Warfare
History Hit
From Napoleonic battles to Cold War confrontations, the Normandy landings to 9/11, this podcast opens up fascinating new perspectives on how wars have shaped and changed our modern world. Each week, twice a week, war historian, writer, and broadcaster, James Rogers, teams up with fellow historians, veterans, and experts to reveal astonishing new histories of inspirational leadership, breakthrough technologies, and era defining battles. Together they highlight the stark realities and consequences of global warfare. Join us on the front line of military history.Follow on Twitter @HistoryHitWW2.Vote for Warfare in the Listeners Choice Category at the British Podcast Awards 2023!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 9, 2020 • 23min
Imphal and Kohima
The Battles of Imphal and Kohima were the decisive clash of the Burma Campaign during World War Two, a crucial turning point in the attempted Japanese invasion of India during World War Two. By October 1942 Singapore, Hong-Kong, Malaysia and Burma had all fallen to the apparently unbeatable Japanese. Yet it was then, when morale was at its lowest, that the new British commander Bill Slim sought to revive Allied fortunes in the region. Meanwhile, Japanese commander Renya Mutaguchi looked to capture Imphal, the gateway to India. In this episode, James Holland and Dan discuss this is the truly epic tale of Britain’s greatest battle.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 7, 2020 • 39min
The Lancaster Bomber: A Veteran’s View
An Avro Lancaster Bomber was one of the most dangerous places to be during the Second World War. The planes had a 46% combat attrition rate, and yet all of those who flew them were volunteers. Among them was John Henry Meller, who left a reserve occupation to sign up aged 18. In this episode, John tells James what it was like to fly in a Lancaster Bomber and remembers his experiences in training. He is accompanied by his wife Barbara and daughter Caroline. John has released his book 'The Boy With Only One Shoe' in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 6, 2020 • 39min
WW2 Tank Commander with Captain David Render
Captain David Render was a nineteen-year-old second lieutenant fresh from Sandhurst when he was sent to France to join a veteran armoured unit that had already spent years fighting with the Desert Rats in North Africa. Joining the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry five days after the D-Day landings, the combat-hardened men he was sent to command did not expect him to last long.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 2, 2020 • 30min
Nazi Megastructures
Walking around Second World War fortifications, Patrick Bury is able to draw on his time in the infantry to tell the stories of the battles that occured over them. During his time working on Nazi Megastructures, Paddy accessed the lived history of the important structures built to protect and strengthen the 'Thousand Year Reich'. In this episode he spoke to James about his five most memorable Nazi structures, and his experiences creating the show.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 30, 2020 • 27min
Soviet Snipers on the Eastern Front
In many countries, including Britain, women were banned from taking part in active combat operations during the Second World War. In the Soviet Union, however, declarations of equality meant that as well as having the right to vote and to work in government, women were able to fly on the front lines and become snipers. Lyuba Vinogradova, Russian historian and author, joined Dan to discuss her book Avenging Angels: Soviet women snipers on the Eastern front (1941–45).
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 29, 2020 • 9min
Chemical Weapons in WW1
Dive into the harrowing world of chemical warfare as it emerged during World War I. From the initial use of tear gas to the infamous chlorine gas attacks, the podcast uncovers chilling historical anecdotes. Personal stories connect family histories to these devastating events while highlighting the psychological scars left on soldiers. The discussion also examines how these early innovations in chemical weapons continue to resonate in today's conflicts, emphasizing their lasting impact on warfare.
Sep 27, 2020 • 39min
Invasion of Poland in WW2 with Roger Moorhouse
Roger Moorhouse comprehensively discusses the Polish campaign of 1939, separating the myths from reality and outlining the abject horrors that the Poles suffered under the twin occupation of the Nazis and the Soviets.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 25, 2020 • 29min
The Battle of Arnhem with James Holland
This episode features interviews with two leading historians of the Second World War, James Holland and Paul Reed. They tell the story of the Battle of Arnhem, giving poignant and occasionally lurid accounts of the battle. Both also comment on the plans for Operation Market Garden, and whether the battle should be considered a failure.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 23, 2020 • 21min
The Wola Massacre
In August 1944, when the Warsaw Uprising occurred, Axis troops were ordered to raze the Wola suburb to the ground and kill all of its inhabitants, regardless of whether they were fighting. James was joined for this episode by Alina Nowobilska, who gives an in depth account of the massacre, drawing from testimony of some of those who were there. Alina is a Historian of Poland during the Second World War. Her grandfather was a member of the resistance and fought in the Warsaw uprising just across the city from Wola.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 22, 2020 • 26min
Pearl Harbour
Professor Carl Bridge, an academic from Kings College London specializing in historical analysis, delves into the motivations behind Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. He discusses the miscommunications and tensions that led to this pivotal moment in World War II. The conversation highlights strategic failures on both sides, the initial shock felt by Americans, and how this incident ultimately awakened the U.S.'s industrial prowess. Furthermore, Bridge explores the transformation of the U.S.-Japan relationship post-war, from enemies to allies.
