The History of WWII Podcast

The planning for Operation Husky was anything but smooth and comprehensive. Everyone had a dog in this fight, but in the end, Monty won. Meanwhile, Mussolini is tempted to pull out of the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Allies decide that Sicily is the next target, first the smaller islands nearby have to be taken. Thus Operation Corkscrew begins. Meanwhile, there are those in Italy who are thinking, perhaps the time has come to talk to the Allies. And thanks to WWII Podcast Producer- Adam Dach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle at Kasserine Pass is remembered as an American failure. Perhaps, but not a defeat. The Allies still held the ground and had learned much about modern warfare. Which was the point of fighting in North Africa first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bizerte and Tunis have surrendered, but several German and Italian armies are still hiding in Tunisia. The British make sure the enemy does not retreat within the Cap Bon Peninsula, while the Americans start to rebuild Bizerte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Americans and French in the north and the British in the south, the last holdouts of Axis forces in Tunisia are pushed against the wall of Tunisia. Yet American mistakes and British caution will cause a few more casualties before the fighting is over. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The last battle of North Africa approaches. Problem is, everyone wants to command this battle. But the Germans aren't finished yet. Just 48 hours before Operation Strike starts, a shipment of ammunition and fuel reaches the various panzer divisions.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hosts Tony Lupo and Ryan Fairfield join me as share interview clips from two veterans. A young man who saw the atrocities first hand and a pilot who flew with Chuck Yeager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2nd US Corps had its own large assignment, to drive east just under the northern coast. But Hill 609 dominates the area and German guns at its summit are targeting everything in reach, including Gen. Allen’s Big Red One. Alternate title, American Honor Is Restored. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the last two port cities can be taken from the Axis, Longstop Hill has to be recovered. And here, the Germans are ready with heavy mortar teams and machine gun nests.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final battle is coming, but first Monty and Von Arnim will try for spoiling attacks. Neither get far, thus it comes down to Operation Vulcan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before finishing off the Axis forces in North Eastern Tunisia, Gen. Alexander wants them starved of ammunition and petrol. Thus Operation Flax is created. The land/air bridge between Sicily and Tunisia is to be severed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Axis forces in southern Tunisia retreat, the Allies follow. But miscommunication and American failures threaten Anglo-American relations, again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allied attack through the Tebaga Pass gets underway. It starts well until the sand storms come. Meanwhile, Patton’s attack starts out well, until the American tanks run into a minefield. All this causes arguments amongst the Allied High Command. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Mareth Line battle still uncertain and Freyberg’s left flank attack still pending, Gen. Patton is called on again to attack. But the 10th Panzer Division comes at Patton’s 1st US Infantry Division. The Americans are about to be tested again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Battle of the Mareth Line begins. It starts out well, but then rain and a bad decision by the British give the Axis enough time to react. Meanwhile, Patton’s tanks push closer towards the coast, hoping to relieve Monty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prof. David Nasaw comes on to discuss his book, The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After WWII. The GI Bill was the least Washington could do for the returning GIs, not that they were all treated equally. Mr. Nasaw brings stories and lessons that should not be forgotten. Book release-10/14/25. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allied forces in Tunisia, now designated the 18th Army gets a new leader, Harold Alexander. He wants training and new leadership. So on his way from Casablanca is Gen. Patton. Meanwhile, Rommel is out as the North African Axis Commander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rommel needs a spoiling attack against Monty. His attack plan is not great, but Monty’s defense plan is.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rome orders a new attack plan. Rommel tries to carry it out, but the Allied forces stop him. Still, the Axis take control of the Kasserine Pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After some infighting, the Germans launch their attack. The Americans are completely unprepared and the 2nd US Corps is whittled down to size. Now, the Kasserine Pass is open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo from The Warrior Next Door Podcast returns to the show as we each give our Top 5 reasons why the Axis lost the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the fighting in Northern Tunisia is on hold, the mountain passes in the southern half are the focus of both sides. And whoever controls the mountain passes has the advantages. Meanwhile, Rommel now retreats into Tunisian territory.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Germans attack before the Allies can start up again. Then the rains come in earnest. Tunis is safe for now, but Rommel in the south is losing against Monty and his own Allies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The German 10th Panzer Division attacks the Allied forces threatening Tunis. Falling for an old trick, the Allies are carved up and pushed back, thus Tunis is safe. Meanwhile, the Axis forces in Tunisia are getting reinforcements and a new commander. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Allies come at the Tunisian ports in 3 columns. Two of them are stopped cold and that’s enough to bring the entire offensive to a halt. The Western Allies need more of everything before they can continue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices