The History of WWII Podcast

Episode 414-In the Lap of the Gods

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As August 13th turns into the 14th, more ships of Pedestal are lost. Some fought bravely during their last moments, other’s not. But Adm. Syfret’s...

Episode 413-I Was Always Grateful to Mussolini

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The ships of Pedestal have entered The Narrows. Waiting for them are Italian E-boats that rule the night. But Keith Park, Malta’s Air Arm commander,...

Episode 412-Courage and Cowardice

16 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Churchill visits Stalin for the first time, only to give him bad news. There will be no Second Front in 1942. Then, back to Pedestal as the merchant s...

Episode 411-The Deadly Game of Dodge Bomb

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Pedestal nears the Narrows, more escorts and merchant ships are lost to Axis planes and submarines. The convoy had been laid on heavily, to make up...

Episode 410-Four Torpedoes Can Make All the Difference

01 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Force Z leaves Force X and Pedestal to their fate, Italian subs and torpedo boats line up in the narrow Sicilian Narrows to finish off the merchant...

Episode 409-Will This Day Never End?

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s still August 12, 1942 and after two large attacks, the Axis now launch their main attack, that afternoon. There were to be Axis dive bombers, t...

Episode 408-Operation Pedestal-One Hell of an Afternoon

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The early afternoon of August 12th would be hell for the defenders of Pedestal. Several air attacks take place, in between U-boat attacks. And the Ita...

Episode 407-Interview w/ Chloe Melas about Frank Murphy's book: Luck of the Draw

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe Melas, granddaughter of the author, comes on to discuss the book, Luck of the Draw. Frank Murphy, a navigator was shot down and became POW for 1...

Episode 406-Operation Pedestal: One Hell of a Morning

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s August 12, 1942 and it’s a beautiful day. Which makes Axis reconnaissance flights ideal. Soon, Rome knows all it needs to and its various shi...

Episode 405-Operation Pedestal: Slow Gets You Killed

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

HMS Furious having delivered its Spitfires to Malta, turns around with its escort. But they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile, as the ships of Pede...

Episode 404-Operation Pedestal: First Blood

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Churchill pushes to have the largest convoy thus far, sent to Malta. Yet the Germans and Italians are ready. Before the Merchantmen and the tanker Ohi...

Introducing Grey History Podcasts: The French Revolution

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join me in listening to the first episode of William Clark's exploration of The French Revolution, from the Grey History Podcast. Clark goes deep and ...

Episode 403-Rommel is Stopped in His Tracks

25 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Rommel gathers his panzers in the south for another attack. But he has gone to the well, one time too many. Monty predicts this and plans his own caul...

Episode 402-Monty Sets the Stage for Rommel

18 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Monty comes to grips with the type of fighter Rommel is and plans accordingly. More men are brought forward and a trap is set for the Axis forces. Mea...

Episode 401-Interview w/ Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch: The Nazi Conspiracy & Churchill Gives British 8th Army to Monty

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

First, Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch come to discuss The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill. For the second episo...

Episode 400-The Second Battle of Ruweisat Ridge

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Though both sides are depleted, Churchill wants Auchinleck to attack again, so he does. As not much has changed, the result is another loss of men, ma...

Episode 399-The First Battle of Ruweisat Ridge

29 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the First Battle of El Alamein over, the two generals settle for smaller battles while their reinforcements arrive. C in C, ME Auchinleck will ta...

Episode 398-First Battle of El Alamein

21 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the First Battle of El Alamein, Rommel’s building desperation clashes with Auchinleck’s determination to finally make a stand. But it’s the...

Episode 397-Interview w/ Iain MacGregor: The Lighthouse of Stalingrad & Prelude to The 1st Battle of El Alamein

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another 2 Episode Special! First, my interview with Iain MacGregor about his book, The Lighthouse at Stalingrad: The Hidden Truth at the Heart of the ...

Episode 396-The Battle of Mersa Matruh

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Tobruk has fallen, the next defensive line is set up at Mersa Matruh, but C in C, ME Auchinleck has little faith in Gen. Ritchie’s latest plan. T...

