gulf shattered, Gen. MacArthur has decided to retreat to the Bataan peninsula, though there are no waiting supplies there. So while there is fighting to the north and south of Manila, supplies and men are moved to the final defensive...
Episode 311-Gen. Douglas MacArthur: Defending the Indefensible
With MacArthur’s alteration to the American defensive plan for the Philippines left in tatters, he reverts back to Plan Orange: to move all available troops to the Bataan Peninsula. But first, he has to give his command staff enough time to make this happen. Thus a...
Episode 310-December 22, 1941: A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
The main Japanese attack comes to Luzon on December 22nd, but Gen. Douglas MacArthur is overly confident. Besides, Gen. George Marshall is unable to help, as much as he wants to. This leaves the under trained and ill-equipped Philippine troops to guard the beaches of...
Episode 309-MacArthur: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
As northern and southern Luzon becomes Japanese controlled territory, Gen. Douglas MacArthur finds himself trapped, besides which, his air arm has been devastated. The Allies’ only chance for survival are reinforcements, which are on their way from Pearl Harbor. But...
Episode 308-War Comes to The Philippines
Even with a seven hour warning Gen. Douglas MacArthur seems paralyzed by the shocking news from Pearl Harbor. Commander of the air forces in The Philippines, Gen. Lewis Brereton knows how he wants to react, but is unable to get the green light from MacArthur or his...
Episode 307-Prelude to the Fall of The Philippines
With the Japanese Empire deciding to invade to the south, the American fighters and bombers, under Gen. Douglas MacArthur's command in The Philippines must be taken out first. Previously, the American defense plan had been to fight a holding action, but MacArthur has...
Episode 306-Gen. Slim Regroups, Gen. Stilwell Retreats
As Gen. William Slim deals with the remains of Burma Corps, the American general Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell also has to find a way out. But the American commander of Chinese forces in Burma has decided he will walk out of the war zone, with his men. If he can make...
Episode 305-Isn’t That Burma Army Annihilated Yet?
Gen. William Slim and Burma Corps finally reach India, as does several Chinese divisions. However the Battle of the Basin has to be fought first. Gen. Joseph Stilwell also has plans to leave Burma, but his route is cut off. As for Burma Corps, their entrance into...
Episode 304-Mistakes Were Made, Men Died
Gen. William Slim and Burma Corps continue their retreat. But as hunger, fatigue and the coming Monsoons press down on the British General, his guard is dropped and the Japanese come rushing in.
Episode 303-The Battle of Mandalay
The British led forces are retreating from Burma. But first they must get to Mandalay and across the Ava Bridge there, all the while keeping the Japanese at bay. The most Gen. Slim and Stilwell can hope for is to get out of the fighting, mostly intact.
Episode 302-Interview with Lesley Blume about her book: Fallout
Lesley MM Blume joins us to tell of the US Government coverup of the effects of the Atomic Bomb. The book: Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover Up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World
Episode 301-The Great Retreat Begins
It’s the beginning of the end for the Allied defense of Burma. While Gen. Slim’s men are pushed back, their Chinese Allies in the Shan States of attacked and scattered. Their only hope of survival is to head back home. Another seemingly Japanese victory.
Episode 300-Battle of Yenaungyaung
Gen. William Slim will have to use all his experience and cunning to survive this latest defeat and retreat. In the balance is the entire 1st Burma Division. Fortunately for the Allies, Chinese Gen. Sun Li-jen of the 38th Division had dreamed as a boy that he would...
Episode 299-Interview with Michel Paradis about his book Last Mission to Tokyo
Michel Paradis joins us to talk about his book, Last Mission to Tokyo: The Extraordinary Story of The Doolittle Raiders and Their Final Fight for Justice. A few of the pilots are captured by the Japanese, tortured and sentenced to death. And it will be those Japanese...
Episode 298-The Battle of Prome
The British lead Allies will suffer defeat on land, sea and in the air, but Gen. Slim will not give up. Moving his men north after loosing at Prome, the defenders set up a new line further to the north. The Chinese lend another force to this new defensive line, but...
Episode 297-10th Anniversary Episode
My web design guru Paul Finch of Scotland comes on as we discuss the WWII Podcast on its 10th Anniversary. Paul pitches the questions sent in by listeners and I answer them as best I can, with a pinch of humility. Thanks to everyone who listens and we should get this...
Episode 296-Bryan Rigg Interview about his book Flamethrower
Bryan Rigg talks about his book Flamethrower: Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient and US Marine Woody Williams and His Controversial Award, Japan's Holocaust and the Pacific War. Iwo Jima must fall to the Americans to allow more intense bombing of the Japanese Home...
Episode 295-The Battle of Toungoo
This episode brings in Gen. Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell as he “takes command” of Chinese Armies bound for Burma. Yet, as he will find, appearances can be deceiving. The RAF and AVG crews are pushed out of Burma as the Japanese 55th Division comes at Toungoo, to...
Episode 294-The Redoubtable Gen. William Slim
This episode introduces Gen. William Slim of BurCorps. It would be his job to turn the tables on the Japanese in Burma, by working with American Gen. Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell. But first, we look back at Slim's experiences in the Middle East as the Allies subdue...
Episode 293-Burma: The Ground War Begins
The Japanese 15th Army invades Burma, hoping to use speed to reach Rangoon. But several British officers hope to hold them off until reinforcements can arrive. The episode covers the fighting retreat from the Salween River, the fighting retreat from the Bilin River...
Episode 292-The War Comes To Burma
Although the British are unprepared to defend Burma, Wavell believes that the Japanese may have extended themselves too far with this invasion. But it’s wishful thinking as the 3 most southern British airfields quickly fall. With the invaders coming ever closer to...
Episode 291-America Strikes Back-The Marshalls and Gilbert Raids
This potpourri of an episode has lots from early 1942 in the Pacific. Covering the Admiralty, Marshall, Gilbert, Mariana, Caroline and Solomon Islands, we cover more Japanese victories, but also Washington's desire to strike back. Then asking the question, what was...
Episode 290-The Invasion of Burma-Prelude
The Japanese determine that Burma must be occupied to protect their new possession of Malaya. It's up to Chiang Kai-Shek, American Gen. Joe Stilwell and British Gen. Wavell to stop them. The problem is the Allies don't trust each other, in regards to Burma's future....
Episode 289-The Invasion of New Guinea
With Rabaul taken the Japanese go after locations in NE New Guinea, but will have to deal with Vice Adm. Wilson Brown and the US carriers Lexington and Yorktown. The Americans and Australians achieve a surprise air raid on Lae and Salamaua, now owned by the Japanese,...
Episode 288-The Fall of Rabaul
The invasions of New Britain and New Ireland get underway. But are over just as quickly. Meanwhile, Australian PM John Curtain informs Churchill that his country will now tie its wagon to the US. Gen. Douglas MacArthur will be their overall commander. Lastly, the...
Episode 287-Damien Lewis Interview: Churchill’s Shadow Raiders
Joining us is Damien Lewis, to talk about his latest book Churchill's Shadow Raiders: The Race to Develop Radar, WWII's Invisible Secret Weapon. Operation Biting's goal was to steal a German Radar Device, yet because of that very device, the Germans knew the British...
Episode 286-The Battle of Rabaul-Prelude
With much of SE Asia conquered, the Japanese now focus on New Guinea, staring with the islands of New Britain and New Ireland. Lark Force at Rabaul will be sacrificed, but will do their duty.
Episode 285-The Fall of Timor
Despite Allied hopes that Timor would be left alone, the Japanese Empire has need of its airfield to bomb Australia. But what the invaders were not counting on was the tough Australian Commandos who stay behind and inflict impressive casualties until the end of 1942....
Episode 284-The Fall of Java Pt 3
The Final of the Java series. East Java falls and what is left of the Java Allied Defense is trapped in the south at Tjilatjap.
Episode 283-The Fall of Java Pt 2-The Battle of the Java Sea
Episode 282-Interview with Peter Lion about his book-Merg
Peter Lion joins up to talk about the incredible George Mergenthaler, the sole heir to a vast fortune, but after Pearl Harbor, he joined the US Army as a buck private, only wanting to do his part.
Episode 281-The Fall of Java Pt 1
With Sumatra lost, the Allies know that Java is next. Gen. Archibald Wavell, ABDA Commander gathers his meager forces, but already knows they will not win. Still with vessels like the heavy cruiser USS Houston, the best the defenders can hope for is to make the...
Episode 280-The Fall of Sumatra
With Singapore all but taken, the Japanese start operations against Sumatra. The Dutch ask for help from ABDA Command, but it may be too little, too late. Still, the Allies have one chance to stop the invasion, as they launch 50 fighters and bombers at the coming...
Episode 279-Interview with Wes Tooke, writer and producer of the film Midway
Writer, Wes Tooke joins us to talk about the film Midway. We cover this pivotal turning point in the Pacific War, lead by Adm. Chester Nimitz. Young men like Dick Best, Wade McClusky and Clarence Dickinson lead the charge after the disastrous attack on Pearl Harbor....
Episode 278-The Fall of Bali and The Battle of Badung Straight
Needing another airfield to attack Java, the Japanese quickly work up a plan to take Bali. Dutch Rear Adm. Karel W. Doorman and ABDA Command respond with three separate naval groups of Dutch and American vessels to stop the invasion.
Episode 277- An interview with Melissa Amateis about her book, Nebraska POW Camps, A History of WWII Prisoners in the Heartland
During World War II, thousands of Axis prisoners of war were held throughout Nebraska in base camps that included Fort Robinson, Camp Scottsbluff and Camp Atlanta. Many Nebraskans did not view the POWs as "evil Nazis." To them, they were ordinary men and very human.
Episode 276-The Fall of The Celebes and Maluku Islands
With Singapore captured, the Japanese Empire sets its sights on Sumatra and Java. But first, the Celebes and Maluku Islands must fall, so Australia and other nearby locations can be kept away.
Episode 275-The Fall of Singapore
Despite a 3 to 1 advantage in men, Archibald Percival, GOC Malay, is pushed by Churchill and ABDACOM Commander Gen. Wavell to defy the Japanese in trying to take Singapore. Yet Gen. Yamashita will continue defying the odds with audacity and speed.
Episode 274-The End of British Malaya
Bringing up the Australian 8th Infantry Division, it's hoped these fresh troops can stop the Japanese 25th Army from taking Johore and thus capturing all of the Malayan Peninsula. Yet Percival and Wavell are already thinking of abandoning the peninsula and focusing on...
Episode 273-The Battle at Slim River
With reinforcements on the way, the British lead Commonwealth troops strive to keep the Japanese away from Singapore. And though exhausted, the Gurkhas, Punjabis, Hyderabad, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of the 11th Indian Infantry Division are on their own...
Episode 272-Courage Yet Defeat: The Battle of Kampar
The Japanese 25th Army continues pushing the Malaya Command further south, ever closer to Singapore. But the latest stand will take place near Kampar yet here, the defenders have the enviable position of having their guns on the heights.
Episode 271-The Battle of Jitra
The third of the Battle of Singapore series. The 11th Indian Infantry Division, operating on the west coast, as well as the 9th Indian Infantry Division, on the East, both find themselves unable to deal with a few Japanese Battalions and a few companies of light...
Episode 270-The Battle for Singapore: Force Z comes to the Rescue
Acting Admiral Sir Tom Phillips of the British Royal Navy, hopes to begin a campaign that will save SE Asia. If he can stop the invasion of southern Thailand and Northern Malaya, then one day, Singapore could be the starting point of retaking western possessions. Yet...
Episode 269-Interview with David Stahel about his book, Retreat from Moscow
Dr. David Stahel discusses his latest book, Retreat from Moscow, A New History of Germany's Winter Campaign, 1941-1942, in where he takes a new line on Operation Barbarossa's first winter.
Episode 268-The Battle for Malaya and Singapore
Though the British plans to defend Singapore with the Royal Navy and Air Force never materialize, Air Marshal Brooke-Popham and GOC Percival still want the British Far East possessions to hold out as long as possible. So Operation Matador and Operation Krohcol are...
Episode 267-An interview with Mikhal Dekel about her book, Tehran Children, A Holocaust Refugee Odyssey
Professor Mikhal Dekel joins me to talk about her book, covering Jewish Polish refugees, as 1000 children make an incredible 13,000 mile journey from Eastern Europe to Palestine, via Tehran.
Episode 266: The Fall of Borneo
The Japanese troops push the British led forces as well as the Dutch troops around Borneo, taking coastal towns and villages along the way. But not everything will go the invader's way, as the Dutch use their older bombers and fighters to resist. Not to mention, the...
Episode 265-The Battle of Borneo-Resistance Comes in Many Forms
After the raid on Pearl Harbor, two Japanese destroyers are sent to damage the American facilities at Midway Island. Then the invaders make for Borneo. The British and Dutch forces there have no choice but to surrender, but first, will make the Japanese earn their...
Episode 264-Black Christmas: The Fall of Hong Kong
Broken by overwhelming numbers, Gen. Maltby and Gov. Young surrender the cause of Hong Kong. But in some ways, the battle over the island is just beginning, as Chinese Communists and Nationalists come together to harass the occupiers of China and Hong Kong. Then comes...
Episode 263-A Thousand Cuts
As Christmas approaches, the overwhelming Japanese forces reduce the British holdings throughout Hong Kong. Still, Gen. Maltby is unwilling to give up. One counter attack after another is launched.
Episode 262-Once More, Unto the Gap
With the eastern half of Hong Kong Island practically lost, it's up to the West Brigade, under Brig. John Lawson to hold the invading Japanese troops back. But Lawson will deal with the same conditions as the defeated Brig. Wallis of the East Brigade, not enough...
Episode 261-The Balaclava of the Sea
Gen. Sakai begins his invasion of Hong Kong, but Gen. Maltby has his troops ready and his Motor Torpedo Boats, which will hopefully stop the invasion before it can begin. Still, the Japanese reach shore and so begins Japanese atrocities and the end of Hong Kong...
Episode 260-Hong Kong: Retreat but No Surrender
With the Gin Drinker's Line pierced, Gen. Maltby pulls back his men to Hong Kong Island. The Japanese will ask the Commonwealth forces to surrender, but Gov. Young and Maltby give a one word answer, no. Now Gen. Sakai prepares to invade Hong Kong with a bombardment to...
Episode 259-Operation C: Japan Attacks Hong Kong
As the Japanese military has been able to take the port cities of China by 1941, the British held Hong Kong is still free. But now its turn has come and Gen. Christopher Maltby and his mix of Canadian, British, Indian and Eurasians troops will try to hold out as long...
Episode 258-The Battle of Hong Kong
London had decided that Hong Kong was to be sacrificed to the Japanese, but after Canada offered up two battalions, Churchill reversed this decision. Now, the hope was that the British Colony would hold out behind the Gin Drinker's Line, manned by Canadians, Indians...
Episode 257-The Fall of Wake Island
The marines on Wake Island are holding out, due to discipline and Japanese tactical mistakes. Yet Maj. Devereux is unaware of this and thus brings to fighting to an end. Yet the Japanese atrocities are only just beginning, against the marine and civilian POWs. As for...
Episode 256- Massacre on Wake Island
Wake Island becomes the focal point of US resistance to Japanese aggression. Adm. Kimmel will send a relief force to Wake, but will it get there in time. Meanwhile, Rear Adm. Kajioka of the Imperial Japanese Navy, in command of the force that is to take Wake is...
Episode 255-The Marines of Wake Island Don’t Know Quit
The Marines on Wake Island are down to four Wildcat fighters, but are determined to resist any Japanese invasion, no matter the odds. "Hammering Hank" and Maj. Putnam and their pilots score hit after hit, but the Japanese bombers and transports keep coming. Meanwhile...
Episode 254-Guam Falls. Wake Island, the Alamo of the Pacific is Next
With MacArthur's airfields still smoldering, the Japanese attack Guam and Wake Island. But the Marines on Wake, though staggered after the first strike are determined to fight on. This episode is brought to you by ridgewallet.com/ww2.
Episode 253-Gen. MacArthur-Everything is in Readiness-The Philippines and Singapore
Gen. Douglas MacArthur, in command of all U.S. forces in The Philippines, is convinced that the Japanese will not attack until April of 1942 and plans accordingly. But as we have seen, Clark Field is ravaged and half of his B 17s are destroyed. Meanwhile, Adm. Tom...
Episode 252- The Japanese are Coming: Thailand Falls
As Japan launches Operation No. 1, the invasion of SE Asia, numerous transport ships head out to attack The Philippines, Malaya and Thailand. The British believe themselves prepared while the Americans offer to help as much as they can, thinking themselves safe.
Episode 251-An Interview with Walter Borneman about his book Brothers Down
Author Walter Borneman joins us to talk about his book, Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and The Fate of the Many Brothers Aboard the USS Arizona
Episode 250- A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
As the Japanese invasion fleet comes closer to Malaya, the various plans established by each side will be tested. Yet, the invaders will find that, perhaps, the gods are on their side. Meanwhile President Roosevelt addresses Congress and asks for a declaration of war...
Episode 249-Japan Enters the War
As Axis victories cause colonial powers to become vulnerable in the Far East, Japan decides to enter the war. With a quick strike at Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces will make for Malaya, Thailand, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines, Wake Island and Midway. All this,...
Introducing Espionage
Here is the first part of the first episode of Espionage, the latest podcast from Parcast. Podcast.com/espionage
Episode 248-Post Pearl Harbor: The American Giant is Awakened
With details of the Pearl Harbor attack still coming in, President Roosevelt knows he needs to inform but also calm his fellow Americans, who can only think of revenge. Japan declares war against the U.S. and Great Britain, but will FDR call for a war against Japan...
Episode 247-Pearl Harbor: American Perspective Pt 2
The Second attack wave comes and goes at Pearl Harbor. Now, FDR, Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Halsey and Gen. Douglas MacArthur have to face what's coming next, the invasion of SE Asia.
Episode 246-The End of the Aleutian Campaign
The Americans with Canadian help attempt to drive away or capture the Japanese troops stationed on Attu and Kiska. Yet the mysterious Battle of the Pips will aid the Japanese.
Episode 245-Operation Landcrab
The Americans continue to bomb Kiska, but the Japanese troops are not leaving. Worse, the Imperial Japanese High Command has sent reinforcements. So the US 7th Division from California, along with parts of the 13th Canadian Infantry Brigade have been chosen to land on...
Episode 244: The Aleutian Campaign: The Kiska Blitz
As the Japanese grab a second Aleutian Island, the US military, though denying the Japanese advance, makes plans to remove them. The result-The Kiska Blitz.
Episode 243-The Aleutian Islands Campaign
Adm. Yamamoto wants to occupy the Midway Islands, but first needs to confuse his opponent Adm. Chester Nimitz with a diversionary attack on the Aleutian Islands. The attack on Midway does not go according to plan, but neither does the defense of Dutch Harbor, Attu or...
