The History of WWII Podcast
Episodes
Ep 529-Interview w/Jonathan Horn: The Fate of the Generals
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Author Jonathan Horn’s Book, The Fate of Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright and the Epic battle for the Philippines, covers the experiences of both gen...
Episode 528-Operation Northern Lights
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ba...
Episode 527-Winning By Other Means
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 526-Operation Neptune
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. Thu...
Episode 525-Alone, Isolated and About to Die
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Now that Stalingrad is liberated, the Stavka decide to clear the Caucasus of Axis troops. Which means annihilating the German 17th Army and the Romani...
Episode 524-The Line Has Been Drawn at Stalingrad
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 523-Resistance Is Futile
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 194...
Episode 522-Operation Winter Storm
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Gen. Manstein readies for Operation Thunderclap, the breakout of the German 6th Army, the Soviets attack again. This time, against the Italian 8th ...
Episode 521-Decision Time: Fight or Flight
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 So...
Episode 520-Operation Uranus
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While Stalingrad holds out, additional Soviet Armies are being assembled nearby. And in mid November they would be launched, to either side of Gen. Pa...
Episode 519-Defeat is Always Possible. But Will it Be Today?
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stalingrad’s defenders are pushed to the breaking point. Worse, they are only sometimes given help by Zhukov. The Germans attack again and the defen...
Episode 518-Stalin's Latest Mistake
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The attack against northern Stalingrad fairs well, still the defenders on holding on. But Stalin is unsatisfied, he wants counter attacks. It will was...
Episode 517-The Black Hole That Is Stalingrad
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 516-Holding Stalingrad by the Skin of their Teeth
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Now that German forces are inside Stalingrad, the fighting centers around the Main Ferry Terminal, the Grain Elevator and the heights of Mamayev Kurga...
Episode 515-Rat Warfare in Stalingrad
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Axis forces enter Stalingrad. But the Germans, unused to urban warfare, adapt as best they can. Whereas the new local commander of the defenders, Vasi...
Episode 514-Zhukov Arrives at Stalingrad
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 F...
Episode 513-Stalingrad or Bust
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Episode 512-Operation Anthropoid
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 511- FDR's Fireside Chats
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As President Roosevelt knew his New Deal policies would be unpopular with the business owners, he sought to explain himself directly to the people. Th...
Episode 510-The Fall of Sevastopol
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Using overwhelming artillery, the Germans close in on Sevastopol. Petrov does what he can, but the Stavka stop giving him reinforcements, thinking, th...
Episode 509-Resist Today, Resist Tomorrow, Resit Until It’s Done
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 508-The Fall of Kerch
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, b...
Episode 507-Wolf Killers
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 506-Lord Haw-Haw
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Masters of Propaganda, the German state employs William Joyce to broadcast news, in a taunting tone, to the Allied Nations. His objective, to demorali...
Episode 505-Catch Me, If You Can
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 thou...
Episode 504-Demanding Miracles, Ignoring Reality
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 on...
Episode 503-A Desperate Defense If Ever There Was One
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 in...
Episode 502-The Wolf is at the Door
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Episode 501-The Other Crimean War
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The story of the Crimea had seen tragedies for centuries. Nothing would improve with Operation Barbarossa. Yet, the why of the importance of the Crime...
Episode 500-Too Much, Too Soon
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 499-The Wild West of the Eastern Front
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 eq...
Episode 498-Living Through Hell in the Middle of Winter
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 stron...
Episode 497-My Leader, Who Commands 9th Army? You or Me?
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stalin sought an encirclement of the northern half of Army Group Center. Instead he would get two encirclements, the second, larger than the first. Bu...
Episode 496-Interview w/Betina Anton: Hiding Mengele: How a Nazi Network Harbored The Angel of Death
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 495-Fight, Lose, Retreat, Repeat
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 K...
Episode 494-Veteran's Voices-The Guys from The Warrior Next Door Podcast Return!
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Episode 493-The Rzhev Meat Grinder
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 intensel...
Episode 492-The Battle of Volkhov River: Leningrad is to be Saved
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Episode 491-The Russians Are Coming!
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 490-Between Stalin's Hammer and Hitler's Anvil
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 489-2 Ep Special! Interview w/ Jan Davis: Air Born: Two Generations in Flight & Retreat or Die
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 488-One Shot, One Kill: Soviet Snipers of the Eastern Front
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From painful experiences during the Spanish Civil War and the Winter War against Finland, Soviet Russia started several sniper schools. Hence when the...
Episode 487-A 2 Episode Special! Interview with Shannon Monaghan: A Quiet Company of Dangerous Men. Then, Merry Christmas From the Eastern Front
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
2 Ep Special! 1st, Interview with Shannon Monaghan about her book, A Quiet Company of Dangerous Men: The Forgotten British Special Operations Soldiers...
