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
World War Two
Pressure – Review
Do we really need another movie about D-Day? Isn’t the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan … Pressure – ReviewRead 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
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
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
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 Giants of Steel: The Five Biggest Battleships of the Second World War
The Second World War marked both the zenith and the twilight of the battleship era. These massive … The Giants of Steel: The Five Biggest Battleships of the Second World WarRead 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
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 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
German Military Chaplains in World War II – Review
I am obviously interested in the Second World War, since I host a podcast on the … German Military Chaplains in World War II – ReviewRead 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
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
SAS: Rogue Heroes – Season Two
I watched the second season of SAS: Rogue Heroes. I am still trying to figure out … SAS: Rogue Heroes – Season TwoRead 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
SWWP 43 – Catching Up With the Germans on the Eve of Pearl Harbor
The Germans have been busy during 1941. Not only had they invaded the Soviet Union and … SWWP 43 – Catching Up With the Germans on the Eve of Pearl HarborRead 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
Japanese Aircraft of the Second World War
During the Second World War, Japan developed and deployed a wide array of aircraft to support … Japanese Aircraft of the Second World WarRead more
What Was the Difference Between the SOE and the SAS During the Second World War?
Special Operations Executive (SOE) Special Air Service (SAS) Key Differences Overlap and Collaboration While SOE and … What Was the Difference Between the SOE and the SAS During the Second World War?Read 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
Understanding the Difference Between the Gestapo and the SS in Nazi Germany
The Nazi regime in Germany from 1933 to 1945 established an extensive and oppressive security apparatus … Understanding the Difference Between the Gestapo and the SS in Nazi GermanyRead 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
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
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
The HMCS Merrittonia
I can tell you two things about my childhood. One is that I grew up with … The HMCS MerrittoniaRead 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
The Pacific – Review
One of my favourite series about the Second World War is the Band of Brothers and … The Pacific – ReviewRead more
SWWP 35 – Operation Barbarossa: Part One
One of the major turning points of the war was Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of … SWWP 35 – Operation Barbarossa: Part OneRead 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
William Joyce – Lord Haw-Haw
One of the most infamous Nazi collaborators was American born William Joyce, better known by his … William Joyce – Lord Haw-HawRead 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
Mussolini: The Rise and Fall of Il Duce – Review
When many people think of the Axis powers of the Second World War, they often think … Mussolini: The Rise and Fall of Il Duce – ReviewRead more
SWWP 24 – Italy Goes For Egypt
Italy was able to take British Somaliland. Could they duplicate that success with Egypt? They would … SWWP 24 – Italy Goes For EgyptRead more
The Liberator – Review
I’m always on the lookout for good movies or series based on the Second World War, … The Liberator – ReviewRead more
SWWP 23 – The Able Queen: A Conversation With Rainy Horvath
In this episode, I talk to Rainy Horvath, who published the memoirs of her father who … SWWP 23 – The Able Queen: A Conversation With Rainy HorvathRead more
SWWP 22 – Italy Gets in the Game
So far we have been focusing on Germany but what about Italy? Mussolini still intended to … SWWP 22 – Italy Gets in the GameRead more
SWWP 21 – The Battle of Britain
France has fallen. Is it Britain’s turn next? Germany plans Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of … SWWP 21 – The Battle of BritainRead more
SWWP 20 – The Battle of France is Over…
The French had fought valiantly but how how long could they resist. The Germans were using … SWWP 20 – The Battle of France is Over…Read more
SWWP 19 – The Miracle of Dunkirk
With almost a quarter of a million British troops stranded at Dunkirk, the majority of Britain’s … SWWP 19 – The Miracle of DunkirkRead more
Dunkirk (Book) – Review
One of the most dramatic events of the Second World War was the evacuation of Dunkirk. … Dunkirk (Book) – ReviewRead more
SWWP 18 – The Fall of France
Previously, the Germans had attacked through Holland and Belgium, exactly what the Allies expected. Now, the … SWWP 18 – The Fall of FranceRead more
SWWP 16 – Low Blow: The Invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium
The conflict in Norway between the Axis and Allies was only a taste of what was … SWWP 16 – Low Blow: The Invasion of the Netherlands and BelgiumRead more
The Second World War by John Keegan
Writing a full length book on even just one battle requires an author to pick and … The Second World War by John KeeganRead more
D-Day’s Forgotten Beach
Everyone knows that the D-Day landings at Normandy in the Second World War had five beaches: … D-Day’s Forgotten BeachRead more