Episode 395-The Gazala Gallop

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Tobruk lost, 8th British Army falls back to the Egyptian border. But C in C Claude Auchinleck is still not convinced that they are safe from Romm...

Episode 394-Warrior Next Door Podcast Interview & Tobruk Has Fallen

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

First, Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo, the hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast return to share more clips of WWII Veterans and their experiences. The...

Episode 393-Interview w/ James Shone: The Host of the Taiwan Through Time Podcast & Operation Harpoon

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Two Episode Special! James Shone comes on to share what Taiwan, then Formosa was going through during, but also, before the war. Then, as Rommel prepa...

Episode 392: Interview w/ Dr. Paul Gill Jr. about his father’s book: Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean. 2nd Ep: Tobruk is Surrounded

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

First, Dr. Paul Gill Jr. comes on to talk about his dad’s book about his life and war time adventures, Armageddon in The Arctic Ocean: Up the Hawse ...

Episode 391-Two Episode Special! Interview w/ Taylor Downing about his book 1942: Winston Churchill and Britain's Darkest Hour and The British 8th Army is Outfoxed

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

First, historian Taylor Downing comes on to talk about his new book, 1942: Winston Churchill and Britain’s Darkest Hour and then we pick up with Rom...

Episode 390-The Battle of Knightsbridge Box

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the Battle of Bir Hakeem over Rommel is ready to drive on Tobruk, but first he has to get passed the Knightsbridge Box, where the 2nd and 4th Arm...

Episode 389-Interview w/ Saul David about his book Devil Dogs

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Historian Saul David talks about his latest book, Devil Dogs: From Guadalcanal to the Shores of Japan. King Company of the legendary 1st Marine Divis...

Bad Women: The Blackout Ripper Stalks London’s War-Torn Streets

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s a preview of Bad Women: The Blackout Ripper. Over a single week in February 1942, a depraved serial killer stalked London’s dark and WWII b...

Episode 388-The Battle of Bir Hakeem: The Redemption of French Honor

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Now that the Battle of the Cauldron was over, Rommel could come for the Free French at Bir Hakeem, to his SW. With this outpost removed, Africa Corps ...

Episode 387-The Battle of the Cauldron

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rommel anticipates British 8th Army’s attack and prepares. The attack, Operation Aberdeen is launched, but will come to a sad end. This allows Romme...

Episode 386-Damien Lewis talks about his book, Agent Josephine: American Beauty, French Hero, British Spy

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Damien Lewis returns to discuss his latest book about the beautiful Josephine Baker. She has found everything she wanted in France, but soon th...

Episode 385-The Cauldron

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rommel’s lunge at Tobruk causes his panzers to get trapped. So the Desert Fox changes his plans and 8th Army Commander Ritchie gives Rommel days of ...

Episode 384-The English GI: A Yorkshire Schoolboy's Adventures in the US and Europe

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This graphic novel by Jonathan Sandler covers the story of a young Jewish British citizen on vacation in NY when Pearl Harbor is attacked. Soon he is ...

Episode 383-Rommel Comes For Tobruk

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The day of battle is here. Both sides have made flawed plans. The question is who can adapt faster. Still, the first phase of the Battle of Gazala goe...

Episode 382-Dale Jenkins Covers The Battles of Coral Sea and Midway

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Retired Naval Officer Dale A. Jenkins, who served in the Pacific has a book coming out in December: Diplomats and Admirals. Today he sets up and exami...

Episode 381-The Battle at Gazala: The Waiting is All

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As The Allies and Axis prepare for a battle at Gazala, Rommel and Gen. Ritchie both feel confident that their plan is best. Yet both sides have weakne...

Episode 380-The British 8th Army vs The Desert Fox

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rommel is able to take Cyrenaica back from the British 8th Army, but between his fuel issues and C in C, ME Auchinleck’s personnel changes, the two ...

Episode 379: Rommel Strikes Back

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the failure of Gen. Auchinleck's Operation Crusader, at the end of 1941, Rommel resupplies and heads out again, before the British can start Oper...

Episode 378: West Africa and Charles De Gaulle

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Before moving on to Operation Pedestal and then the Eastern Front, Gen. Charles De Gaulle’s moves in West Africa have to be covered. He seeks to reb...

