Of all the strange facts of the Second World War, one of the strangest is this: … Festung Norwegen: Why Hitler Kept an Army in Norway While Germany CollapsedRead more
Second World War
Pressure – Review
Do we really need another movie about D-Day? Isn’t the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan … Pressure – ReviewRead more
The British Eighth Army in the Second World War
Few Allied formations became as closely associated with a particular theatre of war as the British … The British Eighth Army in the Second World WarRead more
SWWP 56 – Rommel Strikes Back
Things were looking good in North Africa for the British. Until they weren’t. Rommel still had … SWWP 56 – Rommel Strikes BackRead more
The U.S. Marines in the European Theatre of the Second World War
When people think about the U.S. Marine Corps in the Second World War, they usually think … The U.S. Marines in the European Theatre of the Second World WarRead more
Brothers in Arms: American and Canadian Cooperation During the Second World War
The Second World War is often remembered as a conflict between great powers and enormous alliances. … Brothers in Arms: American and Canadian Cooperation During the Second World WarRead more
Allied Bombers of the Second World War: Aircraft, Strategy, and the Evolution of Strategic Bombing
The Second World War was, among other things, a war fought from the air. Bombers attacked … Allied Bombers of the Second World War: Aircraft, Strategy, and the Evolution of Strategic BombingRead more
SWWP 55 – North Atlantic Crossroads: A Conversation With Darrell Hillier
In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Darrell Hillier, author of North Atlantic Crossroads, … SWWP 55 – North Atlantic Crossroads: A Conversation With Darrell HillierRead more
The Rise of the Tank Destroyer in the Second World War
When tanks first appeared on the battlefields of the First World War, they created a fundamental … The Rise of the Tank Destroyer in the Second World WarRead more
Airborne Warfare in the Second World War: The Rise, Successes, and Failures of the Paratroopers
Among the most dramatic innovations of the Second World War was the use of airborne forces. … Airborne Warfare in the Second World War: The Rise, Successes, and Failures of the ParatroopersRead more
SWWP 54 – Operation Drumbeat: The U-Boats Come to America
In early 1942, where were attacks taking place? Africa and Asia? Yes, but how about just … SWWP 54 – Operation Drumbeat: The U-Boats Come to AmericaRead more
The Allied Submachine Guns of the Second World War: From Tommy Guns to Stens
The Second World War witnessed the widespread adoption of the submachine gun as a standard infantry … The Allied Submachine Guns of the Second World War: From Tommy Guns to StensRead more
From Shipboard Guards to Pacific Shock Troops: The Origins and Evolution of the United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is one of the world’s most recognizable military organizations, known for … From Shipboard Guards to Pacific Shock Troops: The Origins and Evolution of the United States Marine CorpsRead more
Steel Victory: The Tanks of the Allied Powers During the Second World War
When people think of tanks in the Second World War, iconic German vehicles such as the … Steel Victory: The Tanks of the Allied Powers During the Second World WarRead more
Rifles of the U.S. Military During World War II
World War II marked a turning point in military firearms technology. The United States entered the … Rifles of the U.S. Military During World War IIRead more
SWWP 53 – Japan Invades Burma
The entry of Japan into the war in December 1941 set all sorts of other events … SWWP 53 – Japan Invades BurmaRead more
The Thompson Submachine Gun: From Trench Concept to Iconic Firepower
Few firearms have achieved the cultural and historical recognition of the Thompson submachine gun. Known as the … The Thompson Submachine Gun: From Trench Concept to Iconic FirepowerRead more
The M3 Stuart: America’s Fast and Reliable Light Tank of World War II
Among the many armored vehicles of the Second World War, the M3 Stuart stands out as one of … The M3 Stuart: America’s Fast and Reliable Light Tank of World War IIRead more
SWWP 52 – The Fall of Manilla
One of the first things to happen in 1942 of the Second World War was the … SWWP 52 – The Fall of ManillaRead more
U.S. Presidents Who Served in World War II
World War II shaped a generation of American leaders—none more so than several future U.S. presidents who … U.S. Presidents Who Served in World War IIRead more
Australia and New Zealand in World War II: A Vital Contribution
During the global conflict of World War II, both Australia and New Zealand played crucial roles far beyond what their relatively … Australia and New Zealand in World War II: A Vital ContributionRead more
SWWP 51 – The War-time Birth of the United Nations
1942 begins with one of the biggest turning points of the war, one that did not … SWWP 51 – The War-time Birth of the United NationsRead more
Iran During the Second World War: Neutrality, Invasion, and Lasting Consequences
World War II is often remembered in the context of Europe and the Pacific—but it also … Iran During the Second World War: Neutrality, Invasion, and Lasting ConsequencesRead more
American Fighter Planes in the Second World War
Design, Deployment, Doctrine, and Effectiveness During the Second World War, the United States fielded a diverse … American Fighter Planes in the Second World WarRead more
Spitfire vs. Hurricane: Britain’s Twin Pillars of Fighter Defense in WWII
When people think of British fighter aircraft in the Second World War, the elegant Spitfire often comes to … Spitfire vs. Hurricane: Britain’s Twin Pillars of Fighter Defense in WWIIRead more
SWWP 50 – The World at War: December 1941
This episode wraps up 1941 by summarizing where things were left by the end of December. … SWWP 50 – The World at War: December 1941Read more
What Was the Difference Between the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS?
During the Second World War, Nazi Germany fielded two distinct military organizations that often fought side … What Was the Difference Between the Wehrmacht and the Waffen-SS?Read more
Who Do Some People Not Like The Tank Movie?
The Tank is a recent movie that offers the gritty story of a German Tiger Tank … Who Do Some People Not Like The Tank Movie?Read more
The Tank – Review
I’m always on the lookout for a good war movie. So when I saw an ad … The Tank – ReviewRead more
Special Forces in the Second World War
The Second World War forced Allied militaries to confront operational problems that conventional forces were ill-suited … Special Forces in the Second World WarRead more
SWWP 49 – The USS Arizona and Her Captain: The Final Moments
Much happened on December 7, 1941. One story is that of the USS Arizona and her … SWWP 49 – The USS Arizona and Her Captain: The Final MomentsRead more
The Evolution of the Destroyer: From Torpedo Boat Hunter to Modern Naval Workhorse
Few naval vessels have undergone as dramatic a transformation as the destroyer. From its origins as … The Evolution of the Destroyer: From Torpedo Boat Hunter to Modern Naval WorkhorseRead more
The Strength of the Italian Military at the Beginning of the Second World War
When Italy entered the Second World War in June 1940, Benito Mussolini hoped to seize quick … The Strength of the Italian Military at the Beginning of the Second World WarRead more
Injustice at Home: The Internment of People of Japanese Descent in Canada and the United States during World War II
The forcible removal and internment of people of Japanese ancestry in Canada and the United States … Injustice at Home: The Internment of People of Japanese Descent in Canada and the United States during World War IIRead more
SWWP 48 – Japan’s Blitz Across Asia and the Pacific
When we think of Japan and December 1941, we think of Pearl Harbor. But Japan had … SWWP 48 – Japan’s Blitz Across Asia and the PacificRead more
Japan’s Military at the Dawn of World War II: Strength, Size, and Strategy
When Japan entered the Second World War with its surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, it … Japan’s Military at the Dawn of World War II: Strength, Size, and StrategyRead more
Germany’s V-Weapons in WWII – Invention, Use, Impact
Introduction During the latter half of World War II, Nazi Germany developed a set of “V-weapons” … Germany’s V-Weapons in WWII – Invention, Use, ImpactRead more
Who Was Hermann Göring?
