The History of WWII Podcast

The Hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast, Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo, join me as we discuss the Top 5 technological improvements or discoveries of WWII.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adm. Fletcher will have the Yorktown with him as he battles Adm. Nagumo’s 1st Air Fleet. Both sides will make mistakes, but one will make less. Both will lose much.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adm. Yamamoto makes his plans for Midway, but Adm. Nimitz sees the Cherub that sees them and plans accordingly.  The Ghosts of the Battle of the Coral Sea will be felt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Americans lose a carrier, Lady Lex, but the Japanese plan to take Port Moresby is also ruined. Meanwhile, the Japanese Striking Force is to follow and finish off the Yorktown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both the American and Japanese carrier groups launch air strikes at the other. The outcome will affect the SW Pacific and Australia’s security. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though faulty reports, the Americans will claim an impressive victory. Then comes a chance for something greater. Meanwhile the Japanese invasion force is waiting for their carriers to wipe out Fletcher’s Task Force 17. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With imperfect information, both sides strike at the other. Still, Adm. Fletcher’s potential to wreck havoc is greater than the Japanese. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Japanese opening move at the Battle of the Coral Sea is dealt a blow by Adm. Fletcher and the pilots of the Yorktown.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Returning to the Pacific Theater, after Pearl Harbor the Japanese run wild. But Adm. Nimitz seeks ways to sting the enemy until the U.S. is ready to bring the fight to the enemy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. Patton is now a hero of the War Effort and the American people. But then his temper will limit his usefulness to the American cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. Patton will order a third amphibious end run, but by now Gen. Truscott’s 3rd division is traveling faster than ever. Meanwhile, being bold the Germans and Italians manage to evacuate most of their men from Sicily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patton orders a second end run and Bernard’s men end up trapped atop a height. Soon they are running out of ammunition and their phone lines are cut.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce Henderson comes on to discuss the Bomber Crews that dropped secret agents and supplied to the French Resistance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Germans at San Fratello are holding out, so Gen. Patton wants an amphibious landing behind them to trap the enemy. But. Lt. Col. Bernard’s men land in the wrong place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American divisions are moving east, but soon the 45th and 1st need to be replaced. They are fatigued and some are committing act unbecoming a US Soldier. Meanwhile, Gen. Patton orders and amphibious end run to speed up the capture of Sicily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the Big Red One pushing east just above the Canadians, the 45th Infantry Division moves east along the north coast road. Italian units are pushed aside, but then comes a line manned by Germans. Four US Army machine gunners were sacrifice themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Germans have a plan to stop the Allies from reaching Messina. Problem is, their plans end up in the hands of the Allies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Sicily about to fall, the Germans prepare to evacuate their troops, not so much the Italians. Meanwhile, the Allies discuss what comes next at the First Quebec Conference where someone leaves behind notes to Operation Overlord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monty’s plan to swing left has failed. Now he wants Patton’s help who still does not trust the British. During this a slight British officer pulls off a miracle. Meanwhile the fighting on Sicily is felt in Rome as Mussolini is voted out of power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monty’s 8th Army can’t push on north to Catania, so he has other forces swing to the left. But this 3 prong attack fails as well. Ordering his men to go on the defensive, Monty calls in more troops from North Africa. Meanwhile, Patton is planning his drive east, to Messina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Durham Light Infantry will lose hundreds of men so the Primosole Bridge can be held.  This after the heavy losses of the 1st Parachute Brigade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One bridge down, one to go for Monty’s 8th Army. But friendly fire will disrupt Operation Fustian before it starts, leaving the British paratroopers trapped by Axis forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Palermo taken by the Americans, we turn to Monty’s rush up north. But first bridges had to be secured. One bridge would cost many Allied lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. Patton is free to go after Palermo, but only after telling his superior half truths. Meanwhile, Gen. Omar Bradley has to head north alone, taking on the Germans trying to retreat to Mt. Etna. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The invasion of Sicily goes well for the Allies. But soon Monty gets greedy, which slows down the offensive and upsets the Americans. Patton doesn’t scream unfair. Instead, he makes plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The imperfect amphibious landings by the Allies is matched by the imperfect defense of the Axis forces on Sicily. With the Allies firmly onshore, the Axis change their defensive plans. But the American’s success is marred by a horrendous friendly fire accident. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Jack El-Hai's book is now a major motion picture staring Russel Crowe and Rami Malek. Hermann Goring is captured and questioned by Dr. Douglas M Kelley who discovers that what happened in 1930's Germany can happen anywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Americans come ashore at three locations. Suffering relatively few deaths from Axis hands, the weather and waves were a different story. Either way, elements of Gen. Patton’s 7th Army are on Sicily. Producer Credit-Kath Hach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In between the Allied air attacks and the invasion forces of Operation Husky, special forces come ashore. And one group is the SRS, formerly, David Sterling’s SAS, the Special Air Service. But now in charge is Maj. Paddy Mayne, The Irish Lion.