Episode 377-Iceland: A Peaceful Invasion

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this one off episode, Iceland and Greenland’s participation in the war is covered. Denmark leads these two islands to the north, but when Nazi Ge...

Episode 376-The Falcon of Malta

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the mold of Adrian Warburton, one George Beurling comes to Malta in July. Like Warby, George or Screwball as he is called, does not care for much f...

Episode 375-Starvation and Betrayal

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lord Gort will have his own Quisling to deal with as a Malta youth comes ashore to spy for Mussolini. Meanwhile, another convoy is attempted, but it t...

Episode 374-Churchill: Malta's Patron Saint

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Field Marshall Kesselring loses some of his planes to other theaters, Malta, thanks to Churchill, gets a large influx of Spitfires. The defenders m...

Episode 373-Malta: A Thunderstorm of Steel

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As April 1942 comes to an end, a spot of hope is dashed as the Axis continue their daily bombing of Malta. The ships and subs have been driven away, t...

Episode 372-Malta Loses A Hero

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As Field Marshall Albert Kesselring ramps up his attacks on Malta, Adm. Andrew Cunningham and others will leave the theatre as they are beyond exhaust...

Episode 371-Interview w/ Thomas McKenna about his book Moro Warrior

04 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

MORO WARRIOR tells the remarkable true story of the Philippine Muslim (Moro) resistance fighters of World War II—the most successful and least-known...

Episode 370-Interview w/Peter Bradley about his book, The Last Train: A Family History of the Final Solution

29 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Labour MP Peter Bradley comes on the show to discuss his book that covers his family's history during WWII. This retelling of their lives also ...

Car Show! Episode: The Jeep during WWII

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re shaking things up today and sharing a preview from Car Show!, a new podcast from our friends at Pushkin Industries. Longtime Car and Driver ed...

Episode 369-Interview w/ Paul Brandus about FDR’s Use of the Media and Midway

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and White House Correspondent Paul Brandus comes on the show to cover FDR's brilliant use of the media, before Pearl Harbor. Also, we discuss t...

Episode 368-Interview w/Damien Lewis about his book Churchill's Great Escapes

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Damien Lewis comes on the show to discuss his new book Churchill's Great Escapes: Seven Incredible Escapes Made by WWII Heroes. During the war,...

Episode 367-The Second Battle of Sirte

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Desperate, Adm. Cunningham arranges another convoy for Malta. But the Italian Fleet and German Air Arm are ready. The result, a tiny fraction of suppl...

Episode 366-Interview with Brandon Gauthier about his book Before Evil

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Brandon Gauthier comes on to discuss his book Before Evil, where he examines the making of 20th Century’s greatest tyrants. He reminds us ...

Episode 365-The Spitfires Are Coming!

23 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The RAF on Malta actually run out of Hurricane fighters on March 3rd. Fortunately, the promised Spitfires arrive. But how are 15 Spitfires supposed to...

Episode 364-Mussolini's PR Nightmare

16 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As 1942 opens up the Axis have the upper hand. Still, those in London make plans to invade Sicily. What follows only fills up Davie Jones' locker all ...

Episode 363-Guest Host Lindsey Graham of History Daily Recounts the Attack on Pearl Harbor

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The host of several well known podcasts, Lindsay Graham, of History Daily, American Scandal and American History Tellers, is allowing me to share with...

Episode 362-Interview w/ Michael Benson about his book Gangsters vs Nazis

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Author Michael Benson comes on the show to talk about his latest book, Gangsters vs Nazis: How Jewish Bobsters Battled Nazis in Wartime America. Some ...

Episode 361-Interview w/ Edward Aldrich: The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson and the Extraordinary Collaboration That Won WWII

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Edward Aldrich comes on the show to discuss his book that covers the highly effective teamwork of Secretary of War Henry Stimson and Army Chief of Sta...

Episode 360-The Germans Have Returned

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As winter sets in on the Eastern Front, Field Marshal Albert Kesselring is given Luftflotte 2, submarines and motor torpedo boats. His task is to subd...

