Gen. Hoth’s 4th Panzer Army reaches the Psel River, which threatens both the city of Prokhorovka and Oboyan. But taking from their Reserve forces, the Soviets launch a massive counter attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Checkout this incredible story of US Marine Corps fighter pilot Jefferson DeBlanc, who was shot down over the Solomon Islands. From there his story had just begun. Medal of Honor Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Axis retreat from the Don River was haphazard. Armies were lost as was much equipment. Army Group South would regroup and form another line, but it was much reduced and the Soviets were only getting stronger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louise Endres Moore comes on to talk about her dad’s combat journey as she finds out he was more than a barber and translator. He operated a machine gun on the front lines. But you would never know it by what he didn’t say for the rest of his life. He was at the Battle of the Bulge, but that was only one of his 5 campaigns. More information and photos at https://bit.ly/3RhIW9K To Subscribe to The History of WWII Podcast just search “ The History of WWII Podcast - By Ray Harris Jnr” in your favourite Podcast app. Or visit our website at https://worldwariipodcast.net/ and listen online for free, subscribe via RSS or join our membership tier and get an additional 2 episodes per month. RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45  Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Still catching up to where we left off on the Eastern Front, now we turn to Army Group Center. At first, Moscow was not von Bock’s main goal, but rather the destruction of all Soviet forces in Western Russia. If that could happen, then victory was assured. But one Soviet officer will fly into the Bialystok pocket to lead the men in a massive counter attack. Images and more at https://bit.ly/3uh9vmi RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two Episodes! First, Historian Angus Konstam comes on to discuss his newest book, The Convoy: HG-76: Taking the Fight To Hitler's U-Boats and then we return to the Eastern Front. Army Group North is making headway toward Leningrad, but Stalin continues to put entire Armies in their path. This episode is read by Guest Podcasters Ryan Fairfield and Tony Lupo from The Warrior Next Door Podcast. Images and more at https://bit.ly/40tY5Yp RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian Roger Moorhouse comes on to discuss the incredible story of the Polish Ambassador in Switzerland who tried to save trapped Jews in Soviet occupied Poland. Word of this gets out and thousands more requests comes in. He who saves one life, saves the world entire. More info at https://bit.ly/3MrW4pM RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first in a recap of the Eastern front. Germany’s Army Group North will cut through the Baltic states with relative ease. Still, there are a few moments of panic for the panzers that are only a foretaste of what is to come.  For images and maps to accompany this episode visit the History of WWII Podcast Website https://bit.ly/45Ek0x6 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here are three stories to hold you over until I can get back to the Eastern Front. Enjoy! RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conclusion of Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid. The nightmare on the beach is over, but it’s repercussions have only begun in London, Ottawa and Berlin. But two years later, the Allies will be back and Dieppe will be liberated. Not that the war of words will end with the war. More information and images from this episode on our website https://bit.ly/3LKaoK1 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the survivors back in Britain, questions are being asked, facts and figures are being compiled. Canada has questions but they will not like the answers. Meanwhile, Churchill is meeting with Stalin about fighting Nazi Germany together. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Two Episode Special! First, NPR's Scott Simon come on to discuss his audiobook/book Swingtime for Hitler: From Goebbels’s Jazzmen to Tokyo Rose to AI, the Eternal Allure of Propaganda. And then we continue with Operation Jubilee: Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat. To hear Swingtime for Hitler on Scribd, go to try.scribd.com/scottsimon for a 60 day free trial, use code SIMON60. RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Jubilee has failed, but now the men have to be rescued. Yet the Germans are determined not to let a single man, ship or plane leave without having fought their way out. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/3sFGwrw RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Writer Becky Aikman tells the story of American female pilots that chose to go to Britain, to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary. While flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, they live their lives to the fullest. It's a new land and a new chance to reinvent themselves. But not all will make it to the end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Military Historian John C. McManus comes on to discuss his US Army in the Pacific Trilogy. Then, the Rileys come ashore at White Beach, but it goes no better for them. It is now a make or break moment and Gen. John “Ham” Roberts has decided to throw in his reserves. The day may yet be saved. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/48lRd2W RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the flanking attacks to either side of Dieppe have had mixed results, it’s now time for the direct attack on the town. Here, the Germans are well dug in, but coming ashore are 30 Canadian tanks to challenge for supremacy of the beach. Yet there is a slight delay before the tanks land and the Germans use that to slaughter the Essex Scottish. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/3EkUhOY RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First, interview w/ Andrew Nagorski about his latest book, Saving Freud, The Rescuers Who Brought Him to Freedom and then we continue with the Dieppe Raid. Now it’s Green Beach’s turn. Here the men will find some success, but too few get ashore and their small arms are no match for what the Germans have in store. Operation Jubilee is starting to unravel. To view supporting images and other media for this episode please visit The History Of WWII Podcast website https://bit.ly/3QWbiX6 RSS – https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter – https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that the two attacking flanks had landed men, one went well, the other was a debacle, it was time to land men at Blue Beach, just east of Dieppe. And it would be here that would determine if Operation Jubilee would be a success or not. But the Germans were ready. Images and Maps for this episode can be found on the History of WWII Podcast website at https://bit.ly/45Baknq To view this episode with Captions view on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/CarjMMflJao RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Commandos land on the far flanks of Dieppe. The attack at the Orange Beaches will see their initial objectives met, but men will be lost. As for Yellow Beach to the East, the commandos will be met with death and the loss of the majority of their team. Images for this episode can be found on the History of WWII Podcast website at https://worldwariipodcast.net/2023/08/14/episode-431-the-father-and-mother-of-all-explosions/ To view this episode with Captions please subscribe to our YouTube Channel RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Professor Tom Holm discusses Ira Hayes, his time with the Marines, his fighting on Iwo Jima and Mt. Suribachi and his tragic life after the raising of the American flag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 200 plus ships of Operation Jubilee reach the French coast, a single event occurs, ruining all the plans of Combined Operations. Still, the Allied force moves forward, hoping to make the best of a bad situation. Which is when it gets much worse. Images and other media for this episode can be found on The History of WWII Podcast website https://worldwariipodcast.net/2023/08/06/episode-428-it-only-takes-one-little-mistake/ To view this episode with Captions please subscribe to our YouTube Channel RSS - https://feeds.megaphone.fm/history-of-world-war-ii Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wwii45 Twitter - https://twitter.com/WW2Podcaster Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rayharrisjr/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wwiiguy YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@historyofwwiipodcast8712 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A desperate Churchill green lights the raid on Dieppe. And though it has been scaled back to avoid entanglements with panzers, it is still complex and dependent on everything going to plan and on time. A rare event in battle. Still, on August 18th, the ships with the Canadians, Commandos, Free French and 50 US Rangers on board, set out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dieppe Raid planning continues as Churchill needs something to show the Americans and Soviets. The Canadians are tapped to assist the Commandos as Combined Operations wants an overwhelming attack. But the Germans are more than prepared. But Operation Rudder will have growing pains, until it dies. Canada, this one is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Lord Mountbatten in charge of Combined Operations, the plan to soften up the enemy’s coastline defenses is underway. But there is much to learn and lessons here are normally accompanied by death. As Commando raids take place, the British and their Commonwealth Allies gear up for something much larger, a raid on Dieppe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Stavka made the South its main area of operations in 1942, saving Stalingrad was only the beginning. Next, the Italians were wiped out, then the Romanians were finished off. Now, it was the Hungarian’s turn and what was coming at them was a tidal wave of steel, shot and shell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In building up to Operation Sledgehammer, Mountbatten’s arrival is a whirlwind for Combined Operations. Their numbers will grow as will the number of their raids. But soon, the commandos are too few. Churchill wants larger raids, as does Mountbatten. The Canadians on the island are ready do anything to get this war over. Thus they will be tapped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Operation Pedestal would ensure that Malta stayed in the fight. But Stalin is not appeased. He wants a Second Front. So does Gen. George Marshall and he’s coming to London to say so. The British had to come up with a plan, big enough to impress the Russian and the American, but good enough not to get everyone killed. Enter the new head of Combined Operations, Lord Louis Mountbatten. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The final episode of Operation Pedestal. Through luck and determination and American engineering, the Ohio holds together long enough, to bring her in to Valletta Harbor. And so the various machines of war on Malta have a new lease on life. They can continue to harass the supply convoys heading for Rommel. Truly an ironic turn of events. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As everyone on Malta and in Britain and in the US and in North Africa wait, the tanker Ohio, carrying much needed oil to the island, slowly crawls towards Valletta Harbor. Yet at any moment, an Axis air attack could come or the tanker may simply split in two, given her damage. The people of Malta need a miracle. Fortunately for them, it was August 15th, the day the Catholic Maltese celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the sun rises on August 14th, the Stuka’s and Italian bombers are back. It would only take one bomb landing true to break the Ohio in half. But manning her AA guns are volunteers from previously lost ships who are determined, this will not happen again. Meanwhile, Churchill’s meeting with Stalin goes badly as the Prime Minister has no good news to deliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Americans enter the war after the events of Pearl Harbor, the Western Allies have to decide how to fight the war. The Americans have the industry, the British, the experience. But both will have to give to get along so that Hitlerism can be destroyed. Mr. Conroy’s book covers the Casablanca Conference and the one small detail that almost changed the war and the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of the merchant ships enter Grand Harbor and Adm. Burrough turns around to make for Gibraltar. But the Maltese notice that only three ships came with Burrough. Where were the others and most importantly, where was the tanker Ohio. She was still a few hours away, with no way to move under her own power. And between the oil on board, not to mention the tons of water now inside her, from the ship’s ripped side, the destroyers were still trying to figure something out. Either way, when the sun rose on August 14th, the Axis fighters and bombers would be back. Something had to happen and soon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the escorting