The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr

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A biweekly podcast covering the last great war. Join Ray Harris Jr as he explores World War Two in intimate detail.

Recorded History Podcast Network


    • Aug 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 565 EPISODES

    4.4 from 3,698 ratings Listeners of The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr that love the show mention: world war ii, ray does a great job, ww2 podcast, first 20, wwii podcast, thank you ray, wwii history, mussolini, detailed and well, austria, ray harris jr, ww2 history, detailed podcast, dunkirk, history of wwii, 1941, world war 2, pearl harbor, history of world war, britain.


    Ivy Insights

    The History of WWII Podcast hosted by Ray Harris Jr. is an exceptional podcast that delves deep into the events and stories surrounding World War II. As a long-time listener, I have been consistently impressed with the thoroughness and attention to detail that Harris brings to each episode. His ability to break down complex battles and campaigns across multiple theaters of the war is truly commendable. With a likable and knowledgeable host, this podcast stands out as one of the best history podcasts available.

    One of the standout aspects of this podcast is Harris' storytelling ability. Through his exceptional editing and dramatic narration, he paints a vivid picture of the events that transpired during World War II. His extensive research ensures that each episode is filled with fascinating facts that add depth and context to the historical narrative. Furthermore, his inclusion of interviews with writers adds an extra layer of insight and expertise to the discussions.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its chronologically-driven approach. By following the timeline of World War II, listeners are able to gain a comprehensive understanding of how events unfolded over time. This allows for a more cohesive and interconnected view of the war as it progresses through various stages and theaters.

    On the downside, some listeners may find that this podcast moves at a slower pace compared to others in terms of covering specific topics or campaigns within World War II. However, it's important to note that this slower pace allows for a deeper exploration into each subject matter, providing listeners with a more thorough understanding.

    In conclusion, The History of WWII Podcast is an exceptional effort by Ray Harris Jr., offering in-depth coverage and analysis of World War II. With its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and comprehensive approach, this podcast stands out as one of the best history podcasts available. Whether you're a hardcore history fan or just looking to expand your knowledge on World War II, this podcast is definitely worth your time.



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    Latest episodes from The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr

    Episode 556-The Americans Have Landed

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 30:26


    Though far from perfect, the Western Allies make landfall with their Eastern and Central Task Forces in North Africa. Shots are exchanged, planes are downed, ships sunk and men fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 555-Allied Blood on French Soil

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 30:55


    The Western Allies had landed in North Africa, but two diversionary attacks go horribly wrong. The Americas have their first significant casualties of the war. Operation Torch has a rough start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 554-Operation Torch: At Last We Are On Our Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 26:49


    Operation Torch, though a rushed affair, carried the hopes of Washington and London and all of Europe. After much wrangling, the details come together and the date is set, November 8, 1942. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 553-The Western Desert Campaign Comes to an End

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 25:56


    Though suffering heavy losses, Monty continues to attack Rommel. Both sides were bled, but this was something Rommel could not afford. The great race back west was on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Operation 552-Operation Supercharge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 28:29


    Monty hopes to confuse Rommel with several limited attacks, so when the big push comes, the German's main defenses will be out of place. This works and soon, 2 British brigades and the 2nd New Zealand Division attack during the night. Still, the Germans are formidable, even with their dwindling supplies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 551-Interview w/ Tim Bouverie: Allies at War

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 48:54


    Operation Barbarossa and the attack on Pearl Harbor created the Grand Alliance, but holding it together took constant work. Only by looking at their areas of conflict, as well as cooperation, are we able to understand the course of the war and world that developed in its aftermath. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 TikTok-@wwiiguy Instagram - rayharrisjr youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 550-The Second Battle of El Alamein

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 25:07


    Battle has been joined. Though the Axis are outmanned, their minefields allow them to hold back Monty's attacks. And Rommel is soon on his way back to take command once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 549-Never Fear, Monty is Here!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 22:07


    Monty is now in command of 8th Army. Rommel is ill, but will return when the 2nd Battle of El Alamein gets underway. Still, Monty's plans do not start out well for his men. And the Torch landings are very far away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 548-How The East Was Won

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 25:14


    After a series of body blows, Army Group South is forced back to the Dnieper River. Then they begin to construct the Panther Waton Line, but the Soviets don't wait and attack right away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 547-Soviet Whack A-Mole

