The Second World War

If you do not speak German, the ranks of the German military can be a mystery. Who is an NCO and who is an officer? One of my most popular blog posts is https://www.stephenjbedard.com/understanding-german-military-ranks-during-world-war-ii/ and this episode is based on that article. For more on the Second World War, visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar and consider supporting...

In early 1942, where were attacks taking place? Africa and Asia? Yes, but how about just off the east coast of the United States? Operation Drumbeat was the German U-boat offensive against American shipping within sight of its shores. Perhaps the most effective German operation that you have never heard about. Support me at https://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard...

The entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 set all sorts of other events in motion. One of these was the invasion of Burma as Japan eyes the valuable Burma Road. Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason My recommended book is Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942-1945. Purchase it at this Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4dor9IO Visit me at https://www.st...

One of the first things to happen in 1942 of the Second World War was the fall of Manilla in the Philippines. Not even the great Douglas MacArthur could prevent that. The fall of Manilla was a devastating blow to the Allies and it was a sign of Japanese dominance in the Pacific... at least for now. Support me through Patreon at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason .

1942 begins with one of the biggest turning points of the war, one that did not take place on a battlefield. On January 1, 1942, the United Nations was born. In this episode, we look at this alliance and what it meant, as well as how it connects with our modern United Nations. Please support me through http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar

This episode wraps up 1941 by summarizing where things were left by the end of December. The Second World War was much different that it had been 12 months before. We also look at which side had the advantage as we enter 1942. Support me at https://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Follow me at https://x.com/WW2_Podcast

Much happened on December 7, 1941. One story is that of the USS Arizona and her captain, Franklin Van Valkenburgh. In this episode, we share their tragic story. Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Look for my other podcast "History of Christianity" on your favourite podcast provider.

When we think of Japan and December 1941, we think of Pearl Harbor. But Japan had much more up their sleeve than just one attack. That same day saw surprise attacks by Japanese forces on American, British, and Thai territories. In this episode, we look at those attacks. Support me at http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar Look for my other podca...

December 7, 1941. A day that will live in infamy. The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This would forever change the course of the Second World War. In this episode, we look at the broad strokes of what happened that day. Please visit me at ⁠https://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar⁠ and consider supporting me at ⁠http://www.patreon.com/hopesreason⁠ .

We have been primarily following the German war machine during 1941. However, this year was to radically change the face of the Second World War before it ended. This would be the fateful day of December 7, 1941 and the attack on Pearl Harbor. But before we get to that, we catch up with Japan and what it has experienced during 1941. This context is essential for us to understand the attack on Pear...

In this episode of  Echoes of the Past , we explore the United States between September 1939 and December 1941 — the tense years leading up to Pearl Harbor. While Americans focused on recovering from the Great Depression, debates raged between isolationists and interventionists over whether to enter the growing global conflict. We examine the nation's cultural mood, shifting political landscap...

In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Ronald Drabkin, the author of Beverly Hills Spy. In this excellent book, the author takes us through the story of Frederick Rutland, a man who was a British hero from the Great War, a companion of Hollywood stars, and a spy that gave the Japanese valuable intelligence that helped them in their attack on Pearl Harbour. I encourage you to pick up Beverly Hil...

The Germans have been busy during 1941. Not only had they invaded the Soviet Union and continued the Battle of the Atlantic, they also had occupied several countries and were still trying to deal with Britain. This included a bombing campaign, as well as the war in North Africa. This episode brings us to the eve of Pearl Harbor as the Second World War prepares for another major change. This episod...

The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of the  Battle of the Atlantic  from  June 1941 to December 1941 , highlighting the struggle between the Allies and German U-boats, as well as the growing involvement of the United States. This period, though marked by some Allied progress, still saw heavy losses as Germany sought to knock Britain out of the war. German Strategy and Wolf Pack Tactic...

It is October and November of 1941. The weather is getting colder and only so much can be done before General Winter makes his appearance. Can the Germans make it to Moscow? In this episode, we look at Operation Typhoon and Germany's attempt to gain a major victory while they still have time. My recommended book is The First Soldier: Hitler as Military Leader by Stephen Fritz. You can purchase it...

In this episode, I speak with Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Ken served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), beginning his career during the Second World War and wrote his story, which became From Biplanes to Fast Jets. Unlike many of his peers, Ken did not release after the war but continued to fly, including some of the first Jets in the RAF. Get From Biplanes to Fast Jets here: https://amzn.to/3XVdBNd (A...

In this episode, we look at the summer of 1941, specifically the battles for Smolensk, Leningrad, and Kiev. The Germans move forward and the Soviets attempt to push back. Visit me at my website . Discover the resources at Fiverr . Get Operation Barbarossa: Hitler's Invasion of Russia 1941 (Amazon affiliate link) Support me through Patreon .

In this episode, I speak to Mike Croissant who is the author of Bombing Hitler's Hometown. This book is the story of the last major bombing run of the war in Europe. It also happened to be the town where Adolf Hitler grew up. This book gives an amazing description of the experience of dozens of men on this bombing mission. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link . You can...

One of the most influential organizations in the wars of the 20th Century was the Royal Navy. Jim Carter, in his book Hearts of Steel, gives us a snapshot of some of the pivotal years by looking at the activity of a handful of ships. You can find our more about Jim Carter at his website . You can purchase Hearts of Steel through this Amazon affiliate link . Visit me at my website . Support me thro...

In this episode, I speak with Jason Bell, author of Cracking the Nazi Code. This book tells the true story of Winthrop Bell, a Canadian philosopher who worked for MI6 between WWI and WWII as a spy, providing important intelligence. You can purchase this book through this Amazon affiliate link . You can find out more about Jason Cole at his faculty page , at his personal page , and at the book page...

One of the major turning points of the war was Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. This had long been Hitler's plan and now it was time to put those plans into action. The first few weeks included tremendous German success. But could they maintain that momentum? Visit me at my website . Support me on Patreon . Recommended book: Operation Barbarossa: Hitl...

When we think of areas of operations during the Second World War, we often do not think of the Middle East. But in the summer of 1941, there was indeed some significant combat in Syria and Lebanon. Unfortunately, it was between Britain and her Dominions and Vichy France. Visit my website here . Support me through Patreon .

In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was happening in the Atlantic Ocean. Germany was trying to cut off Britain from all outside support by targeting shipping lanes. The Allies struggled to get the convoys to their destination from German ships, planes, and especially the dreaded U-Boats. This chapter takes us from the beginning of the war to late 1941. Suppor...

On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied support, the Germans pushed through all defences. In this episode, we look at the invasion of the mainland and Crete. Please support this podcast through Patreon . Visit me at my website .

Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then having the Soviets return and eject the Nazis. And all this while only a child. John Livens shares about his experience as a boy in Latvia during the Second World War plus much more in his book An Unexpected Journey . In this episode, I talk to John about his experience during the war but his book c...