The History of WWII Podcast

Episode 628-Interview w/ Anthony Maras: Director of Pressure

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Director, editor and co-writer of the D-Day film Pressure, Anthony Maras shares behind the scenes tidbits and little known gems of the final hours bef...

Episode 627-Interview with Dave R. Holland

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Holland, author of Guadalcanal: The Pivotal Battles of the Matanikau Front, comes on to get us started on Operation Watchtower. Why was Guadalcan...

Episode 626-Operation Watchtower Begins

19 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US Marines land in the Guadalcanal area. The plan is to march up the Solomon Islands. But first they have to survive the coming Japanese counter attac...

Episode 625-Next Stop: Guadalcanal

14 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With Midway over the U.S. has to decide how to proceed. But the Japanese make the decision for them, by landing on Guadalcanal. But who will get the c...

Episode 624-The Battle of Midway Comes To An End

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The main victory of Midway has been accomplished, but Spruance goes for more. Meanwhile, Japanese sub I 168 stalks the wounded Yorktown. Learn more ab...

Episode 623-And The Hiryu Makes Four

05 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Through a stroke of luck, the Americans find the last enemy carrier. Despite a series of mistakes, the Enterprise and Hornet launch their final attack...

Episode 622-Yorktown: Abandon Ship

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Though hit with 3 bombs the Yorktown seems to have survived. But then comes 10 Kate Torpedo Bombers. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The Histor...

Episode 621-Did Japan Start WWII?

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jake Clapham of Flashback History joins me to discuss Japan's 1931 invasion of China, setting off a chain of events that will lead to Pearl Harbor. Le...

Episode 620: The Hiryu Strikes Back

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese, down 3 carriers, still seeks combat with the Americans.  YouTube Live event: https://studio.youtube.com/video/Z1kmrD7qhnM/livestreamin...

Episode 319-Flight to Nowhere

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

While the various aircraft from Enterprise and Yorktown attack Nagumo’s Kido Butai, the majority of the Yorktown’s fly elsewhere, engaging no one....

Episode 618-Midway: Nagumo's Dilemma

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Adm. Nagumo, after his first raid on Midway, has 15 minutes to decide if he should launch another one. But the continuous attacks from Midway and the ...

Episode 617-Top 5 Technologies of WWII

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 616-Midway: First Blood

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 615-Battle of Midway: Prelude

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Cora...

Episode 614-The Lexington is Lost

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 613-The First Carrier Battle

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Both the American and Japanese carrier groups launch air strikes at the other. The outcome will affect the SW Pacific and Australia’s security. Lear...

Episode 612-Death of a Carrier

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Though faulty reports, the Americans will claim an impressive victory. Then comes a chance for something greater. Meanwhile the Japanese invasion forc...

Episode 611-Battle of the Coral Sea: First Blood

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With imperfect information, both sides strike at the other. Still, Adm. Fletcher’s potential to wreck havoc is greater than the Japanese. Learn more...

Episode 610-Fletcher's Tulagi Air Raid

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Episode 609-Prelude to The Battle of the Coral Sea

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

Episode 608-Patton's Slapping Spree

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Episode 607-The Axis Escapes Sicily

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 606-Patton's Second End Run

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 605-Bruce Henderson Book Interview-Midnight Flyboys

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Henderson comes on to discuss the Bomber Crews that dropped secret agents and supplied to the French Resistance. Learn more about your ad choice...

Episode 604-Patton's End Run

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

Episode 603-One Bloody Advance After Another

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Soldi...

Episode 602-Victory at Mt. Etna

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 pushe...

Episode 601-Operation Hardgate

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Episode 600-First Quebec Conference

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Episode 599-Mussolini Leaves the Stage, For now

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 598-Monty Can't Keep His Promise

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 597-Blood on Primosole Bridge

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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. L...

Episode 596-The First Bridge Too Far

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 595-3 Commando Bridge: The Fallen

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Episode 594-The Truscott Trot

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 593-Patton Plans His Revenge

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 592-Friendly Fire Massacre

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 591-Jack El-Hai Interview: The Nazi and the Psychiatrist

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 590-The American Landings on Sicily

19 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Americans come ashore at three locations. Suffering relatively few deaths from Axis hands, the weather and waves were a different story. Either wa...

Episode 589:The Return of Paddy Mayne

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 St...

Episode 588-Operation Ladbroke

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. H...

Episode 587: Operation Husky Could Have Been Huskier

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, Mu...

Episode 586-Operation Corkscrew

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After the Allies decide that Sicily is the next target, first the smaller islands nearby have to be taken. Thus Operation Corkscrew begins. Meanwhile,...

Episode 585-Kasserine Pass: Humiliating Defeat or Strategic Victory?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ab...

Episode 584-The Tunisian Thermopylae

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bizerte and Tunis have surrendered, but several German and Italian armies are still hiding in Tunisia. The British make sure the enemy does not retrea...

