The History of WWII Podcast

Episode 318-Battle of the Pockets Pt 2

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During the Battle of the Points, Gen. Homma would attack Gen. Wainwright's western line. This allowed 1000 Japanese troops to get through. The Allied ...

Episode 317-Battle of the Pockets Pt 1

16 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Homma has decided to hit the Allied line in two sections. Which means, in Gen. Parker's I Corps, on the eastern side of the Bataan Peninsula, Gen...

Episode 316-FDR: The Man with No Fear

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I am joined today by Richard Lim, host of This American President Podcast to discuss Franklin Roosevelt. Now that the Japanese have struck at Pearl Ha...

Episode 315-Battle of the Points

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In attempting to smash MacArthur’s line on the Bataan Peninsula, Gen. Homma will send several amphibious end runs behind the lines. If all works out...

Episode 314-The Battle of Bataan

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Homma sends his forces at MacArthur's defensive line on Bataan. For days the line holds, until it doesn't. Falling back, the Allied try to keep c...

Episode 313-Retreat to Bataan

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As Gen. Jonathan Wainwright conducts the battle of the 5 lines, Gen. MacArthur declares Manila an open city and continues to pressure Washington to se...

Episode 312-Bataan or Bust

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the defenses of Lingayen Gulf shattered, Gen. MacArthur has decided to retreat to the Bataan peninsula, though there are no waiting supplies ther...

Episode 311-Gen. Douglas MacArthur: Defending the Indefensible

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With MacArthur’s alteration to the American defensive plan for the Philippines left in tatters, he reverts back to Plan Orange: to move all availabl...

Episode 310-December 22, 1941: A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The main Japanese attack comes to Luzon on December 22nd, but Gen. Douglas MacArthur is overly confident. Besides, Gen. George Marshall is unable to h...

Episode 309-MacArthur: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

25 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As northern and southern Luzon becomes Japanese controlled territory, Gen. Douglas MacArthur finds himself trapped, besides which, his air arm has bee...

Episode 308-War Comes to The Philippines

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Even with a seven hour warning Gen. Douglas MacArthur seems paralyzed by the shocking news from Pearl Harbor. Commander of the air forces in The Phili...

Episode 307-Prelude to the Fall of the Philippines

06 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the Japanese Empire deciding to invade to the south, the American fighters and bombers, under Gen. Douglas MacArthur's command in The Philippines...

Episode 306-Gen. Slim Regroups, Gen. Stilwell Retreats

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As Gen. William Slim deals with the remains of Burma Corps, the American general Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell also has to find a way out. But the Ame...

Episode 305-Isn't That Burma Army Annihilated Yet?

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. William Slim and Burma Corps finally reach India, as does several Chinese divisions. However the Battle of the Basin has to be fought first. Gen....

Episode 304-Mistakes Were Made, Men Died

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. William Slim and Burma Corps continue their retreat. But as hunger, fatigue and the coming Monsoons press down on the British General, his guard ...

Episode 303-The Battle of Mandalay

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The British led forces are retreating from Burma. But first they must get to Mandalay and across the Ava Bridge there, all the while keeping the Japan...

Episode 302-Interview with Lesley Blume about her book: Fallout

03 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lesley MM Blume joins us to tell of the US Government coverup of the effects of the Atomic Bomb. The book: Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover Up and the Rep...

Episode 301-Burma: The Great Retreat Begins

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's the beginning of the end for the Allied defense of Burma. While Gen. Slim's men are pushed back, their Chinese Allies in the Shan States of Easte...

Episode 300-The Battle of Yenaungyaung

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. William Slim will have to use all his experience and cunning to survive this latest defeat and retreat. In the balance is the entire 1st Burma Di...

Episode 299-Interview with Michel Paradis about his book Last Mission to Tokyo

22 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Michel Paradis joins us to talk about his book, Last Mission to Tokyo: The Extraordinary Story of The Doolittle Raiders and Their Final Fight for Just...

Episode 298-The Battle of Prome

17 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The British lead Allies will suffer defeat on land, sea and in the air, but Gen. Slim will not give up. Moving his men north after loosing at Prome, t...