Hermann Göring (1893–1946) was one of the most powerful and controversial figures in Nazi Germany. A … Who Was Hermann Göring?Read more
Brazil’s Involvement in the Second World War
Introduction Although often overlooked in the broader narrative of the Second World War, Brazil played a … Brazil’s Involvement in the Second World WarRead more
The Top Five Air Forces at the Beginning of the Second World War
When the Second World War began in September 1939, air power was still a relatively young … The Top Five Air Forces at the Beginning of the Second World WarRead more
Aircraft of the Luftwaffe in the Second World War
The Luftwaffe, Germany’s air force during the Second World War, was at the forefront of aerial … Aircraft of the Luftwaffe in the Second World WarRead more
SWWP 47 – The Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941. A day that will live in infamy. The Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in … SWWP 47 – The Japanese Attack on Pearl HarborRead more
The Development of the German Tiger Tank During the Second World War
The German Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger, more commonly known simply as the Tiger tank, became one of the … The Development of the German Tiger Tank During the Second World WarRead more
The Top Five Most Powerful Navies at the Beginning of the Second World War
At the dawn of the Second World War in 1939, naval power was a key determinant … The Top Five Most Powerful Navies at the Beginning of the Second World WarRead more
China in World War II: Invasion, Civil War, and Global Alliances
China’s experience in World War II was one of immense suffering, resilience, and transformation. While much … China in World War II: Invasion, Civil War, and Global AlliancesRead more
SWWP 46 – The Road to Pearl Harbor: Japan in 1941
We have been primarily following the German war machine during 1941. However, this year was to … SWWP 46 – The Road to Pearl Harbor: Japan in 1941Read more
Understanding German Military Ranks During World War II
During World War II, the German armed forces—collectively known as the Wehrmacht—included the Army (Heer), Navy (Kriegsmarine), … Understanding German Military Ranks During World War IIRead more
The Development of the Tank up to the End of the Second World War
Introduction The tank, a formidable symbol of modern warfare, dramatically reshaped military strategy in the 20th … The Development of the Tank up to the End of the Second World WarRead more
The Final Sacrifice: The Story of Charley Havlat, the Last American Killed in WWII Europe
On May 7, 1945, just hours before the official end of World War II in Europe, … The Final Sacrifice: The Story of Charley Havlat, the Last American Killed in WWII EuropeRead more
SWWP 45 – Before the Storm: America on the Eve of War
In this episode of Echoes of the Past, we explore the United States between September 1939 and … SWWP 45 – Before the Storm: America on the Eve of WarRead more
From Biplanes to Victory: The Development of the RAF Through WWII
From Biplanes to Victory: The Development of the RAF Through WWII The Royal Air Force (RAF) … From Biplanes to Victory: The Development of the RAF Through WWIIRead more
Fallen Leaders: Allied Generals Killed in World War II
IntroductionWorld War II claimed the lives of millions, including high-ranking military leaders. Allied generals, though often … Fallen Leaders: Allied Generals Killed in World War IIRead more
The Bloody Culling: Stalin’s Purges of the Soviet Military
In the years leading up to the Second World War, one of the most devastating decisions … The Bloody Culling: Stalin’s Purges of the Soviet MilitaryRead more
SWWP 44 – From War Hero to Spy: The Story of Frederick Rutland
In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Ronald Drabkin, the author of Beverly Hills … SWWP 44 – From War Hero to Spy: The Story of Frederick RutlandRead more
British Commando Units During the Second World War: The Tip of the Spear
During the Second World War, British commando units emerged as elite, unconventional forces trained to conduct raids, sabotage, reconnaissance, and … British Commando Units During the Second World War: The Tip of the SpearRead more
Canada’s Crucial Contribution to Victory in the Second World War
