Podcast appearances and mentions of James Holland

This is the second episode in a 5-part series marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in August 1945. Most wars do not end in total victory. They usually end at the negotiating table after years of indecisive combat. What made the Second World War different? Was the Allied formula of unconditional surrender counter-productive? In this episode, acclaimed war historian and podcaster James Holland breaks down the arguments for and against unconditional surrender, concluding that FDR made the right call at the Casablanca Conference in 1943. The Axis powers of Germany and Japan bore the responsibility for prolonging the war to the bitter end, taking millions of lives with them. Further reading/listening: Victory '45: The End of War in Eight Surrenders by James Holland and Al Murray WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

What really tipped the scales in the Allies' favour during World War II? In this episode, we break down five critical reasons behind the Allied victory - from strategic coordination to Hitler's own catastrophic mistakes.Joining us to dig into this is James Holland, historian of the Second World War and co-host of the 'We Have Ways of Making You Talk' podcast.Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.Join Dan and the team for a special LIVE recording of Dan Snow's History Hit on Friday, 12th September 2025! To celebrate 10 years of the podcast, Dan is putting on a special show of signature storytelling, never-before-heard anecdotes from his often stranger-than-fiction career, as well as answering the burning questions you've always wanted to ask!Get tickets here, before they sell out: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/dan-snows-history-hit/.You can now find Dan Snow's History Hit on YouTube! Watch episodes every Friday (including this one) here.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.We'd love to hear your feedback - you can take part in our podcast survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com.

"James Holland is now our foremost authority on the Italian campaign."Find out why our host, John C. McManus, says that as Holland returns to Someone Talked! with part 2 of our discussion of Cassino '44. Holland follows a rich cast of characters from both sides to create this compelling and often heart-breaking narrative, told in the moment, as the events played out, and from the perspective of those who lived, fought, and died there.   t

Send us a message or question! This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our  with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II.  Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply as "Woody", developed a fascination for history and the Second World War. Paul now lives in Normandy in France, and is a Battlefield guide, historical advisor, and consultant on numerous projects.He is an author, including the book, Angels of Mercy, which relates the history of the village of Angoville-au-Plain, during the Second World War. He has appeared on numerous other productions including Walking the Ground with James Holland and Al Murray, History Rage, and History Hack. He was also an extra in some pretty incredible productions including Enigma (2001), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Memphis Belle (1990). What a CV! The discussion  delves into how the air war is remembered and memorialized in France,  and in particular in Normandy. We debate the impact of civilian casualties, and the ongoing debates surrounding the ethics of bombing campaigns. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, the episode highlights the importance of understanding the broader context of the air war and its legacy.WW2TV is one of the best history shows out there, with experts and enthusiasts from all over the world sharing their knowledge, perspectives and passions. And there's a MAHOOSIVE back catalogue of episodes. You can watch James talk about the raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and listen to his excellent discussion on Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain ;  you can also watch Jane's contributions on the Handley Page Halifax and Bomber Command Gardening Operations. Support the showPlease subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams. Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .You can read more about Jane's work on her website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/, and listen to podcasts/media stuff here

Send us a message or question! This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our  with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II.  Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply as "Woody", developed a fascination for history and the Second World War. Paul now lives in Normandy in France, and is a Battlefield guide, historical advisor, and consultant on numerous projects.He is an author, including the book, Angels of Mercy, which relates the history of the village of Angoville-au-Plain, during the Second World War. He has appeared on numerous other productions including Walking the Ground with James Holland and Al Murray, History Rage, and History Hack. He was also an extra in some pretty incredible productions including Enigma (2001), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Memphis Belle (1990). What a CV! The discussion  delves into how the air war is remembered and memorialized in France,  and in particular in Normandy. We debate the impact of civilian casualties, and the ongoing debates surrounding the ethics of bombing campaigns. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, the episode highlights the importance of understanding the broader context of the air war and its legacy.WW2TV is one of the best history shows out there, with experts and enthusiasts from all over the world sharing their knowledge, perspectives and passions. And there's a MAHOOSIVE back catalogue of episodes. You can watch James talk about the raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and listen to his excellent discussion on Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain ;  you can also watch Jane's contributions on the Handley Page Halifax and Bomber Command Gardening Operations.Support the showPlease subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams. Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .You can read more about Jane's work on her website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/, and listen to podcasts/media stuff here

On this episode of #TheGlobalExchange, Colin Robertson sits down with Hon. Perrin Beatty, Vice-Admiral (Retd) Mark Norman, Vincent Rigby and Tim Sargent to discuss the risks and opportunities of the recently announced Canada-European Union Security and Defence partnership. // Participants' bios - Hon. Perrin Beatty is a former Minister of National Defence, former President and CEO of CBC and former President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. - Vice-Admiral (Retd) Mark Norman served as the Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy and former Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. - Vincent Rigby is a former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and is Slater Family Professor of Practice at McGill's Max Bell School of Public Policy. - Tim Sargent served as Deputy Minister in several portfolios and is now Senior Fellow and Director of the Domestic Policy Program at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute. // Host bio: Colin Robertson is a former diplomat and Senior Advisor to the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. // Reading Recommendations: - "The Allies Strike Back, 1941-1943" by James Holland - "The Three-Body Problem" by Cixin Liu - "On Freedom" by Timothy Snyder // Music Credit: Drew Phillips | Producer: Jordyn Carroll // Recording Date: July 11, 2025 Release date: July 15, 2025

There is no such thing as an easy victory in war but after triumph in Tunisia, the sweeping success of the Sicilian invasion, and with the Italian surrender, the Allies were confident that they would be in Rome before Christmas 1943. And yet it didn't happen. Hitler ordered his forces to dig in and fight for every yard, thus setting the stage for one of the grimmest and most attritional campaigns of the Second World War. James Holland tells the definitive account of this brutal battle in Cassino '44.

This summer it's 80 years since the greatest conflict in human history came to an end. To mark the anniversary, the military historian, author and broadcaster James Holland has co-written a book that tells the story of the final moments of The Second World War through the Axis surrenders that brought the conflict to a close. In this episode James revisits these dramatic episodes in the company of Rob Attar. (Ad) James Holland is the author of Victory '45: The End of the War in Eight Surrenders (Bantam, 2025). Buy it now from Waterstones: https://go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535947&xcust=historyextra-social-histboty&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterstones.com%2Fbook%2Fvictory-45%2Fjames-holland%2Fal-murray%2F2928377317966. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  4/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 GOLD BEACH

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  8/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 GOLD

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  7/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 SWORD

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  6/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 SWORD

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  5/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 GOLD

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  1/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 GOLD BEACH

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  3/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 JUNO BEACH

REMEMBERING WHEN TOMMY ATKINS HIT GOLD, SWORD AND JUNO BEACH :  2/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe.1944 GOLD

