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...