When people reflect on the Allied victory in the Second World War, they often think of Britain, the … Canada’s Crucial Contribution to Victory in the Second World WarRead more
The Secret War: Britain’s MI Departments in World War Two
During the Second World War, Britain’s intelligence and security efforts were divided among various departments, known … The Secret War: Britain’s MI Departments in World War TwoRead more
Czechoslovakia’s Military Strength Before the German Invasion
In the late 1930s, Czechoslovakia possessed one of the most formidable military forces in Central Europe. … Czechoslovakia’s Military Strength Before the German InvasionRead more
The French and German Armies in 1940: A Comparison of Strength and Strategy
The fall of France in 1940 remains one of the most astonishing military events of the … The French and German Armies in 1940: A Comparison of Strength and StrategyRead more
The Top Five Militaries at the Outbreak of World War II
When World War II began in 1939, several nations had built formidable military forces, each excelling … The Top Five Militaries at the Outbreak of World War IIRead more
The Rifles of the German Army in World War Two
The German Army of World War Two was renowned for its military innovations, strategic tactics, and … The Rifles of the German Army in World War TwoRead more
Spies, Codes, and Sabotage: The Role of Allied Intelligence in WWII and Beyond
During the Second World War, intelligence agencies played a pivotal role in shaping the Allied forces’ … Spies, Codes, and Sabotage: The Role of Allied Intelligence in WWII and BeyondRead more
Timeline of Declarations of War During World War II
The declarations of war during the Second World War involved many countries and occurred at different … Timeline of Declarations of War During World War IIRead more
SWWP 42 – The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter Two
The podcast episode provides a detailed overview of the Battle of the Atlantic from June 1941 to December 1941, … SWWP 42 – The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter TwoRead more
The Tanks of the Soviet Union During the Second World War
The Soviet Union’s armored forces were a crucial element in the defeat of Nazi Germany during … The Tanks of the Soviet Union During the Second World WarRead more
SWWP 41 – Operation Barbarossa: Part Three
It is October and November of 1941. The weather is getting colder and only so much … SWWP 41 – Operation Barbarossa: Part ThreeRead more
The First Soldier: Hitler as Military Leader – Review
When we think of Adolf Hitler, we think of him as the monster responsible for the … The First Soldier: Hitler as Military Leader – ReviewRead more
SWWP 40 – From Biplanes to Fast Jets
In this episode, I speak with Mark Aedy, son of Ken Aedy. Ken served in the … SWWP 40 – From Biplanes to Fast JetsRead more
Who Were the Good Guys and Bad Guys in the Second World War?
Some people are probably surprised that this question even gets asked. And when they see it … Who Were the Good Guys and Bad Guys in the Second World War?Read more
SWWP – 39 – Operation Barbarossa: Part Two
In this episode, we look at the summer of 1941, specifically the battles for Smolensk, Leningrad, … SWWP – 39 – Operation Barbarossa: Part TwoRead more
The Devil’s Brigade Movie (1968)
I have blogged previously on The Devil’s Brigade as an actual unit in the Second World … The Devil’s Brigade Movie (1968)Read more
SWWP 38 – Bombing Hitler’s Hometown: A Conversation With Mike Croissant
In this episode, I speak to Mike Croissant who is the author of Bombing Hitler’s Hometown. … SWWP 38 – Bombing Hitler’s Hometown: A Conversation With Mike CroissantRead more
The HMCS Merrittonia
I can tell you two things about my childhood. One is that I grew up with … The HMCS MerrittoniaRead more
SWWP 37 – Hearts of Steel: A Conversation With Jim Carter
One of the most influential organizations in the wars of the 20th Century was the Royal … SWWP 37 – Hearts of Steel: A Conversation With Jim CarterRead more
Masters of the Air – Review
We have had Band of Brothers and the Pacific, now we have Masters of the Air. … Masters of the Air – ReviewRead more
SWWP 36 – Cracking the Nazi Code: A Conversation With Jason Bell