Episode 297-10th Anniversary Episode

08 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

My web design guru Paul Finch of Scotland comes on as we discuss the WWII Podcast on its 10th Anniversary. Paul pitches the questions sent in by liste...

Episode 296-Bryan Rigg Interview about his book Flamethrower

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Bryan Rigg talks about his book Flamethrower: Iwo Jima Medal of Honor Recipient and US Marine Woody Williams and His Controversial Award, Japan's Holo...

Episode 295-The Battle of Toungoo

13 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode brings in Gen. Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell as he “takes command” of Chinese Armies bound for Burma. Yet, as he will find, appea...

Episode 294:The Redoubtable Gen. William Slim

05 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode introduces Gen. William Slim of BurCorps. It would be his job to turn the tables on the Japanese in Burma, by working with American Gen. ...

Episode 293-Burma: The Ground War Begins

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese 15th Army invades Burma, hoping to use speed to reach Rangoon. But several British officers hope to hold them off until reinforcements ca...

Episode 292-The War Comes to Burma

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Although the British are unprepared to defend Burma, Wavell believes that the Japanese may have extended themselves too far with this invasion. But it...

Episode 291-America Strikes Back-The Marshalls & Gilberts Raids

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This potpourri of an episode has lots from early 1942 in the Pacific. Covering the Admiralty, Marshall, Gilbert, Mariana, Caroline and Solomon Islands...

Episode 290-The Invasion of Burma: Prelude

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese determine that Burma must be occupied to protect their new possession of Malaya. It's up to Chiang Kai-Shek, American Gen. Joe Stilwell a...

Episode 289-The Invasion of New Guinea

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Rabaul taken the Japanese go after locations in NE New Guinea, but will have to deal with Vice Adm. Wilson Brown and the US carriers Lexington an...

Episode 288-The Fall of Rabaul

03 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The invasions of New Britain and New Ireland get underway. But are over just as quickly. Meanwhile, Australian PM John Curtain informs Churchill that ...

Episode 287-Damien Lewis Interview: Churchill's Shadow Raiders

26 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Joining us is Damien Lewis, to talk about his latest book Churchill's Shadow Raiders: The Race to Develop Radar, WWII's Invisible Secret Weapon. Opera...

Episode 286-The Battle of Rabaul-Prelude

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With much of SE Asia conquered, the Japanese now focus on New Guinea, staring with the islands of New Britain and New Ireland. Lark Force at Rabaul wi...

Episode 285-The Fall of Timor

12 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Despite Allied hopes that Timor would be left alone, the Japanese Empire has need of its airfields to bomb Australia. But what the invaders were not c...

Episode 284- The Fall of Java, Pt 3

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Final of the Java series. East Java falls and what is left of the Java Allied Defense is trapped in the south at Tjilatjap. Learn more about your ...

Episode 283-The Fall of Java Pt 2-The Battle of the Java Sea

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese come at Java but first must deal with the Combined Fleet of Dutch, Australian, British and American vessels. What follows is The Battle o...

Episode 282-Interview with Peter Lion about his book: Merg

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Lion joins up to talk about the incredible George Mergenthaler, the sole heir to a vast fortune, but after Pearl Harbor, he joined the US Army a...

Episode 281-The Fall of Java Pt 1

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Sumatra lost the Allies know that Java is next. ABDA Commander Gen. Archibald Wavell prepares his meager forces as best he can. One asset is the ...

Episode 280-The Fall of Sumatra

23 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Singapore all but taken, the Japanese start operations against Sumatra. The Dutch ask for help from ABDA Command, but it may be too little, too l...

Episode 279-Interview with Wes Tooke, writer and producer of the film Midway

11 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writer, Wes Tooke joins us to talk about the film Midway. We cover this pivotal turning point in the Pacific War, lead by Adm. Chester Nimitz. Young m...

Episode 278-The Fall of Bali and The Battle of Badung Straight

03 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Needing another airfield to attack Java, the Japanese quickly work up a plan to take Bali. Dutch Rear Adm. Karel W. Doorman and ABDA Command respond ...

Episode 277- An interview with Melissa Amateis* about her book, Nebraska POW Camps, A History of WWII Prisoners in the Heartland

25 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

During World War II, thousands of Axis prisoners of war were held throughout Nebraska in base camps that included Fort Robinson, Camp Scottsbluff and ...

Episode 276-The Fall of The Celebes and Maluku Islands

19 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Singapore captured, the Japanese Empire sets its sights on Sumatra and Java. But first, the Celebes and Maluku Islands must fall, so Australia an...

Episode 275-The Fall of Singapore

31 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Despite a 3 to 1 advantage in men, Archibald Percival, GOC Malay, is pushed by Churchill and ABDACOM Commander Gen. Wavell to defy the Japanese in try...

Episode 274-The End of British Malaya

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Bringing up the Australian 8th Infantry Division, it's hoped these fresh troops can stop the Japanese 25th Army from taking Johore and thus capturing ...

Episode 273-The Battle at Slim River

10 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With reinforcements on the way, the British lead Commonwealth troops strive to keep the Japanese away from Singapore. And though exhausted, the Gurkha...

Episode 272-Courage Yet Defeat: The Battle of Kampar

03 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese 25 Army continues pushing the Malaya Command further south, ever closer to Singapore. But the latest stand will take place near Kampar ye...

Episode 271-The Battle of Jitra

26 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The third of the Battle of Singapore series. The 11th Indian Infantry Division, operating on the west coast, as well as the 9th Indian Infantry Divisi...

Episode 270-The Battle of Singapore: Force Z to the Rescue

19 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Acting Admiral Sir Tom Phillips of the British Royal Navy, hopes to begin a campaign that will save SE Asia. If he can stop the invasion of southern T...

Episode 269-Interview with David Stahel about his book, Retreat from Moscow

13 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. David Stahel discusses his latest book, Retreat from Moscow, A New History of Germany's Winter Campaign, 1941-1942, in where he takes a new line o...

Episode 268-The Battle for Malaya and Singapore

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Though the British plans to defend Singapore with the Royal Navy and Air Force never materialize, Air Marshal Brooke-Popham and GOC Percival still wan...

Episode 267-Interview with Mikhal Dekel about her latest book, Tehran Children, A Holocaust Refugee Odyssey

19 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Mikhal Dekel joins me to talk about her book, covering Jewish Polish refugees, as 1000 children make an incredible 13,000 mile journey from ...

Episode 266: The Fall of Borneo

07 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese troops push the British led forces as well as the Dutch troops around Borneo, taking coastal towns and villages along the way. But not ev...

Episode 265-The Battle of Borneo: Resistance Comes in Many Form

01 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

After the raid on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese send 2 destroyers to damage the American facilities at Midway Island. Then the island of Borneo is attack...

Episode 264-Black Christmas: The Fall of Hong Kong

16 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Broken by overwhelming numbers, Gen. Maltby and Gov. Young surrender the cause of Hong Kong. But in some ways, the battle over the island is just begi...

Episode 263-A Thousand Cuts

09 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As Christmas approaches, the overwhelming Japanese forces reduce the British holdings throughout Hong Kong. Still, Gen. Maltby is unwilling to give up...

Episode 262-Once More, Unto the Gap

02 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With the eastern half of Hong Kong Island practically lost, it's up to the West Brigade, under Brig. John Lawson to hold the invading Japanese troops ...

Episode 261-The Balaclava of the Sea

27 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Sakai begins his invasion of Hong Kong, but Gen. Maltby has his troops ready and his Motor Torpedo Boats, which will hopefully stop the invasion ...

Episode 260-Hong Kong-Retreat but No Surrender

19 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With the Gin Drinker's Line pierced, Gen. Maltby pulls back his men to Hong Kong Island. The Japanese will ask the Commonwealth forces to surrender, b...

Episode 259-Operation C: Japan Attacks Hong Kong

11 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the Japanese military has been able to take the port cities of China by 1941, the British held Hong Kong is still free. But now its turn has come a...

Episode 258-The Battle of Hong Kong

24 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

London had decided that Hong Kong was to be sacrificed to the Japanese, but after Canada offered up two battalions, Churchill reversed this decision. ...

Episode 257-The Fall of Wake Island

02 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The marines on Wake Island are holding out, due to discipline and Japanese tactical mistakes. Yet Maj. Devereux is unaware of this and thus brings to ...

Episode 256- Massacre on Wake Island

26 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Wake Island becomes the focal point of US resistance to Japanese aggression. Adm. Kimmel will send a relief force to Wake, but will it get there in ti...

Episode 255- The Marines of Wake Island Don’t Know Quit

18 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Marines on Wake Island are down to four Wildcat fighters, but are determined to resist any Japanese invasion, no matter the odds. "Hammering Hank"...

Episode 254-Guam Falls. Wake Island, The Alamo of the Pacific is Next

11 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With MacArthur's airfields still smoldering, the Japanese attack Guam and Wake Island. But the Marines on Wake, though staggered after the first strik...

Episode 253-Gen. MacArthur-Everything is in Readiness-The Philippines and Singapore

04 Jun 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Douglas MacArthur, in command of all U.S. forces in The Philippines, is convinced that the Japanese will not attack until April of 1942 and plans...

Episode 252- The Japanese are Coming: Thailand Falls

27 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As Japan launches Operation No. 1, the invasion of SE Asia, numerous transport ships head out to attack The Philippines, Malaya and Thailand. The Brit...

Episode 251-An Interview with Walter Borneman about his book Brothers Down

12 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Author Walter Borneman joins us to talk about his book, Brothers Down: Pearl Harbor and The Fate of the Many Brothers Aboard the USS Arizona Learn mor...

Episode 250- A Date Which Will Live in Infamy

06 May 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the Japanese invasion fleet comes closer to Malaya, the various plans established by each side will be tested. Yet, the invaders will find that, pe...

Episode 249-Japan Enters the War

30 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As Axis victories cause colonial powers to become vulnerable in the Far East, Japan decides to enter the war. With a quick strike at Pearl Harbor, Jap...

Introducing Espionage

15 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Here is the first part of the first episode of Espionage, the latest podcast from Parcast. Podcast.com/espionage Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Episode 248-Post Pearl Harbor: The American Giant is Awakened

08 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With details of the Pearl Harbor attack still coming in, President Roosevelt knows he needs to inform but also calm his fellow Americans, who can only...

Episode 247-Pearl Harbor: American Perspective Pt 2

02 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Second attack wave comes and goes at Pearl Harbor. Now, FDR, Adm. Nimitz, Adm. Halsey and Gen. Douglas MacArthur have to face what's coming next, ...

Episode 246-The End of the Aleutian Campaign

15 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Americans with Canadian help attempt to drive away or capture the Japanese troops stationed on Attu and Kiska. Yet the mysterious Battle of the Pi...

Episode 245-Operation Landcrab

05 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

The Americans continue to bomb Kiska, but the Japanese troops are not leaving. Worse, the Imperial Japanese High Command has sent reinforcements. So t...

Episode 244: The Aleutian Campaign, the Kiska Blitz

25 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the Japanese grab a second Aleutian Island, the US military, though denying the Japanese advance, makes plans to remove them. The result-The Kiska ...

Episode 243-The Aleutian Islands Campaign

23 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Adm. Yamamoto wants to occupy the Midway Islands, but first needs to confuse his opponent Adm. Chester Nimitz with a diversionary attack on the Aleuti...

Episode 242-Interview with Steve Snyder about his book Shot Down: The True story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the crew of the B 17 Susan Ruth

16 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Shot Down covers the events leading up to and after the crew of the B 17 Susan Ruth is shot down over the French/Belgium border on February 8, 1944. O...

Episode 241-Air Raid, Pearl Harbor. This is No Drill!

30 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the carrier USS Enterprise is late for its return to Pearl Harbor, Adm. Bull Halsey sends on ahead Scouting and Bombing squadron 6. The 18 Douglas ...

Episode 240-An Interview with Dr. Jonathan Fennell about his new book, Fighting the People’s War: The British and Commonwealth Armies and The Second World War

26 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jonathan Fennell discusses the importance of morale in his latest book: Fighting the People’s War: The British and Commonwealth Armies and The S...

Episode 239-Pearl Harbor, The American Perspective, Pt 1

12 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

As the Japanese bombs and bullets begin to destroy American equipment and lives, the mostly young men are about to find out what they're made of. This...

Episode 238-An Interview with Andrew Roberts about his Churchill biography

08 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a crossover from The Cold War Podcast that I co-host with Cameron Reilly. With us is historian Andrew Roberts as we discuss his new bo...

Episode 237- The Thin Gray Line, the US Pacific Submarine fleet after Pearl Harbor

29 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Back with us is Flint Whitlock as we discuss his book Depths of Courage:American Submariners at War with Japan, 1941-1945. With America's surface flee...

Episode 236-Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers

09 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Laszlo Montgomery of The China History Podcast joins me to discuss Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers. Just after the devastation of Pearl Harbor,...

Introducing-Assassinations

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Please checkout The Parcast Network's latest hit: Assassinations. One death can change the world. Assassinations recounts history’s most dramatic de...

Episode 235-An Interview with Flint Whitlock about his book Desperate Valour: Triumph at Anzio

28 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With the Allies being held up in southern Italy by The Gustav Line, near the end of 1943, Gen. Mark Clark decides to do an end run. The force of Briti...

Episode 234-Pearl Harbor Attack-The 2nd Japanese Air Strike

20 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The 2nd Air Wave comes at Pearl Harbor to finish what the First Wave started. Yet, their target selection will be poor. Meanwhile, the Americans are a...

Episode 233-An interview with Frederic Martini about his book: Betrayed- Secrecy, Lies and Consequences

30 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

While the official government story has always been that no Allied POWs were held in German concentration camps, 168 Allied airmen were beaten, experi...

Episode 232-Pearl Harbor: The First Attack Wave

22 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the first attack wave of Japanese aircraft, from the Japanese point of view. Battleship Row is hit, but Fuchida's plan is far from...

Episode 231-Tora, Tora, Tora, The Attack on Pearl Harbor

15 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The first air wave of attacking Japanese warplanes reaches Oahu, on their way to Pearl Harbor. But before they reach Battleship Row, several civilian ...

Episode 230-Interview with Robin Hutton-War Animals-The Unsung Heroes of WWII

01 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Robin Hutton talks about her latest book which tells of the animals who contributed to the Allied effort of WWII. There's Chips, who served as ...

Episode 229-The United States' First Shot of WWII

19 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the predawn darkness, the Japanese Strike Force has prepared to launch its first wave of bombers and fighters. Meanwhile, the US Naval Base at Pear...

Episode 228-An Interview with Mary Jo McConahay about her latest book The Tango War

11 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Writer Mary Jo McConahay comes on the show to discuss her latest book, The Tango War: The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America d...

Episode 227-This Means War

28 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On December 7, 1941, Ambassador Nomura and Special Envoy Kurusu are about to give Secretary of State Hull and FDR Japan's response to the Hull Note. B...

Episode 226-The Japanese are Not Ready for Us Yet

20 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Multiple Japanese Assault Fleets are on the move, but with so much incoming information, President Roosevelt and his cabinet do not pick up on the thr...

Episode 225-Indianpolis-Interview with Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic

25 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Attacked on 30 July 1945,  the heavy cruiser was torpedoed by the Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-58, and sank in 12 minutes. However, the two aut...

Episode 224-Climb Mount Niitaka: Tojo Gets his War

26 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Emperor Hirohito reluctantly gives his approval for the attack on Pearl Harbor. As Tojo said, "With war, if you don't try it, you can't know how it wi...

Episode 223-Roosevelt Learns of the Coming Attack

13 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Through MAGIC, the US's ability to read Japan's diplomatic messages, FDR learns of a final deadline and a coming Japanese attack. Pictured are Ambassa...

Episode 222-The Pearl Harbor That Almost Wasn't

21 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Tokyo and Washington seem to be making progress in their peace talks. And yet, the Japanese 1st Air Fleet departs for its attack on Pearl Harbor.  Le...

Episode 221-War with the U.S. Seems Unavoidable

14 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Prince Konoye's government collapses as Gen. Tojo demands war with the U.S. Emperor Hirohito then orders Tojo to form his own government, hoping this ...