A biweekly history podcast covering the last great war. Join Ray Harris Jr as he explores World War Two in intimate detail. The History of WWII Podcast is produced and narrated by Ray Harris Jr. Ray has a degree in history from James Madison University. I’ve been obsessed with the events and people from WWII since I first learned of them. I’ve been waiting years for someone to do a podcast on WWII and couldn’t wait any longer.
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Dunkirk, D-Day, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Omaha, USAF, RAF, POWs, Second World War Stories, Memoirs & interviews - Britain, USA, Australia, Canada … all the forces … WW2. ... Over 500 5-star ratings. "Thank you for what you are doing. It's incredible and I'm absolutely hooked" AB
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talks about popular propaganda during ww2
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Episode 482-Stalin's Dreams Almost Come True
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22:21
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Just as Army Group Center goes over to a defensive stance, Stalin launches his counter attack. The first battle goes well, so more units are activated. Stalin is ready to attack the entirety of Army Group Center, but Gen. Zhukov tempers his ambition. The Germans can be beaten for now, but now destroyed. That will have to wait. Learn more about your…
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102 Arctic Convoy with Armageddon in the Arctic Ocean
2:36:34
2:36:34
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A family memoir from listener Paul Gill from USA whose father sailed in the Arctic convoys during the Second World War. "The enemy planes were flying just a few feet over the surface of the water on our starboard bow, towards the head of the convoy. I started to count them: 1, 2...13, 14…“Damn it! Look at them!” I yelled." "The general alarm sounde…
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Episode 481-Victoring Itself to Death
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26:00
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As Army Group Center winds down its offensive during Operation Typhoon, due to a lack of supplies, exhaustion and cold, the Soviets around Moscow are building up their reserves and they all have adequate clothing. Hence on December 5th, Gen. Zhukov will launch a massive counter attack, to drive the enemy away from the Communist Capital. Learn more …
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Episode 480-Japanese Americans at War
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35:57
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Out of the Internment Camps, thousands of Nisei Japanese Americans volunteer for the U.S. Armed Forces. Their contributions will save thousands of GI’s and shorten the war. Here are some of their exploits during and after the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesRay Harris Jr
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Episode 479-America's Internment Camps
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30:52
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The attack on Pearl Harbor was a dark day for the U.S. But this was followed by another bleak period in the U.S. The creation and forced removal of Japanese Americans along the West Coast, to be placed in Interment Camps. Fear gripped the nation and the reaction was extreme and illegal, but tolerated by many. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
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Episode 478-Operation Typhoon Comes to an End
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Army Group Center is finally making a play for Moscow, but their advance will grind to a halt. The question then is, what comes next. But before Field Marshal Von Bock can get his men going again, the Soviets make their move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesRay Harris Jr
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Episode 477-Who Has Who Surrounded?
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33:47
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The Soviet front around Kiev is crumbling fast. Over 40 divisions are cut off and surrounded. No help is coming and Stalin has forbade a retreat. Most of these men will perish, but the real question is, how many of the enemy can they take with them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Episode 476-Strange Inventions of WW2
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21:48
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Many new innovations were created during the war. Some were good, some were bad. This is the story of the less than perfect ones. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, expert interviews, and commercial-free listening for just $5/month! Every penny supports the sho…
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Episode 475-Top 5 WW2 Movies
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2:00:24
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Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo, hosts of The Warrior Next Door Podcast come back on, this time invited, to discuss the Top 5 WW2 movies. You may not agree, hell, we probably won't agree with each other, but it will be a good time. The video version will be on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euU0q2RIjf4 Want to go beyond the battlefield with …
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101 Legacy of D-Day WWII, AKA Get off the beach, lads! AKA New Tank Tracks, Coffee and Donuts!