Episode 583-We Are The Masters Of The North African Shore

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Tu...

Episode 582-Who Shall Have The Honor?

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 befo...

Episode 581-WWII Veteran Interviews from The Warrior Next Door Podcast

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Episode 580-Battle of Hill 609

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sum...

Episode 579-Battle of Longstop Hill

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 578-Operation Oration

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. Lear...

Episode 577-Operation Flax & the Palm Sunday Massacre

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before finishing off the Axis forces in North Eastern Tunisia, Gen. Alexander wants them starved of ammunition and petrol. Thus Operation Flax is crea...

Episode 576-The Axis Africa Corps Is Bottled Up

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Axis forces in southern Tunisia retreat, the Allies follow. But miscommunication and American failures threaten Anglo-American relations, again. L...

Episode 575-Operation Supercharge

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Allied attack through the Tebaga Pass gets underway. It starts well until the sand storms come. Meanwhile, Patton’s attack starts out well, unti...

Episode 574-The First British Blitzkrieg

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 P...

Episode 573-Cursed By The Rains Of Tunisia

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. Meanwhil...

Episode 572-David Nasaw Interview: The Wounded Generation

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 571-Patton Is Now In Command

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 fr...

Episode 570-Rommel's Last Offensive

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Episode 569-The Germans Take Kasserine Pass

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 568-American Mistakes, American Blood

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After some infighting, the Germans launch their attack. The Americans are completely unprepared and the 2nd US Corps is whittled down to size. Now, th...

Episode 567-The Axis Top 5 Mistakes

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 566-Thou Shalt Not Pass

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Episode 565-The French Save The Allies

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 agai...

Episode 564-Round Two Goes To The Germans

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 563- Round One Goes To The Germans

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 West...

Episode 562-The Race For Tunis

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 561-French Honor/German Betrayal

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Casablanca finally falls to Gen. Patton’s forces. In reaction, the Germans send reinforcements to Tunisia and occupy the rest of France. Learn more ...

Episode 560-Rock the Kasbah!

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 559-The French Navy Fights Back

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Episode 558-Of All the Gin Joints In the World

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 557-French Pride vs American Resolve

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 eas...

Episode 556-The Americans Have Landed

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Though far from perfect, the Western Allies make landfall with their Eastern and Central Task Forces in North Africa. Shots are exchanged, planes are ...

Episode 555-Allied Blood on French Soil

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Western Allies had landed in North Africa, but two diversionary attacks go horribly wrong. The Americas have their first significant casualties of...

Episode 554-Operation Torch: At Last We Are On Our Way

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Operation Torch, though a rushed affair, carried the hopes of Washington and London and all of Europe. After much wrangling, the details come together...

Episode 553-The Western Desert Campaign Comes to an End

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Though suffering heavy losses, Monty continues to attack Rommel. Both sides were bled, but this was something Rommel could not afford. The great race ...

Operation 552-Operation Supercharge

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 551-Interview w/ Tim Bouverie: Allies at War

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Operation Barbarossa and the attack on Pearl Harbor created the Grand Alliance, but holding it together took constant work. Only by looking at their a...

Episode 550-The Second Battle of El Alamein

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Episode 549-Never Fear, Monty is Here!

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 sta...

Episode 548-How The East Was Won

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Sovie...

Episode 547-Soviet Whack A-Mole

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Episode 546-Soviet Tidal Wave

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Episode 545-Battle of Prokhorovka Pt 2

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ge...

Episod 544-The Battle of Provhorovka Pt 1

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, t...

Medal of Honor Podcast Episode

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Checkout this incredible story of US Marine Corps fighter pilot Jefferson DeBlanc, who was shot down over the Solomon Islands. From there his story ha...

Episode 543-King of the Hills

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 hei...

Episode 542-The Baron of Tank Killers

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

Episode 541-German Surprises Vs Soviet Tenacity

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 attac...

Episode 540-Operation Citadel

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The last of men and material are put into place. And though still doubting, the German leader orders Operation Citadel to begin.  Facebook - https:/...

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

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 meg...

Episode 538-Operation Mincemeat

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While both Moscow and Berlin focus on the Kursk salient, Operation Mincemeat convinces the Germans to focus troops in the wrong place. Meanwhile, Zhuk...

Episode 537-Gen. Manstein's Backhand Blow

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Episode 536-The Red Arm Strikes Back: Blood in the Snow

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Easte...

Episode 535-The First Cracks Appear

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

Ep 534-Becky Aikman Interview-Spitfires:The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During WWII

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Spitfi...

Episode 533-And the Germans Were Left Standing Alone

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Episode 532-Operation Little Saturn Pt 2

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 offic...

Episode 531-Operation Little Saturn Pt 1

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 3r...

Episode 530-Operation Mars

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Operation Mars was the sister Soviet counter attack to Uranus, which freed Stalingrad. But Mars would end very differently for the Soviets. When it wa...