Podcast Episodes

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 429-It Only Takes One Little Mistake

Episode 429-It Only Takes One Little Mistake

As the 200 plus ships of Operation Jubilee reach the French coast, a single event occurs, ruining all the plans of Combined Operations. Still, the Allied force moves forward, hoping to make the best of a bad situation. Which is when it gets much worse. To view the...

Episode 428-Churchill’s Shell Game

Episode 428-Churchill’s Shell Game

A desperate Churchill green lights the raid on Dieppe. And though it has been scaled back to avoid entanglements with panzers, it is still complex and dependent on everything going to plan and on time. A rare event in battle. Still, on August 18th, the ships with the...

Episode 427-Operation Rudder-Less

Episode 427-Operation Rudder-Less

The Dieppe Raid planning continues as Churchill needs something to show the Americans and Soviets. The Canadians are tapped to assist the Commandos as Combined Operations wants an overwhelming attack. But the Germans are more than prepared. But Operation Rudder will...

Episode 426-Kill Or Be Killed

Episode 426-Kill Or Be Killed

With Lord Mountbatten in charge of Combined Operations, the plan to soften up the enemy’s coastline defenses is underway. But there is much to learn and lessons here are normally accompanied by death. As Commando raids take place, the British and their Common Wealth...

Episode 425-Here Come the Commandos

Episode 425-Here Come the Commandos

In building up to Operation Sledgehammer, Mountbatten’s arrival is a whirlwind for Combined Operations. Their numbers will grow as will the number of their raids. But soon, the commandos are too few. Churchill wants larger raids, as does Mountbatten. The Canadians on...

Episode 424-Operation Sledgehammer

Episode 424-Operation Sledgehammer

Operation Pedestal would ensure that Malta stayed in the fight. But Stalin is not appeased. He wants a Second Front. So does Gen. George Marshall and he’s coming to London to say so. The British had to come up with a plan, big enough to impress the Russian and the...