WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

What resources did the British deploy to hunt the Bismarck? How did British air power contribute to the sinking of the Bismarck? When did Bismarck get attacked by Fairey Swordfish torpedo planes? Join Al Murray and James Holland for Part 2 as they recount the thrilling chase of the battleship Bismarck, pride of the Nazi German Kriegsmarine, and the men and ships of Britain's Royal Navy determined to sink her. Start your free trial at ⁠patreon.com/wehaveways⁠ and unlock exclusive content and more. Enjoy livestreams, early access, ad-free listening, bonus episodes, and a weekly newsletter packed with book deals and behind-the-scenes insights. Members also get priority access and discounts to live events. A Goalhanger Production Produced by James Regan Editor: James Clayden Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @WeHaveWaysPod Social Producer: Harry Balden Email: wehaveways@goalhanger.com Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tense high-seas chase as the battleship tries to flee after sinking a British capital ship. Command clashes over refuelling and escape routes shape desperate decisions. Naval intelligence, plotting errors and a lucky sighting by a neutral cutter complicate the hunt. Daring torpedo strikes and skilful evasive loops slow the ship and tighten a transatlantic race toward safety in Brest.

Dive into remarkable tales of heroism from World War II, featuring a Polish cadet's harrowing journey at Monte Cassino. Explore the life of an Austrian POW whose wartime experiences led him to pacifism. Laugh along with a Norwegian's anecdotes about a daring soldier's adventures. Discover the tragic fate of a Typhoon pilot and the survival stories from D-Day to Burma. Each account paints a vivid picture of bravery, sacrifice, and the unexpected turns of war.

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.

Waitman Wade Beorn, a historian specializing in Holocaust studies, delves into the intricate strategies of Holocaust remembrance. He explores the evolution of memory practices across countries, highlighting significant milestones like the Nuremberg trials and the impact of museums in shaping public narratives. Beorn also discusses Germany's reckoning with its past, grassroots educational initiatives in Poland, and how local memorials reflect shifting perceptions. With a focus on intergenerational memory, he uncovers the complexities of commemorating a painful history.

Dive into the intense moments of the Denmark Strait as Hood and Bismarck confront each other. Explore the strategic maneuvers and gunnery challenges faced during the battle. The catastrophic magazine explosion that shattered Hood is vividly recounted, alongside the shockwaves felt throughout the British Empire. Discover the implications of this pivotal moment in naval history and how it affected wartime morale. James and Al delve into Holland's decisions and the immediate fallout, painting a gripping picture of bravery and loss.

Explore the grandeur of HMS Hood, hailed as the pinnacle of British naval power. Discover its striking design and public fascination, fueled by formidable speed and firepower. Learn about Admiral Lancelot Holland and the crew's anxious preparations as they face the fearsome Bismarck. Delve into tactical maneuvers, discussions of vulnerabilities, and the strategic pressures of war. Witness the palpable tension as dawn approaches, setting the stage for a historic confrontation.

The discussion dives into why the Battleship Bismarck became a symbol of fear in naval warfare. The hosts evaluate the strategic missteps of the German navy and the leadership dynamics of Admiral Tovey. They explore the thrilling early sightings and reconnaissance missions that played crucial roles in tracking Bismarck's movements. The Arctic challenges and environmental conditions add drama to the narrative, culminating in the tension-filled moments leading up to the first shots exchanged.

Discover why the Bismarck was a formidable threat to British naval power. Unravel the dramatic tale of the Hood and Bismarck, showcasing their cultural significance. Learn about the vital intelligence that alerted British forces and the fierce urgency it created. Delve into the intricate planning of Operation Rheinübung, Admiral Lütjens' dilemmas, and the tension surrounding Hitler's visit. Explore the symbolism behind Bismarck's launch and its role in Nazi propaganda, setting the stage for an epic naval clash.

Discover the intriguing reasons behind the Soviets bringing a brass band to Finland. Explore the significance of the Arcadia Conference and debates around Stalingrad as a turning point in the war. Delve into the challenges faced by Fleet Air Arm crews in Arctic operations and the impressive versatility of the Swordfish aircraft. Uncover the hopes for postwar cooperation articulated by Roosevelt and the impact of Operation Bodenplatte in late-war strategies. Plus, reflections on the legacy of war commemoration through architect Edward Lutyens.