James Holland is an English historian, author, and broadcaster who specialises in the history of the Second World War. Follow James on X - https://x.com/James1940 SPONSOR. Go to https://shipstation.com and use code TRIGGER to sign up for your FREE trial. SPONSOR. Express VPN. Go to https://www.expressvpn.com/trigger/ to get 4 months FREE Join our exclusive TRIGGERnometry community on Substack! https://triggernometry.substack.com/ OR Support TRIGGERnometry Here: Bitcoin: bc1qm6vvhduc6s3rvy8u76sllmrfpynfv94qw8p8d5 Shop Merch here - https://www.triggerpod.co.uk/shop/ Advertise on TRIGGERnometry: marketing@triggerpod.co.uk Find TRIGGERnometry on Social Media: https://twitter.com/triggerpod https://www.facebook.com/triggerpod/ https://www.instagram.com/triggerpod/ About TRIGGERnometry: Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians. 00:00 Introduction 06:00 How Popular Was Anti-Semitism? 08:10 What Was Britain Doing At This Early Stage? 15:50 Was Churchill A Lone Voice In Opposition? 21:00 France And Britain Declaring War On Germany 29:39 How Churchill Became Prime Minister 34:07 Is It All The Belgians Fault? 51:07 Was Going To War With Germany A Mistake? 58:29 Could Churchill Have Reached A Peace Deal With Hitler? 01:01:35 What Were The Practical Reasons For Britain Continuing The Fight Alone? 01:08:34 How Did Britain Get Out Of This Situation? 01:21:24 Hitler's Delusional Actions 01:26:10 The Rationale For Allied Bombings Of Germany And Japan 01:32:30 What's The One Thing We're Not Talking About That We Should Be? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textChalke History Festival with (Laura Bailey) In this episode of American Civil War & UK History podcast, host Daz is joined by Laura Bailey, the Joint Programme Director of the Chalke History Festival, to discuss all things ChalkeThe Chalke History Festival, which began in 2011 as a fundraiser for a local cricket club in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury, has grown to become the UK's largest history festival It was the brainchild of two individuals: James Holland, a club stalwart and historian, and James Heneage, the founder and former CEO of Ottakar's bookshops. Since its inception, the festival has significantly expanded and is now recognized as the "largest in Britain dedicated entirely to history," often referred to as the "Glastonbury of history festivals." This not-for-profit organization operates as a charitable trust known as the Chalke History Trust. Initially, a small event featuring just 12 speakers, the festival is now committed to making history accessible and engaging, particularly for younger audiences.Chalke History Festival's Website https://www.chalkefestival.com/ACW & UK History's Website.https://darrenscivilwarpag8.wixsite.com/acwandukhistoryACW & UK History's Pages.https://linktr.ee/ACWandUKHISTORYSupport the show

6/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 1944 5TH DIVISION ITALY

1/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 1943 CALDARI ITALY

2/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 1943 2ND CAMERONIANS 5TH DIVISION, ITALY

3/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 19433 MULES BETTER IN THE MUD.

4/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel OCTOBER 1943. ITALY

5/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 1944 ITALY

7/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 1944 ITALY 269/67TH        

8/8: Cassino '44: The Brutal Battle for Rome Hardcover – November 12, 2024 by  James Holland  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Cassino-44-Brutal-Battle-Rome/dp/080216384X As the new year of 1944 began in Italy, the Allied army's momentum had ground to a halt just south of the vaunted German Gustav Line of defense, far short of their initial objective of liberating Rome by Christmas. The fighting up the Italian peninsula had been brutal—rugged terrain, fierce resistance, terrible weather. While Allied leaders in London prepared for the cross-Channel invasion of France later that spring, the war in the West hinged in Italy. As bestselling historian James Holland relates in his seminal concluding volume on the Italy Campaign, the next five months saw two of World War II's most famous battles—the four ferocious assaults on Monte Cassino and the fraught landing northwest in the marshes at Anzio—culminating at last in the liberation of Rome on June 4, merely two days before D-Day. Based on twenty years of research, Cassino '44 offers perspectives and conclusions that differ from the standard narrative. Holland elevates the narrative of war, chronicling the dramatic events primarily through in-the-moment letters and diaries of those who were therel 1944 GURKAS OF 4TH INDIAN DIVISION ITALY

Preview Author James Holland, "Cassino 44," comments on the extreme starvation and devastation suffered by the Italian civilians caught between the battles from Naples to Rome. More later. 1944 ITALY

Preview Author James Holland, "Cassino 44," describes how the American Red Bull Division's initial attack nearly succeeded in capturing the fortified monastery and town that afterward would require another six months of casualties and frustration. More later. 1944 CASSINO ASSAULT

What is a Khaki Election? Why did the Labour party win the 1945 General Election in a landslide? How did Clement Atlee beat Winston Churchill in the polls? Join Al Murray and James Holland as they dissect the pivotal British election held in the closing months of WW2, in which the Conservative grip on power was overturned by the desire for a 'New Jerusalem'. Listen ad-free on Patreon - sign up at patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale ticket events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with book and model discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   4/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945.

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   8/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. 1944 OMAHA BEACH

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   6/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945.

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   5/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945.

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   5/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. 1944 IK,E MARSHALL, BRADLEY, KING

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   3/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. 1944 OFF UTAH BEACH

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   2/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945 1944 IKE AND BRADLEY

EIGHTY-FIRST REMEBRANCE OF D-DAY JUNE 6,  1944:   1/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945.

James Holland is a historian specializing in World War II. He hosts a podcast called WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk. Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep470-sc See below for timestamps, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. CONTACT LEX: Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama Hiring - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring Other - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact EPISODE LINKS: James's Books: https://amzn.to/4caapmt James's X: https://x.com/James1940 James's Instagram: https://instagram.com/jamesholland1940 James's Substack: https://james1940.substack.com WW2 Pod (Podcast - Apple): https://apple.co/4l93Dl3 WW2 Pod (Podcast - YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@wehaveways WW2 Pod (Podcast - Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/34VlAepHmeloDD76RX4jtc WW2 Pod (Podcast - X): https://x.com/WeHaveWaysPod SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: Shopify: Sell stuff online. Go to https://shopify.com/lex LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix. Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex AG1: All-in-one daily nutrition drink. Go to https://drinkag1.com/lex Notion: Note-taking and team collaboration. Go to https://notion.com/lex OUTLINE: (00:00) - Introduction (00:34) - Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections (07:25) - World War II (17:23) - Lebensraum and Hitler ideology (24:36) - Operation Barbarossa (40:49) - Hitler vs Europe (1:02:35) - Joseph Goebbels (1:12:29) - Hitler before WW2 (1:17:25) - Hitler vs Chamberlain (1:39:31) - Invasion of Poland (1:44:07) - Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact (1:52:09) - Winston Churchill (2:16:09) - Most powerful military in WW2 (2:38:31) - Tanks (2:48:30) - Battle of Stalingrad (3:01:21) - Concentration camps (3:10:53) - Battle of Normandy (3:24:45) - Lessons from WW2 PODCAST LINKS: - Podcast Website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast - Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr - Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 - RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ - Podcast Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrAXtmErZgOdP_8GztsuKi9nrraNbKKp4 - Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/lexclips

Did the British send Royal Navy fleets into the fight against Japan? Was Stalin the new Napoleon of Europe? And what exactly is a wigeon? Join Al Murray and James Holland as they discuss a range of poltical and military topics, from The West to The Far East, as well as answering subscriber questions. Listen ad-free on Patreon and get your questions featured on the show - sign up at patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do so many people believe Hitler escaped Nazi Germany at the end of WW2? What did the Soviets cover up in the ruins of The Third Reich? How did modern forensic science finally prove the truth behind Hitler's teeth? Join Al Murray and James Holland as they crack the true crime cold case that has fascinated the world since 1945. Listen ad-free on Patreon - sign up at patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did President Roosevelt want to end American Imperialism? What was the NAACP? What impact did the Treaty of Versailles have? Join Al Murray, James Holland, and John McManus as they discuss the fallout of WWI, the origins of the Cold War, and how to end the Pacific War against Imperial Japan. Subscribe now for ad-free listening and other membership perks - patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 8th saw the final surrender of Nazi Germany, marking the end of the Second World War in Europe. Eighty years on, we're taking a look at the final months of fighting in 1945. What were the experiences of US troops like on the ground? And what motivated the strategies of its political leaders?Don's guest is James Holland, co-host of the podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk. His new book, Victory ‘45: The End of the War in Eight Surrenders, is out on April 24th.Edited and produced by Tom Delargy. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.

