The History of WWII Podcast

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 ...

Episode 220-An Interview with Lyuba Vinogradova: Defending the Motherland

25 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Vinogradova comes back to the show to discuss her latest book, Defending the Motherland: The Soviet Women Who Fought Hiter's Aces. This episode's ...

Episode 219-When Diplomacy Fails

24 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As the various issues with attacking Pearl Harbor are overcome, the Japanese Military evades telling the truth to Emperor Hirohito and PM Konoye. And ...

Episode 218-Pearl Harbor: The Strongest Fortress in the World

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Washington and Tokyo continue their diplomatic dance but neither side is willing to give in. The Americans have broken the Japanese Diplomatic cypher ...

Episode 217-Japan: Do or Die

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With Washington and Tokyo trying to bend the other to its will, President Roosevelt seeks to strangle Japan's aggression in China with a trade blockad...

Episode 216-The World Goes to War

12 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chiang Kai-Shek struggles to keep China in the war, knowing the Soviet-German Non Aggression Pact can not last. The question is what will Japan do, on...

Episode 215: Collision Course, the Road to Pearl Harbor.

05 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Having chased Chiang Kai-Shek back to Chongqing, the Japanese Empire is still unable to get him to surrender. So, on to Chongqing it is, but events in...

214-Betrayal, the Burma Road and The Battle of Nomonhan

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chiang Kai-Shek starts over, again, in Chongqing, as the Japanese military seek to deny him the east coast. First Canton will fall, then other port ci...

213-The 2nd Sino-Japanese War: The Fall of Wuhan

24 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chiang Kai-Shek is staking everything on his defense of Wuhan. As such, the various Japanese forces attempt to encircle the city. Chiang throws everyt...

212-The Massacre of Nanjing

15 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As Chiang Kai-Shek moves his capital and military Head Quarters west and Hideki Tojo becomes directly involved in the war to the north, the Japanese t...

Episode 211-The End of the Battle of Shanghai

08 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chiang Kai-Shek's forces are barely holding out. But when a second enemy Expeditionary Force lands, it spells the end of Shanghai's freedom. Stalin ag...

Episode 210-China's Lost Battalion

10 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese Expeditionary Force continues to push south to gain access to Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chiang Kai-Shek's nationalist troops continue to retre...

Episode 209-Dark Days for Chiang Kai-Shek

04 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Chinese Nationalists are loosing the battle of Shanghai. Yet, Chiang has to hold on as the League of Nations will soon be discussing the conflict....

Episode 208-The Battle of Shanghai: Japanese Reinforcements

04 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese Expeditionary forces set the stage for a much larger attack, once their reinforcements arrive. The plan is to cut Shanghai off from any a...

Episode 207-Shanghai Becomes Chiang Kai-Shek's Stalingrad

30 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Chinese Nationalist forces have pulled back from the coast, yet are determined to establish their own Maginot Line. But as both sides have reinfor...

Episode 206-Interview with Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova about her book Avenging Angels: The Young Women of the Soviet Union's WWII Sniper Corps

20 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Lyuba Vinogradova discusses her research and the resulting book that covers the young women of Stalin's USSR, who are conscripted to the Sniper Co...

Episode 205-Chiang Kai-Shek's Pyrrhic Victory

16 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chiang Kai Shek and his ordinary soldiers are more determined than ever to defend Shanghai in 1937. However, the officers in the middle, due to their ...

Episode 204-The Japanese Empire Doubles Down in Shanghai

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese invasion of Shanghai, nor their desire to teach the Chinese a lesson, is moving forward fast enough for Tokyo. So when the Expeditionary ...

Episode 203-Shanghai: The Dominance of Japanese Air and Sea Power

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese are unloading men and material at a frustratingly slow rate, due to the tides. Until they are ready to launch their assault, their navy a...

Episode 202-The Battle of Shanghai Part 2

15 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Japanese bring reinforcements to Shanghai as their marines are bogged down by Chiang Kai-Shek's best troops. Meanwhile, retired US Army Air Force ...

Episode 201-The Battle of Shanghai, Part 1

09 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chiang Kai-Shek decides that the time has come to openly fight back against Japan. His chosen site is the port city of Shanghai. Both sides build up t...