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the main assault of Operation Husky, airborne troops need to take key positions. But the first night time glider operations will not go well. Hundreds die before the fighting can start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The planning for Operation Husky was anything but smooth and comprehensive. Everyone had a dog in this fight, but in the end, Monty won. Meanwhile, Mussolini is tempted to pull out of the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Allies decide that Sicily is the next target, first the smaller islands nearby have to be taken. Thus Operation Corkscrew begins. Meanwhile, there are those in Italy who are thinking, perhaps the time has come to talk to the Allies. And thanks to WWII Podcast Producer- Adam Dach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle at Kasserine Pass is remembered as an American failure. Perhaps, but not a defeat. The Allies still held the ground and had learned much about modern warfare. Which was the point of fighting in North Africa first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bizerte and Tunis have surrendered, but several German and Italian armies are still hiding in Tunisia. The British make sure the enemy does not retreat within the Cap Bon Peninsula, while the Americans start to rebuild Bizerte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Americans and French in the north and the British in the south, the last holdouts of Axis forces in Tunisia are pushed against the wall of Tunisia. Yet American mistakes and British caution will cause a few more casualties before the fighting is over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last battle of North Africa approaches. Problem is, everyone wants to command this battle. But the Germans aren't finished yet. Just 48 hours before Operation Strike starts, a shipment of ammunition and fuel reaches the various panzer divisions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield join me as share interview clips from two veterans. A young man who saw the atrocities first hand and a pilot who flew with Chuck Yeager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2nd US Corps had its own large assignment, to drive east just under the northern coast. But Hill 609 dominates the area and German guns at its summit are targeting everything in reach, including Gen. Allen’s Big Red One. Alternate title, American Honor Is Restored. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the last two port cities can be taken from the Axis, Longstop Hill has to be recovered. And here, the Germans are ready with heavy mortar teams and machine gun nests.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final battle is coming, but first Monty and Von Arnim will try for spoiling attacks. Neither get far, thus it comes down to Operation Vulcan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before finishing off the Axis forces in North Eastern Tunisia, Gen. Alexander wants them starved of ammunition and petrol. Thus Operation Flax is created. The land/air bridge between Sicily and Tunisia is to be severed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Axis forces in southern Tunisia retreat, the Allies follow. But miscommunication and American failures threaten Anglo-American relations, again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allied attack through the Tebaga Pass gets underway. It starts well until the sand storms come. Meanwhile, Patton’s attack starts out well, until the American tanks run into a minefield. All this causes arguments amongst the Allied High Command. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Mareth Line battle still uncertain and Freyberg’s left flank attack still pending, Gen. Patton is called on again to attack. But the 10th Panzer Division comes at Patton’s 1st US Infantry Division. The Americans are about to be tested again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle of the Mareth Line begins. It starts out well, but then rain and a bad decision by the British give the Axis enough time to react. Meanwhile, Patton’s tanks push closer towards the coast, hoping to relieve Monty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prof. David Nasaw comes on to discuss his book, The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After WWII. The GI Bill was the least Washington could do for the returning GIs, not that they were all treated equally. Mr. Nasaw brings stories and lessons that should not be forgotten. Book release-10/14/25. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allied forces in Tunisia, now designated the 18th Army gets a new leader, Harold Alexander. He wants training and new leadership. So on his way from Casablanca is Gen. Patton. Meanwhile, Rommel is out as the North African Axis Commander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rommel needs a spoiling attack against Monty. His attack plan is not great, but Monty’s defense plan is.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rome orders a new attack plan. Rommel tries to carry it out, but the Allied forces stop him. Still, the Axis take control of the Kasserine Pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some infighting, the Germans launch their attack. The Americans are completely unprepared and the 2nd US Corps is whittled down to size. Now, the Kasserine Pass is open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo from The Warrior Next Door Podcast returns to the show as we each give our Top 5 reasons why the Axis lost the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the fighting in Northern Tunisia is on hold, the mountain passes in the southern half are the focus of both sides. And whoever controls the mountain passes has the advantages. Meanwhile, Rommel now retreats into Tunisian territory.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Germans attack before the Allies can start up again. Then the rains come in earnest. Tunis is safe for now, but Rommel in the south is losing against Monty and his own Allies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The German 10th Panzer Division attacks the Allied forces threatening Tunis. Falling for an old trick, the Allies are carved up and pushed back, thus Tunis is safe. Meanwhile, the Axis forces in Tunisia are getting reinforcements and a new commander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allies come at the Tunisian ports in 3 columns. Two of them are stopped cold and that’s enough to bring the entire offensive to a halt. The Western Allies need more of everything before they can continue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vichy France has joined the Allies, but the Germans are moving more men into Tunisia by the day. Battle is coming as both sides need the port city of Tunis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casablanca finally falls to Gen. Patton’s forces. In reaction, the Germans send reinforcements to Tunisia and occupy the rest of France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GI's comes ashore, but not where they’re supposed to. Still, order is formed and the attack commences. As for reaching the vital airport 5 miles in, the Americans have a French Ace up their sleeve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Casablanca’s French vessels focus on destroying U.S. landing craft. Meanwhile, Gen. Patton’s tanks come ashore at Safi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Americans come at Casablanca. But waiting for them are impressive batteries, submarines and the battleship Jean Bart. And for all the work the US State Department had done, Vichy will not submit quietly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allied Center Task Force has its work cut out in trying to take Oran and the surrounding airfields. Surprise French attacks from the south and east wreck Allied plans and the timetable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though far from