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.
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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 h…
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.
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My recommended book is Defeat Into Victory: Battling Japan in Burma and India, 1942…
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Visit me at http://www.stephenjbedard.com/secondworldwar
Look for my other podcast "Histo…
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.
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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 …
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 wh…
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 t…
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 in…
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 …
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 heav…
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 rec…
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, includin…
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.
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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 …
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.
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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.
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