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 24:02


    Operation Citadel is over, now its Moscow's turn. What follows is a series of hammer blow counter attacks by Moscow. Some succeed, some fail, but they all bleed the German invaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 546-Soviet Tidal Wave

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 22:43


    With the German pincers bogged down, Moscow launches two massive counter attacks. One will attempt to trap the German 9th Army at Orel, the other will seek to shatter the 1st Panzer Army of Army Group South. Berlin has to shift its ever shrinking supply of men and panzers, again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 545-Battle of Prokhorovka Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 21:33


    On July 12, 1943, Soviet Armies come at the SS 2nd Panzer Army. The Germans have attack plans, but the Soviets have attacking numbers. And then the German Army High Command gets horrible news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episod 544-The Battle of Provhorovka Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 29:17


    Gen. Hoth's 4th Panzer Army reaches the Psel River, which threatens both the city of Prokhorovka and Oboyan. But taking from their Reserve forces, the Soviets launch a massive counter attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Medal of Honor Podcast Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 44:56


    Checkout this incredible story of US Marine Corps fighter pilot Jefferson DeBlanc, who was shot down over the Solomon Islands. From there his story had just begun. Medal of Honor Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 543-King of the Hills

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 22:41


    In the north Gen. Model releases his panzers. To the south, a new type of tank killing plane is tested by the Germans. Still, whoever controls the heights controls the battle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 542-The Baron of Tank Killers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 25:01


    The panzers of Gen. Hoth's 4th Panzer Army of the southern pincer start off well, thanks to most Soviet defenders being to the north. Still, its a long way to Oboyan and enemy reinforcements are coming in fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 541-German Surprises Vs Soviet Tenacity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 23:59


    Battle has begun. In the north the Germans advance. In the south, there's the battle before the battle and Gen. Hoth had decided to change the attack plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 540-Operation Citadel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 26:35


    The last of men and material are put into place. And though still doubting, the German leader orders Operation Citadel to begin.  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 TikTok-@wwiiguy Instagram - rayharrisjr youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 539-Interview w/ Laurence Rees: The Nazi Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 41:38


    British writer Laurence Rees comes on the show to cover the 12 warnings he has learned from studying WWII. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 538-Operation Mincemeat

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 32:31


    While both Moscow and Berlin focus on the Kursk salient, Operation Mincemeat convinces the Germans to focus troops in the wrong place. Meanwhile, Zhukov convinces Stalin to let the enemy attack first, for they will be ready. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 537-Gen. Manstein's Backhand Blow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 21:24


    Manstein overcame Hitler's objections and then two Soviet Fronts. By early March 1943, Kursk was exposed and open to attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 357 - Manstein's backhand blow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 19:54


    Manstein overcame Hitler's objections and then the two Soviet Fronts. By early March 1943, Kursk was exposed and open to attack. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the show and keeps the history coming. Sign up now.  Donations are always welcome and help keep the History of WWII Podcast free for all. Follow The History of WWII Podcast: RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 536-The Red Arm Strikes Back: Blood in the Snow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 24:28


    Having tasted defeat and now victory, Stalin wants more operations in southern Russia. And what he gets will change the course of the war on the Eastern Front. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 535-The First Cracks Appear

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 21:02


    The Axis retreat from the Don River was haphazard. Armies were lost as was much equipment. Army Group South would regroup and form another line, but it was much reduced and the Soviets were only getting stronger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Ep 534-Becky Aikman Interview-Spitfires:The American Women Who Flew in the Face of Danger During WWII

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 40:15


    Writer Becky Aikman tells the story of American female pilots that chose to go to Britain, to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary. While flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, they live their lives to the fullest. It's a new land and a new chance to reinvent themselves. But not all will make it to the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 533-And the Germans Were Left Standing Alone

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 23:05


    As the Stavka made the South its main area of operations in 1942, saving Stalingrad was only the beginning. Next, the Italians were wiped out, then the Romanians were finished off. Now, it was the Hungarian's turn and what was coming at them was a tidal wave of steel, shot and shell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 532-Operation Little Saturn Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 22:19