perfect, the Western Allies make landfall with their Eastern and Central Task Forces in North Africa. Shots are exchanged, planes are downed, ships sunk and men fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Western Allies had landed in North Africa, but two diversionary attacks go horribly wrong. The Americas have their first significant casualties of the war. Operation Torch has a rough start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Torch, though a rushed affair, carried the hopes of Washington and London and all of Europe. After much wrangling, the details come together and the date is set, November 8, 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though suffering heavy losses, Monty continues to attack Rommel. Both sides were bled, but this was something Rommel could not afford. The great race back west was on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monty hopes to confuse Rommel with several limited attacks, so when the big push comes, the German’s main defenses will be out of place. This works and soon, 2 British brigades and the 2nd New Zealand Division attack during the night. Still, the Germans are formidable, even with their dwindling supplies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Barbarossa and the attack on Pearl Harbor created the Grand Alliance, but holding it together took constant work. Only by looking at their areas of conflict, as well as cooperation, are we able to understand the course of the war and world that developed in its aftermath. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 TikTok-@wwiiguy Instagram - rayharrisjr youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Battle has been joined. Though the Axis are outmanned, their minefields allow them to hold back Monty’s attacks. And Rommel is soon on his way back to take command once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monty is now in command of 8th Army. Rommel is ill, but will return when the 2nd Battle of El Alamein gets underway. Still, Monty’s plans do not start out well for his men. And the Torch landings are very far away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a series of body blows, Army Group South is forced back to the Dnieper River. Then they begin to construct the Panther Waton Line, but the Soviets don’t wait and attack right away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Citadel is over, now its Moscow’s turn. What follows is a series of hammer blow counter attacks by Moscow. Some succeed, some fail, but they all bleed the German invaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the German pincers bogged down, Moscow launches two massive counter attacks. One will attempt to trap the German 9th Army at Orel, the other will seek to shatter the 1st Panzer Army of Army Group South. Berlin has to shift its ever shrinking supply of men and panzers, again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On July 12, 1943, Soviet Armies come at the SS 2nd Panzer Army. The Germans have attack plans, but the Soviets have attacking numbers. And then the German Army High Command gets horrible news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. Hoth’s 4th Panzer Army reaches the Psel River, which threatens both the city of Prokhorovka and Oboyan. But taking from their Reserve forces, the Soviets launch a massive counter attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Checkout this incredible story of US Marine Corps fighter pilot Jefferson DeBlanc, who was shot down over the Solomon Islands. From there his story had just begun. Medal of Honor Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the north Gen. Model releases his panzers. To the south, a new type of tank killing plane is tested by the Germans. Still, whoever controls the heights controls the battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The panzers of Gen. Hoth’s 4th Panzer Army of the southern pincer start off well, thanks to most Soviet defenders being to the north. Still, its a long way to Oboyan and enemy reinforcements are coming in fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Battle has begun. In the north the Germans advance. In the south, there’s the battle before the battle and Gen. Hoth had decided to change the attack plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last of men and material are put into place. And though still doubting, the German leader orders Operation Citadel to begin.  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 TikTok-@wwiiguy Instagram - rayharrisjr youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

British writer Laurence Rees comes on the show to cover the 12 warnings he has learned from studying WWII. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manstein overcame Hitler’s objections and then two Soviet Fronts. By early March 1943, Kursk was exposed and open to attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having tasted defeat and now victory, Stalin wants more operations in southern Russia. And what he gets will change the course of the war on the Eastern Front. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Axis retreat from the Don River was haphazard. Armies were lost as was much equipment. Army Group South would regroup and form another line, but it was much reduced and the Soviets were only getting stronger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Becky Aikman tells the story of American female pilots that chose to go to Britain, to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary. While flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, they live their lives to the fullest. It's a new land and a new chance to reinvent themselves. But not all will make it to the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Stavka made the South its main area of operations in 1942, saving Stalingrad was only the beginning. Next, the Italians were wiped out, then the Romanians were finished off. Now, it was the Hungarian’s turn and what was coming at them was a tidal wave of steel, shot and shell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the 8th Italian Army destroyed, the Soviets will now focus on the German forces SE of Stalingrad and the 2nd Hungarian Army. The US liaison officer will see the results of these battles and report the slaughter to FDR. Meanwhile, Gen. Manstein is forced to order a pull back of all forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picking another weak point of the Axis defensive line to the NW of Stalingrad, the Italian 8th, the Hungarian 2nd and what remained of the Romanian 3rd Armies would be attacked. Then the airfield feeding Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army would be raided. The German forces would be tied down and unable to assist. Punch by punch Army Group South is losing its strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Mars was the sister Soviet counter attack to Uranus, which freed Stalingrad. But Mars would end very differently for the Soviets. When it was all over, the Stavka would turn their attention back to the south.