WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk
Episodes
We Have Ways Fest: Big Week
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With just a few days to go until the biggest event of the podcast's calendar, Al Murray and James Holland speak about their excitement for We Have Way...
USA - We Have Ways: The American Memory of War
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We know that the British are still obsessed with the Second World War, but what about the other side of the pond? James Holland and John McManus look ...
The Whirlwind and The Savage Storm
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al and Jim end up on the subject of the Savage Storm, James' new book about the Allied campaign in southern Italy in late 1943, but not before they'v...
USA - We Have Ways: The Philippines
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How did the battles in the Philippines impact the struggle between the US and Japanese forces? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by our regular U...
Methods and Morale
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Was the sole purpose behind Arthur Harris' Bomber Command to kill German citizens? Was German violence within the army due to radicalisation or desens...
Between The Lines - Ep 20
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Note: This is the final episode of Between The Lines Between The Lines captures the reaction across the world through the letters, diaries and logboo...
USA - We Have Ways: Tidal Wave
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It was one of the United States Army Air Forces' most ambitious bombing campaigns in 1943. Why were the Nazis so reliant on the Ploiesti oil fields in...
Operation CEDRIC
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a continuation from their chat last week, Al Murray and James Holland talk about an individual Jedburgh team called OPERATION CEDRIC. Who were the ...
Between The Lines - Ep 19
13 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Between The Lines captures the reaction across the world through the letters, diaries and logbooks of our characters on Between The Lines. Between The...
Indian National Army
10 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who were the Subhas Chandra Bose's soldiers, and what motivated them to fight alongside the Japanese, and where does their story sit in the history of...
Resistance - The Jedburghs
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A vital part of the post D-Day plan was to organise the French Resistance to rise up against the Nazi occupiers. But very much on Allied terms and whe...
NEW PODCAST: THE REST IS FOOTBALL
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards for a new podcast bringing strong opinions on all the latest stories from the world of football. H...
Between The Lines - Ep 18
06 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Between The Lines captures the reaction across the world through the letters, diaries and logbooks of our characters on Between The Lines. Between The...
The Spitfire vs The Sea Fury
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the first of a series of interviews with 'Heritage Heroes', Al Murray and James Holland speak to war bird pilot and restoration expert Richard Grac...
Gomorrah 1943 - Part 2
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the second episode of our special on the bombing of Hamburg, Al Murray and James Holland look behind the reasons behind the historic city as a targ...
Gomorrah 1943 - Part 1
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It was planned to be a war ending raid, with thousands of bombs dropped on Hamburg on the 2nd and 3rd August 1943. In the first of a two-part special ...
Between The Lines - Ep 17
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Mussolini falls in Italy, Between The Lines captures the reaction across the world through the letters, diaries and logbooks of our characters on B...
Mobilising Hate - Part Two
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our harrowing conversation with filmmaker and historian, Martin Davidson, we discuss the real-world rhetoric and operations that...
Saving The Vatican, Nazi Tactics and Nuclear Secrets
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After kicking up a storm in last week’s podcast by daring to suggest German Army tactics weren’t always amazing, Al Murray and James Holland shame...
Between The Lines - Ep 16
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to another of our We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyth is read b...
The Life Of Rommel
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why has the reputation of Commander of the 7th Panzer Division Ernst Rommel become the stuff of legend? James Holland speaks to historian Lloyd Clark ...
The Battle of Kursk - Part 2
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's been called the biggest tank battle of The Second World War, with vast numbers of troops, vehicles clashing to take the initiative on the Eastern...
Between The Lines - Ep 15
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to another of our We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. In this week's episode we get an incredible insight from General Omar Bradle...
A Veteran of Iwo Jima
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A special podcast today as James Holland talks to Dick Jessor, former US Marine Corps veteran of the terrible battle for Iwo Jim in Feb-March 1945. Di...
The Battle of Kursk
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s approaching July 1943 and German forces have pushed on to Kursk, north of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. As they await the spring thaw and re...
Between The Lines - Ep 14
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyth is ...
Bomber Command's Forgotten Weapon
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A considerable part of RAF Bomber Command’s operations were devoted to mine-laying operations in ports and river estuaries and phenomenally successf...
The Loyd Carrier And The Half-Track: Live at Chalke Valley
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's another hardware heavy episode as Al Murray and James Holland record live at Chalke Valley History Festival. We get an update from our restoratio...
Between The Lines - Ep 13
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyth is ...
Mobilising Hate
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this first of two conversations with the filmmaker and historian, Martin Davidson, we take a fresh look at how and why the Nazis believed making th...
The Culture War
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What were Brits listening and reading during the Second World War, and why did poetry have a renaissance for Tommies on the front line? Al Murray and ...
Between The Lines - Ep 12
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyth is ...
Pop Stars of the Second World War
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, James Holland talks to legendary music journalist, David Hepworth about the popular songs and singers of the wartime years, and parti...