Episode 359-All Good Things Must Come to an End

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the war goes on, some key personnel leave Malta, heading for new assignments or some much needed rest. But as winter comes, Hitler will send his Ge...

Episode 358-The Saturday Night Club Run

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Adm. Cunningham is given Force K, a gift from Churchill. And right away Force K will prove itself by annihilating an entire convoy, looking to resuppl...

Episode 357-Operation Halberd

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Malta based subs and planes are having a surge of success against Axis shipping heading to North Africa, but increased operations means more fuel is n...

Episode 356-Interview with Philip Martin about his book-From Orphan to High Flyer

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Philip Martin comes on the show to talk about the book he wrote with RAF Pilot Denis Elliott. Denis' early life was full of pain, which caused a lack ...

Episode 355-Interview with Robert Child about his book Immortal Valor

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Robert Child, an Emmy® Nominated Producer / Director comes on the show to discuss his latest book, Immortal Valor. The Black Medal of Honor winners o...

Episode 354-The Battle of Valletta

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Though Operation Substance successfully resupplied Malta in July 1941, the Allies lost planes, ships and men. What followed was the Battle of Valletta...

Episode 353-Malta's Magic Carpet Service

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Adm. Cunningham begins to believe that he may loose Malta. The Germans are gone, but he only has half his normal fleet and the Axis are not slowing do...

Episode 352-Interview with Ray Boomhower about his book: Richard Tregaskis-Reporting Under Fire From Guadalcanal to Vietnam

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ray Boomhower has written about 3 important war correspondents, Richard Tregaskis, Ernie Pyle and Robert L. Sherrod. Today we discuss the young Tregas...

Episode 351-Interview with Scott Rank of The History Unplugged Podcast

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Rank comes on the show to discuss the more impactful events of the Pacific Campaign: The East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, The Battle of Midway, t...

Episode 350-Operation Primrose

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the Battle for the Atlantic is not going well for the Allies, Churchill’s War Cabinet puts into motion a plan to steal a Nazi Enigma machine. Ble...

Episode 349-Malta's Orders: KBO-Keep Buggering On

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With Crete falling so quickly Churchill and Adm. Cunningham have to assume that Malta is next. Still, ABC expects his subs, like the Upholder, to hold...

Episode 348-Interview with Scott Bury about his Eastern Front Trilogy

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Author Scott Bury joins us to talk about his Eastern Front Trilogy. The story centers around Maurice Bury, a Canadian who is forced to fight for Sovie...

Episode 347-Malta: Dark Days are Coming

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We return to Malta as Adm. Cunningham is at his low point. Churchill wants total war, but Cunningham needs more of everything, including time. The sho...

Episode 346A-The Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's offering is an episode from Gary Arndt's Podcast, Everything Everywhere Daily. On this show, he covers the important contribution of Native Am...

Episode 346-Interview with the Hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today on the show, I talk to Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield about their show, The Warrior Next Door Podcast. Listen to the oral histories of World War I...

Episode 345-Interview with Joe Lee about his book Forgiveness

20 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Artist Joe Lee comes on the show to talk about his book, Forgiveness: The Story of Eva Kor, Survivor of The Auschwitz Twin Experiments. Find out what ...

Episode 344-Interview with Jeffrey Jackson about his book, Paper Bullets

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeffrey Jackson, professor of history at Rhodes College comes on the show to tell us about Lucy and Suzanne’s courage in defying the nazi occupation...

Episode 343-Interview with Ambassador David McKean about his book Watching Darkness Fall

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Former Ambassador to Luxembourg and before that, the Director of Policy Planning at the US department of State, Ambassador McKean is currently the sen...

Episode 342-Interview with Jack Fairweather about his book, A Rebel in Auschwitz

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

War reporter Jack Fairweather comes on to discuss his latest book A Rebel in Auschwitz. The story is of Witold Pilecki, a member of the Polish Resista...

Episode 341-Battle of the Tarigo Convoy

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

PM Churchill wants Adm. Andrew Cunningham to sink supply ships heading for Rommel's North African Army. Cunningham wants more ships, but is told to ma...

