WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk Atlantic Crossings, French Morale, & American Inaugurations
Jan 20, 2026
Explore the peculiar choice of green paint for ship and aircraft interiors, thought to enhance alertness. Delve into how the brutal winter of 1940 affected morale on the Western Front. Discover FDR's groundbreaking decision to seek a third term and his vision with the Four Freedoms. The chilling details of the Wannsee Conference are unveiled, alongside analyses of naval tactics and battles. Finally, examine the transitions in leadership and strategies shaping the postwar era.
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Atlantic Crossing And Shipboard Rituals
- Al Murray and James Holland describe crossing the mid-Atlantic and spotting the Bismarck wreck near Brest during a Queen Mary voyage.
- They recount ship details like the green-painted interiors, the captain's telescope ritual, and balcony cabin sea noise.
Why Interiors Are Painted Green
- Ship and aircraft interiors used a green/turquoise color thought to help alertness and reduce fatigue.
- James Holland links cockpit green to a French origin and long-standing practical tradition.
Queen Mary Speeds And Handling
- James Holland recalls the Queen Mary cruising at 22–24 knots and handling Force 10 conditions without passenger seasickness.
- He notes the liner steered with its screws rather than a conventional rudder.