The Religious Resistance
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James discuss Felix Kir, the merry cleric of Dijon, who took on the Nazis. How could the clergy in Occupied France resist? And what's that abo...
Between The Lines - Ep 11
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyt...
USA - We Have Ways: The Logistics Of War
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How did troops in remote islands fighting have a constant supply of armour, ammunition and food to secure victory? James and John speak about the asto...
Fighting The Wolfpacks
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The summer of 1943 was crucial in the battle for Atlantic supremacy. How did the Allies defeat the Nazi U-Boats to regain control of vital shipping ro...
Between The Lines - Ep 10
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyt...
The Survivor - The Josef Lefkowitz Story
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At just 13-years-old, following the Nazi invasion of Poland, Josef Lefkowitz and his father were separated from their family and taken to the Kraków-...
June 1943
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Strikes in the US, funerals in Japan and the Pope calling for peace. Al Murray and James Holland search the records to find out exactly what was happe...
Between The Lines - Ep 9
04 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyt...
The Birth of the SAS
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shrouded in mystery and classified papers, the origins of the SAS during the Second World War are as shadowy as the operations they took part in. Jame...
Operation Strike
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Al Murray and James Holland conclude their retelling of the North African campaign, they delve deeper into Operation Strike. A Goalhanger Films Pro...
Between The Lines - Ep 8
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyt...
Talking War Movies
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray and James Holland are joined by the Private Eye editor Ian Hislop, and cartoonist Nick Newman to talk about their favourite Second World War...
North Africa: The Battle Continues
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the battle rages in North Africa, Hitler insists on sending ever-more precious men and materiel to save the day. But time is running out as the All...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 10
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s final family stories episode of the series tells one of most dramatic glider pilot stories we've heard, bumping into Hollywood royalty and s...
Between The Lines - Ep 7
20 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyt...
Dambusters - Attacking The Eder
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dams Raid, in which Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron destroyed crucial German infrastructure using the innovativ...
Dambusters - Atacking The Sorpe
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dams Raid, in which Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron destroyed crucial German infrastructure using the innovativ...
Dambusters - Attacking The Möhne
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dams Raid, in which Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron destroyed crucial German infrastructure using the innovativ...
Dambusters - Countdown
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dams Raid, in which Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron destroyed crucial German infrastructure using the innovativ...
Dambusters - The Long Road to The Dams
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dams Raid, in which Guy Gibson and 617 Squadron destroyed crucial German infrastructure using the innovativ...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 9
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories take us from the snows of the Ardennes, the beaches of Normandy and a pioneering pilot who helped launch the Windrush Generat...
Between The Lines - Ep 6
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. New episodes will be released every Thursday. Between The Lines is...
Tanks In Tunisia
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James and Al tackle Tunisia in 1943: Allied plans, German reactions - the scene is set for an epic Allied victory - or is it? A Goalhanger Films Produ...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 8
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories take us from a terrifying childhood moment in war torn Italy, predicting D-Day while at school and living through Nazi occupa...
The Battle of Luzon - Part 2
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al Murray, James Holland are joined by John C McManus to continue their discussion around the fighting in the Philippines, was this one of the toughes...
Between The Lines - Ep5
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. New episodes will be released every Thursday. Between The Lines is...
The Battle of Luzon - Part 1
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who are the key figures behind the battle for the Philippines, one of the most important battles of the Pacific Theatre? Al Murray, James Holland are ...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 7
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories take us from two sporting stars doing their bit, to Navy Commandos, and the art of mapping the war Family Stories runs every ...
Between The Lines - Ep4
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. This week; Bertie Packer still can't find his wife Joy, Harry Wils...
Destruction in Dortmund
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over a few pints in a Dortmund pub, Al Murray and James Holland discuss the effects of the British bombing campaign on the average German. A Goalhange...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 6
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories take us from surviving an attack by the Japanese, surviving a deadly accident and growing up in occupied Holland. Family Sto...
USA: We Have Ways - Alamo In The Ardennes
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Siege of Bastogne is one of the Second World War's most infamous battles, fought in the frostbitten forests of Belgium. But what is the story of t...
Between The Lines - Ep3
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. This week; Jack Ward feels frustrated in Tunisia, Bertie Packer ge...
Strategic Bombing Campaign
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Your Primary object will be the progressive destruction and dislocation of the German military, industrial, and economic system, and the undermining ...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 5
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories include one man's experience of the Italian campaign, trumpeting at Bletchley Park and witnessing the bombing of Coventry. Fa...
USA: We Have Ways - Eisenhower
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Was Dwight D.Eisenhower the most powerful man in the world during the Second World War? Al Murray, James Holland and John C. McManus review Ike's exce...
Between The Lines - Ep2
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new episode of our new, We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. This week; Vere visits the bombed-out pubs of the capital, Bertie ...
Conflict In Europe
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recorded on location from The National Army Museum, James Holland visits the newly opened Conflict In Europe gallery with museum director Justin Macie...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 4
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories include hiding with the Chetniks, three generations at sea and the revenge of a Jewish PT instructor. Family Stories runs eve...