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Jonathan Horn’s Book, The Fate of Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright and the Epic battle for the Philippines, covers the experiences of both generals during the war. Yet, one is remembered by history, the other, not so much. This book seeks to rectify this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. von Manstein is sent north to capture Leningrad. But days before his attack is launched, the Soviets launch their own. And the results of this battle will be felt all the way to Stalingrad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The German 17th Army on the Taman peninsula is bending, but not breaking. Then the Soviets realize, they don’t have to win, just hold. For events at Kursk will decide the fate of the Caucasus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the building up of troops on the Taman Peninsula, the Germans realize they need an all out attack to drive the enemy back into the Black Sea. Thus Operation Neptune is born. Yet as the Germans look into their cupboard for reserves, they are shocked by what they find. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that Stalingrad is liberated, the Stavka decide to clear the Caucasus of Axis troops. Which means annihilating the German 17th Army and the Romanian 3rd Army. But Soviet mistakes will start things off badly for the, now attackers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With overwhelming forces, the German 6th Army is trapped by the Soviets and then reduced. Paulus does not want to surrender, but the call is not his to make. The 6th Army is no more and Army Group South is very much weakened for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Soviets squeeze the trapped German 6th Army even more. Axis air fields are attacked, making it impossible to feed Paulus’ men. By January of 1943, the Russian winter now has its grip on the Axis soldiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Gen. Manstein readies for Operation Thunderclap, the breakout of the German 6th Army, the Soviets attack again. This time, against the Italian 8th Army. They will be no more successful in resisting, than were the Romanians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 must first be set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 moves behind the lines, certain German officers realize, how weak the Romanian divisions are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Gen. Paulus’ second major attack on Stalingrad gets underway, he’s even more impatient as he had been offered a promotion. But first, he must take the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Axis forces enter Stalingrad. But the Germans, unused to urban warfare, adapt as best they can. Whereas the new local commander of the defenders, Vasily Chuikov, will fight like a cornered rat and will quickly devise tactics to counter German advantages. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though Army Group B approaches Stalingrad, all does not go according to plan. Thus Gen. Paulus calls on Field Marshal Wolfram von Richthofen and his Fliegerkorps 8 to bomb Stalingrad for 48 hours. The destruction is terrible, still, the defenders will not yield. And while Marshal Zhukov readies Stalingrad’s defenses, Berlin starts taking men from Army Group South as they are needed elsewhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dividing Army Group South, both the Baku Oil Fields and Stalingrad are to be captured. Berlin believes this will weaken Soviet Russia’s war effort. But between Gen. Zhukov’s leadership and Lend Lease material reaching Russia by June 1942, Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army is in for a surprise. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter @WW2Podcaster TikTok-@wwiiguy Instagram - rayharrisjr youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, a summary of Stalin’s late winter, early spring 1942 counter attacks, along the entire Eastern Front. They mostly fail and cost hundreds of thousands of Soviet lives, but the Germans are checked once again. Then we turn to the Axis losing one of their own, in Operation Anthropoid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President Roosevelt knew his New Deal policies would be unpopular with the business owners, he sought to explain himself directly to the people. Thus his fireside chats were born. But then came another crisis, the outbreak of WWII. Over the years, FDR would keep his fellow citizens informed of the country’s failures and successes, but ever striving for victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using overwhelming artillery, the Germans close in on Sevastopol. Petrov does what he can, but the Stavka stop giving him reinforcements, thinking, the enemy can’t attack for more than 2 weeks at a time. But through daring risks, the Germans get closer, though lose staggering amounts of men, enough, to disrupt Hitler’s larger plans for the area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During WWII many civilians became resisters, rebels and they would strike at their oppressive governments in any way they could. For some, it will be boycotts, for others, they will choose to pick up weapons. Tyranny should never be allowed an easy victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though outmanned, Gen. Manstein will brilliantly use what he has to out maneuver the Soviet forces on the eastern half of Crimea. It will take time, but soon the defenders are bottled up, their reinforcements cut off by the Luftwaffe. And on May 8, 1941, the final blows start against Gen. Kozlov’s forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of all Gen. Manstein’s Infantry Divisions, Maj. Gen. Ludwig Wolff’s 22nd Division will get the closest to Sevastopol. But Petrov’s regular flow of reinforcements will devour these wolves seeking to take the vital port city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Masters of Propaganda, the German state employs William Joyce to broadcast news, in a taunting tone, to the Allied Nations. His objective, to demoralize the Allied soldiers and the civilians supporting them, to give up the fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Battle of Ishun lost, the Soviets retreat, in all directions. Soon, Crimean cities are falling and prisoners are being scooped up in the thousands. At Sevastopol, the first line of defense is lost, but does that mean defeat for the massive port city. One man thinks, no. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The German 11th Army comes at Ishun, but Gen. Kuznetsov is ready or as ready as he can be. But with three attacking forces, Gen. Erich von Manstein only needs one to get through. What follows is Russian mistakes, followed by folly, followed by German determination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a quick and merciless victory just above the Sea of Azov, Gen. Eric Hansen readies his 6 infantry divisions to take the Crimea. But the naval infantrymen of Odessa are shipped over. The battle ground is marshy and limited so the Germans will attack all three land bridges and hope one of them is a winner. Meanwhile, Gen. Kuznetsov deploys his men and hopes for the best as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army Group South reaches the opening of the Crimea. But waiting for the invaders are 3 lines of defense. Yet as there is no other way to gain access, the Germans will come straight at the Tatar Wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of the Crimea had seen tragedies for centuries. Nothing would improve with Operation Barbarossa. Yet, the why of the importance of the Crimea to Hitler was the Stavka’s own doing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rzhev salient seems to be contained, but the new threat is near Vyazma. Can the Germans hold onto it, for the Soviets have the man power to attack from multiple vectors. German professionalism will be tested as will the heart of every Russian soldier. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Germans keep attacking the Rzhev Salient, another Soviet thrust comes up at Vyazma from the South East. Both sides are undermanned and under equipped. It is a time for heroes, as long as the hero doesn’t mind sacrificing himself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though Stalin’s great counter attack has failed, he refuses to see it as such. More attacks are ordered but the Heer or German Army is getting stronger by the day. The german troops around Rzhev even start up their own newspaper. Clearly, they plan to stay here until winter is over. But Stalin has thousands of more men to throw at them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stalin sought an encirclement of the northern half of Army Group Center. Instead he would get two encirclements, the second, larger than the first. But then fate, inexperience, bad weather and seemingly personal vendettas stepped in. The situation changed rapidly from there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Betina Anton comes on the show to discuss her book, Hiding Mengele: How a Nazi Network Harbored The Angel of Death. After experimenting and killing thousands of people in Auschwitz, Mengele flees Europe and hides in South America. As the years go by, various agencies hunt for the SS Doctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stalin’s second wave of massive counter attacks get underway in January 1942. Yet the Germans are a bit more prepared this time. Not that Gen. von Kluge will not have to fire numerous commanders as Army Group Center is threatened with encirclement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Fairfield and Tony "The Tiger" Lupo return to the show, bringing interview clips from WWII Veterans. We cover incredible moments from D-Day and the 8th Army Air Force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As both sides still think they can win in the East, Germany and Soviet Russia will clash along the entire line of fighting. But no where more intensely than Rzhev. It will become a black hole of human lives and war equipment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stalin, not giving up winning the war by early 1942 has ordered a massive attack across the Volkhov River, to the SE of Leningrad. Meanwhile, Hitler’s troops have finally cut the rail line feeding supplies to Leningrad. The Russians have the numbers and the desire, but they lack practically everything an army needs to stay in the fight.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stalin, tasting a bit of success, now launches massive counter attacks up and down the line of all three German Army Groups. Yet, he will find out, in war, as in life, some things can not be rushed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army Group Center commander Von Kluge goes round and round with Hitler about retreating. Hitler’s reasons become more wild, but events on the ground take over. And while Stalin is happy to take arms from the Western countries, he did all he could to make sure war would erupt between the U.S. and the Empire of Japan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astronaut Jan Davis' book tells of her father's time as a B-17 pilot and POW. His can do attitude that gets challenged in a German prisoner Camp. Then, Army Group Center is under constant attack. There are breaches and encirclements along 4th Army’s lines. So whether official or not, Kluge starts ordering pull backs as his suspects the OKH of not telling Hitler the full story. But when 4th Army’s entire line starts to pull back, Stalin orders an increase in attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From painful experiences during the Spanish Civil War and the Winter War against Finland, Soviet Russia started several sniper schools. Hence when the Axis came and the Eastern Front was born, these men and women took the fight to the enemy. But not as much as their greatest sniper, Ivan Sidorenko. He was self taught and would go on to teach hundreds more of the craft of snipping.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Ep Special! 1st, Interview with Shannon Monaghan about her book, A Quiet Company of Dangerous Men: The Forgotten British Special Operations Soldiers of WW2. Then, as Christmas approaches, the Germans continually fall back, unable to face the onslaught of Zhukov’s attacks. The Holiday will be bleak for the fighting men, but rather lively for the officers far away. And Hitler will find out that his defiant speeches have been for nothing as he is told his men lack enough of anything, but mostly, winter clothing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Robert Hutton comes on to discuss his latest book, The Illusionist: The true story of the man who fooled Hitler. Early in the war, the British need every advantage they could get, including military deception, which brings in Dudley Clarke. And of all his tricks, his greatest is tricking Rommel right before Monty attacks at El Alamein. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Hitler battles his generals about when to stop retreating, Gen. Zhukov starts his phase 2 of the great counter attack. For Army Group Center has a weak point and the Soviets have found it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hitler is determined to make a stand with Army Group Center. And those that do not share his resolve or see his wisdom will be removed. Positions are soon vacated. Whereas Gen. Zhukov wants to keep attacking Army Group Center, to which Stalin is agreeable. But Zhukov will be given no additional troops. Stalin has plans for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Army Group Center continues its retreat, clearly, the momentum has shifted. But Berlin needs it back or the Army Group will disintegrate. Thus Hitler will make a bold decision, shocking the Wehrmacht. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just as Army Group Center goes over to a defensive stance, Stalin launches his counter attack. The first battle goes well, so more units are activated. Stalin is ready to attack the entirety of Army Group Center, but Gen. Zhukov tempers his ambition. The Germans can be beaten for now, but now destroyed. That will have to wait. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Army Group Center winds down its offensive during Operation Typhoon, due to a lack of supplies, exhaustion and cold, the Soviets around Moscow are building up their reserves and they all have adequate clothing. Hence on December 5th, Gen. Zhukov will launch a massive counter attack, to drive the enemy away from the Communist Capital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of the Internment Camps, thousands of Nisei Japanese Americans volunteer for the U.S. Armed Forces. Their contributions will save thousands of GI’s and shorten the war. Here are some of their exploits during and after the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The attack on Pearl Harbor was a dark day for the U.S. But this was followed by another bleak period in the U.S. The creation and forced removal of Japanese Americans along the West Coast, to be placed in Interment Camps. Fear gripped the nation and the reaction was extreme and illegal, but tolerated by many.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army Group Center is finally making a play for Moscow, but their advance will grind to a halt. The question then is, what comes next. But before Field Marshal Von Bock can get his men going again, the Soviets make their move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Soviet front around Kiev is crumbling fast. Over 40 divisions are cut off and surrounded. No help is coming and Stalin has forbade a retreat. Most of these men will perish, but the real question is, how many of the enemy can they take with them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many new innovations were created during the war. Some were good, some were bad. This is the story of the less than perfect ones. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo, hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast come back on, this time invited, to discuss the Top 5 WW2 movies. You may not agree, hell, we probably won't agree with each other, but it will be a good time. The video version will be on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euU0q2RIjf4 Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Gen. Guderian comes south and Gen. von Kleist rushes north, if no one stops them, then Kiev and all its defenders will be trapped. Thus soviet troops along the Desna and Dneiper Rivers give it their all. Will it be enough? Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Axis forces build up to capture Kiev, the bridges over the Dnieper River are contested. Fierce fighting follows, but in the end, the Germans take enough bridges to continue East, after Kiev has fallen. Meanwhile, Gen. Guderian is on his way with his panzers to help trap Kiev. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So far, Army Group South had done a tremendous job, but now they come upon Kiev. And protecting Kiev’s western approaches in almost 20 miles of anti tank works and barbed wire. Thus another way will be needed, but first, Hitler wants the guts ripped out of the area’s defenders and von Kleist had come up with a clever plan to make this happen. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Barbarossa is launched, but the soviets don’t have their best men in place as they have been killed by Stalin’s purges. In time they will learn but for now, one city after another falls to the Axis. Still, there are moments of heroism but also incompetence, certainly among the NKVD, who know politics, but not warfare. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michel Paradis returns to the show to discuss his latest book, The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower. A new biography of Ike, the book focuses on the 6 months leading up to D-Day and all the fighting behind the scenes to pull off this once in a life time amphibious landing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Aedy was a teenager when WW2 broke out. He joins the RAF and his life is changed forever. His son Mark joins me to discuss his father's many adventures during and after the war. This is a delightful story of a young man who does his duty and stays in the RAF and travels the world, meeting Douglas MacArthur and dancing with Rita Hayworth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Superman and Batman were declaring themselves against Hitler and his ways, while the American Bund, a pro Nazi organization, wanted the U.S. to be more like Nazi Germany. After Pearl Harbor, those same comic book heroes and many more were encouraging everyone to buy War Bonds to fight the Axis Powers. Meanwhile, Captain America is letting his fists do the talking for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian Damien Lewis comes on to discuss his book about Churchill’s secret warriors who will take the fight to the Nazis. Now a major motion film starring Henry Cavill, we cover the brave men and women of Operation Postmaster and other operations that wear down the Axis in Europe. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final episode of the Siege of Odessa. The port city will fall, but not before tying down over 300,000 Axis troops for months. Odessa will be the first Hero City of the Soviet Union. And in their evacuation, the Soviets leave several nasty surprises for the city’s new owners. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both sides pull tricks out of their hats, trying to gain an advantage. The result, the Axis dominate the Black sea and the air, the Soviets, the ground around Odessa. Through ingenuity and a can do attitude, the soviets turn their tractors into tanks, which contributes to Odessa’s high water mark of defense. More information at https://bit.ly/3y7xC91 Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, Jason Bell comes on to discuss his book, Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Agent A12 and the Solving of the Holocaust Code. Then, back to the Siege of Odessa. The Romanians, fearing German anger, throw everything they have at the Soviet city. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Army Group South advances east, Berlin needs Odessa taken. But the defenders of that Black Sea port city are willing to give all to deny this. What follows is unbelievable carnage just beyond Odessa’s defensive lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wave after wave of Romanian troops come at Odessa’s defenses. Also, squadrons of Messerschmidt’s attempt to dominate the skies above. But organization and determination tell and the invaders are held off, but for how long? RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 11 German and Romanian divisions, with 100 tanks and 100 airplanes come at Odessa, the people there, military and civilian, indeed, school children, prepare their city to defy the enemy. It will be a siege that will test the endurance of both sides. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 2 Episode Special! First, an interview w/ Mike Croissant, author of Bombing Hitler’s Hometown. Then, before the Siege of Odessa began, a small Soviet offensive took place against Romania, which explains why the Axis right flank was so slow. But in the end, the Soviet Rifle divisions are ordered to pull back. As for the southern end of Barbarossa, Odessa would be the next target and even harder to crack. More at https://bit.ly/3Vznbop RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Focusing on the southern most part of Operation Barbarossa, we watch as the Black Sea city of Odessa stands defiant against Army Group South and the Romanians. This will cause a delay in Berlin’s plans, which will require Gen. Guderian and his panzers to come help take Kiev. More at https://bit.ly/4cpA0HJ RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As it seems Kiev is about to fall, the panzers suddenly turn south and head for Uman. There, a massive soviet response is building, but will it be enough to save Kiev, Uman and stop the Axis Forces from crossing the River Bug? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Backing up a bit, we cover the Romanian’s early involvement in Barbarossa. But before Kiev can be taken, the Romanians want their lands back, taken by Stalin in 1939. Images and more https://bit.ly/4bXz3X0 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fighting only grows in intensity, with Kiev being threatened. But the German’s right flank is holding operations up. Still, in time, but with much loss, Gen. Kirponos pulls back his men and sets up a new defensive line, from Kiev to Uman. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soviet Gen. Kirponos does reasonably well in defending his SW Front, when he is told what is going on. But that is irregular at best. Soon, Lvov falls and all know that the next major battle will take place along the Stalin Line. Images and more at https://bit.ly/4bFY0WF RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army Group South advances but Stalin believes the main German thrust will happen here, so plans accordingly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen. Zhukov has outsmarted and outlasted Gen. Von Bock to the north, south and now, in front of Moscow. The Germans will take a rest. But then the Soviets say, my turn. Images and more at https://bit.ly/49fJbYO RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the panzers attacking on the flanks, Von Bock’s main thrust is coming right at Moscow. But between the weather, a lack of fuel and Gen. Zhukov’s determination, Army Group Center can’t seem to close the deal. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3vVYYO3 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, historian James Holland comes on to discuss Italy’s final phase as an Axis Partner. However, bad timing on the Allies part will cause the Italian Campaign to become a long slog. Then back to the regular series: Stalin reinforces the lines in front of Moscow, but the Germans miss this. So launch their supposed final attack against Stalin’s capital. Despite the lack of fuel and winter clothing, the Germans can’t help but think this is all about to be over. It had only begun. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3UoL7KH RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Typhoon is launched. Surely, there can’t be that many defenders still before Moscow. But what Berlin will miss is when Stalin starts recalling entire experienced divisions from the Far East. And one group of soviet fighters figures out a way to combat the dreaded panzers. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3vxSt46 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though desiring an economic knockout blow provided by his panzers, Hitler will eventually return to the capture of Moscow. Which means Army Group Center will need to destroy whatever is in front of them. But Moscow has learned a thing or two and will salvage what they can before the battle of Moscow begins. Images and more at https://bit.ly/4aFvxjj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle of Smolensk is over. Another German victory, but before the panzers can move out again, many of them are sent to help the other Army Groups and Gen. Timoshenko is about to launch a series of massive of counter attacks against Von Bock. Enough, to drive the Germans back for the first time. Images and more at https://bit.ly/4aoUuiZ RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, T. Martin Bennett comes on to talk about how faith helps the man who led the attack against Pearl Harbor finds peace after his country is defeated. And an American POW is able to survive his imprisonment. As one Soviet city after another falls, Army Group Center is well on its way to Moscow. That is, until Hitler decides to send Center’s panzers to the other Army Groups, as they clearly need help. And if Hitler’s plan of take the Ukraine and the Crimea works out, it may not be necessary for Moscow to be attacked at all. More information and photos at https://bit.ly/46Qj60V To Subscribe to The History of WWII Podcast just search “ The History of WWII Podcast - By Ray Harris Jnr” in your favourite Podcast app. Or visit our website at https://worldwariipodcast.net/ and listen online for free, subscribe via RSS or join our membership tier and get an additional 2 episodes per month. RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45  Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Army Group Center is surging ahead. But Stalin will keep throwing in entire armies to stop the invaders from reaching Moscow. By the end of June, Hitler is shocked to realize, there are still millions of enemy troops in front of him. Plus a bonus episode as Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo from The Warrior Next Door Podcast comes on with more clips of veteran interviews. More information and photos at https://bit.ly/3RomGej To Subscribe to The History of WWII Podcast just search “ The History of WWII Podcast - By Ray Harris Jnr” in your favourite Podcast app. Or visit our website at https://worldwariipodcast.net/ and listen online for free, subscribe via RSS or join our membership tier and get an additional 2 episodes per month. RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45  Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louise Endres Moore comes on to talk about her dad’s combat journey as she finds out he was more than a barber and translator. He operated a machine gun on the front lines. But you would never know it by what he didn’t say for the rest of his life. He was at the Battle of the Bulge, but that was only one of his 5 campaigns. More information and photos at https://bit.ly/3RhIW9K To Subscribe to The History of WWII Podcast just search “ The History of WWII Podcast - By Ray Harris Jnr” in your favourite Podcast app. Or visit our website at https://worldwariipodcast.net/ and listen online for free, subscribe via RSS or join our membership tier and get an additional 2 episodes per month. RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45  Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Still catching up to where we left off on the Eastern Front, now we turn to Army Group Center. At first, Moscow was not von Bock’s main goal, but rather the destruction of all Soviet forces in Western Russia. If that could happen, then victory was assured. But one Soviet officer will fly into the Bialystok pocket to lead the men in a massive counter attack. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3uh9vmi RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two Episodes! First, Historian Angus Konstam comes on to discuss his newest book, The Convoy: HG-76: Taking the Fight To Hitler's U-Boats and then we return to the Eastern Front. Army Group North is making headway toward Leningrad, but Stalin continues to put entire Armies in their path. This episode is read by Guest Podcasters Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo from The Warrior Next Door Podcast. Images and more at https://bit.ly/40tY5Yp RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian Roger Moorhouse comes on to discuss the incredible story of the Polish Ambassador in Switzerland who tried to save trapped Jews in Soviet occupied Poland. Word of this gets out and thousands more requests comes in. He who saves one life, saves the world entire. More info at https://bit.ly/3MrW4pM RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first in a recap of the Eastern front. Germany’s Army Group North will cut through the Baltic states with relative ease. Still, there are a few moments of panic for the panzers that are only a foretaste of what is to come.  