In this episode, I speak with Jason Bell, author of Cracking the Nazi Code. This book … SWWP 36 – Cracking the Nazi Code: A Conversation With Jason BellRead more
The Pacific – Review
One of my favourite series about the Second World War is the Band of Brothers and … The Pacific – ReviewRead more
Band of Brothers – Revisited
I have watched Band of Brothers a number of times but I just recently rewatched the … Band of Brothers – RevisitedRead more
A Glimpse of the Hitler Youth
We rightfully condemn the action of Adolf Hitler but we can at the same time acknowledge … A Glimpse of the Hitler YouthRead more
Palestine and the Second World War
I blog on military history, particularly the Second World War, in support of my podcast on … Palestine and the Second World WarRead more
We’ll Meet Again by Vera Lynn
When we think of a war effort, we think of combat troops and the production of … We’ll Meet Again by Vera LynnRead more
SWWP 34 – Operation Exporter: Britain vs France
When we think of areas of operations during the Second World War, we often do not … SWWP 34 – Operation Exporter: Britain vs FranceRead more
The Stuart Tank
One of the things that I am drawn to when it comes to the Second World … The Stuart TankRead more
SAS Rogue Heroes: Season One – Review
One of the series that I was interested in watching was SAS Rogue Heroes, the show … SAS Rogue Heroes: Season One – ReviewRead more
The Cologne Tank Battle Caught on Film
When battles take place today, we can easily watch it. Everyone has a phone and if … The Cologne Tank Battle Caught on FilmRead more
SWWP 33 – The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter One
In this first chapter of the Battle of the Atlantic, we catch up with what was … SWWP 33 – The Battle of the Atlantic: Chapter OneRead more
The Devil’s Brigade
When we think of Allied cooperation during the Second World War, we often think of the … The Devil’s BrigadeRead more
SWWP 32 – Greece Lightning: The German Invasion of Greece
On the same day that the Germans invaded Yugoslavia, they also invaded Greece. Even with Allied … SWWP 32 – Greece Lightning: The German Invasion of GreeceRead more
The Dieppe Raid
The Soviets had been putting a lot of pressure on the Allies to open up another … The Dieppe RaidRead more
SWWP 31 – An Unexpected Journey: A Conversation With John Livens
Imagine living through a Soviet occupation. And then having the Nazis replace the Soviets. And then … SWWP 31 – An Unexpected Journey: A Conversation With John LivensRead more
SWWP 30 – The April War: The Invasion of Yugoslavia
In April of 1941, Germany, along with Italian and Hungarian allies, invaded Yugoslavia. This was part … SWWP 30 – The April War: The Invasion of YugoslaviaRead more
SWWP 29 – The Siege of Malta
The Italians failed to take Malta. Could the Germans do better? They needed to neutralize this … SWWP 29 – The Siege of MaltaRead more
SWWP 28 – Enter the Desert Fox
In a previous episode, we saw Italy struggle in its ambitions in North Africa. Could Germany … SWWP 28 – Enter the Desert FoxRead more
Forgotten Victory – Review
Many people tend to assume that the Second World War, at least in the west, was … Forgotten Victory – ReviewRead more
SWWP 27 – Catching Up With Japan: China Strikes Back
We have been focusing on Germany and Italy but what has Japan been up to? While … SWWP 27 – Catching Up With Japan: China Strikes BackRead more
Operation Valkyrie
While there were a number of assassination attempts on Adolf Hitler, the most famous was that … Operation ValkyrieRead more
SWWP 26 – Italy Swings… And Misses
Italy attempts to match their German partners by attacking in numerous places in the Mediterranean area. … SWWP 26 – Italy Swings… And MissesRead more
Infantry vs Tank – Training Film
No foot soldier wants to come up against a tank. But during the Second World War, … Infantry vs Tank – Training FilmRead more
Ukraine during the Second World War
Since Ukraine is currently being invaded by Russia, it is worth looking at Ukraine’s past military … Ukraine during the Second World WarRead more
SWWP 25 – A Pope in Wartime: Pius XII
Pope Pius XII was the pope during the Second World War. There is controversy over how … SWWP 25 – A Pope in Wartime: Pius XIIRead more