Episode 242-Interview with Steve Snyder about his book Shot Down: The True story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the crew of the B 17 Susan Ruth
Shot Down covers the events leading up to and after the crew of the B 17 Susan Ruth is shot down over the French/Belgium border on February 8, 1944. Of the ten man crew, some died, some ended up in prison camps, and some evaded capture. As for Pilot Howard Snyder,...
Episode 241-Air Raid, Pearl Harbor. This is No Drill!
As the carrier USS Enterprise is late for its return to Pearl Harbor, Adm. Bull Halsey sends on ahead Scouting and Bombing squadron 6. The 18 Douglas Dauntless SBDs are about to fly into the tragedy that is the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Also Lt. Gen. Walter Short,...
Episode 240-An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Fennell about his new book, Fighting the People’s War: The British and Commonwealth Armies and The Second World War
Dr. Jonathan Fennell discusses the big battles and issues such as morale, doctrine and social change in his latest book: Fighting the People’s War: The British and Commonwealth Armies and The Second World War...
Episode 239-Pearl Harbor, The American Perspective, Pt 1
As the Japanese bombs and bullets begin to destroy American equipment and lives, the mostly young men are about to find out what they're made of. This episode focuses on the American's response at Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station, the Marines' Mooring Mast Field at Ewa...
Episode 238-An Interview with Andrew Roberts about his book of Winston Churchill
This episode is a crossover from The Cold War Podcast that I co-host with Cameron Reilly. With us is historian Andrew Roberts as we discuss his new book, Churchill-Walking with Destiny.
Episode 237-The Thin Gray Line, the US Pacific Submarine fleet after Pearl Harbor
Back with us is Flint Whitlock as we discuss his book Depths of Courage:American Submariners at War with Japan, 1941-1945. With America's surface fleet and air arm crippled after Pearl Harbor, the few subs in the Pacific were tasked with keeping the Japanese Navy at...
Episode 236-Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers
Laszlo Montgomery of The China History Podcast joins me to discuss Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers. Just after the devastation of Pearl Harbor, the AVG are the only Americans taking the fight to the Japanese Empire.
Introducing-Assassinations
Please checkout The Parcast Network's latest hit: Assassinations. One death can change the world. Assassinations recounts history’s most dramatic deaths. Through little-known facts, “what-ifs?” and examining the assassin's motives, they explore how one murder can...
Episode 235-An Interview with Flint Whitlock about his book Desperate Valour: Triumph at Anzio
With the Allies being held up in southern Italy by The Gustav Line, near the end of 1943, Gen. Mark Clark decides to do an end run. The force of British and American troops, led by Gen. John Lucas, will land just south of Rome. However, the Allies have few facts to go...
Episode 234-Pearl Harbor Attack-The 2nd Japanese Air Strike
The 2nd Air Wave comes at Pearl Harbor to finish what the First Wave started. Yet, their target selection will be poor. Meanwhile, the Americans are as ready as they can be and as such, the invaders will suffer more than double the losses from the first attack. Still,...
Episode 233-An interview with Frederic Martini about his book: Betrayed- Secrecy, Lies and Consequences
While the official government story has always been that no Allied POWs were held in German concentration camps, 168 Allied airmen were beaten, experimented on, and otherwise mistreated in Buchenwald, where the famous rocket scientist Wernher von Braun obtained slave...
Episode 232-Pearl Harbor: The First Attack Wave
This episode covers the first attack wave of Japanese aircraft, from the Japanese point of view. Battleship Row is hit, but Fuchida's plan is far from perfect. Then came the high level bombers, which inflicted damage on every battleship, sinking 3 of them.
Episode 231-Tora, Tora, Tora, The Attack on Pearl Harbor
The first air wave of attacking Japanese warplanes reaches Oahu, on their way to Pearl Harbor. But before they reach Battleship Row, several civilian planes offer the excited pilots a chance to score their first kills. The locals and US Military personnel on the...
Episode 230-Interview with Robin Hutton-War Animals-The Unsung Heroes of WWII
Writer Robin Hutton talks about her latest book which tells of the animals who contributed to the Allied effort of WWII. There's Chips, who served as a sentry dog for the Roosevelt-Churchill conference; Ding, a paradog whose plane was hit by enemy fire on D-Day, ended...
Episode 229-The United States’ First Shot of WWII
In the predawn darkness, the Japanese Strike Force has prepared to launch its first wave of bombers and fighters. Meanwhile, the US Naval Base at Pearl Harbor sleeps. However, a strange looking submarine is spotted and fired upon near the entrance to Pearl, by the USS...
Episode 228-An Interview with Mary Jo McConahay about her latest book The Tango War
Writer Mary Jo McConahay comes on the show to discuss her latest book, The Tango War: The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America during WWII. We discuss Latin America's involvement in WWII, which includes Mexican Oil, Brazilian Rubber, The Smoking...
Episode 227-This Means War
On December 7, 1941, Ambassador Nomura and Special Envoy Kurusu are about to give Secretary of State Hull and FDR Japan's response to the Hull Note. But really, it's a declaration of war. That is, until the Japanese Military changes the wording. All of America will...
Episode 226-The Japanese are Not Ready for Us Yet
Multiple Japanese Assault Fleets are on the move, but with so much incoming information, President Roosevelt and his cabinet do not pick up on the threat to Pearl Harbor. Besides, the military men advising FDR still can not imagine the smaller nation starting an all...
Episode 225-Indianpolis-Interview with Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic
Attacked on 30 July 1945, the heavy cruiser was torpedoed by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-58, and sank in 12 minutes. However, the two authors seek nothing short than to tell the entire story and return the USS indianpolis to its rightful place as the proud...
Episode 224-Climb Mount Niitaka-Tojo Gets his War
Emperor Hirohito reluctantly gives his approval for the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Tojo said, "With war, if you don't try it, you can't know how it will turn out."
Episode 223-Roosevelt Learns of the Coming Attack
Through MAGIC, the US's ability to read Japan's diplomatic messages, FDR learns of a final deadline and a coming Japanese attack. Pictured are Ambassador Nomura and special representative Kurusu.
Episode 222-The Pearl Harbor That Almost Wasn’t
Tokyo and Washington seem to be making progress in their peace talks. And yet, the Japanese 1st Air Fleet departs for its attack on Pearl Harbor.
Episode 221-War with the U.S. Seems Unavoidable
Prince Konoye's government collapses as Gen. Tojo demands war with the U.S. Emperor Hirohito then orders Tojo to form his own government, hoping this will cause the Japanese Army to be more cautious. Meanwhile the alerts sent to Pearl Harbor by Washington remain vague.
Episode 220-An Interview with Lyuba Vinogradova: Defending the Motherland
Dr. Vinogradova comes back to the show to discuss her latest book, Defending the Motherland: The Soviet Women Who Fought Hiter's Aces. This episode's sponsor: parcast.com/gone
Episode 219-When Diplomacy Fails
As the various issues with attacking Pearl Harbor are overcome, the Japanese Military evades telling the truth to Emperor Hirohito and PM Konoye. And they, in learn, deceive President Roosevelt's cabinet. Please support the show by checking out our sponson,...
Episode 218-Pearl Harbor-The Strongest Fortress in the World
Washington and Tokyo continue their diplomatic dance but neither side is willing to give in. The Americans have broken the Japanese Diplomatic cypher codes, but so have the Japanese, of American Diplomatic codes. Then the Japanese Army finishes occupying the rest of...
Episode 217-Japan-Do or Die
With Washington and Tokyo trying to bend the other to its will, President Roosevelt seeks to strangle Japan's aggression in China with a trade blockade while Adm. Isoroku Yamamoto begins to plan his attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor. War seems imminent,...
Episode 216-The World Goes to War
Chiang Kai-Shek struggles to keep China in the war, knowing the Soviet-German Non Aggression Pact can not last. The question is what will Japan do, once Russia is brought low. Meanwhile, the Japanese attack French Indochina and force Churchill to close the Burma Road....
Episode 215: Collision Course, the Road to Pearl Harbor
Having chased Chiang Kai-Shek back to Chongqing, the Japanese Empire is still unable to get him to surrender. So, on to Chongqing it is, but events in Europe: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland and then the war in the West will stymie one...
Episode 214-Betrayal, the Burma Road and The Battle of Nomonhan
Chiang Kai-Shek starts over, again, in Chongqing, as the Japanese military seek to deny him the east coast. First Canton will fall, then other port cities. Meanwhile, British controlled Burma and the Nationalists work together to construct the Burma Road, so supplies...
Episode 213-The 2nd Sino-Japanese War-The Fall of Wuhan
Chiang Kai-Shek is staking everything on his defense of Wuhan. As such, the various Japanese forces attempt to encircle the city. Chiang throws everything he has at the enemy, even scoring one major victory at Tai’erzhuang. However, this is not enough and forces from...
Episode 212-The Massacre of Nanjing
As Chiang Kai-Shek moves his capital and military Head Quarters west and Hideki Tojo becomes directly involved in the war to the north, the Japanese troops move out from Shanghai to Nanjing. There, their pent up frustration over the Nationalists refusing to concede...
Episode 211-The End of the Battle of Shanghai
Chiang Kai-Shek's forces are barely holding out. But when a second enemy Expeditionary Force lands, it spells the end of Shanghai's freedom. Stalin agrees to supply the Chinese Nationalists, but the Japanese forces then move on to the Chinese capital Nanjing. The Rape...
