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Christian Wolmar, "The Liberation Line: The Untold Story of How American Engineering and Ingenuity Won World War II" (Hachette, 2024)

Oct 2, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Christian Wolmar, a railway and history expert, reveals the critical yet overlooked role of railway engineers during World War II. He shares astonishing stories of heroism, including how 10,000 men rebuilt a 135-mile railway in just three days while under fire. The podcast also explores logistics challenges faced by military leaders and the use of ingenious methods, like improvised signaling systems, that ensured the Allies' success. Wolmar highlights the significance of these unsung heroes in winning the war.

01:01:30

Episode guests

Christian Wolmar

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The podcast highlights the vital, yet often overlooked, role of railway engineers in rebuilding Europe’s railways during WWII to support Allied operations.

It emphasizes the innovative methods and leadership that facilitated swift logistical responses following D-Day, crucial for maintaining supply lines during the campaign.

Deep dives

The Role of Railways in World War II Logistics

Railways played a crucial role in the logistics of World War II, significantly impacting military operations from D-Day onward. The podcast explores how train systems were essential for transporting troops and supplies, highlighting the scale of preparation undertaken prior to the landings. Over a year, extensive logistical plans were established, which included American troops arriving in Britain and extensive use of the British railway system, ultimately forming a part of Operation Overlord. This extensive setup facilitated the movement of vast resources such as ammunition, vehicles, and foodstuffs, underscoring the railways' importance to military success.

Intro

2min

Tracks of Victory: Railways in WWII

27min

Logistical Challenges and Military Leadership in WWII Railway Operations

4min

Railways of War: The Phantom Army Strategy

13min

Railways in WWII: Unsung Heroes

9min

The Enduring Role of Railways in Warfare

2min

They certainly were not soldiers, yet they suddenly found themselves in uniform, in a foreign land. But, as locomotive drivers, track-workers, conductors, porters, signalmen and engine cleaners, they knew how to run trains. And their job was to bring them back to life.

The Liberation Line: The Untold Story of How American Engineering and Ingenuity Won World War II (Hachette, 2024) by Christian Wolmar tells the thrilling story of the British and American railway engineers who, in the months after D-Day, worked around the clock and in great danger to rebuild the ravaged railways of Europe and keep the Allied forces fuelled as they pushed on into Germany. As territory was taken, these soldier-railroaders were close behind, rebuilding the lines, putting up telegraph wires, replacing bridges and laying track, all the while dodging bullets, shells and booby traps.

Tales of extraordinary feats and heroism abound, including how 10,000 men rebuilt a 135-mile-long railway in just three days; the reconstruction of the bridge over the Seine in two weeks while under bombardment; and the use of cigarette lighters as improvised signalling systems. Despite being critical to Allied victory, the role of the railwaymen has been largely forgotten or ignored. In a vivid and gripping narrative, Christian Wolmar brings to life this colourful cast of generals and engineers, without whose extraordinary bravery the liberation of France and invasion of Germany might well have foundered – and the course of history changed.

This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.

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