1:14:40
1:14:40
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Three veterans' sons coming together to discuss all things D-Day 80. Facts, stats, legacy, beaches, movies and … more beaches. A discussion amongst Angus Wallace of the WW2 Podcast, Steve Erskine, curator and researcher at the Green Howard's museum and myself, Paul Cheall. PS During the discussion, I dismally failed to answer Angus's question about…
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Episode 474-Kiev is Trapped
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23:30
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As Gen. Guderian comes south and Gen. von Kleist rushes north, if no one stops them, then Kiev and all its defenders will be trapped. Thus soviet troops along the Desna and Dneiper Rivers give it their all. Will it be enough? Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the war with exclusive bonus episodes, …
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Episode 473-Guderian Approaches
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26:38
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As Axis forces build up to capture Kiev, the bridges over the Dnieper River are contested. Fierce fighting follows, but in the end, the Germans take enough bridges to continue East, after Kiev has fallen. Meanwhile, Gen. Guderian is on his way with his panzers to help trap Kiev. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Episode 472-Keep Them Guessing
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27:50
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So far, Army Group South had done a tremendous job, but now they come upon Kiev. And protecting Kiev’s western approaches in almost 20 miles of anti tank works and barbed wire. Thus another way will be needed, but first, Hitler wants the guts ripped out of the area’s defenders and von Kleist had come up with a clever plan to make this happen. Want …
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Episode 471-My Tank is Thicker Than Your Tank
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30:18
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Operation Barbarossa is launched, but the soviets don’t have their best men in place as they have been killed by Stalin’s purges. In time they will learn but for now, one city after another falls to the Axis. Still, there are moments of heroism but also incompetence, certainly among the NKVD, who know politics, but not warfare. Want to go beyond th…
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100 D-Day 80th anniversary special – Gold, Omaha and more
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A special episode to commemorate the events of D-Day 6 June 44. The 80th anniversary. Four veteran accounts of the landings. D-Day Episodes mentioned: Bill Cheall: Episode 3 William Hershel Nelson: Episode 99 Eric Clarke: Episode 42 D-Day 75 - Landing Craft Tank in WWII - Eric Clark D-Day veteran memoir Brian Moss: Episodes 2, 3 and 13 Through Germ…
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Episode 470-Interview: Michel Paradis, The Light of Battle, Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower
1:10:58
1:10:58
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Michel Paradis returns to the show to discuss his latest book, The Light of Battle: Eisenhower, D-Day, and the Birth of the American Superpower. A new biography of Ike, the book focuses on the 6 months leading up to D-Day and all the fighting behind the scenes to pull off this once in a life time amphibious landing. Learn more about your ad choices…
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99 Omaha Heroes and their WW2 stories
1:20:33
1:20:33
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More Omaha WWII history action with family stories and a memoir feature you do not want to miss. And if you want to end with a smile do not miss the PS! Please do subscribe or follow the show in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. And your app will automatically download the episode for you. Episode Artwork: Sergant Giovanni…
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Episode 469-Interview: From Biplanes to Fast Jets: A Pilot’s Life in the Royal Air Force 1942–1973
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37:33
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Ken Aedy was a teenager when WW2 broke out. He joins the RAF and his life is changed forever. His son Mark joins me to discuss his father's many adventures during and after the war. This is a delightful story of a young man who does his duty and stays in the RAF and travels the world, meeting Douglas MacArthur and dancing with Rita Hayworth. Learn …
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Episode 468-The Comics of WW2
29:40
29:40
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29:40
Even before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Superman and Batman were declaring themselves against Hitler and his ways, while the American Bund, a pro Nazi organization, wanted the U.S. to be more like Nazi Germany. After Pearl Harbor, those same comic book heroes and many more were encouraging everyone to buy War Bonds to fight the Axis Powers. Meanwhi…
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Episode 467-Interview w/ Damien Lewis about his book Churchill's Secret Warriors
47:27
47:27
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47:27
Historian Damien Lewis comes on to discuss his book about Churchill’s secret warriors who will take the fight to the Nazis. Now a major motion film starring Henry Cavill, we cover the brave men and women of Operation Postmaster and other operations that wear down the Axis in Europe. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast…
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Episode 466-Odessa Has Fallen
36:22
36:22
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36:22
The final episode of the Siege of Odessa. The port city will fall, but not before tying down over 300,000 Axis troops for months. Odessa will be the first Hero City of the Soviet Union. And in their evacuation, the Soviets leave several nasty surprises for the city’s new owners. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Di…
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Episode 465-Tanks for the Memories
26:03
26:03
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26:03
Both sides pull tricks out of their hats, trying to gain an advantage. The result, the Axis dominate the Black sea and the air, the Soviets, the ground around Odessa. Through ingenuity and a can do attitude, the soviets turn their tractors into tanks, which contributes to Odessa’s high water mark of defense. More information at https://bit.ly/3y7xC…
