In the aftermath of Battle of Britain Day, both sides struggled to understand what had really changed in the aerial war over Britain. While the Luftwaffe leadership blamed their fighter pilots for the costly losses on September 15th, faulty intelligence drastically underestimated RAF strength at just 177 fighters when the actual number was 659—a miscalculati ... Show More
Dec 3
242: North Africa 1940 Pt. 6 - Bardia
In Episode 242 of History of the Second World War, we dive into Operation Compass, Britain’s first major offensive in North Africa in late 1940 — specifically focusing on the critical assault on Bardia, an Italian stronghold along the coast with formidable defenses. After initial ... Show More
24m 23s
Nov 26
241: North Africa 1940 Pt. 5 - Operation Compass
In Episode 241 of “History of the Second World War,” dive into the explosive opening of Operation Compass — Britain’s first major offensive in North Africa during WWII, launched in December 1940 against Italian fortified camps. Witness how British forces, including the 7th Armore ... Show More
24m 24s
Oct 2024
The Greatest Samurai Battle ⚔️
The Battle of Sekigahara, on 21st October, 1600, was the largest in Japanese feudal history, with over 160,000 troops involved. And stakes were high: the victor, Tokugawa Ieyasu, became the Shōgun of Japan, initiating the Edo period; whilst the leader of the losing Western army, ... Show More
11m 20s
Sep 2024
197. Battleground '44 - The Battle of Arnhem
This week on Battleground '44, Patrick discusses with Saul the Battle of Arnhem, part of perhaps the most famous Allied airborne operation of the Second World War - Operation Market Garden. Fought in the German-occupied Netherlands from 17 to 26 September 1944, the bridge in Arnh ... Show More
39m 18s
Mar 2025
Final Flight: The Last Surviving Battle Of Britain Pilot Dies
As a free bonus livestream episode, James Holland and Al Murray discuss the life and times of the last surviving RAF veteran of The Battle Of Britain, John 'Paddy' Hemingway, who sadly passed away this week at 105. It is also a good time to revisit the myths of The Battle Of Brit ... Show More
50m 16s