    With the 8th Italian Army destroyed, the Soviets will now focus on the German forces SE of Stalingrad and the 2nd Hungarian Army. The US liaison officer will see the results of these battles and report the slaughter to FDR. Meanwhile, Gen. Manstein is forced to order a pull back of all forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 531-Operation Little Saturn Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 22:15


    Picking another weak point of the Axis defensive line to the NW of Stalingrad, the Italian 8th, the Hungarian 2nd and what remained of the Romanian 3rd Armies would be attacked. Then the airfield feeding Gen. Paulus' 6th Army would be raided. The German forces would be tied down and unable to assist. Punch by punch Army Group South is losing its strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 530-Operation Mars

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 27:21


    Operation Mars was the sister Soviet counter attack to Uranus, which freed Stalingrad. But Mars would end very differently for the Soviets. When it was all over, the Stavka would turn their attention back to the south.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Ep 529-Interview w/Jonathan Horn: The Fate of the Generals

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 47:24


    Author Jonathan Horn's Book, The Fate of Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright and the Epic battle for the Philippines, covers the experiences of both generals during the war. Yet, one is remembered by history, the other, not so much. This book seeks to rectify this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 528-Operation Northern Lights

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 26:53


    Gen. von Manstein is sent north to capture Leningrad. But days before his attack is launched, the Soviets launch their own. And the results of this battle will be felt all the way to Stalingrad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 527-Winning By Other Means

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 21:39


    The German 17th Army on the Taman peninsula is bending, but not breaking. Then the Soviets realize, they don't have to win, just hold. For events at Kursk will decide the fate of the Caucasus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 526-Operation Neptune

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 26:06


    With the building up of troops on the Taman Peninsula, the Germans realize they need an all out attack to drive the enemy back into the Black Sea. Thus Operation Neptune is born. Yet as the Germans look into their cupboard for reserves, they are shocked by what they find. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    german black sea operation neptune
    Episode 525-Alone, Isolated and About to Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 19:56


    Now that Stalingrad is liberated, the Stavka decide to clear the Caucasus of Axis troops. Which means annihilating the German 17th Army and the Romanian 3rd Army. But Soviet mistakes will start things off badly for the, now attackers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 524-The Line Has Been Drawn at Stalingrad

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 22:46


    With overwhelming forces, the German 6th Army is trapped by the Soviets and then reduced. Paulus does not want to surrender, but the call is not his to make. The 6th Army is no more and Army Group South is very much weakened for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 523-Resistance Is Futile

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 21:42


    The Soviets squeeze the trapped German 6th Army even more. Axis air fields are attacked, making it impossible to feed Paulus' men. By January of 1943, the Russian winter now has its grip on the Axis soldiers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 522-Operation Winter Storm

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 30:25


    As Gen. Manstein readies for Operation Thunderclap, the breakout of the German 6th Army, the Soviets attack again. This time, against the Italian 8th Army. They will be no more successful in resisting, than were the Romanians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 521-Decision Time: Fight or Flight

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 22:45


    Operation Uranus is launched. The Axis forces, caught unawares, fall back. Berlin makes plans, but they simply do not have the means to counter the Soviet attack, not that they realize this yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 520-Operation Uranus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 22:34


    While Stalingrad holds out, additional Soviet Armies are being assembled nearby. And in mid November they would be launched, to either side of Gen. Paulus' 6th Army. If all goes well, those German troops within and near Stalingrad would be surrounded. But the trap must first be set. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 519-Defeat is Always Possible. But Will it Be Today?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 21:40


    Stalingrad's defenders are pushed to the breaking point. Worse, they are only sometimes given help by Zhukov. The Germans attack again and the defense all but collapses. Fortunately, the attackers get tired and the Russians hang on. Meanwhile, while Zhukov is making moves behind the lines, certain German officers realize, how weak the Romanian divisions are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 518-Stalin's Latest Mistake

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 23:45


    The attack against northern Stalingrad fairs well, still the defenders on holding on. But Stalin is unsatisfied, he wants counter attacks. It will waste men and ammunition, but no one argues with Stalin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Episode 517-The Black Hole That Is Stalingrad

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 27:36


    As Gen. Paulus' second major attack on Stalingrad gets underway, he's even more impatient as he had been offered a promotion. But first, he must take the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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