Episode 200-The Marco Polo Bridge Incident

01 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Japanese forces bring war to the China main land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 199-The Pacific Theatre-Prologue Sino-Japanese Relations

23 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

As we officially begin the Pacific Theatre, this episode covers the building tension between The Japanese Empire, dominated by the military and the Ch...

Episode 198-The Beginning of the Big Three

18 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

President Roosevelt sends Harry Hopkins, again to London, to set up a meeting between himself and Churchill. The U.S. still seems far from entering th...

Episode 197-The Beginning of the Final Solution

12 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Nazi Germany launches its war against the USSR. As such, FDR hopes Germany's attention will slacken on the Atlantic. Yet, if Soviet Russia collapses, ...

Episode 196-Stalin: Lenin's Protege

11 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Great War is over, but the Allies don't know what to do with Russia. So, the german troops in Russian territory are ordered to remain where they a...

Episode 194-Interview with Sally Mott Freeman about her book: The Jersey Brothers

03 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

With us is Sally Mott Freeman as we discuss her book, The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family's Quest to Bring Him ...

Episode 195-The Beginnings of Pearl Harbor

03 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

As Hitler tries to lower the tension between the U.S. and Nazi Germany, the opposite is happening between the Japanese Empire and the U.S. As such Adm...

Episode 193-Churchill and Chiang Kai-Shek, FDR’s Warriors

29 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

President Roosevelt wins a third term, but the American people still refuse to commit to war. Meanwhile, FDR has to find a way to help the Chinese and...

Episode 192-Hitler’s Reaction to Lend lease and FDR’s Third Term

20 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

President Franklin Roosevelt succeeds in his 3rd term attempt and with the passage of Lend Lease, Hitler knows the war will be prolonged. His answer t...

Episode 191: Lenin's Cruelty, Stalin's Ambition

14 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

With the Kaiser's forces coming ever closer to Petrograd and Moscow, many Russians lose confidence in Lenin and his Bolsheviks. As such, no party memb...

Episode 190-The Axis Powers and their New World Order

07 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Nazi Germany is not the only threat to U.S. peace as the Empire of Japan continues its attacks against China. Meanwhile President Roosevelt pulls out ...

Episode 189-Roosevelt's Secret War against Hitler

30 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

As the Nazi menace grows across Europe, President Roosevelt knows that America will be threatened one day. His best plan for keeping the United States...

Episode 188-The Great War, Brest-Litovsk and Lenin's Retreat

16 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Lenin's Bolsheviks pull Russia out of the Great with the Brest Litovsk Treaty, but the Imperial German Army keeps advancing towards Petrograd, because...

Episode 187-Interview with Scott Miller

27 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Mr. Miller's latest book, Agent 110: An American Spymaster and the German Resistance in WWII, covers America's attempt to build an espionage network a...

Episode 186-The Battle for Norway, Vidkun Quisling and the North Sea

05 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This episode covers the naval battles between the British Royal Navy and the Kriegsmarine just prior to the Battle of Norway. It also touches on the O...

Episode 185-The Pacific Theatre-MacArthur's Retreat

25 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Back with us are Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, authors of Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission. Today we discuss, the Pacific Theatre in general and MacArthu...

Episode 184-The Question of Peace, Lenin and Stalin versus Trotsky

05 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

As Lenin deflects others trying to take control of Revolutionary Russia, his Bolshevik Central Committee has to deal with the Central Powers and the G...

Episode 182-Churchill and Hitler Race for Norway, Episode 183-Stalin: Lenin's Mouthpiece

29 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

With neither side trusting the other, both the Allies and Nazi Germany ready plans to invade Norway. For Episode 183, Lenin again proves he's a force ...

Episode 180: Sea Battles, Death at Scapa Flow. Ep 181-The Rule of Lenin and the Bolsheviks

15 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Commodore Donitz, in charge of the German submarines, plans a daring raid against the British battleships in Scapa Flow. In Episode 181, Lenin and the...

Episode 179-Flashback: The Battle of the Atlantic Begins

07 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Backing up a bit, we begin the story of the battle for the Atlantic, as German U-boats attempt to starve Britain into submission. Meanwhile, the U.S. ...

Episode 177-Rommel Retreats, The End of Operation Crusader Ep 178-Lenin's Pillars: Stalin and Trotsky

11 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Rommel keeps winning battles but losses men and tanks, that are not replaced. Meanwhile, British 8th Army, refuses to give up, each time it's bea...

