The Second World War

In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Ronald Drabkin, the author of Beverly Hills Spy. In this excellent book, the author takes us through the story of Frederick Rutland, a man who was a British hero from the Great War, a companion of Hollywood stars, and a spy that gave the Japanese valuable intelligence that helped them in their attack on Pearl Harbour. I encourage you to pick up Beverly Hills Spy through this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hPM6ePVisit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwarConsider supporting me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

The Germans have been busy during 1941. Not only had they invaded the Soviet Union and continued the Battle of the Atlantic, they also had occupied several countries and were still trying to deal with Britain. This included a bombing campaign, as well as the war in North Africa. This episode brings us to the eve of Pearl Harbor as the Second World War prepares for another major change.This episode is brought to you by Fiverr. Visit https://www.stephenjbedard.com/FiverrPlease visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar and follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast.Consider supporting me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason

The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of the Battle of the Atlantic from June 1941 to December 1941, highlighting the struggle between the Allies and German U-boats, as well as the growing involvement of the United States. This period, though marked by some Allied progress, still saw heavy losses as Germany sought to knock Britain out of the war. German Strategy and Wolf Pack Tactics: Germany, heavily engaged on the Eastern Front, still prioritized defeating Britain by targeting its supply lines. Admiral Karl Dönitz intensified U-boat attacks, employing wolf pack tactics, where multiple U-boats coordinated nighttime attacks on Allied convoys. Escorts, when diverted to one U-boat, left the convoys vulnerable to others. Allied Challenges: The Allies struggled with the mid-Atlantic gap, a vast area beyond the range of aircraft, where U-boats operated with relative impunity. Despite improved convoy protection by the Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy, the Allies suffered significant shipping losses. Significant Engagements: Convoy HX 112 (June 1941): Heavy Allied losses, but the British managed to sink U-100 and U-99, capturing high-ranking German commanders. Convoy SC 42 (September 1941): German U-boats sank 16 of 65 ships, but escorts destroyed 2 U-boats. Convoy HG 73 (September 1941): 10 Allied ships were sunk, but 1 U-boat was destroyed. Losses: Germans sank 433 Allied merchant ships (approximately 2.1 million tons of shipping) during this period. The Allies sank 24 U-boats, reflecting improved tactics and experience in anti-submarine warfare, but the Germans remained dominant. U.S. Involvement and the Atlantic Charter: Atlantic Charter (August 1941): U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill outlined eight principles for a post-war world, emphasizing freedom, self-determination, economic cooperation, and disarmament. While not a formal alliance, it signaled U.S. support for Britain. American warships began escorting convoys and providing material aid, including the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers. These long-range bombers helped close the mid-Atlantic gap by targeting U-boats with radar and depth charges. The Balance of Power: Despite Allied advancements in anti-U-boat warfare and U.S. support, the Germans were still winning the Battle of the Atlantic, inflicting severe losses on Allied shipping by the time the U.S. entered the war after Pearl Harbor. The episode concludes with the Allies making slow progress but facing significant challenges as German U-boats continued to dominate the Atlantic. My recommended book is: Battle of the Atlantic: Gauntlet to Victory (Amazon affiliate link) Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Support me through Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

It is October and November of 1941. The weather is getting colder and only so much can be done before General Winter makes his appearance. Can the Germans make it to Moscow? In this episode, we look at Operation Typhoon and Germany's attempt to gain a major victory while they still have time. My recommended book is The First Soldier: Hitler as Military Leader by Stephen Fritz. You can purchase it at this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4hTcHbW Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Ken served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), beginning his career during the Second World War and wrote his story, which became From Biplanes to Fast Jets. Unlike many of his peers, Ken did not release after the war but continued to fly, including some of the first Jets in the RAF. Get From Biplanes to Fast Jets here: https://amzn.to/3XVdBNd (Amazon affiliate link) Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Support me at http://www.patreon/hopesreason   Follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast and http://www.facebook.com/secondworldwarpodcast  

In this episode, we look at the summer of 1941, specifically the battles for Smolensk, Leningrad, and Kiev. The Germans move forward and the Soviets attempt to push back. Visit me at my website. Discover the resources at Fiverr. Get Operation Barbarossa: Hitler's Invasion of Russia 1941 (Amazon affiliate link) Support me through Patreon.

In this episode, I speak to Mike Croissant who is the author of Bombing Hitler's Hometown. This book is the story of the last major bombing run of the war in Europe. It also happened to be the town where Adolf Hitler grew up. This book gives an amazing description of the experience of dozens of men on this bombing mission. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link. You can find out more about Mike at his website. You visit me at my website. Please support me at Patreon.