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Episode 464: 2 Ep Special! Interview with Jason Bell about his book Cracking the Nazi Code. Then, All Hell Breaks Loose
1:13:17
1:13:17
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First, Jason Bell comes on to discuss his book, Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Agent A12 and the Solving of the Holocaust Code. Then, back to the Siege of Odessa. The Romanians, fearing German anger, throw everything they have at the Soviet city. Want to go beyond the battlefield with The History of WWII Podcast? Dive deeper into the w…
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98 World War II Snipers Part TWO - The Men, Their Guns, Their Story
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1:14:15
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Another great line-up of WW2 sniper stories featuring female snipers, British veteran Harry Furness, the psychology of sniping and stories from Crete and Sicily along with one or two more surprises. And the usual PS's! Great Unpublished History! Please do subscribe or follow the show in your listening app as it helps me with the search rankings. An…
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Episode 463-Attrition: A Game the Entire Country Can Play
23:35
23:35
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As Army Group South advances east, Berlin needs Odessa taken. But the defenders of that Black Sea port city are willing to give all to deny this. What follows is unbelievable carnage just beyond Odessa’s defensive lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesRay Harris Jr
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97 World War II Snipers Part ONE - The Men, Their Guns, Their Story
1:19:13
1:19:13
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Another tranche of Sniper stories based around the book, World War II Snipers - The Men, Their Guns, Their Story, by Gary Yee. Features selection of personnel, training, tactics and the weapons themselves. Lots of WW2 stories and eye witness accounts from around the world. Great Unpublished History! Please subscribe or follow the show in your liste…
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Episode 462-When Fighting For Your Life, You Can Never Go Too Far
26:39
26:39
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Wave after wave of Romanian troops come at Odessa’s defenses. Also, squadrons of Messerschmidt’s attempt to dominate the skies above. But organization and determination tell and the invaders are held off, but for how long? RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.c…
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Episode 461-Odessa Prepares for its Fate
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25:37
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As 11 German and Romanian divisions, with 100 tanks and 100 airplanes come at Odessa, the people there, military and civilian, indeed, school children, prepare their city to defy the enemy. It will be a siege that will test the endurance of both sides. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii…
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Episode 460: A 2 Episode Special! Interview w/ Mike Croissant about his book, Bombing Hitler's Hometown and then, Defying the Odds: The Soviets versus Romania
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1:13:50
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A 2 Episode Special! First, an interview w/ Mike Croissant, author of Bombing Hitler’s Hometown. Then, before the Siege of Odessa began, a small Soviet offensive took place against Romania, which explains why the Axis right flank was so slow. But in the end, the Soviet Rifle divisions are ordered to pull back. As for the southern end of Barbarossa,…
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Episode 459-The Siege of Odessa Begins
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21:12
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Focusing on the southern most part of Operation Barbarossa, we watch as the Black Sea city of Odessa stands defiant against Army Group South and the Romanians. This will cause a delay in Berlin’s plans, which will require Gen. Guderian and his panzers to come help take Kiev. More at https://bit.ly/4cpA0HJ RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of…
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Episode 458-The Trapped Soviet Soldiers at Uman
27:59
27:59
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27:59
As it seems Kiev is about to fall, the panzers suddenly turn south and head for Uman. There, a massive soviet response is building, but will it be enough to save Kiev, Uman and stop the Axis Forces from crossing the River Bug? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesRay Harris Jr
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Episode 457-Operation Munich
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27:19
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27:19
Backing up a bit, we cover the Romanian’s early involvement in Barbarossa. But before Kiev can be taken, the Romanians want their lands back, taken by Stalin in 1939. Images and more https://bit.ly/4bXz3X0 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster I…
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Episode 456: The Stalin Line-Merely the Shadow of A Dream
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The fighting only grows in intensity, with Kiev being threatened. But the German’s right flank is holding operations up. Still, in time, but with much loss, Gen. Kirponos pulls back his men and sets up a new defensive line, from Kiev to Uman. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter…
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Episode 455-Race to the Stalin Line
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29:36
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Soviet Gen. Kirponos does reasonably well in defending his SW Front, when he is told what is going on. But that is irregular at best. Soon, Lvov falls and all know that the next major battle will take place along the Stalin Line. Images and more at https://bit.ly/4bFY0WF RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://ww…
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Episode 454-Army Group South is on the March
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28:29
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Army Group South advances but Stalin believes the main German thrust will happen here, so plans accordingly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesRay Harris Jr
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Episode 453-Operation Barbarossa: What's Plan B?