Episode 340-Interview with Chris Berman

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Writer and lecturer Chris Berman joins us to discuss the Night Witches, the female soviet pilots, cultural perceptions of warfare and the lady pilots ...

Episode 339-The Battle of Cape Matapan

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Luftwaffe keeps trying different types of bombs until they find one that works well against Maltese buildings. And their Bf109 fighters are decima...

Episode 338-The Siege of Malta Begins

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Churchill wants the Italians hit hard as the German's begin bombing Malta almost daily. This will include Operation Colossus and Commander Shrimp's su...

Episode 337-The Illustrious Blitz

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After the successful raid against the Italy Naval Fleet at Taranto, Cunningham and Churchill wonder when the Italians will strike back and when Hitler...

Episode 336: With A Friend Like Mussolini

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Malta goes stronger each day, with Churchill's help and Adm. Cunningham's persistence. Still, the clouds grow darker as Mussolini invades Greece, whic...

Episode 335-Churchill Wants War

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As Malta is pounded by Mussolini's Air Force, PM Churchill is determined not to give up on the island or any of the Mediterranean Sea. And Adm. Andrew...

Episode 334-All Roads Go Through Malta

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For thousands of years, Malta has had numerous masters. But as WWII seems inevitable, the British and Maltese people come together to ready themselves...

Episode 333-The Doolittle Raid Pt 4: The Pacific War Takes Shape

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As most of Doolittle's Raiders make it home safely, one crew is soon in Stalin's hands and two others are captured by the Japanese. After this, go bac...

Episode 332-The Doolittle Raid Pt 3: Japan's Pearl Harbor

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the flight paths of the 16 Doolittle Raiders. A solid hour of hell is visited upon The Japanese Empire. Adm. Yamamoto and his Comb...

Episode 331-The Doolittle Raid Pt 2

31 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As TF 16 under Admirals Halsey and Mitscher sail closer to the Japanese Home Islands, the Allies’ naval forces loose several vessels. It’s no long...

Episode 330-The Doolittle Raid Pt 1

19 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

President Roosevelt, like the rest of America is reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor. But his shock is soon joined by rage. He wants the Japanese ...

Episode 329-The Fall of Corregidor

12 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Wainwright has set up his defenses for Corregidor as best he can, still, all involved know the outcome. It’s only a matter of playing it out, p...

Episode 328-The Fall of Mindanao

04 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After Gen. Edward King’s surrender of Bataan, the Japanese focus on Corregidor and the three smaller islands below it. And now that the Battle of Ba...

Episode 327-The Fall of Bataan

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Generals Wainwright, King and Parker are seriously considering surrendering. The problem is that Gen. MacArthur has forbidden it. But the facts of the...

Episode 326-Interview with Rob Lofthouse about his book, Honor Through Sacrifice

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gordon Joseph Lippman was only 18 years old when he joined the army in 1943. Earning a spot in the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, he would se...

Episode 325-Bataan-The Beginning of the End

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During the second battle of Bataan, Gen. Homma has a specific plan, whereas the Allies are simply trying to hold onto their defensive line. But the me...

Episode 324-The Second Battle of Bataan

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Homma, now resupplied and reinforced, will come again. But this time, with MacArthur gone, the Japanese will face Gen. Edward P. King. And he is ...

Episode 323-Bataan: The Readiness is All

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As Gen. Homma’ reinforcements come in, his confidence grows. Yet his plan to conquer southern Bataan and Corregidor is flawed. Meanwhile, Gen. Jonat...

Episode 322-The Battling Bastards of Bataan

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As Gen. Homma, commander of the Japanese forces in The Philippines brings in reinforcements and food, the American Government is finding it all but im...

Episode 321-MacArthur-I Shall Return

03 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

MacArthur finishes up his escape from Corregidor to Melbourne Australia. But the news waiting for him is not the General’s liking, basically, there ...

Episode 320-MacArthur's Great Escape Pt 1

24 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for MacArthur to leave Corregidor, but how? Submarine, plane or boat. MacArthur chooses an early departure over safety, thus he and his will...

Episode 319-How Do You Solve a Problem Like MacArthur

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the war of Bataan coming to a standstill, FDR and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Marshall start to think of the future. MacArthur is too popular...