What does Keir Starmer think is his most important duty as Prime Minister? Why should we remember VE Day? What is Britain's role in WW2, and NATO, for international peace? Join Al Murray and James Holland as they interview the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, in a wide-ranging chat overlooking the Rose Garden, for the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at 10 Downing Street. And find out the most important question of all - what is Keir Starmer's favourite war movie? Watch the full video ad-free on Patreon - sign up at patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter - packed with discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In which comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland talk about their new book Victory '45 and our twin national obsessions, the Second World War and The Beatles. Includes:….how being emotionally shut down enabled Montgomery to collect the surrender at Luneburg Heath….how a profound sense of duty helped Harry Truman make the most dreadful decisions anyone has ever faced…how German soldiers could keep on invoicing right until the end…what all this has to tell us about our present predicament…why thousands of blokes in camo (and a surprising amount of women) attend their We Have Ways Fest every summer: https://wehavewaysfest.co.uk/….what it is that continues to fascinate us about World War II.….how its story is being told in new ways…how they both came to The BeatlesBuy Victory '45 here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victory-45-history-bestselling-historians/dp/0857507958Help us to keep the conversation going by joining our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Hitler really commit suicide in his underground bunker in 1945? Which top Nazis hid under Berlin as it perished? Why are conspiracy theorists not convinced by the official set of events? From shotgun weddings to murdered pets, the true horror of the Führer's condition are revealed by Al Murray and James Holland as they detail Adolf Hitler's final days in his secret bunker. Join James Holland & Al Murray as they uncover the pivotal but often overlooked final moments of WW2 in Europe. EPISODES 5-8 ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS EARLY & AD FREE - SIGN UP AT patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter book and model discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the Battle of Berlin begin? Was Germany doomed from the start? Did Stalin make the situation worse? Al Murray and James Holland explore the opening moments of the Battle of Berlin - from Stalin's psychotic leadership style, the pincer movement that captured the heart of Nazi Germany and the race to capture the Reichstag. Join James Holland & Al Murray as they uncover the pivotal but often overlooked final moments of WW2 in Europe. EPISODES 5-8 ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS EARLY & AD FREE - SIGN UP AT patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter book and model discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why did Truman become president in 1945 when FDR died? Was Roosevelt a Machiavellian populist? Why don't modern politicians study more history? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by star of The Rest Is Politics US and former Trump press secretary - Anthony Scaramucci - to discuss the most pivotal men of the 20th Century and their impact on the world today. EPISODES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS AD FREE - SIGN UP AT patreon.com/wehaveways A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Email: wehavewayspodcast@gmail.com Join our ‘Independent Company' to watch exclusive livestreams, get presale events, and our weekly newsletter book and model discounts. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LAST TIME EUROPE WASN'T READY TO FIGHT:  6/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 Utah

LAST TIME EUROPE WASN'T READY TO FIGHT:  5/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 Ike 

LAST TIME EUROPE WASN'T READY TO FIGHT:  8/8: Brothers in Arms: One Legendary Tank Regiment's Bloody War from D-Day to VE-Day, by James Holland https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YS123SZ/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0 In the annals of World War II, certain groups of soldiers stand out, and among the most notable were the Sherwood Rangers. Originally a cavalry unit in the last days of horses in combat, whose officers were landed gentry leading men who largely worked for them, they were switched to the “mechanized cavalry” of tanks in 1942. Winning acclaim in the North African campaign, the Sherwood Rangers then spearheaded one of the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944; led the way across France; were the first British troops to cross into Germany, and contributed mightily to Germany's surrender in May 1945. Inspired by Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers, the acclaimed WWII historian James Holland memorably profiles an extraordinary group of citizen soldiers constantly in harm's way. Their casualties were horrific, but their ranks immediately refilled. Informed by never-before-seen documents, letters, photographs, and other artifacts from Sherwood Rangers' families—an ongoing fraternity—and by his own deep knowledge of the war, Holland offers a uniquely intimate portrait of the war at ground level, introducing heretofore unknowns such as the Commanding Officer Stanley Christopherson, the squadron commander John Semken, Sergeant George Dring, and other memorable characters who helped the regiment become the single unit with the most battle honors of any ever in the British army. He weaves the Sherwood Rangers' exploits into the larger narrative and strategy of the war, and also brings fresh analysis to the tactics used. Following the Sherwood Rangers' brutal journey over the dramatic eleven months between D-Day and V-E Day, Holland presents a vivid and original perspective on the endgame of WWII in Europe. 1944 Gold