For images and maps to accompany this episode visit the History of WWII Podcast Website https://bit.ly/45Ek0x6 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here are three stories to hold you over until I can get back to the Eastern Front. Enjoy! RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid. The nightmare on the beach is over, but it’s repercussions have only begun in London, Ottawa and Berlin. But two years later, the Allies will be back and Dieppe will be liberated. Not that the war of words will end with the war. More information and images from this episode on our website https://bit.ly/3LKaoK1 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the survivors back in Britain, questions are being asked, facts and figures are being compiled. Canada has questions but they will not like the answers. Meanwhile, Churchill is meeting with Stalin about fighting Nazi Germany together. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Two Episode Special! First, NPR's Scott Simon come on to discuss his audiobook/book Swingtime for Hitler: From Goebbels’s Jazzmen to Tokyo Rose to AI, the Eternal Allure of Propaganda. And then we continue with Operation Jubilee: Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat. To hear Swingtime for Hitler on Scribd, go to try.scribd.com/scottsimon for a 60 day free trial, use code SIMON60. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Jubilee has failed, but now the men have to be rescued. Yet the Germans are determined not to let a single man, ship or plane leave without having fought their way out. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/3sFGwrw RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Military Historian John C. McManus comes on to discuss his US Army in the Pacific Trilogy. Then, the Rileys come ashore at White Beach, but it goes no better for them. It is now a make or break moment and Gen. John “Ham” Roberts has decided to throw in his reserves. The day may yet be saved. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/48lRd2W RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the flanking attacks to either side of Dieppe have had mixed results, it’s now time for the direct attack on the town. Here, the Germans are well dug in, but coming ashore are 30 Canadian tanks to challenge for supremacy of the beach. Yet there is a slight delay before the tanks land and the Germans use that to slaughter the Essex Scottish. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/3EkUhOY RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, interview w/ Andrew Nagorski about his latest book, Saving Freud, The Rescuers Who Brought Him to Freedom and then we continue with the Dieppe Raid. Now it’s Green Beach’s turn. Here the men will find some success, but too few get ashore and their small arms are no match for what the Germans have in store. Operation Jubilee is starting to unravel. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/3QWbiX6 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the two attacking flanks had landed men, one went well, the other was a debacle, it was time to land men at Blue Beach, just east of Dieppe. And it would be here that would determine if Operation Jubilee would be a success or not. But the Germans were ready. Images and Maps for this episode can be found on the History of WWII Podcast website at https://bit.ly/45Baknq To view this episode with Captions view on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/CarjMMflJao RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Commandos land on the far flanks of Dieppe. The attack at the Orange Beaches will see their initial objectives met, but men will be lost. As for Yellow Beach to the East, the commandos will be met with death and the loss of the majority of their team. Images for this episode can be found on the History of WWII Podcast website at https://worldwariipodcast.net/2023/08/14/episode-431-the-father-and-mother-of-all-explosions/ To view this episode with Captions please subscribe to our YouTube Channel RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Tom Holm discusses Ira Hayes, his time with the Marines, his fighting on Iwo Jima and Mt. Suribachi and his tragic life after the raising of the American flag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Images and other media for this episode can be found on The History of WWII Podcast website https://worldwariipodcast.net/2023/08/06/episode-428-it-only-takes-one-little-mistake/ To view this episode with Captions please subscribe to our YouTube Channel RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Canadians, Commandos, Free French and 50 US Rangers on board, set out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 have growing pains, until it dies. Canada, this one is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Commonwealth Allies gear up for something much larger, a raid on Dieppe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the island are ready do anything to get this war over. Thus they will be tapped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 American, but good enough not to get everyone killed. Enter the new head of Combined Operations, Lord Louis Mountbatten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final episode of Operation Pedestal. Through luck and determination and American engineering, the Ohio holds together long enough, to bring her in to Valletta Harbor. And so the various machines of war on Malta have a new lease on life. They can continue to harass the supply convoys heading for Rommel. Truly an ironic turn of events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As everyone on Malta and in Britain and in the US and in North Africa wait, the tanker Ohio, carrying much needed oil to the island, slowly crawls towards Valletta Harbor. Yet at any moment, an Axis air attack could come or the tanker may simply split in two, given her damage. The people of Malta need a miracle. Fortunately for them, it was August 15th, the day the Catholic Maltese celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the sun rises on August 14th, the Stuka’s and Italian bombers are back. It would only take one bomb landing true to break the Ohio in half. But manning her AA guns are volunteers from previously lost ships who are determined, this will not happen again. Meanwhile, Churchill’s meeting with Stalin goes badly as the Prime Minister has no good news to deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Americans enter the war after the events of Pearl Harbor, the Western Allies have to decide how to fight the war. The Americans have the industry, the British, the experience. But both will have to give to get along so that Hitlerism can be destroyed. Mr. Conroy’s book covers the Casablanca Conference and the one small detail that almost changed the war and the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the merchant ships enter Grand Harbor and Adm. Burrough turns around to make for Gibraltar. But the Maltese notice that only three ships came with Burrough. Where were the others and most importantly, where was the tanker Ohio. She was still a few hours away, with no way to move under her own power. And between the oil on board, not to mention the tons of water now inside her, from the ship’s ripped side, the destroyers were still trying to figure something out. Either way, when the sun rose on August 14th, the Axis fighters and bombers would be back. Something had to happen and soon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices