This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the critical moments of the Battle of Britain, exploring the German plan for invasion—Operation Sealion—and its unrealistic ambitions to cross the English Channel. As the Luftwaffe struggled with unclear strategies and fragmented operations in the summer of 1940, the episode reveals how chaos and uncertainty shaped the conflict. Listeners will uncover the high-stakes clash between Nazi ambitions and Britain’s desperate preparations, offering a gripping look at the turning point that defined the war’s outcome



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.

History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

217 - The Battle About Britain Pt. 1 - What Are We Doing Next?

This episode of History of the Second World War delves into the pivotal moments of Operation Catapult, the controversial British effort to seize French naval assets in 1940 as France surrendered to Germany. Explore the tensions between Churchill’s aggressive wartime strategies and the moral dilemmas of targeting a defeated enemy’s fleet, while uncovering how this decision shaped Britain’s path in the Battle of Britain. With insights from historians like Robert Forczyk, who calls the operation a "nadir of British strategy," this episode challenges listeners to rethink the complexities of leadership, sacrifice, and the fog of war during WWII.



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.

History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

216: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 8 - Operation Catapult

This episode delves into the intense strategic clashes during the Battle of Britain, focusing on the critical decisions made in late May and early June 1940 as Allied forces grappled with the deteriorating situation in France. It explores the tension between Air Chief Marshal Dowding’s warnings about keeping fighters in Britain and the urgent demands from French leaders and the BEF for more aircraft, highlighting the high stakes of resource allocation during a pivotal moment in the war. With insights into Churchill’s War Cabinet debates and the looming threat of invasion, the episode unpacks how these choices shaped the course of the conflict and the future of Britain’s defense.

Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.

History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

215: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 7 - Attrition Over France

In this episode, we delve into the critical period leading up to the Battle of Britain, exploring the growing tensions between Britain, France, and Germany as Churchill and Halifax worked tirelessly to find a path forward. The discussion centers around the hesitant attempts at negotiations with Mussolini and the Italian government, alongside the strategic planning for a continued fight against Germany, ultimately leading to a pivotal decision that shaped the course of the war. Listen to discover the challenges and uncertainties faced by the British government as they prepared for the monumental battle ahead.



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.

History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

214: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 6 - An Easy Way Out

Join us as we delve into the critical role of pilot experience in the Battle of Britain! This episode explores how the skills and bravery of foreign pilots, particularly those hailing from across the British Empire, were vital to the RAF's success. From the pivotal dogfight scenarios between single-engine fighters to the impact of Winston Churchill’s leadership, we’ll uncover the stories behind the 'Few' and the extraordinary sacrifices made in the air during this crucial period of World War II. Listen now and discover why these pilots were so highly valued!



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.



History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

213: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 5 - Churchill and the Few

This episode dives deep into the often-overlooked details of the Battle of Britain, going beyond the famous aircraft to explore the technological and logistical factors that impacted the fighting. We examine the strengths and weaknesses of aircraft like the Defiant, the crucial role of high-octane fuel in providing a performance edge, and even how seemingly minor details could influence the outcome of aerial engagements. From the limitations of turret fighters to the impact of fuel quality on climb rates, this episode reveals the complex web of factors that shaped the air war over Britain, setting the stage for a future discussion of the pilots who fought it.



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.



History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

212: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 4 - Leaves Upon the Wind

This episode delves into the often-overlooked early years of Britain’s Bomber Command during 1940, revealing a story of ambitious plans, flawed assumptions, and determined aircrews. We explore how Bomber Command transitioned from pre-war theory to desperate anti-invasion efforts, laying mines and attacking German harbors as the threat of a Nazi landing loomed. Beyond the immediate crisis, we uncover the enduring belief – championed by Churchill – that strategic bombing held the key to victory, despite early failures and a fundamental misunderstanding of the challenges ahead, setting the stage for the massive campaigns to come. Join us as we uncover the realities of early war bombing and the unwavering faith in a strategy that would define much of the conflict.





Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.





History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

211: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 3 - How to Build a Bombing Campaign

This episode delves into the fascinating, high-stakes cat-and-mouse game of radar and radio countermeasures during the Battle of Britain. Discover how British intelligence meticulously deciphered the German “Knickebein” and “X-Gerät” bombing guidance systems—starting with insights from captured soldiers and culminating in signal detection—and how they scrambled to develop countermeasures like the surprisingly simple “Aspirin” system. From strategically placed radio transmitters to deliberately set countryside fires, this episode reveals the ingenuity—and occasional rushed decisions—on both sides as they raced to disrupt enemy bombing raids, highlighting the crucial role of signal intelligence in the skies over Britain.



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War.



History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

210: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 2 - Flying Blind

In the years before the war the new technology of radar would begin to solve many of the problems of air defense, but it was not perfect.



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. 

History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media [https://www.airwavemedia.com/] podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

209: The Battle Before Britain Pt. 1 - Electronic Tripwires

The podcast is back, so it is time to talk about what you can look forward to in the near future.



Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. 

History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media [https://www.airwavemedia.com/] podcast network.



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

208: If Necessary Alone - An Introduction

History of the Second World War is a weekly podcast which will cover World War
2, beginning with the tumultuous years after the First World War, continuing
into the descent into war during the 1930s, through the war years, and then into
the post war aftermath.

History of the Second World War

History of the Great War is a weekly podcast that will cover the First World War
that occurred from 1914 and 1918. Every week we will be discussing the events
that occurred exactly 100 years ago. We will journey from the borders of France
in the blistering heat of 1914, to the shores of Gallipoli, to the banks of
Somme, to the final knockout attempt by the German army in the spring of 1918.

Wesley Livesay

Shows