19:53
19:53
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Gen. Zhukov has outsmarted and outlasted Gen. Von Bock to the north, south and now, in front of Moscow. The Germans will take a rest. But then the Soviets say, my turn. Images and more at https://bit.ly/49fJbYO RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcas…
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Episode 452-Operation Typhoon: All or Nothing
21:36
21:36
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With the panzers attacking on the flanks, Von Bock’s main thrust is coming right at Moscow. But between the weather, a lack of fuel and Gen. Zhukov’s determination, Army Group Center can’t seem to close the deal. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3vVYYO3 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ww…
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Episode 451-Interview w/ James Holland. His book, The Savage Storm, The Battle For Italy 1943
1:16:42
1:16:42
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First, historian James Holland comes on to discuss Italy’s final phase as an Axis Partner. However, bad timing on the Allies part will cause the Italian Campaign to become a long slog. Then back to the regular series: Stalin reinforces the lines in front of Moscow, but the Germans miss this. So launch their supposed final attack against Stalin’s ca…
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Episode 450-Moscow: Dark Days Are Coming
27:25
27:25
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27:25
Operation Typhoon is launched. Surely, there can’t be that many defenders still before Moscow. But what Berlin will miss is when Stalin starts recalling entire experienced divisions from the Far East. And one group of soviet fighters figures out a way to combat the dreaded panzers. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3vxSt46 RSS – https://feeds.megap…
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Episode 449-Killing Their Way to Moscow
29:26
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29:26
Though desiring an economic knockout blow provided by his panzers, Hitler will eventually return to the capture of Moscow. Which means Army Group Center will need to destroy whatever is in front of them. But Moscow has learned a thing or two and will salvage what they can before the battle of Moscow begins. Images and more at https://bit.ly/4aFvxjj…
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Episode 448-When an Unstoppable Force Meets an Immovable Object
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27:53
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27:53
The Battle of Smolensk is over. Another German victory, but before the panzers can move out again, many of them are sent to help the other Army Groups and Gen. Timoshenko is about to launch a series of massive of counter attacks against Von Bock. Enough, to drive the Germans back for the first time. Images and more at https://bit.ly/4aoUuiZ RSS – h…
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96 Christmas at War with the V1 missiles - 2023
1:42:03
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Christmas at war, with more seasonal tales, including a special feature on what Christmas was like in various countries around the globe during WW2. Specials in this episode:German Boy Soldier's Christmas Shoes V1 Doodlebug bombs over Manchester The Last Flight of Lancaster DV189 The Journal of Flight Sergeant Jim Browning Christmas at war around t…
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2 Episode Special-Episode 447-Interview w/ T. Martin Bennett about his book Wounded Tiger and Hitler Versus His Generals
1:14:24
1:14:24
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First, T. Martin Bennett comes on to talk about how faith helps the man who led the attack against Pearl Harbor finds peace after his country is defeated. And an American POW is able to survive his imprisonment. As one Soviet city after another falls, Army Group Center is well on its way to Moscow. That is, until Hitler decides to send Center’s pan…
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