USA: We Have Ways - Bougainville
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Al Murray, James Holland and John McManus discuss one of the forgotten campaigns in the southwest Pacific. They look at the brutal co...
Between the Lines - Ep 1
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome along to a new We Have Ways series - Between the Lines. This production decodes handwriting, unfolds faded pages, and dips into the details of...
The German Nuclear Programme
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al and Jim discuss whether Germany developing nuclear weapons was ever a realistic proposition during the Second World War and the challenges they fac...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 3
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories include tales of heroism of a Dutchman fighting on land, sea and air, a lucky escape during the Blitz and the horrors of livi...
USA: We Have Ways - Americans in Italy
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The trio chat about James Holland's latest exploits in Monte Sammucro. How did the Allies keep up the momentum in the barren mountains of Italy and ov...
Walking The Ground - Monte Cassino
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the final instalment of our Italy adventure, James Holland arrives at Monte Cassino. What happened here in 1944 that makes the monastery so memorab...
Restoring The Typhoon
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Al and James speak to flying instructor Sam Worthington-Leese about his 6 million pound mission to restore a Hawker Typhoon back to airworthy status. ...
Saving Scampton, Indian Adventures and Lessons from Italy
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In another wide-ranging chat, Al Murray and James Holland talk about partition in India, saving Scampton airfield and an extraordinary report from the...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 2
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories include tales of an Irishman in the British Army, the last days of fighting in Europe and the extraordinary experience of a K...
USA: We Have Ways - The Real Saving Private Ryan
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It was the war movie that won five Oscars and changed the genre forever, but does the history of 'Saving Private Ryan' hold up? Al Murray, James Holla...
Battle of Ortona
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“These men of mine must never know how afraid I really am, Help me lead them in the fight so they will say: 'He was a man'." James Hollands explains...
Operation Sea Lion: Part 2
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our look at Operation Sea Lion, Al and James discuss Paddy Griffith’s 1974 wargame where high ranking officials from both the ...
Family Stories Series 4: Episode 1
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s family stories include the morale-raising tale of one of the world's best-selling authors, protecting the crown jewels, the battle of the Pa...
USA: We Have Ways - GUADALCANAL: Part 2
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the final (for now...) instalment of our Guadalcanal series, John McManus explains how the US Marines found victory in Guadalcanal - and the fallou...
The Women Behind The RAF
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We all know about the male pilots in the air, but what were women's auxiliary forces doing behind the scenes? Al Murray and James Holland speak to Dr ...
Operation Sea Lion: Part 1
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It was the greatest non event in history. Al Murray and James Holland investigate the Nazi plot to invade the south coast of the United Kingdom. Why d...
USA: We Have Ways - GUADALCANAL: Part 1
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, in the first part of our two-part special on the battle, John McManus sets the scene for the fighting within the dense and hellish jungle o...
INSIDE THE ARCHIVES - AC/DC’s Brian Johnson - Part 2
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're dusting off our back catalogue and sharing one of our favourite episodes from the past few years. Enjoy the second part of our rioto...
INSIDE THE ARCHIVES - AC/DC’s Brian Johnson
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're dusting off our back catalogue and sharing one of our favourite episodes from the past few years. The legendary lead singer of AC/DC ...
Allied Supremacy and Solbuchs
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can Al and James finally put to bed the claim that “Man For Man, the German Army were better than the British”? Also, the pair dive into the paper...
USA: We Have Ways - In Defence of Mark Clark
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did Mark Clark really want to shoot any Brits he found in Rome? And does he deserve the routine vilification he so often receives for Salerno, the Blo...
On The Trail of The Hasty Ps
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James resumes his exploration of Italy, this time, he's on the trail of the Canadians and particularly the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment as they...
Unconditional Surrender
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why has James Holland had to rethink writing his latest book on Monte Cassino, and will the book reach Rome by Christmas? Al and James also discuss ...
USA: We Have Ways - Bougainville
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
John McManus joins Al and James to explore the Bougainville campaign. This otherwise unassuming little island just off mainland Papua New Guinea was h...
INSIDE THE ARCHIVES: Otto Wächter and Charlotte
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ARCHIVE EPISODE In this second episode of our Philippe Sands interview, we explore The Ratline and its central cast of characters. Otto Wächter, the ...
INSIDE THE ARCHIVES - Philippe Sands and The Ratline
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ARCHIVE EPISODE Philippe Sands, the author of East West Street and The Ratline, joins Al and James to discuss the extraordinary wartime stories he une...
Uranium in Russia and Rations in Britain
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why did the USA send the Soviet Union weapons-grade uranium during the Second World War? The lads discuss this, plus an update on James’s book and t...
USA: We Have Ways - Men Against Fire
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In his seminal book, 'Men Against Fire', Brigadier General S.L.A Marshall (better known as SLAM) made the extraordinary claim that fewer than 25% of m...