One of the most influential organizations in the wars of the 20th Century was the Royal Navy. Jim Carter, in his book Hearts of Steel, gives us a snapshot of some of the pivotal years by looking at the activity of a handful of ships. You can find our more about Jim Carter at his website. You can purchase Hearts of Steel through this Amazon affiliate link. Visit me at my website. Support me through Patreon.

In this episode, I speak with Jason Bell, author of Cracking the Nazi Code. This book tells the true story of Winthrop Bell, a Canadian philosopher who worked for MI6 between WWI and WWII as a spy, providing important intelligence. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link. You can find out more about Jason Cole at his faculty page, at his personal page, and at the book page. Support this podcast through Patreon. Visit me at my website.

One of the major turning points of the war was Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. This had long been Hitler's plan and now it was time to put those plans into action. The first few weeks included tremendous German success. But could they maintain that momentum? Visit me at my website. Support me on Patreon. Recommended book: Operation Barbarossa: Hitler's Invasion of Russia 1941 (Amazon affiliate link)

When we think of areas of operations during the Second World War, we often do not think of the Middle East. But in the summer of 1941, there was indeed some significant combat in Syria and Lebanon. Unfortunately, it was between Britain and her Dominions and Vichy France. Visit my website here. Support me through Patreon.

In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was happening in the Atlantic Ocean. Germany was trying to cut off Britain from all outside support by targeting shipping lanes. The Allies struggled to get the convoys to their destination from German ships, planes, and especially the dreaded U-Boats. This chapter takes us from the beginning of the war to late 1941. Support this podcast through Patreon. Visit my website.

On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied support, the Germans pushed through all defences. In this episode, we look at the invasion of the mainland and Crete. Please support this podcast through Patreon. Visit me at my website.

Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then having the Soviets return and eject the Nazis. And all this while only a child. John Livens shares about his experience as a boy in Latvia during the Second World War plus much more in his book An Unexpected Journey. In this episode, I talk to John about his experience during the war but his book covers much more material and is worth reading. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. Please support this podcast through Patreon.

In April of 1941, Germany, along with Italian and Hungarian allies, invaded Yugoslavia. This was part of German's actions in the Balkans that would include the invasion of Greece. In this episode, we look at how that invasion went and what happened after. Visit me at my website. This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. Support this podcast through Patreon.

The Italians failed to take Malta. Could the Germans do better? They needed to neutralize this island to allow supplies to reach North Africa. However, the British stubbornly held onto Malta and frustrated the plans of the Axis. Support this podcast through Patreon.

In a previous episode, we saw Italy struggle in its ambitions in North Africa. Could Germany succeed where Italy failed? In this episode, we look at the arrival of General Erwin Rommel and his activity with the Afrika Korps during 1941. This episode is brought to by Athletic Greens. Please support this podcast through Patreon.

We have been focusing on Germany and Italy but what has Japan been up to? While technically not yet involved in the Second World War, they are in a fierce battle to dominate China. However, it is not going as well as they had hoped. In this episode, we catch up with Japan and what they have been up to for some of 1939-40. Support this podcast through Patreon. Thus episode is brought to you be Athletic Greens.

Italy attempts to match their German partners by attacking in numerous places in the Mediterranean area. This includes Egypt, Malta, and Greece. While they have high hopes, each of these campaigns will leave them requiring the help of the Germans. For more on military history, visit me here. Support this podcast through Patreon.

Pope Pius XII was the pope during the Second World War. There is controversy over how he responded to the crisis. Should he have openly opposed Nazism or should he have positioned himself strategically for later negotiations? This is a special crossover episode between the Second World War Podcast and the History of Christianity Podcast. If you have a business, you need a website. What's the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem for thousands of online businesses, all around the world. Pair makes it easy for you, with do-it-yourself website building tools and features, including simple drag and drop page design. And they have guaranteed US-based support technicians ready to help you whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Right now, when you sign up with Pair Networks, you'll receive one free month of web hosting. See for yourself how easy it is to build your website for free! Visit pai.com/free to get your first month of website hosting for free by using the code QUICKSTART. That's pair.com/free, promo code QUICKSTART to get started today.

Italy was able to take British Somaliland. Could they duplicate that success with Egypt? They would soon find that Britain was much more motivated to hold onto Egypt. For more resources, please visit my website. This episode is brought to you by Pair. If you have a business, you need a website. What's the best way to get a website up and running? Choose a website hosting company that makes it simple, like Pair Networks. Pair has over 20 years of experience managing the entire digital ecosystem for thousands of online businesses, all around the world. Pair makes it easy for you, with do-it-yourself website building tools and features, including simple drag and drop page design. And they have guaranteed US-based support technicians ready to help you whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Right now, when you sign up with Pair Networks, you'll receive one free month of web hosting. See for yourself how easy it is to build your website for free! Visit pair.com/free to get your first month of website hosting for free by using the code QUICKSTART. That's pair.com/free, promo code QUICKSTART to get started today. (This is a paid advertisement)

In this episode, I talk to Rainy Horvath, who published the memoirs of her father who was a "hump pilot" during the Second World War. In this episode, you will hear about a theatre of the war and a type of mission that does not get talked about enough. Make sure to visit Rainy at her website. This episode is brought to you by Stamps.com. Save time and money this holiday season with Stamps.com. o Sign up with promo code POD for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale. No long-term commitments or contracts. o Just go to stamps.com, click the microphone at the top of the page, and enter code POD.

So far we have been focusing on Germany but what about Italy? Mussolini still intended to build his empire. A logical place to start was British Somaliland, especially with the defeat of Britain's allies, the French. This episode is brought to you by my other podcast: The History of Christianity podcast. Make sure to check it out. Also make sure to visit me at my website.

France has fallen. Is it Britain's turn next? Germany plans Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of Britain. But to be successful, the Luftwaffe will need to eliminate the RAF. This is the Battle of Britain. Visit me at my website. Today's podcast is presented by PODGO. PODGO is the easiest way for you to monetize your podcast. Providing podcasters with a flat rate for ad space so you always know how much you get when you include an ad from PODGO. Apply today to become a member and immediately be connected with advertisers that fit your audience. That's PODGO.CO at P-O-D-G-O dot C-O And be sure to add our podcast in the “How did you hear about PODGO?” section of the application! You can also support me through Patreon.

The French had fought valiantly but how how long could they resist. The Germans were using innovative tactics that the French had never conceived of. Between the panzers and the Luftwaffe, they could not catch a break. In this episode, we look at how the Battle of France ends. Please visit me at my website. This episode is brought to you by Db. We are teaming up with Db to exclusively offer our listeners 10% off your next purchase by using the code POD10 or going to this link.

With almost a quarter of a million British troops stranded at Dunkirk, the majority of Britain's land forces, it looked like there was no hope. But then something happened. In this episode, we look at the miracle of Dunkirk, the amazing rescue that was both terrifying and inspiring. Make sure to visit me at my website. This episode is brought to you by Hello Fresh! Use the code HFAFF80 to $80 off your visit. Includes Free Shipping on First Box!

Previously, the Germans had attacked through Holland and Belgium, exactly what the Allies expected. Now, the Germans turn to their unexpected real plan, a thrust through the Ardennes Forest. This episode is brought to you by Omio. Use the code OMIO5 for 5% off before July 31, 2021. You can support this podcast through Patreon or by download a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of Audible. Visit me at my website.

In this episode, I talk to Graham Hurley, author of Last Flight to Stalingrad. Our talk ranges from the role of propaganda to the battle of Stalingrad. Make sure to visit Graham' website and find more on Military History here.

The conflict in Norway between the Axis and Allies was only a taste of what was to come. France must fall. But how? The first (but not only) part of the invasion would come through the low countries of the Netherlands and Belgium. The French and British came to their aid but things didn't go the way of the Allies. Please support this podcast through Patreon or by downloading a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of Audible. For more resources on the Second World War, visit me here.

The Second World War started with the invasion of Poland. But who was next? And what would the French and British do about it? This episode looks at the German invasion of Danish and Norway. Visit me at my website. Support this podcast through Patreon or by downloading a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of Audible.

In the episode, I interview author Clare Mulley. Clare has written a couple of biographies related to the Second World War, telling stories that many of us have not heard before. You will enjoy our conversation. Please visit Clare at her website. Some of Clare's books: The Woman Who Saved the Children: A Biography of Eglantyne Jebb: Founder of Save the Children The Spy Who Loved: The Secrets and Lives of Christine Granville The Women Who Flew for Hitler: A True Story of Soaring Ambition and Searing Rivalry For more resources on the Second World War, visit my blog.

Before there was the Battle of France, before there was the Battle of Britain, there was the Winter War. Just months after the start of the Second World War, the Soviet Union invaded Finland. But it didn't go quite the way they had hoped. Please support this podcast by downloading a FREE audiobook with a FREE trial of Audible or by supporting me through Patreon. You can find other blog posts and podcast episodes at my website.

In this episode, we look at the events of the first month of the Second World War. We take a snapshot of September 1939 and see the seeds for much of what would happen throughout the rest of the war. Please support this podcast by getting a FREE audio book with a FREE trial of Audible. Come and visit me at my website.

