History of the Second World War

4.4 (65)
HISTORY
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History of the Second World War is a weekly podcast which will cover World War 2, beginning with the tumultuous years after the First World War, continuing into the descent into war during the 1930s, through the war years, and then into the post war aftermath.

11 JUN

220: The Battle About Britain Pt. 4 - The Channel Battle

This episode delves into the intense aerial battles of July 1940 during the Battle of Britain, focusing on the RAF and Luftwaffe's clash over the skies as Germany sought to dominate the English Channel and cripple British shipping and naval power. From fiery dogfights on July 10th to covert bombing raids that tested Nazi morale, the episode explores the strategic gambits, weather challenges, and human cost of this pivotal moment in WWII. With gripping accounts of high-stakes maneuvers and the looming threat of Operation Sea Lion, it’s a must-listen for history enthusiasts eager to uncover the drama that nearly changed the course of the war. Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 min
4 JUN

219: The Battle About Britain Pt. 3 - The Three Speeches

This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the pivotal moments of the Battle of Britain, exploring Winston Churchill’s powerful speeches that galvanized Britain during the 1940 air campaign. From vivid historical comparisons to the heroic sacrifices of RAF pilots, the episode unpacks the tension, strategy, and resilience that defined this critical conflict. Listeners will hear excerpts of Churchill’s iconic rhetoric, including his reflections on the "Few" and the daring defense of British skies, all while uncovering the lesser-known details that shaped one of history’s most defining battle. Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

38 min
3 JUN

Interview 39: Sisterhood of Ravensbrück with Lynne Olson

The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler's All-Female Concentration Camp By Lynne Olson The book is available starting June 3, 2025 published by Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/749046/the-sisterhood-of-ravensbruck-by-lynne-olson/ Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min
2 JUN • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Member 14: Operation Sea Lion

In which we take a deep dive into some of the German orders for the preparation of Operation Sea Lion, which can be found here: https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC/NewPDFs/GERMANY/GER%20Translations%20of%20OKW%20and%20F%C3%BChrer%20HQ%20Directives%20for%20the%20Invasion%20of%20the%20UK%20-%20Operation%20Seel%C3%B6we%20-%202%20July%20-%2020%20October%201940.pdf

24 min
29 MAY

218 - The Battle About Britain Pt. 2 - What Are We Doing Now?

In this episode of *History of the Second World War*, delve into the pivotal moment during the Battle of Britain as Britain grapples with the decision to reject German negotiations, leaving its fate hanging in the balance. Explore the high-stakes strategies employed by the Royal Air Force, from cutting-edge communication systems to coded orders like "scramble" and "vector 180 angels 10," which shaped the course of the conflict. With gripping insights into leadership, resilience, and the fog of war, this episode reveals how Britain’s defiance became a turning point in the fight against Nazi Germany. Don’t miss the behind-the-scenes look at the chaos and courage that defined this historic battle! Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 min
22 MAY

217 - The Battle About Britain Pt. 1 - What Are We Doing Next?

This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the critical moments of the Battle of Britain, exploring the German plan for invasion—Operation Sealion—and its unrealistic ambitions to cross the English Channel. As the Luftwaffe struggled with unclear strategies and fragmented operations in the summer of 1940, the episode reveals how chaos and uncertainty shaped the conflict. Listeners will uncover the high-stakes clash between Nazi ambitions and Britain’s desperate preparations, offering a gripping look at the turning point that defined the war’s outcome Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 min
14 MAY

216: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 8 - Operation Catapult

This episode of History of the Second World War delves into the pivotal moments of Operation Catapult, the controversial British effort to seize French naval assets in 1940 as France surrendered to Germany. Explore the tensions between Churchill’s aggressive wartime strategies and the moral dilemmas of targeting a defeated enemy’s fleet, while uncovering how this decision shaped Britain’s path in the Battle of Britain. With insights from historians like Robert Forczyk, who calls the operation a "nadir of British strategy," this episode challenges listeners to rethink the complexities of leadership, sacrifice, and the fog of war during WWII. Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 min
7 MAY

215: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 7 - Attrition Over France

This episode delves into the intense strategic clashes during the Battle of Britain, focusing on the critical decisions made in late May and early June 1940 as Allied forces grappled with the deteriorating situation in France. It explores the tension between Air Chief Marshal Dowding’s warnings about keeping fighters in Britain and the urgent demands from French leaders and the BEF for more aircraft, highlighting the high stakes of resource allocation during a pivotal moment in the war. With insights into Churchill’s War Cabinet debates and the looming threat of invasion, the episode unpacks how these choices shaped the course of the conflict and the future of Britain’s defense. Contact [email protected] to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 min

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Wesley Livesay

Host

4.4

out of 5

65 Ratings

Excellent

27/08/2023

veganman1961

A wonderful and detailed podcast. Great idea to examine the world prior to WW2.Well done.
Excellent research hampered by poor delivery

08/03/2024

MBelderson

I wish I could give this five stars, but these scripts are written in the past passive tense which is notoriously boring to read and, in this case, read aloud. It’s made worse by the repetition of words and phrases, sometimes in four sentences in a row. Because no-one is perfect, this is common in most early drafts. And it’s where an editor does their job by eliminating anything that acts as grit in the narrative’s gears. Throw in the very common refusal to look up how to pronounce an unfamiliar name and you end up with a show that could be so much better but just isn’t. However, the interviews are really good and don’t suffer in the same way.
Amazing!

18/01/2023

Mccallion08

Just recently found this podcast and it is the most in depth one ive ever listened to! Amazing series!
Ridiculous

26/12/2022

Angry Mike Vanes

One of the most researched Pods I've listened to. An absolute must for any history fan. Superb

History of the Second World War is a weekly podcast which will cover World War 2, beginning with the tumultuous years after the First World War, continuing into the descent into war during the 1930s, through the war years, and then into the post war aftermath.