Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Supersonic Nazi Vengeance: V2 Rocket (Part 1)

Feb 2, 2024
Discover the chilling origins of the V2 rocket during World War II, through the eyes of a young woman caught in its aftermath. British intelligence grapples with skepticism about the rocket's existence, leading to a dramatic bombing campaign. Explore the transformation of warfare as Germany shifts from artillery to advanced rocket technology. Unravel the V-2's complex development, revealing the tragic human cost and misguided ambitions of the Nazi regime amidst the chaos of war.
36:16

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The development of the V2 rocket became a strategic mistake for Nazi Germany, diverting resources from more practical and effective weapons.
  • The British bombing raid on Peenemünde failed to fully destroy the rocket facilities, leading to the development of the simpler and cheaper V1 weapon.

Deep dives

The V2 Rocket: A Costly Strategic Mistake

The podcast episode explores the story of the V2 rocket during World War II, highlighting how the development of this rocket weapon became a strategic mistake for Nazi Germany. The British intelligence officer, R.V. Jones, initially struggled to convince others that the rocket bomb existed, as it seemed impractical and a waste of resources. However, the V2 rocket program continued under Captain Dr. Walter Dornberger's leadership. The V2 rocket, which travelled faster than the speed of sound, proved to be devastating when it hit its target, but its unpredictability and lack of accuracy limited its military effectiveness. The V2 program resulted in significant economic and resource burdens for Germany, causing immense damage and loss of civilian lives without significant military impact.

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