The beginning of the Second World War is generally understood as being at the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September, 1939. Hitler created an excuse for invading and unleashed his forces on an outdated Polish army. Even knowing that Britain and France would not accept this, Hitler took this step, confident in the weakness of his enemies and the protection of his non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. The world would never be the same. My recommended audiobook is: The Nazi Invasion of Poland: The History of the Campaign That Started World War II "The object of the war is...to physically destroy the enemy. That is why I have prepared, for the moment only in the East, my 'Death's Head' formations with orders to kill without pity or mercy all men, women, and children of Polish descent or language. Only in this way can we obtain the living space we need." (Hitler, August 1939) Throughout 1938 and 1939, conflict broke out across Europe after the social and economic disorder brought about by World War I helped the Nazis rise to power in Germany. In 1937, Adolf Hitler declared the Treaty of Versailles void and began aggressively annexing parts of the European continent. Europe's attempts to appease him, most notably at Munich in 1938, failed as Nazi Germany swallowed up Austria and Czechoslovakia by 1939. Italy was on the march as well, invading Albania in April of 1939. The straw that broke the camel's back, however, was Germany's invasion of Poland on September 1 of that year. Two days later, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany, and World War II began in earnest. Of course, as most people now know, the invasion of Poland was merely the preface to the Nazi blitzkrieg of most of Western Europe, which would include Denmark, Belgium, and France by the summer of 1940. The resistance put up by these countries is often portrayed as weak, and the narrative is that the British stood alone in 1940 against the Nazi onslaught, defending the British Isles during the Battle of Britain and preventing a potential German invasion. Download this audiobook for FREE with a FREE trial of Audible.

The Second World War really starts with the German invasion of Poland. But what were Japan and Italy up to as Germany was preparing to invade? This episode looks at what was happening in China and Ethiopia in the mid to late 1930s.

Can we think of two greater monsters of the 20th century than that of Hitler and Stalin. Although the Second World War ended with them as bitter enemies, it began with them in cooperation. This episode looks at what led to the nonaggression pact.

The German invasion of Czechoslovakia was a turning point in Hitler's acts of aggression. This was the necessary step to transition from annexing fellow Germans in Austria to invading the non-German Poland, thus starting the Second World War.

Although the Second World War really begins with the invasion of Poland, Germany’s expansion began earlier with the annexation of Austria. This event, which Churchill described as “the rape of Austria,” was the first real glimpse of what Hitler intended for Eur

Between the First World War and the Second World War, there was another conflict that greatly impacted Europe. This was the Spanish Civil War. Although technically this was just a civil war between the Republicans and Nationalists, unofficially many of the nations that participated in the Second World War, were involved in the Spanish Civil War, at least unofficially. Hitler especially took advantage of this opportunity to perfect the strategies that he would use in the Second World War. My recommendation for an audio book is Hell and Good Company: The Spanish Civil War and the World It Made by Richard Rhodes. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author of The Making of the Atomic Bomb, the remarkable story of the Spanish Civil War through the eyes of the reporters, writers, artists, doctors, and nurses who witnessed it. Get this audiobook for free with a free trial of Audible through this link

When it comes to history, context is everything. Thankfully, we are blessed with great historical resources, including the German background. In this episode, I talk to Travis Dow, the host of the History of Germany podcast (and many more). We discuss some of what was happening in Germany between the wars, including attitudes toward communism and Judaism (make sure to listen to his episode on antisemitism). I’m always amazed at how much knowledge Travis has over such a wide span of German history. I would encourage you to check out Travis at his website and start listening to his podcast. My recommendation for this episode is William Shirer's Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Since its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer's monumental study of Hitler's German empire has been widely acclaimed as the defi

It is difficult to understand the Second World War without some concept of the First World War. Many of the seeds of what happened in 1939-1945 were planted in 1914-1918. Even some of the battles were fought on the same land by the same countries led by leaders who were in both wars. This episode provides a very broad outline of the major events of the First World War. For more details, my recommendation is Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August. You can get it as an audiobook and support this podcast at Audible.

Last time we looked at the countries that made up the Axis powers. This time we look at the Allies. The Allies are much more than just Britain, United States and the Soviet Union, even if they are considered “the Big Three.” Understanding the position these countries were in at the start of the war prepares us for what comes next. These countries, many of which had almost nothing in common, were coming together to fight their common enemies. I mention the China History podcast in this episode. You can find it here. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stejbed-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Allies W

In this episode, we begin to set the stage by looking at the Axis powers. What was happening in German, Italy and Japan at the time and who were their leaders? You may be surprised by how much these nations had in common and yet were different. Did you know that these nations were not on the same side in the First World War? Did you know that other countries beyond these three were part of the Axis? Find out these things in more in this episode. A recommend resource is Travis Dow’s History of Germany Podcast. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "stejbed-20"; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "Second World W

In this first episode, I share a little about myself and the direction of this podcast. In the episode, I mention the podcast by Ray Harris, Jr. You can find the History of WWII Podcast here. You should really check it out, it is quite good. However, I intend for my podcast to be somewhat different, reflecting my personality and interests. I hope that you will journey with me as we look at the Second World War and all of the events surrounding it. You can find out more about me at my main website.