WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk 23. Mutinies and the Battle for Malta
Jul 31, 2019
Al and James dive into the struggles of maintaining morale among Allied troops during WWII. They discuss the surprising decision to deny Malta much-needed Spitfires, highlighting leadership failures and their impacts on soldier spirits. Insights into aviation personalities reveal the contrasting dynamics between key figures, while intriguing anecdotes connect cricket history to wartime experiences. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of troop morale and espionage tactics, providing a captivating glimpse into the complexities of the era.
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Episode notes
Blue Mushy Peas
- Listener Sean Burlinson's granddad, serving in North Africa, made mushy peas using yellow split peas and blue ink.
- The commanding officer commended him for boosting morale with this taste of home.
Sunscreen in the Desert
- British soldiers in the desert lacked sun protection during WWII.
- American troops, however, had sunscreen, likely due to their experience with desert climates.
Morale and War Outcome
- Jonathan Fennell's book, "Fighting the People's War," explores morale in British and Commonwealth armies during WWII.
- It reveals that morale significantly impacted the war's outcome.
