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Episode 539-Interview w/ Laurence Rees: The Nazi Mind

British historian Laurence Rees explores the warning learned from studying WWII.

Episode 538-Operation Mincemeat

While both Moscow and Berlin focus on the Kursk salient, Operation Mincemeat convinces the Germans to focus troops in the wrong place. Meanwhile, Zhukov convinces Stalin to let the enemy attack first, for they will be ready.

Episode 537-Gen. Manstein’s Backhand Blow

Manstein overcame Hitler’s objections and then two Soviet Fronts. By early March 1943, Kursk was exposed and open to attack.
Episode 521-Decision Time: Fight or Flight

Episode 521-Decision Time: Fight or Flight

Operation Uranus is launched. The Axis forces, caught unawares, fall back. Berlin makes plans, but they simply do not have the means to counter the Soviet attack, not that they realize this yet.

Episode 520-Operation Uranus

Episode 520-Operation Uranus

While Stalingrad holds out, additional Soviet Armies are being assembled nearby. And in mid November they would be launched, to either side of Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army. If all goes well, those German troops within and near Stalingrad would be surrounded. But the trap...

Episode 519-Defeat is Always Possible, but Will It Be Today?

Episode 519-Defeat is Always Possible, but Will It Be Today?

Stalingrad’s defenders are pushed to the breaking point. Worse, they are only sometimes given help by Zhukov. The Germans attack again and the defense all but collapses. Fortunately, the attackers get tired and the Russians hang on. Meanwhile, while Zhukov is making...

Episode 518-Stalin’s Latest Mistake

Episode 518-Stalin’s Latest Mistake

The attack against northern Stalingrad fairs well, still the defenders on holding on. But Stalin is unsatisfied, he wants counter attacks. It will waste men and ammunition, but no one argues with Stalin.

Episode 516-Holding Stalingrad by the Skin of their Teeth

Episode 516-Holding Stalingrad by the Skin of their Teeth

Now that German forces are inside Stalingrad, the fighting centers around the Main Ferry Terminal, the Grain Elevator and the heights of Mamayev Kurgan Park. Both sides will take these locations only to lose them again and again.