Episode 175-Rommel knows Best Episode 176-Stalin steps in for Lenin

14 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep 175-As Gen. Rommel sends his panzers to surprise the British 8th Army near the Frontier Wire, Gen. Cunningham's forces finally reach Tobruk to help...

Episode 174-Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

23 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Our guests today are writers Bob Drury and Tom Clavin to discuss their latest book, Lucky 666-The Impossible Mission. Mavericks or "Screw ups" Jay Zea...

Episode 172-Rommel readies for Success Ep 173-Lenin's Civil War

09 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Acting on misinformation, both generals, Rommel and Cunningham make plans for the next day, hoping to wipe out the other's armor. Yet Rommel is in a m...

Episode 170-Crusader Part 4 Rommel Rises to the Occasion & Episode 171 Lenin comes Home

28 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ep 170-As Operation Crusader goes forward Gen. Cunningham feels confident as his tanks make it close to Tobruk. However Rommel feels threatened, even ...

Episode 168-Opearation Crusader Part 3 & Episode 169-Stalin and The Great War

14 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gen. Auchinleck's Operation Crusader is finally launched, but Rommel does not react as predicted as his focus is still on taking Tobruk. AND Tsar Nich...

Episode 167-Operation Crusader Part 2

02 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The British Western Desert Army is transformed into the 8th British Army proper. C in C ME Auchinleck has tapped Gen. Sir Alan Cunningham to lead it. ...

Episode 166-Lenin's Gift to Stalin

23 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stalin will endure several more arrests, but while in exile, Lenin will maneuver to have Koba made a member of the newly created Bolshevik Central Com...

Episode 164-Lenin's Trigger Man

12 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stalin is newly married, but has little time for his wife and soon to arrive child. He is still focused on the Marxism revolution and his rise in the ...

Episode 165-Meanwhile back in North Africa-Operation Crusader Part 1

09 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

With a new commander in the Middle East, Churchill wants the war against Rommel renewed, but C in C Auchinleck has his own ideas. Yet the Desert Fox w...

Episode 163-Stalin: Family Man

16 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Young Stalin begins to the learn of the wider world of international politics and the intrigues that comes with it. Lenin his hero, does not measure u...

Episode 162-The Winter Fortress Interview with Neal Bascomb

03 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In early 1942, the U.S. and Great Britain work together to develop the Atomic Bomb, but London needs to make sure Nazi Germany doesn't get there first...

Episode 161-Stalin Bio Part 5

19 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stalin, the young revolutionary, stumbles and is on the outs with the Georgian Social Democratic Worker's Party. Yet, after making another mistake, he...

Episode 160-Leningrad under Siege, Part 2 Unarmed for War

27 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Leningraders volunteer in such numbers that the Stavka orders several divisions to be organized, to resist the German invaders. Yet the men are thrown...

Episode 159-Stalin Bio Part 4-The Rise of Koba

19 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ioseph Jughashvili, AKA Stalin, leaves the seminary under mysterious circumstances. Following the path of his mentor Lado Ketskhoveli, Soso becomes a ...

Episode 158- Leningrad Under Siege

12 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The people of Leningrad take an affront to Nazi Germany invading their country. The men volunteer in droves for military service, the women are sent o...

Episode 157-Stalin Bio Part 3

07 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Young Stalin begins the process of moving away from the Seminary and towards the life of a revolutionary. The picture is of Marx and Engels.  Learn m...

Episode 156-Stalin Strikes Back

29 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Army Group South continues pressing closer towards the Soviet Capital. But General Secretary Stalin and General Zhukov attempt to defy the invaders. T...

Episode 155-Stalin Bio 2

21 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Sixteen year old Soso (Stalin) enters the Tiflis Theological Seminary, on his way to becoming a priest. But what the boy may not know is that, he has ...

Episode 154-The Spires of Moscow

15 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

With the mud now frozen hard, Army Group Center advances on Moscow, deciding the weak link is just to the NW of the city. This guess proves correct. A...

Episode 153-Stalin Bio 1

08 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stalin, the future Soviet leader is born, far from Moscow and begins his provincial life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic...

Episode 152-Operation Typhoon: Behind the Lines

18 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This episode, narrated Tim Martin, of the newly launched Valiant: Stories of Heroes Podcast, covers Guderian's dash to Tula. Ray will be back next tim...