destroyers fill up with rescued crewmen, now it’s the Ohio’s turn as her engines give up the ghost. But the men in this story are determined to get her to Malta, by hook or by crook. For her fuel is the difference to whether Malta endures or surrenders to the not so tender mercies of the Axis Powers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Nelson's book V is For Victory has it all: FDR's early days of combatting the Great Depression, restoring faith in the country and gearing up for a war that many hoped would never come. But it was FDR putting the country on the right path that got the US ready to aid the Allies and eventually enter the war. And win it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the sun rose on August 13th, the Axis forces in the Mediterranean knew they had one last day to stop Operation Pedestal. As such, the Axis air formations came in hot and heavy, with their normal level of accuracy. This wasn’t over yet and more ships would be lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the 8th Italian Army destroyed, the Soviets will now focus on the German forces SE of Stalingrad and the 2nd Hungarian Army. The US liaison officer will see the results of these battles and report the slaughter to FDR. Meanwhile, Gen. Manstein is forced to order a pull back of all forces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Within a four hour period of darkness, Pedestal will lose many ships. By morning, 7 of the 14 merchants were gone. Still if the rest can get through, then Pedestal would be considered a success. And yet, the rising sun brings whole scores of Luftwaffe planes, vying to finish off Churchill’s last hope of resupplying Malta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As August 13th turns into the 14th, more ships of Pedestal are lost. Some fought bravely during their last moments, other’s not. But Adm. Syfret’s orders are that all ships are to try. And Commander Gibbs of the destroyer HMS Pathfinder and his crew enter into the history books as the ablest crew ever to sail a ship. Still, when the sun rises on August 14th, there are fewer ships to protect and fewer to protect them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ships of Pedestal have entered The Narrows. Waiting for them are Italian E-boats that rule the night. But Keith Park, Malta’s Air Arm commander, has an ace up his sleeve. Well, at least a great poker face. Meanwhile Kesselring and the Italians argue from sun rise, past sun set on whether Adm. Da Zara’s attack fleet should have air cover. What’s the worst the planes on Malta could do to them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Churchill visits Stalin for the first time, only to give him bad news. There will be no Second Front in 1942. Then, back to Pedestal as the merchant ships have been scattered. The destroyers will try to round them up, but some captains don’t want to finish the trip. And the tanker Ohio is still limping towards Malta, but now she’s on her own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Pedestal nears the Narrows, more escorts and merchant ships are lost to Axis planes and submarines. The convoy had been laid on heavily, to make up for any anticipated losses, but the losses about to take place would strain the very reason for London even trying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Force Z leaves Force X and Pedestal to their fate, Italian subs and torpedo boats line up in the narrow Sicilian Narrows to finish off the merchantmen. Adm. Burrough is confident that he can get through, until a lone but lucky Italian sub launches 4 torpedoes that changes the odds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s still August 12, 1942 and after two large attacks, the Axis now launch their main attack, that afternoon. There were to be Axis dive bombers, torpedo bombers, high level bombers, submarines and torpedo boats. A potpourri of death for the Pedestal Convoy. Yet the Allied carriers did sterling work that day. But one of them will pay the price. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The early afternoon of August 12th would be hell for the defenders of Pedestal. Several air attacks take place, in between U-boat attacks. And the Italians have their own technologically advanced surprise for the ships of Pedestal. But can they pull it off? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chloe Melas, granddaughter of the author, comes on to discuss the book, Luck of the Draw. Frank Murphy, a navigator was shot down and became POW for 18 months. His camp was liberated by Gen. Patton. Frank Murphy will be one of the characters in Tom Hank's new series, Masters of the Air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s August 12, 1942 and it’s a beautiful day. Which makes Axis reconnaissance flights ideal. Soon, Rome knows all it needs to and its various ships, subs and planes are sent out, all to converge on the convoy. Pedestal will need a miracle just to make it to noon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picking another weak point of the Axis defensive line to the NW of Stalingrad, the Italian 8th, the Hungarian 2nd and what remained of the Romanian 3rd Armies would be attacked. Then the airfield feeding Gen. Paulus’ 6th Army would be raided. The German forces would be tied down and unable to assist. Punch by punch Army Group South is losing its strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HMS Furious having delivered its Spitfires to Malta, turns around with its escort. But they are not out of danger yet. Meanwhile, as the ships of Pedestal get closer to Malta, the Allies launch several distractions. Some are a waste of time, but one gives the British an edge that a certain Italian admiral would come to loath. But surviving a war or not truly is, the luck of the draw. Check out investmentcaster.com and use promo code History, for $10 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Churchill pushes to have the largest convoy thus far, sent to Malta. Yet the Germans and Italians are ready. Before the Merchantmen and the tanker Ohio can reach Malta, they will have to survive both enemy's air forces and U-boats, not to mention Italy's cruiser squadrons. Not everyone is expected to make it through. Then again, that was expected as well. It's crunch time for Malta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me in listening to the first episode of William Clark's exploration of The French Revolution, from the Grey History Podcast. Clark goes deep and explores the grey areas around all history and certainly of Revolutionary France. The following is the episode that got the whole thing going. Prepare to binge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices