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In 1939, incredibly, the British Army still fielded cavalry units that had yet to be mechanised, relying on horses as they prepared for war. When conflict broke out, these regiments—many of them Ter…

In 1939, incredibly,…

In 1939, incredibly, the British Army still fielded cavalry units that had yet to be mechanised, relying on horses as they prepared for war. When conflict broke out, these regiments—many of them Territorial Army Yeomanry units—were mobilised, with horses being requisitioned to meet the demand. By 1940, the 1st British Cavalry Division was deployed to the Middle East, where they would play a significant role in Operation Exporter, the Allied invasion of Vichy-controlled Syria. Today, I’m joined by Jonathan Washington, author of Fighting Vichy from Horseback: British Mounted Cavalry in Ac…

During the Second World War, the Home Intelligence Unit—a branch of the Ministry of Information—was tasked with monitoring public attitudes on the home front. They compiled confidential reports on…

During the Second Wo…

During the Second World War, the Home Intelligence Unit—a branch of the Ministry of Information—was tasked with monitoring public attitudes on the home front. They compiled confidential reports on the state of popular morale, which were circulated among decision-makers in Whitehall. These reports offer a fascinating insight into how ordinary people coped with the stresses of wartime life, their hopes for victory, and their fears about what the post-war world might bring. Joining me today is Jeremy Crang, Professor of Modern British History at the University of Edinburgh. Together with his …

Today, I’m joined by Peter Zablocki, a professor at Caldwell University, host of the History Shorts podcast, and author of The Death of General Sikorski. I was introduced to Peter after I recorded …

Today, I’m joined …

Today, I’m joined by Peter Zablocki, a professor at Caldwell University, host of the History Shorts podcast, and author of The Death of General Sikorski. I was introduced to Peter after I recorded the episode looking at the death of Sikorski with Chris Wroblewski. Chatting I discovered Peter had researched and written about an entirely different but fascinating subject: Private Snafu (you can read it here). For those unfamiliar, Private Snafu was the star of a series of black-and-white animated shorts produced between 1943 and 1945. These instructional films, aimed at U.S. servicemen, combi…

In this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed historian and bestselling author Alex Kershaw to explore one of the most pivotal moments of the Second World War: the Battle of the Bulge. This December mark…

In this episode, I�…

In this episode, I’m joined by acclaimed historian and bestselling author Alex Kershaw to explore one of the most pivotal moments of the Second World War: the Battle of the Bulge. This December marks the 80th anniversary of the battle, a critical turning point where General George S. Patton’s bold leadership and daring actions—most famously the dramatic relief of Bastogne—helped shift the tide in favour of the Allies. Alex joins me to share fascinating insights from his latest book, Patton’s Prayer, a powerful exploration of the faith, determination, and sheer grit that defined one …

In this episode, we are uncovering one of the great enigmas of the war: the tragic death of General Władysław Sikorski. Sikorski was a towering figure in the Polish government-in-exile, a man who he…

In this episode, we …

In this episode, we are uncovering one of the great enigmas of the war: the tragic death of General Władysław Sikorski. Sikorski was a towering figure in the Polish government-in-exile, a man who held together the hopes of a nation during its darkest days. His sudden death in 1943, when his Liberator aircraft crashed into the sea near Gibraltar, shocked the world and raised a swirl of questions that linger to this day. Was it an accident? Sabotage? Or something more sinister? To help unravel this mystery, I’m joined by Chris Wroblewski, author of Sabotage!: An In-Depth Investigation of th…

In this episode, Ronald Drabkin joins me to uncover the fascinating yet complex story of Frederick Rutland, a First World War hero with a unique story. Known as “Rutland of Jutland” for his braver…

In this episode, Ron…

In this episode, Ronald Drabkin joins me to uncover the fascinating yet complex story of Frederick Rutland, a First World War hero with a unique story. Known as “Rutland of Jutland” for his bravery as an aviator in WWI, Rutland's career took an unexpected turn in the interwar years as he became a spy for Japan. This is a gripping tale of loyalty, intrigue, and a man who found himself on both sides of history. Ronald is the author of 'Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor'   patreon.com/ww2podcast  

In this episode, historian Taylor Downing joins me to explore the remarkable work of reconnaissance pilots and photo interpreters during the Second World War. These daring aviators flew perilous missi…

In this episode, his…

In this episode, historian Taylor Downing joins me to explore the remarkable work of reconnaissance pilots and photo interpreters during the Second World War. These daring aviators flew perilous missions over Occupied Europe, risking life and limb to capture the detailed aerial photographs crucial to the Allied war effort. But capturing the images was only half the story. On the ground, a team of brilliant and inventive photo interpreters worked tirelessly, pioneering a completely new science to decode these pictures. From developing 3D photography techniques to uncovering enemy positions and …

For this episode, I'm joined by Matthew Hough, and we discuss Harold Alexander and his road to supreme command in the Mediterranean Theatre. Matthew is a postgraduate researcher at the University of L…

For this episode, I'…

For this episode, I'm joined by Matthew Hough, and we discuss Harold Alexander and his road to supreme command in the Mediterranean Theatre. Matthew is a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds whose research examines Alexander and ideas about Supreme Command in the Mediterranean Theatre toward the end of the war. patreon.com/ww2podcast  

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, held immense strategic value during WWII and quickly became a top priority for Japanese control. With its vast reserves of oil and rubber, the island was…

Borneo, the third-la…

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, held immense strategic value during WWII and quickly became a top priority for Japanese control. With its vast reserves of oil and rubber, the island was essential for fueling the Japanese war effort. But Borneo would also become a tragic battleground, claiming the lives of countless prisoners of war, internees, locals, and even Japanese forces. Joining me today is John Tulloch. John served with the Royal New Zealand Artillery before transferring to the British Royal Artillery, gaining experience across the globe and instructing on the British Arm…

When World War II began in 1939, it sparked a deadly conflict between the Axis and Allies, while also creating tense negotiations among the Allies. Diplomacy, military power, and economic decisions de…

When World War II be…

When World War II began in 1939, it sparked a deadly conflict between the Axis and Allies, while also creating tense negotiations among the Allies. Diplomacy, military power, and economic decisions determined the fate of nations. In North America, the U.S. and Canada worked to build a military alliance to protect their coasts from German U-boats and the threat of Japanese invasion. Their economies became intertwined to supply weapons for Britain and other allies, and defending North America was crucial before sending forces abroad. Joining me is Tim Cook. Tim is the Chief Historian and Directo…

During the Second World War, the people of Leningrad endured a brutal 900-day siege, facing relentless bombing, shelling, and starvation. In early 1943, the Red Army broke through the blockade, markin…

During the Second Wo…

During the Second World War, the people of Leningrad endured a brutal 900-day siege, facing relentless bombing, shelling, and starvation. In early 1943, the Red Army broke through the blockade, marking a crucial turning point. Despite setbacks, the Soviet forces and civilians held firm, and by late 1943, the Germans, weakened by harsh conditions, began to retreat.  In episode 202, we discussed the siege up until 1942. I'm joined once more by Prit Butar to pick up the story of the siege being lifted, which is covered in his latest book 'Hero City: Leningrad 1943–44'   patreon.com/ww2podcast…

In April 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy's Combined Fleet was at the height of its power, having delivered a crushing blow to the US Navy at Pearl Harbor just months earlier. This fleet spearheaded J…

In April 1942, the I…

In April 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy's Combined Fleet was at the height of its power, having delivered a crushing blow to the US Navy at Pearl Harbor just months earlier. This fleet spearheaded Japan's aggressive expansion through Southeast Asia and unleashed havoc across the South Pacific. However, the tides of war were soon to change. By June 1942, the US Navy achieved a decisive victory over this formidable force at the Battle of Midway, shifting the strategic momentum in the Pacific Theater to the Allies. Midway stands as the most renowned naval battle of the Pacific War and one of th…

Released in 1977, A Bridge Too Far stands as the last grand-scale WWII film produced by the Hollywood studio system. The film ambitiously sought to bring to life Operation Market-Garden, the bold but …

Released in 1977, A …

Released in 1977, A Bridge Too Far stands as the last grand-scale WWII film produced by the Hollywood studio system. The film ambitiously sought to bring to life Operation Market-Garden, the bold but ultimately doomed Allied campaign of September 1944, culminating in the failed attempt to capture the Arnhem bridge. Producer Joseph E. Levine gathered an incredible ensemble cast, featuring legends like Anthony Hopkins, Robert Redford, Sean Connery, James Caan, Michael Caine, Elliott Gould, Dirk Bogarde, and Laurence Olivier. The movie was shot on location in Holland, with the town of Deventer do…

In this episode, we'll examine the 6th Airborne Division and its combat effectiveness, focusing on how its commanding officer, Richard Gale, meticulously trained and developed the unit. The 6th Airbor…

In this episode, we'…

In this episode, we'll examine the 6th Airborne Division and its combat effectiveness, focusing on how its commanding officer, Richard Gale, meticulously trained and developed the unit. The 6th Airborne was the second British airborne division to be formed, and it would first see action during the Normandy invasion. Gale’s leadership and the culture he instilled were crucial in shaping the airborne soldier’s capabilities and forging the division's cohesive fighting force. Joining me is Andrew Wheale. Andrew is the author of 'Ham & Jam: 6th Airborne Division in Normandy - Generating Com…

When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, it wasn't the Germans who first uprooted Stanislaw Kulik and his family—it was the Russians. Deported to a Siberian Gulag, Stanislaw's fate took a dramatic turn …

When Germany invaded…

When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, it wasn't the Germans who first uprooted Stanislaw Kulik and his family—it was the Russians. Deported to a Siberian Gulag, Stanislaw's fate took a dramatic turn in 1941 when the Germans launched their invasion of the Soviet Union. Suddenly, the Russians released their Polish captives, and Stanislaw embarked on an arduous journey across thousands of miles. He eventually joined the Polish army in Uzbekistan, a path that would lead him to Britain and ultimately to the frontlines in Holland, where he fought with the Polish Parachute Brigade at Arnhem. Joining…

When we think of the fighting in the Far East between Britain, her allies, and the Japanese, we often picture thick jungles, impossibly steep hills, and dense terrain. This has led to the common perce…

When we think of the…

When we think of the fighting in the Far East between Britain, her allies, and the Japanese, we often picture thick jungles, impossibly steep hills, and dense terrain. This has led to the common perception of it being an infantryman's war. However, armour played a crucial and often overlooked role in this theatre of war. In this episode, I'm joined by Jack Bowsher, author of Forgotten Armour. His book begins with the interwar Indian Army's struggle to fully mechanise, then traces the evolution of armoured training, logistics, and tactics. We explore how, once tanks arrived and bunker-busting …

I recently attended the We Have Ways Fest, where I ran into Séan Scullion, a friend of the podcast. You might remember him from episode 135, where we discussed Spaniards in the British army. His boo…

I recently attended …

I recently attended the We Have Ways Fest, where I ran into Séan Scullion, a friend of the podcast. You might remember him from episode 135, where we discussed Spaniards in the British army. His book, "Churchill’s Spaniards," is about to be released. At this year’s We Have Ways Fest, Sean was scheduled to speak about the British Middle East Commandos. We found a supposedly quiet corner to chat, though it turned out to be less quiet than anticipated. Patreonpatreon.com/ww2podcast  

It was only as Harry S. Truman was sworn in as the 33rd president of the United States that he was told of the Manhattan Project. In this episode, we embark on a journey through one of the most contro…

It was only as Harry…

It was only as Harry S. Truman was sworn in as the 33rd president of the United States that he was told of the Manhattan Project. In this episode, we embark on a journey through one of the most controversial and consequential decisions in modern history: Truman's choice to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The story of this decision is complex, marked by intense debates, ethical dilemmas, and immense geopolitical stakes. As the war in Europe concluded with the defeat of Nazi Germany, the Pacific Theater continued to rage with brutal intensity. American forces fac…