Episode 486-Interview w/ Robert Hutton: The Illusionist: The True Story of the Man Who Fooled Hitler
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 485-No More Dead Heroes
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 484-Hitler Cleans House
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 483-Not One Single Step Back
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Army Group Center continues its retreat, clearly, the momentum has shifted. But Berlin needs it back or the Army Group will disintegrate. Thus Hitl...
Episode 482-Stalin's Dreams Almost Come True
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 481-Victoring Itself to Death
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 480-Japanese Americans at War
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Out of the Internment Camps, thousands of Nisei Japanese Americans volunteer for the U.S. Armed Forces. Their contributions will save thousands of GI’...
Episode 479-America's Internment Camps
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ja...
Episode 478-Operation Typhoon Comes to an End
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 477-Who Has Who Surrounded?
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 476-Strange Inventions of WW2
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 475-Top 5 WW2 Movies
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 agr...
Episode 474-Kiev is Trapped
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 troo...
Episode 473-Guderian Approaches
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Episode 472-Keep Them Guessing
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 471-My Tank is Thicker Than Your Tank
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 wil...
Episode 470-Interview: Michel Paradis, The Light of Battle, Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 469-Interview: From Biplanes to Fast Jets: A Pilot’s Life in the Royal Air Force 1942–1973
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 adven...
Episode 468-The Comics of WW2
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 467-Interview w/ Damien Lewis about his book Churchill's Secret Warriors
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 466-Odessa Has Fallen
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Episode 465-Tanks for the Memories
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 groun...
Episode 464: 2 Ep Special! Interview with Jason Bell about his book Cracking the Nazi Code. Then, All Hell Breaks Loose
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, bac...
Episode 463-Attrition: A Game the Entire Country Can Play
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 462-When Fighting For Your Life, You Can Never Go Too Far
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Wave after wave of Romanian troops come at Odessa’s defenses. Also, squadrons of Messerschmidt’s attempt to dominate the skies above. But organiza...
Episode 461-Odessa Prepares for its Fate
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As 11 German and Romanian divisions, with 100 tanks and 100 airplanes come at Odessa, the people there, military and civilian, indeed, school children...
Episode 460: A 2 Episode Special! Interview w/ Mike Croissant about his book, Bombing Hitler's Hometown and then, Defying the Odds: The Soviets versus Romania
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Sov...
Episode 459-The Siege of Odessa Begins
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 R...
Episode 458-The Trapped Soviet Soldiers at Uman
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 eno...
Episode 457-Operation Munich
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 456: The Stalin Line-Merely the Shadow of A Dream
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 mu...
Episode 455-Race to the Stalin Line
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 454-Army Group South is on the March
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Army Group South advances but Stalin believes the main German thrust will happen here, so plans accordingly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
Episode 453-Operation Barbarossa: What's Plan B?
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Sov...
Episode 452-Operation Typhoon: All or Nothing
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Episode 451-Interview w/ James Holland. His book, The Savage Storm, The Battle For Italy 1943
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ita...
Episode 450-Moscow: Dark Days Are Coming
13 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Operation Typhoon is launched. Surely, there can’t be that many defenders still before Moscow. But what Berlin will miss is when Stalin starts recal...
Episode 449-Killing Their Way to Moscow
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Though desiring an economic knockout blow provided by his panzers, Hitler will eventually return to the capture of Moscow. Which means Army Group Cent...
Episode 448-When an Unstoppable Force Meets an Immovable Object
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
2 Episode Special-Episode 447-Interview w/ T. Martin Bennett about his book Wounded Tiger and Hitler Versus His Generals
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 defea...
Episode 446-All Roads Lead to Moscow
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, Hitl...
Episode 445-Interview w/ Louise Endres Moore about her book Alfred:The Quiet History of a WWII Infantryman
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 444-Army Group Center
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ra...
Episode 443: Two Episode Special! Angus Konstam Interview and The Clash of Titans
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 442-Interview w/ Roger Moorhouse about his book, The Forgers: The Forgotten Story of the Holocaust's Most Audacious Rescue Operation
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Historian Roger Moorhouse comes on to discuss the incredible story of the Polish Ambassador in Switzerland who tried to save trapped Jews in Soviet oc...
Episode 441-When Barbarossa Begins, the World Will Hold It's Breath
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ar...
Episode 440-Can a Warship be Cursed?
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 439-Dieppe Was Avenged
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Episode 438-The Longest One Day Casualty List in Canadian History
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 a...
Episode 437-Interview w/ Scott Simon about his book Swingtime for Hitler & then Operation Jubilee
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 436-Retreat Yes. But How?
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 435-Two Episode Special! Interview w/John C. McManus about his Pacific War Trilogy and we continue w/ Operation Jubilee
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 434-Red Beach-To Move is to Die
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Episode 433-Two Episode Special! Interview w/ Andrew Nagorski about his book Saving Freud and we return to Operation Jubilee
26 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 432-Blood on Blue Beach
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Episode 431-The Father and Mother of All Explosions
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Y...
Episode 430-Interview w/Tom Holm about his book, Ira Hayes: The Akimel O'odham Warrior, WWII and the Price of Heroism
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...