Episode 151-Operation Typhoon Part 2

09 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

OKH Chief Franz Halder makes plans for a modest end to 1941 for Operation Barbarossa, but Hitler overrides him and orders the capture of Moscow, befor...

Episode 150-Operation Typhoon

21 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The Germans smash through the latest Soviet Defensive lines. The 4th Panzer Group, along with Gen. Kluge's 4th Army now have men just 128 KM or 80 mil...

Episode 149-The March to Moscow Part 3

19 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Having shattered the Russian defensive line at Viaz'ma, the Germans expand on their ambitious attack plans, attacking to the north and south of the ma...

Episode 148-The March on Moscow Part 2

12 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The Germans and Russians clash to the west of Moscow. But within mere days, the Soviet's three Fronts are either destroyed or encircled. The road to M...

Episode 147-The March to Moscow, Part 1

05 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

With Leningrad cut off and the far South stabilized, Hitler has decreed that the time has come to launch Operation Typhoon, Nazi Germany's attack agai...

Episode 146-The Siege of Leningrad Part 3, Slugfest

28 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Hitler has renewed the drive to Moscow, Operation Typhoon, and needs the panzers from Army Group North. Which means, Leningrad needs to be cut off fro...

Episode 145-The Siege of Leningrad Part 2

27 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Leeb, commander of Army Group North launches his last major assault before having to turn over most of his motorized units to Army Group Center, as it...

Episode 144-The Siege of Leningrad Part 1

14 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The Germans come ever closer to Leningrad, so Stalin sends his best general to cope, Zhukov.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...

Episode 143-The Road to Moscow

07 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Army Group Center makes its way East, past Minsk and now on to Smolensk. But waiting for them is the largest Soviet counter attack, to date. Meanwhile...

Episode 142- Douglas Waller Interview

24 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Douglas Waller's latest book, Disciples: The World War II Missions of the CIA Directors Who Fought for Wild Bill Donovan. OSS Agents penetrate Nazi Ge...

Episode 141-Stalin's Mistake

27 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Stalin's lack of military training causes his country to loose everything to the South, west of the Dnieper River. The German Panzers race east and ma...

Episode 140-Of Two Minds

20 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Marshal Mannerheim of Finland agrees to attack towards Leningrad and around Lake Ladoga, but not much more than that.  Learn more about your ad choic...

Episode 139-Finland: Ally to the North

12 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Hitler manages to bring Finland into his attack against Soviet Russia, but the Finns are mostly concerned with recapturing lost land. Like the three A...

Episode 138-Trading Punches

05 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The Panzers come ever closer to Leningrad, though losing men and machines along the way. Meanwhile, Army Group Center moves toward the Dvina River. As...

Episode 137-All Good Deeds

29 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The German invaders are now in Russia, proper and are still advancing, but suffer heavier than expected losses. But in SE Russia, the Soviet 6th and 1...

Episode 136-The Fall of Minsk

21 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The three German Army Groups advance further into Russia, but Army Group Center has has the most success. Perhaps some of its panzers should be turned...

Episode 135-Russia is never as strong as she looks; nor as weak as she looks

16 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Operation Barbarossa had been launched, Hilter attempts to convince the world that this battle is only in the defense of Nazi Germany. That S...

Episode 134-Reactions to Barbarossa

09 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The leaders of the combatant countries react to Nazi Germany invading Soviet Russia. We also cover Army Group North and South's initial assaults.  Le...

Episode 133-It Has Begun

24 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Before the sun rises on June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany unleashes Operation Barbarossa, its attack on Soviet Russia and Stalin. Learn more about your ad c...

Episode 132-Operation Barbarossa

11 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier than most people think, Hilter started planning his war against Soviet Russia and Stalin. Operation Barbarossa begins to take shape during the...

Episode 131-Third Time's the Charm

18 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

FDR comes through his third election and the British are expectant. Yet there are still hurdles to overcome. But eventually, the president comes up wi...

Episode 130-Sleight of Hand

08 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

President Roosevelt continues his struggle against Congress and the Isolationists in trying to help the Allies. France falls from the fight.  Learn m...

Episode 129-Lend Lease

03 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

It becomes apparant to the U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt that Britian and France are going to need American war material and financial assistance ...