Episode 210-China’s Lost Battalion
The Japanese Expeditionary Force continues to push south to gain access to Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-Shek's nationalist troops continue to retreat. Yet, to show the world its defiance and courage, Chiang will leave one Battalion north of the Suzhou River, to...
Episode 209-Dark Days for Chiang Kai-Shek
The Chinese Nationalists are loosing the battle of Shanghai. Yet, Chiang has to hold on as the League of Nations will soon be discussing the conflict. Then U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt steps into the fray by criticizing Japan's aggression. Still, it seems that...
Episode 208-The Battle of Shanghai-Japanese Reinforcements
The Japanese Expeditionary forces set the stage for a much larger attack, once their reinforcements arrive. The plan is to cut Shanghai off from any assistance. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-Shek has taken personal command of the 3rd War Zone.
Episode 207-Shanghai Becomes Chiang Kai-Shek’s Stalingrad
The Chinese Nationalist forces have pulled back from the coast, yet are determined to establish their own Maginot Line. But as both sides have reinforcements in route, the fighting around Shanghai will continue. Thus giving the world, its first large clash, using...
Episode 206-Interview with Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova about her book Avenging Angels: The Young Women of the Soviet Union’s WWII Sniper Corps
Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova discusses her research and the resulting book that covers the young women of Stalin's USSR, who are conscripted to the Sniper Corps.
Episode 205-Chiang Kai-Shek’s Pyrrhic Victory
Chiang Kai Shek and his ordinary soldiers are more determined than ever to defend Shanghai in 1937. However, the officers in the middle, due to their experience, see the writing on the wall. Thus Nationalist China will adopt the famous policy of trading land for time.
Episode 204-The Japanese Empire Doubles Down in Shanghai
The Japanese invasion of Shanghai, nor their desire to teach the Chinese a lesson, is moving forward fast enough for Tokyo. So when the Expeditionary commander requests 5 additional divisions, the Japanese Imperial Staff and Navy acquiesce with alacrity. Their new...
Episode 203-Shanghai-The Dominance of Japanese Air and Sea Power
The Japanese are unloading men and material at a frustratingly slow rate, due to the tides. Until they are ready to launch their assault, their navy and air force keep Chiang Kai-Shek's forces pinned down.
Episode 202-The Battle of Shanghai Part 2
The Japanese bring reinforcements to Shanghai as their marines are bogged down by Chiang Kai-Shek's best troops. Meanwhile, retired US Army Air Force Captain Claire Lee Chennault, finds the Chinese pilots woefully inadequate in deflecting the building assault. The...
Episode 201-The Battle of Shanghai Part 1
Chiang Kai-Shek decides that the time has come to openly fight back against Japan. His chosen site is the port city of Shanghai. Both sides build up their forces there, but the Chinese Nationalists will attempt to deliver a surprise attack. As the war enlarges, Stalin...
Episode 200-The Marco Polo Bridge Incident: Total War Comes to China
After the clash at the Marco Polo bridge, the Japanese Military decides to occupy northern China. Defying them are the forces of Chiang Kai-Shek and Mao Zedong, as they come to an understanding and put on hold their civil war. After the episode I discuss the film...
Episode 199-The Pacific Theatre Prologue-Sino Japanese Relations
As we officially begin the Pacific Theatre, this episode covers the building tension between The Japanese Empire, dominated by the military and the Chinese Nationalist Government. From the Russo-Japanese War to the Mukden Incident, to the take over of Manchuria, to...
Episode 198-The Beginning of the Big Three
President Roosevelt sends Harry Hopkins, again to London, to set up a meeting between himself and Churchill. The U.S. still seems far from entering the war, but coordination is needed if Hitler is to be defeated. But Hopkins also ends up flying to Moscow to meet with...
Episode 197-The Beginning of the Final Solution
Nazi Germany launches its war against the USSR. As such, FDR hopes Germany's attention will slacken on the Atlantic. Yet, if Soviet Russia collapses, then Japan would be free to attack Siberia or Western held territory in Asia. FDR must decide it now is the time to...
Episode 196-Stalin: Lenins Protege
The Great War is over, but the Allies don't know what to do with Russia. So, the german troops in Russian territory are ordered to remain where they are. Lenin has the task of anagazawe.net turning Marxism into a function government. Stalin faces accusations of his...
Episode 195-The Beginnings of Pearl Harbor
As Hitler tries to lower the tension between the U.S. and Nazi Germany, the opposite is happening between the Japanese Empire and the U.S. As such Adm. Yamamoto draws up plans to strike at U.S. Naval forces at Pearl Harbor. It's a gamble, but if a surprise strike can...
Episode 194-Interview with Sally Mott Freeman about her book: The Jersey Brothers
With us is Sally Mott Freeman as we discuss her book, The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family's Quest to Bring Him Home. We cover FDR's Map Room, Pearl Harbor, the Fall of the Philippines, MacArthur, Siapan, Guadalcanal and of...
Episode 193-Churchill and Chiang Kai-Shek, FDR’s Warriors
President Roosevelt wins a third term, but the American people still refuse to commit to war. Meanwhile, FDR has to find a way to help the Chinese and the British fight off their enemies, until the US is strong enough or the Axis fire first.
Episode 192-Hitler’s Reaction to Lend lease and FDR’s Third Term
President Franklin Roosevelt succeeds in his 3rd term attempt and with the passage of Lend Lease, Hitler knows the war will be prolonged. His answer to continued British resistance and the eventual entry of the U.S., is to plan an attack against Stalin's USSR.
Episode 191: Lenin’s Cruelty, Stalin’s Ambition
With the Kaiser's forces coming ever closer to Petrograd and Moscow, many Russians lose confidence in Lenin and his anagazawe.net Bolsheviks. As such, no party member is safe. Bolshevik members begin to disappear, or are openly murdered. Even Lenin is unsafe. This...
Episode 190-The Axis Powers and their New World Order
Nazi Germany is not the only threat to U.S. peace as the Empire of Japan continues its attacks against China. Meanwhile President Roosevelt pulls out all the political tricks he can to weaken the isolationists and help Great Britain stay in the fight against Hitlerism.
Episode 189-Roosevelt’s Secret War against Hitler
As the Nazi menace grows across Europe, President Roosevelt knows that America will be threatened one day. His best plan for keeping the United States out of the conflict is by helping Churchill defeat Hitler. But in his way are his country's neutrality laws and the...
Episode 188-The Great War, Brest-Litovsk and Lenin’s Retreat
Lenin's Bolsheviks pull Russia out of the Great with the Brest Litovsk Treaty, but the Imperial German Army keeps advancing towards Petrograd, because there is no Russia army to stop them. Lenin orders a retreat to Russia's ancient capital, Moscow. Meanwhile, Stalin...
Episode 187-Interview with Scott Miller
Mr. Miller's latest book, Agent 110: An American Spymaster and the German Resistance in WWII, covers America's attempt to build an espionage network after Pearl Harbor, which leads Allen Dulles to met up with a strange cast of characters, some want to help Germany end...
Episode 186-The Battle for Norway, Vidkun Quisling and the North Sea
This episode covers the naval battles between the British Royal Navy and the Kriegsmarine just prior to the Battle of Norway. It also touches on the Oscarborg Fortress protecting Oslo and the following submarine battles of the North Sea. Pictured, the Oscarborg...
Episode 185-The Pacific Theatre-MacArthur’s Retreat
Back with us are Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, authors of Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission. Today we discuss the Pacific Theatre in general and MacArthur's Retreat.
Episode 184-The Question of Peace, Lenin and Stalin versus Trotsky
As Lenin deflects others trying to take control of Revolutionary Russia, his Bolshevik Central Committee has to deal with the Central Powers and the Great War. The question posed, is peace worth any price. Lenin and Stalin believe the answer is yes, but Trotsky offers...
Episode 182-Churchill and Hitler Race for Norway, Episode 183-Stalin: Lenin’s Mouthpiece
With neither side trusting the other, both the Allies and Nazi Germany ready plans to invade Norway. For Episode 183, Lenin again proves he's a force of nature and willing to do anything to seize power and establish the Bolshevik Dictatorship. As for Stalin he is...
Episode 180: Sea Battles, Death at Scapa Flow. Ep 181-The Rule of Lenin and the Bolsheviks
Commodore Donitz, in charge of the German submarines, plans a daring raid against the British battleships in Scapa Flow. In Episode 181, Lenin and the Bolsheviks take control of the Russia, but immediately have challengers. Picture, the HMS Royal Oak.
Episode 179-Flashback: The Battle of the Atlantic Begins
Backing up a bit, we begin the story of the battle for the Atlantic, as German U-boats attempt to starve Britain into submission. Meanwhile, the U.S. moves closer to the Allied camp by selling arms to Britain and France.
Episode 177-Rommel Retreats, The End of Operation Crusader Ep 178-Lenin’s Pillars: Stalin and Trotsky
Gen. Rommel keeps winning battles but losses men and tanks, that are not replaced. Meanwhile, British 8th Army, refuses to give up, each time it's beaten and C in C Auchinleck makes sure the Commonwealth's losses are replaced. Rommel will have to decided what comes...
Episode 175-Rommel knows Best Episode 176-Stalin steps in for Lenin
Ep 175-As Gen. Rommel sends his panzers to surprise the British 8th Army near the Frontier Wire, Gen. Cunningham's forces finally reach Tobruk to help Gen. Scobie and his men escape. Ep 176-Lenin is on the cusp of power, but fails to take the final step. Lenin is then...
Episode 174-Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
Our guests today are writers Bob Drury and Tom Clavin to discuss their latest book, Lucky 666-The Impossible Mission. Mavericks or "Screw ups" Jay Zeamer and Joseph Sarnoski, sent to the Pacific Theater to help defend Australia from invasion by Japanese Imperial...
Episode 172-Rommel readies for Success Ep 173 Lenin’s Civil War
Acting on misinformation, both generals, Rommel and Cunningham make plans for the next day, hoping to wipe out the other's armor. Yet Rommel is in a much better position to succeed. Cunningham just doesn't know poorly Operation Crusader is unfolding. Meanwhile, Lenin...
Episode 170-Operation Crusader Part 4 Rommel Rises to the Occasion and Episode 171 Lenin comes Home
Ep 170-As Operation Crusader goes forward Gen. Cunningham feels confident as his tanks make it close to Tobruk. However Rommel feels threatened, even though his panzers have destroyed many of Cunningham's tanks. Meanwhile Gen. Scobie, the British commander in Tobruk...
Episode 168-Crusader Part 3 / Episode 169-Stalin and The Great War
Gen. Auchinleck's Operation Crusader is finally launched, but Rommel does not react as predicted as his focus is still on taking Tobruk. AND Tsar Nicholas II guides Russia through the Great War. At its end, Stalin is freed.
Episode 167-Operation Crusader Part 2
The British Western Desert Army is transformed into the 8th British Army proper. C in C ME Auchinleck has tapped Gen. Sir Alan Cunningham to lead it. His first order of business is to destroy Rommel's panzers and relieve Tobruk.
Episode 166-Lenin’s Gift to Stalin
Stalin will endure several more arrests, but while in exile, Lenin will maneuver to have Koba made a member of the newly created Bolshevik Central Committee.
Episode 165-Meanwhile, back in North Africa-Operation Crusader Part 1
With a new commander in the Middle East, Churchill wants the war against Rommel renewed, but C in C Auchinleck has his own ideas. Yet the Desert Fox will spoil everyone's plans with his own attack.
Episode 164-Lenin’s Trigger Man
Stalin is newly married, but has little time for his wife and soon to arrive child. He is still focused on the Marxist revolution and his rise in the Bolshevik party, not to mention the destruction of the Menshevik faction. Vladimir Lenin choses the younger man to be...
Episode 163-Stalin-Family Man
Young Stalin begins to the learn of the wider world of international politics and the intrigues that comes with it. Lenin his hero, does not measure up upon their first face to face. And Koba goes through his own metamorphosis when he returns from the 4th Congress and...
Episode 162-The Winter Fortress Interview with Neal Bascomb
In early 1942, the U.S. and Great Britain work together to develop the Atomic Bomb, but London needs to make sure Nazi Germany doesn't get there first. Today's guest is author Neal Bascomb. We discuss his new book, out today, The Winter Fortress: The Epic Mission to...
Episode 161-Stalin Bio Part 5
Stalin, the young revolutionary, stumbles and is on the outs with the Georgian Social Democratic Worker's Party. Yet, after making another mistake, he is tepidly allowed to re-enter the group. Sent to a back water area, the workers there will soon strike and put the...
Episode 160-Leningrad under Siege, Part 2 Unarmed for War
Leningraders volunteer in such numbers that the Stavka orders several divisions to be organized, to resist the German invaders. Yet the men are thrown in untrained, mostly weaponless, armed only with a desire for revenge.
Episode 159-Stalin Bio Part 4-The Rise of Koba
Ioseph Jughashvili, AKA Stalin, leaves the seminary under mysterious circumstances. Following the path of his mentor Lado Ketskhoveli, Soso becomes a revolutionary and learns the joy of mentoring the people but also to fear the police. Seeking refuge for himself,...
Episode 158-Leningrad under Siege
The people of Leningrad take an affront to Nazi Germany invading their country. The men volunteer in droves for military service, the women are sent off to dig trenches. Though many of the men will die that summer of 1941, the Soviet Red Banner Baltic Fleet will...
Episode 157-Stalin Bio Part 3
Young Stalin begins the process of moving away from the Seminary and towards the life of a revolutionary. The picture is of Marx and Engels.
Episode 156-Stalin Strikes Back
Army Group South continues pressing closer towards the Soviet Capital. But General Secretary Stalin and General Zhukov attempt to defy the invaders. They are soon assisted by General Winter. Meanwhile, we catch up with Army Groups North and South, where Stalin has...
Episode 155-Stalin Bio 2
Sixteen year old Soso (Stalin) enters the Tiflis Theological Seminary, on his way to becoming a priest. But what the boy may not know is that, he has entered an intellectual battleground and being a good Georgian, there is only one side he can choose.
Episode 154-The Spires of Moscow
With the mud now frozen hard, Army Group Center advances on Moscow, deciding the weak link is just to the NW of the city. This guess proves correct. As November 1941 comes to an end, the leading German units are just miles from the capital and can see the spires of...
Episode 153-Stalin Bio 1
Stalin, the future Soviet leader is born, far from Moscow and begins his provincial life.
Episode 152: Operation Typhoon Behind the Lines
This episode, narrated Tim Martin, of the newly launched Valiant: Stories of Heroes Podcast, covers Guderian's dash to Tula. Ray will be back next time, with full vocal ability in tow.
Episode 151-Operation Typhoon Part 2
OKH Chief Franz Halder makes plans for a modest end to 1941 for Operation Barbarossa, but Hitler overrides him and orders the capture of Moscow, before the heavy snows come. Yet, Stalin, finally taking an advisor's advice, allows several armies from the Russian Far...
Episode 150-Operation Typhoon
The Germans smash through the latest Soviet Defensive lines. The 4th Panzer Group, along with Gen. Kluge's 4th Army now have men just 128 KM or 80 miles from Moscow.
Episode 149-The March on Moscow Part 3
Having shattered the Russian defensive line at Viaz'ma, the Germans expand on their ambitious attack plans, attacking to the north and south of the main road to Moscow. In the center is Zhukov's pathetic new defensive line.
Episode 148-The March on Moscow Part 2
The Germans and Russians clash to the west of Moscow. But within mere days, the Soviet's three Fronts are either destroyed or encircled. The road to Moscow is left open.
Episode 147-The March to Moscow Part 1
With Leningrad cut off and the far South stabilized, Hitler has decreed that the time has come to launch Operation Typhoon, Nazi Germany's attack against the Soviet Capital.
Episode 146-The Siege of Leningrad Part III-Slugfest
Hitler has renewed the drive to Moscow, Operation Typhoon, and needs the panzers from Army Group North. Which means, Leningrad needs to be cut off from help, quickly. September and October become a battle of wills between Stalin and his attacker, as both try to...
Episode 145-The Siege of Leningrad Part 2
Leeb, commander of Army Group North launches his last major assault before having to turn over most of his motorized units to Army Group Center, as it readies itself for an attack on Moscow.
Episode 144-The Siege of Leningrad Part 1
The Germans come ever closer to Leningrad, so Stalin sends his best general to cope, Zhukov.
Episode 143-The Road to Moscow
Army Group Center makes its way East, past Minsk and now on to Smolensk. But waiting for them is the largest Soviet counter attack, to date. Meanwhile, Army Group North is ready to attack Leningrad.
Episode 142-Douglas Waller Interview
Douglas Waller's latest book, Disciples: The World War II Missions of the CIA Directors Who Fought for Wild Bill Donovan. OSS Agents penetrate Nazi Germany for information and acts of sabotage, then face the counter intelligence agents of Stalin's Soviet Russia.
Episode 141-Stalin’s Mistake
Stalin's lack of military training causes his country to loose everything to the South, west of the Dnieper River. The German Panzers race east and make for the Crimea. Kiev is encircled, as is the 850,000 soviet troops in the area.
Episode 140-Of Two Minds
Marshal Mannerheim of Finland agrees to attack towards Leningrad and around Lake Ladoga, but not much more than that.
Episode 139-Finland, Ally to the North
Hitler manages to bring Finland into his attack against Soviet Russia, but the Finns are mostly concerned with recapturing lost land. Like the three Army Groups, the Germans to the north will advance, but lose many men along the way.
Episode 138-Trading Punches
The Panzers come ever closer to Leningrad, though losing men and machines along the way. Meanwhile, Army Group Center moves toward the Dvina River. As for Kiev, the writing is on the wall, yet Stalin is the only one who can't see it. Picture-Defense works before...
Episode 137-All Good Deeds
The German invaders are now in Russia, proper and are still advancing, but suffer heavier than expected losses. But in SE Russia, the Soviet 6th and 12th Armies become trapped, due to pathetic communications between them and Moscow.
Episode 136-The Fall of Minsk
The three German Army Groups advance further into Russia, but Army Group Center has has the most success. Perhaps some of its panzers should be turned north or south to help the other two. But Army Group South isn't waiting for help. Field Marshal Rundstedt decides to...
Episode 135-Russia is never as strong as she looks; nor as weak as she looks.
Now that Operation Barbarossa had been launched, Hilter attempts to convince the world that this battle is only in the defense of Nazi Germany. That Soviet Russia, in conlusion with Great Britain have set out to destroy the Nazi State. Yet Hitler nor his general have...
Episode 134-Reactions to Barbarossa
The leaders of the combatant countries react to Nazi Germany invading Soviet Russia. We also cover Army Group North and South's initial assaults.
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The Japanese troops of the 23rd Division cross the Halha River to wipe out Gen. Zhukov's forces.
Episode 133-It Has Begun
Before the sun rises on June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany unleashes Operation Barbarossa, its attack on Soviet Russia and Stalin.
Episode 132-Operation Barbarossa
Earlier than most people think, Hilter started planning his war against Soviet Russia and Stalin. Operation Barbarossa begins to take shape during the Battle of Britain.
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Just before the deadline! The Japanese and Mongolian forces around Nomonham are now joined by the Soviet Union, who desires to squash any trouble from Manchuria.
Episode 131-Third Time is the Charm
FDR comes through his third election and the British are expectant. Yet there are still hurdles to overcome. But eventually, the president comes up with the way to help Great Britain.
Episode 130-Sleight of Hand
President Roosevelt continues his struggle against Congress and the Isolationists in trying to help the Allies. France falls from the fight.
Episode 129-Lend Lease
It becomes apparant to the U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt that Britian and France are going to need American war material and financial assistance to defeat the Axis. Yet, the British Empire only has so much gold and the current laws of the U.S. make it illegal for...
Episode 128-The End of Wavell, Battle Axe and Exporter
With the failure of Operation Battle Axe and the bloody victory in Syria, Churchill finally rids himself of C in C Gen. Archibald Wavell. And wants his replacement, Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck to attack Rommel forth with. Yet the two operations have taken away...
Episode 127-Opeartion Battle Axe
Though Operation Exporter is stalled, Operation Battle Axe is launched. Yet the British attack plans are not very creative and Rommel can hear most of the wireless chatter coming from the British tanks.
Episode 126-Operation Exporter Part 2
The Allies come up against stiff French (Vichy) resistence in Syria and Lebanon. But that was just to set up the counter attack, which commenced on June 16th. Yet the men of the 5th Indian Brigade do all they can to give some success to the invaders.
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The Japanese army is buried deep into China, but border clashes with Russia, bring about the possibility of an entirely new war.
Episode 125-Operation Exporter
Churchill and the Free French get their way, Vichy controlled Syria will be invaded. But C in C Wavell's Middle East Command is stretched as it is, resources are few. Yet, Churchill will have his way and those who oppose him, begin to disapear.
Episode 124-The End of Crete
Here is the last episode of the Battle of Crete. The Allies never contested for air superiority and thus the Germans were able to constantly push them back and eventually off the island. It was time again for another evacuation.
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A little known battle between Russian and Japanese forces in 1939 redirects each country's directional ambitions. Russia focuses on the West, too close for Hitler's comfort and Japan turns to the South, eventually coming to the attention of the Americans.
Episode 123- Crete Part 4
The Allied defense under Gen. Freyberg continues to back pedal on Crete. Meanwhile Adm. Cunningham continues to lose ships, although the land battle is being won by the Axis. Yet Churchill insists on more action from the Royal Navy and the ANZAC forces.
Episode 122: Crete Part 3
The Allied counter attack faulters, which allows the Germans to land more troops at Maleme. The Royal Navy is doing what it can, but suffering for it. Yet their efforts and loses will be for nothing.
Episode 121- Crete Part II
Gen. Student tries to figure out how to salvage the disaster that has befallen his airborne troops during the opening day of Operation Mercury. 1,800 had been lost that first day. And helping him mightily, are the ineffectual officers serving under Gen. Freyberg, who...
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Here is the last Episode covering David Stirling and the SAS. I had no idea about him until recently. It just goes to show that there is still, so much to cover. By the way, most of you will not have heard about the next subject of the Member Episodes. Until then...
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The SAS, in its entirety, is called by to HQ. It will be a part of a massive operation against Axis Forces in North Africa. Probably is, Stirling didn’t plan it and it’s in charge.
Episode 120-Crete, Part 1
The Germans begin, Operation Mercury, their attack on the island, to further confuse Russia and keep the British away from Hitler's oil fields. Yet as the transport planes take off, the number of defenders on the island has be recalculated from 12,000 to 48,000.
Promo-Alexander the Great, Episode 1
This is the first Episode of Alexander the Great, hosted by myself and Cameron Reilly of The Napoleon Bonaparte Podcast. Enjoy!
Episode 119-Churchill, 1932
Back by popular demand! Winston S. Churchill
Episode 118-Operation Brevity, Iraq and Crete
C in C M.E. Wavell gives into pressure from Churchill to attack Rommel, before the tanks and planes of Convoy Tiger can be off loaded. Next, the situation in Iraq comes to a head and we start the story of Crete and the end of Wavell.
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Gen. Rommel begins to truly realize what is working against him in the desert of North Africa and so assembles his own units to capture or kill the SAS.
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David Stirling of the SAS redefines how his men can take on the German forces. Gen. Auchinleck readies for Operation Exaltation.
Episode 117-Tobruk and Iraq
Rommel is ready to have another crack at Tobruk, but Berlin is focused on Operation Barbarossa. Yet, Rommel gets permission to move ahead and finish off the British holdout. Meanwhile, Wavell's dire prediction about the Middle East starts to come true as elements of...
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Stirling's SAS team get involved in politics as Churchill and Auchinleck argue over when Rommel should be attacked again. Stirling has his best day as an SAS man, but his team is betrayed to the Germans.
Episode 116-The Axis Tide
German forces complete their conquest of the Greek mainland. Meanwhile Rommel shocks the British led forces in North Africa.
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David Stirling and the SAS continue to hit Axis airfields in North Africa. Yet Gen. Rommel, will not let anything stop him from recapturing Benghazi.
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Though blundering on their first mission, the SAS unit, some of them shown here, are ready for another crack at the Axis Air Force.
Episode 115-Operation Marita Part III
The Germans continue to drive south, the Greeks throw in the towell and the Allies make plans to evacuate. But wanting more Gen. Von List of the German 12th Army uses Airborne troops for a daring raid of Cornith, in trying to cut off some of the Allied troops in...
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The Allied leaders of Greece
Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Blamey, commander of Australian I Corps, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Maitland Wilson, commanding general of the Empire expeditionary force ('W' Force) and Major General Bernard Freyberg, commander of the New Zealand 2nd Division, in 1941...
Operation Marita
German armed forces make short work of the Allied defense of Greece.
Episode 114-Operation Martia Part 2
The Alikmon Line is breached, the Allies fall back. But the German forces are right behind them all the way. Greek General Papagos believes the end of the Battle of Greece has come, but BEF Commander General Wilson wants to give it one more try.
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The Phantom Major organizes his group and makes life hell for the Desert Fox.
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The last of the Jews in Warsaw Series is here. The Nazis leave, the Soviets enter. What about the ZOB?
Map of Operation Marita
Greece comes under attack on the same day as Yugoslavia, yet that country's quick demise, sets up the conquest of Greece. The war in the Greek NE is over by the third day, so the Commonwealth forces fall back, yet the Greeks in Albania are loath to follow their example.
Episode 113-Operation Marita Part 1
Greece comes under attack on the same day as Yugoslavia, yet that country's quick demise, sets up the conquest of Greece. The war in the Greek NE is over by the third day, so the Commonwealth forces fall back, yet the Greeks in Albania are loath to follow their example.
Episode 112-He Who Defends Everything, Defends Nothing
Nothing can be allowed to stand in the way of Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's plan to destroy Russia. Certainly not Yugoslavia and Greece. So Operation Retribution, aimed at Belgrade and Operation Marita, against Greece, commence.
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The Polish Home Army finally rises up in Operation Tempest, hoping to push out the Germans before the Russians enter Warsaw. Yet the Nazis don’t leave, the Russians stay on the other side of the Vistula River and what’s more thousands of prisoners are released into...
Episode 111-Our Own Worst Enemy
Lt. Gen. Rommel had decided the time has come to ignore his orders and move against the Allies. While he has his own problems, they are nothing compared to what Gen. Neame and Gen. O'Connor suffer.
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The remaining ZOB members manage to leave the Ghetto, but the outside world is no more safer for them.
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SS Gen. Stroop is well on his way to clearing out the remaining Jews from the Ghetto. It’s time for the ZOB to leave. But the organization begins to falls apart due to the stress: Mass Suicide, lack of help from the Home Army and the loss of their leader.
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The title says it all. "Well, How Bad Do You Want to Live?"
Episode 110-Back, the Way We Came
Lt. Gen. Rommel decides it's time to test the Allied forces within Cyrenaica, as well as his Italian and German superiors. Meanwhile Adm. Cunningham engages the Italians in the Battle of Matapan.
Episode 109-All Roads Lead to Greece
The Allies, with Great Britain leading the way, rush all available troops to Greece. Yet, now that Lt. Gen. Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, is in North Africa, the Commonwealth forces are about to loose more then they thought possible.
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The Nazi SS enter the Warsaw Ghetto to finish off the remaining 35,000 Jews, but are foiled in their attempts by the ZOB leader Angel. Now, both sides prepare for the upcoming battle.
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After more than year of being promised weapons, the Zionists Underground realize the only way they are going to get weapons is to take them from the Germans.
Episode 108-The Germans are Coming
As the gods themselves seem to hate Mussolini and all his endeavors, with British Commonwealth forces and Greek soldiers destroying his troops, almost at will, Hitler has decided, enough is enough. The Axis has to be put right again and so, in steps Germany, in North...
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The true intentions of Nazi Policy are revealed as the wall is finished being built around the Jewish Quarter. Jewish children rise to the role of heroes as Isaac Zuckerman finds himself in thrown into a muddy cell, manned by Ukrainians who hate the Jews almost as...
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The Nazis and Jewish Underground move forward in their endeavors, at cross purposes obviously. A wall around the Jewish Quarter begins to emerge while the Underground finds ways to strike back at the General Government, German nationals and Nazi hired thugs.
Episode 107-The End of the End
Here is the last episode of the Churchill Bio. Winston, looses his money, his influence and almost, his life. Listen carefully to the end. Did you win?
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The Nazis work to separate the new found bond between the Jews and Gentiles. The USSR and Nazi Germany work to divide Poland. Meanwhile the Jewish Underground separates into individual resistance cells to combat them both.
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The war of Poland is over. But the battle for freedom has just begun. Hitler, when visiting Warsaw for the only time, drives over 500 pounds of dynamite.
Episode 106-The Beginning of the End
Churchill returns from the U.S. to find his party up in arms about the India question and Tory leader Baldwin's pro Dominion stance concerning the sub-continent. So, Winston offers to take on the leader, alone.
Episode 105-Up in Smoke
The disaffected British voters decide to give someone else a chance to deal with the country's dreary economy. Churchill finds he's been walking a lonely path for some time. Touring the world, Winston is in time to watch Vesuvius erupt and the NY Stock Exchange implode.
Episode 104-Chartwell
Churchill finds his Camelot and then works feverishly to fix it up as his Gwenivere is not impressed.
Episode 103-Lost and Loss
Winston, now a private citizen, will stay this way for two years as British politics and his views take different paths. Intermingled during this time, are a series of heartbreaking losses for the man.
Membership Ep. 31 is Ready!
The Polish military begins to organize its defense against Nazi Germany's invasion. But the Polish government has its own plans. Meanwhile the citizens wonder which way to run. Except those being lead by the mayor of Warsaw. He is staying and defending his home.
Membership Ep. 30 is Ready!
This is the first of a series that will take a closer look at the fall and occupation of Poland.
Episode 102-His Cup Runneth Over
Churchill's post war years are full of success, tragedy and despair. He changes positions within the British Cabinet and takes on the issues of a Jewish Homeland, Turkey and Ireland. And by the end he looses his appendix and something else, even more valuable.
Membership Ep. 29 is Ready!
The last of the Krueger counterfeit British Banknotes episodes is here. Who survives and what was the money used for?
Episode 101-Interview with Kathryn J. Atwood
With us for this episode is writer Kathryn J. Atwood, arthor of Women Heroes of World War II and editor of Code Name Pauline: Memoirs of a World War II Special Agent and it is the later book we will be discussing. The protagonist, Pearl, Code Named Pauline, came from...
Membership Ep. 28 is Ready!
SS Major Krueger have his men working hard, producing counterfeit British Banknotes. But all the prisoners care about his stretching out their work to continue living. They are not interested in the D-Day Landings. They just want to see tomorrow. Here is a picture of...
Episode 100-Nazi Germany from Within
The following is my 100th Episode Celebration. After thanking those who have shared this journey with me, I interview Henry Niemann who grew up in Germany during the Nazi Period and was then drafted near the end of the war. Thank you to everyone who listens to my...
Episode 99-All’s Well that Ends Well
The Great War comes to an end. Churchill's family grows and life as Winston knew it, has been erased forever.
Membership Ep. 27 is Ready!
Major Krueger begins assembling his team to forge British banknotes. But certain SS officers who out rank Krueger have their own ideas about what to do with the forged notes. Krueger is caught in between his superiors and the Jewish prisoners who have the job of...
Member Episode 26 is Ready!
Nazi Germany, wanting to knock Great Britain out of the war any way it can, decides to counterfeit British banknotes to destabilize their war economy.
Episode 98-Once more, unto the Trench
Churchill is cleared of the Dardanelles disaster, manages to re-enter of the government, but then almost loses it all as he is at the front when Gen. Ludendorff launches his massive offensive in the West.
Episode 97B- Talk History
Warning! No history is covered here. But somehow, Laszlo of The China History Podcast ended up on the East Coast, in Virginia, in Charlottesville, 30 minutes from me. So...
Episode 97-Back in the Saddle, Again
Churchill's career seems all but over. Still, he finds solace in his family, painting and life in the trench.
Membership Ep. 25 is Ready!
You know of the war between Germany and the Allies, but here is the end, sort of, of the war between IBM/Watson and Dehomag/The Nazi Party. No one gets what they want, but thus is the state of war.
Membership Ep. 24 is Ready!
Nazi Germany is suffering economically, but continues its persecution of the Jews. Austria is annexed and the Czech state falls soon afterward and Dehomag is there to assist with its information about the Jews.
Episode 96-Foiles and Follies
The Dardanelles Campaign starts off well enough, but through bad luck, worse weather and weaker souls, it collapses on itself. Then the British world collapses on Churchill.
Membership Ep. 23 is Ready!
The Jews are stripped of their German Citizenship and the cruelty begins in earnest. IBM and Dehomag become more intwined with their respective governments.
Membership Ep. 22 is Ready!
Hitler uses the 1935 Nuremberg Rally to announce new laws against the Jews. Their citizenship is stripped away and the persecution intensifies.
Episode 95-The Dardanelles, Pt. 1
The British War Council decides on a Second Front to hopefully alter the slaughtering in France. Winston, with his personality, becomes of the face of the Aegean Campaign.
Episode 94-In for a Penny…
With the outbreak of war, Churchill is ready, though the same can not be said of the rest of Britain. Winston will experience the lime light and the highs and lows of battle.
Churchill & Roosevelt Mug
Please only use this order option for Continental US addresses only. 12.99 for each mug and 5.00 for delivery. Everyone else, please follow these steps: email me your name, mailing address and which mug you want to wwiipodcast@gmail.com. I will work up a total cost...
Member Ep. 21 is Ready!
Dehomag proves its ability to the Nazis that it alone can find the Jewish citizens of Germany.
Episode 93-War is Upon Us
The events of Sarajevo cause diplomatic tension to build throughout Europe but Churchill is determined that Britain will be ready, come what may.
Episode 92A-Website Update
After a bit of trouble with the website, we are back and Episode 93 will be out soon. Thanks for your patience!
Membership Ep. 20 is Ready
Hitler comes to power and uses IBM technology to track down the Jews within Germany and German controlled territory.
Episode 92-The Navys the Thing
Churchill gets promoted to the Home Office, starts out well, but then becomes his own worst enemy. Now in the Admiralty, Winston comes into his own. Fortunately for Britain as Germany seeks to challenge G.B. on the seas.
Churchill Coffee Mug Contest!
For a chance to win this baby, send me an email to wwiipodcast@gmail.com. Please put "contest" in the subject line.
Episode 91-Love’s Labors NOT Lost
Winston finds love, fights the Tories, gets promoted, nearly dies three times and humbles some Lords.
Member Episode 19 is Ready!
French leader Petain, frustrated by Laval's pro-German stance, makes his move against his Vice Premier. The German occupation of Paris begins its darker phase.
Episode 90-Winston’s Revenge
Winston, now in the House of Commons, plots his revenge against those who fought his father, Lord Randolph. Also, Churchill, goes through his own challenges as he takes on Joe Chamberlain, the PM Balfour and those abandoning Free Trade. He then crosses the gangway and...
Episode 89-Fame and Fortune
Churchill's life is covered until the death of Queen Victoria.
Episode 88 Churchill- War Correspondent
We are joined today by James Muller, professor of Political Science at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. We discuss Churchill's 2nd book published, The River War, and Mr. Muller's re-release of The River War's first edition with commentary, illustrations, with all...
Membership Episode 18 is Ready!
The delicate battle for the American Hospital in Paris begins.
Membership 17 is now Ready!
The Americans and Germans square off in Paris and one former jazz club owner decides it's time to join in the fighting, again.
Episode 87-Jack El-Hai Book Interview
Jack El-Hai joined me today for a conversation about his latest book, The Nazi and the Psychiartrist: Hermann Goring, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley, and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII. Mr. El-Hai's book deals with the top 22 surviving Nazi officials and Dr....
Episode 86-Risks and Rewards, Redux
Winston is determined to leave the Army and make his way to Parliament as a hero/correspondent. But the majority of the military establishment is set against him. Churchill finds himself in Kitchener's war in the Sudan and takes part in the last great cavalry charge...
Membership Episode 16 is Ready!
As France is knocked out of the war and the Germans occupy Paris, the 5,000 or so Americans that decide to remain have to learn a new way of life. Pictured is the alluring singer/dancer and resistance spy, Josephine Baker.
Episode 85-Risks and Rewards
Churchill, having decided his course, willingly risks his life for his ultimate goal, the House of Commons. But he has to survive India first.
Membership Episode 15 is Ready!
Alfred Krupp's guns change the world, but he's too busy building his house to notice. The 2nd French Empire is destroyed and the 2nd German Reich is born.
Episode 84-Master of My Fortunes
Winston loses those in his life he holds most dear. And to defeat boredom, he travels to Cuba to see war up close, as the Spanish try to putdown a rebellion.
Membership Episode 14 is now ready!
Alfred Krupp almost loses everything just by being himself, but Wilhelm I and Chancellor Bismarck need his guns, as they start to forge a Greater Germany. Alfred decides to build himself a new home or a monument to himself, Villa Hugel as seen in the episode cover.
Episode 83-The End of the Beginning
Winston makes it into Sandhurst, taking a curious route. He nearly dies at least twice, but in the end another family member is taken from his life. And after Sandhurst, he is left up to his own devices. He is now a man at large.
Episode 82-Harrow
Churchill enters Harrow, but his defiant ways still exist. His father draws away from him but his mother will soon be coming to his side. At Harrow, young Winston breaks almost every rule: he keeps dogs, is constantly late for class, curses in front of the Headmaster...
Membership 13 is Ready.
Krupp is all but ready to give up on guns, then a new king comes to Prussia and he has plans for Krupp's arms and central Europe.
Episode 81-Churchill, The Early Years
This episode covers Winston Churchill's birth, his early school years and his parent's or lack thereof, influence on the boy.
Membership Episode 12 is ready!
Alfred Krupp finds love and business success! And a son, whom he names after (of course) himself. The first Bertha Krupp in on the scene, but spends much of her time away from Essen, her husband and all that damn soot!
Episode 80-East Africa, Part 2
This episode takes us through the war in East Africa through February 1941, which is the high water mark for The British Empire fighting the Axis without the Russians or America. The cover photo is of the Dongolaas Gorge.
Membership Episode 11 is Ready!
Alfred Krupp can make cast steel, but can he sell it? Also, Alfred gets his way on the family fortune and stumbles upon the idea of cast steel weapons. History is changed forever. But his first great moment comes as the first World's Fair at England's Crystal Palace....
Membership Episode 10 is ready!
McIndoe's personal views of life find their way into The Guinea Pig Club. As such, the club is filled with love and understanding, but also, high expectations from the men of Ward 3.
Episode 79-East Africa
The various British commands in East Africa are ready to move against the Italians. Well, not really. But as the Italians retreat after Operation Compass, the British Commonwealth forces have no choice but to advance, ready or not. The cover picture is of the Duke of...
Episode 78-The Battle of Beda Fomm
Gen. O'Connor is planning his next attack when the Italians decide to abandon Cyrenaica. The Race is on! Also, the Replica Newspaper contest.
Membership Episode 9-Blackie and Dr. Russell Davies
When Edward Blacksell "Blackie" came to East Grinstead, McIndoe's team was complete. These three men would help the Guinea Pigs during and long after the war.
Episode 77-Tobruk
The British 13th Corps continues pushing west, now it's Tobruk's turn. The situation in East Africa causes only more tension between Wavell and Churchill.
Episode 76-The Army of the Nile
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...
Tannafax Jelly
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
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
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
After 6 months of planning, the British are ready to move against Marshal Graziani.
Alfred Krupp
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...
Episode 73-Italian Checks, Greek Balances
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...
William Mitchell
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...
Episode 72-Taranto Pt 3
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
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...
Episode 70-The Battle of Taranto, Pt 1
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...
The Battle of Taranto
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...
Episode 69B-Talk History
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
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
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...
Episode 68-Greek Fire, Pt. 1
Mussolini and Hitler deceive each other over desired territory, while Prime Mister Metaxas of Greece tries to stay below Italy's radar. يلا شوت Britain is through trying to salt dough handprint separate Italy from Germany and decides to support the smaller Aegean...
Episode 67-Mare Nostrum
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 worldblog.net industrial limitations were angry with the Italians and their Dictator Ioannis Metaxas, had the experience to...
Episode 66-D Day Memorial and Contest Drawing
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 anagazawe.com for the replica newspaper from December 8, 1941.
Operation Compass
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 super mario world 1941. The...
Gen. Richard O’Connor
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...
Lt. Gen. William Gott
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...
Admiral Andrew Cunningham
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...
Volume 6 “Battle of Britain, Part 2″
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
By 1940, Great Britain had several possessions in the anagazawe.com 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
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...
Episode 63B-Talk History
We are joined by Luke Whitehorn, special effects artist from the movie Iron Sky. WWII and Sci Fi! What's not to love. يلا شوت We cover episodes 62 and 63 and Luke brings a good perspective to our story so far in North Africa.
Episode 63-October 1940
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
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
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
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
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...
Project History Cage Match-Rome: Over-rated?
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
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...
Episode 60B-Talk History
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
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
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
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
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...
Jubilee Celebration
A view from the rear of a Lancaster Bomber. Amazing! Thank you Mike B.
Episode 56-Breaking Point
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
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...
Episode 54-Pandoras Box
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
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
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...
Episode 51-The Hardest Day
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...
Episode 50- Black Thursday, August 14-15th
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...
Episode 49- Adlertag: August 8th-13th
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...
Episode 48: Things Learned. August 2nd – August 7th.
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...
Episode 47- Support Teams & The Battle, July 29th-August 1st
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...
Episode 46-A Day in the Life, July 26th-28th
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....
Episode 45- Numbers Tell, July 23rd-25th
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...
601 Squadron- The Millionaires Squadron
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...
Volume One: “Setting the Stage”
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....
HE or High Explosive bombs
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...
One of the Luftwaffe’s best- Werner Molders.
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...
Volume Two: “War is Upon Us”
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 &...
New Zealander Flight Lt. Alan Deere
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...
Volume Three: “France Falls & The Miracle of Dunkirk”
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...
Volume Four: “France Divided & Hitler Biography”
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...
Major Adolf Galland of the Luftwaffe
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...
Flame Fougasse
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...
British Sea Forts
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...
Ray Harris appears on Paranormal Eh? Radio
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...
Volume 5: “Battle of Britain, Part 1”
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...
12 Group Sector Operations Room at Duxford
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...
The Dyle Plan
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...
Video of The Battle of Britain
Part 1 of 6. Click "Read More".
The French surrender to Hitler
Hitler sets up the conditions of the French surrender.
Area of 13 Group of Fighter Command
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
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.
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...
Area of 10 Group.
Covering the SW of Britain.
Air Vice Marshal Keith Park of 11 Group
New Zealander Keith Park defended the southern coast.
Field Marshal Albert Kesselring of Luftflotte 1.
Competent and professional.
Area of 12 Group of Fighter Command
Churchill’s makes his aims clear.
Churchill gives his we shall fight on the beaches speech.
Goring and his staff at the water’s edge.
Episode 43-The Battle, July 16th-19th.
German tactics, English weather and the Spitfire.
Edinburgh
View Larger Map
The area of 11 Group
Air Vice Marshal Keith Park in command.
Ref test
blog sample
Fighter Command’s areas of operation.
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.
A close up of the Hawker Hurricane and the Battle of Britain, July 11th-15th.
Episode 41-Great Britain’s turn.
Battle of Britain- July 10, 1940.
Episode 40-Unexpected surprise for Hitler.
Hitler is ready to end the war, but not Churchill.
Episode 39-Hitler bio, Part 3.
Hitler until the Beer Hall Putsch.
Episode 38-Hitler bio, Part 2.
Hitler through the end of WWI.
Episode 37-Hitler bio, Part 1.
The early life of Adolf Hitler.
Episode 36-The End of the French Third Republic.
Petain and the New France.
Episode 35-The question of the French Fleet.
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.
Petain's government signs the Armistice Treaty with Nazi Germany.
Episode 33-Premier Petain seeks peace.
Petain rushes to find peace, giving little thought of the price.
Episode 32-French Premier Reynaud falls.
Reynaud falls and Marshal Petain takes over.
Episode 31-Paris falls.
Paris falls. June 5th - 13th.
Episode 30-The End of Dunkirk.
Rescue operations come to a close as the Germans advance on the Allied perimeter.
Episode 29-June 2nd. Massed ships.
British civilians help rescue troops from Dunkirk.
Episode 28-The Miracle.
The "Miracle" part of Dunkirk.
Episode 27-29th May.
The clouds and smoke roll away and Dunkirk is exposed to the Luftwaffe.
Episode 26-Dunkirk, Part 2.
The anxious British troops wait on the beaches and the Mole to be rescued.
Episode 25-Dunkirk, Part 1.
The British, seemingly pushed into the sea, organize to save their troops to fight another day.
Episode 24-The panzers reach the coast.
Allied forces in Belgium are cut off as the German panzers reach the coast.
Episode 23-The French 9th Army is destroyed.
Rommel crosses the Meuse north of Sedan and helps destroy the French 9th Army.
Episode 22-German panzers attack through the Ardennes.
German panzers attack through the Ardennes, head for the Meuse River and the town of Sedan.
Episode 21-The fall of France, Part 2.
The invasion of Holland and Belgium.
Episode 20-China 1937 to 1940.
China 1937-40 and Mao Biography.
Episode 19-The Long March w/ Laszlo Montgomery.
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.
The Phony War has undermined what eagerness there was to fight Germany.
Episode 17-The fall of Denmark and Norway.
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.
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.
Hitler's bluffing to gain an empire is over. He will have to fight from now on.
Episode 14-The last days of peace.
Diplomatic wrangling rages over Europe during the summer of 1939.
Episode 13-The line is drawn.
Britain and France are finished giving in to Hitler.
Episode 12-Appeasement.
Hitler's sabre rattling earns him Austria and the Munich Agreement.
Episode 11-Europe 1933 to 1937.
Europe 1933-1937: Ethiopia, Rhineland, Spanish Civil War.
Episode 10-The Nazification of Germany.
The Nazi Party implements Hitler's vision as written in Mein Kampf.
Episode 9-Hitler takes on the World.
Hitler, now in power, removes his enemies and defies the international community.
Episode 8-Japan’s China policy?
Japan struggles to define its policy on China, but events take the decision out the military's hands.
Episode 7-Japan expands into China.
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.
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)
Episode covers the first 10 years of Mussolini as Dictator.
Episode 4-Mussolini 1918 to 1922.
Episode covers Mussolini from the end of WWI to his being elevated to power.
Episode 3-Early life of Mussolini.
Episode covers the early life of Mussolini.
Episode 2-Nazi Politics, 1929-1933
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.
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....
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