Share
History Rage
LIVE SPECIAL : D-Day Dodgers, Mark Clark, and Myths of the Italian Campaign with James Holland
In this lively episode of History Rage Live, host Paul Bavill welcomes back the legendary historian, author, and podcaster James Holland. Known for his compelling narratives and deep dives into World War II history, Holland joins the podcast to discuss the often misunderstood Italian Campaign of the Second World War. With a focus on debunking myths and setting the record straight, Holland sheds light on the strategic importance and challenges of the Italian front.
Episode Highlights:
- Mark Clark's Misunderstood Legacy: James Holland passionately defends General Mark Clark, dispelling myths about his role in the Italian Campaign and addressing misconceptions about his decisions and actions.
- The Italian Campaign's Strategic Importance: Explore why the Italian front was crucial for the Allies, focusing on its role in diverting German forces and the significance of capturing the Foggia airfields.
- The Battle of Monte Cassino: Delve into the infamous battle, understanding its strategic complexities and the mountainous terrain that made it a formidable challenge for Allied forces.
- Stalin and the Italian Front: Discover how the Soviet Union viewed the Italian Campaign and their interest in expanding influence in post-war Italy.
- The Challenges of Amphibious Operations: Learn about the logistical constraints faced by the Allies, including the shortage of landing craft and the impact on strategic decisions.
- Evolution of Historical Perspectives: Holland reflects on how his understanding of the Italian Campaign has evolved over two decades, providing insights into the complexities of wartime strategy and the broader context of World War II.
Join us as we unravel the layers of historical distortion and gain a clearer understanding of the Italian Campaign's pivotal role in World War II. James Holland's insights promise to challenge long-held beliefs and illuminate the nuanced realities of this often-overlooked theatre of war.
Connect with James Holland:
- Follow James on Twitter: @James1940
Support the Show:
If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.
James’s Latest Book: Cassino '44: Five Months of Hell in Italy
Follow the Rage:
- Twitter: @HistoryRage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.social
From all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!
More episodes
View all episodes
2. Model Occupation Myth: The Harsh Reality of the Channel Islands with Nick Le Huray
50:34||Season 15, Ep. 2In this fiery episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill welcomes back historian and podcaster Nick Le Huray to dismantle the myth of the "model occupation" of the Channel Islands during World War II. Together, they delve into the harsh realities faced by the islanders under German occupation, a far cry from the benign narrative often portrayed.The Myth of the Model Occupation:- Nick passionately debunks the notion that the German occupation of the Channel Islands was a "model" occupation, revealing the severe hardships and brutal treatment endured by the islanders.- Explore the evidence that contradicts the idea that the Germans behaved themselves on British soil, including deportations, hostages, and severe restrictions on daily life.Life Under Occupation:- Discover the day-to-day struggles of the islanders, from food shortages and confiscated property to the constant threat of imprisonment and deportation.- Hear about the acts of defiance and resistance, including illicit newspapers and sabotage, that challenged the German occupiers despite the immense risks involved.Uncovering the Truth:- Nick shares his extensive research from unpublished diaries, family stories, and newly available archives that paint a vivid picture of the true nature of the occupation.- Learn about the impact of Nazi racial policies on the islanders, including the deportation of Jews and the horrific treatment of slave workers.The Legacy of Resistance:- Understand the long-lasting consequences for those accused of collaboration and the efforts to mitigate German demands by the local civilian government.- Nick highlights the importance of challenging the simplistic narratives and recognising the complex and often brutal reality of the occupation.Prepare to have your perceptions shattered as Nick Le Huray brings to light the untold stories of defiance and suffering during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. For more on this topic, check out Nick's blog at islandfortress.com and his podcast, Islands at War, available on all major platforms.Follow Nick on Twitter @nicklehSupport History Rage on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content and the coveted History Rage mug.Follow History Rage on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialStay informed, stay impassioned, and let the rage for historical truth burn on!1. The Real Anne of Cleves: Beyond the Flanders Mare with Heather Darsie
44:02||Season 15, Ep. 1Step into the tumultuous world of the Tudor court with this riveting episode of History Rage. Host Paul Bavill is joined by Heather Darsie, author of "Anna: Duchess of Cleves" and "Children of the House of Cleves," as well as the upcoming "Stuart Spouses," to debunk the myths surrounding Anne of Cleves and shed light on the reality of her life and legacy. The Misunderstood Queen:- Heather Darsie tackles the persistent and unfair label of Anne of Cleves as the "Flanders Mare," revealing the true origins and inaccuracies of this nickname.Historical Catfishing Unveiled:- Discover the truth behind Henry VIII's annulment from Anne, including the political and personal motivations that led to this decision, and why Anne was never actually called "ugly" by Henry.Anne's Early Life and Education:- Heather delves into Anne's upbringing in the German court, debunking myths about her education and revealing the rich cultural context of her youth.Political Intrigues and Alliances:- Explore the complex political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire and how Anne's marriage was intended to solidify alliances, rather than being a simple Protestant match.Life After the Annulment:- Learn about Anne's life post-annulment, her status as Henry's "beloved sister," and her relationships with Mary I and Elizabeth I, as well as the challenges she faced during Edward VI's reign.Reevaluating Anne's Legacy:- Heather calls for a more nuanced understanding of historical figures, urging listeners to see Anne of Cleves as a real person with a complex life, rather than a caricature.Join us for this enlightening episode as we strip away the layers of myth and misrepresentation to reveal the true story of Anne of Cleves. For those eager to dive deeper, Heather's books offer a treasure trove of insights and are available through the History Rage bookshop.Order Anna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's 'Beloved Sister'Follow Heather on Twitter @hdarsiehistory, and on Instagram at hdarsiehistory. You can also read her articles at maidensandmanuscripts.com.Support our quest for historical truth on Patreon. For £5 per month, gain early access to episodes, livestreams, entry into prize draws, the chance to pose questions to future guests, and the coveted History Rage mug. Subscribe at patreon.com/historyrage. Stay informed, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!Intro to Series 15
01:56||Season 15, Ep. 0Welcome to Series 15 of History Rage! A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey—your encouragement means the world. Here's a sneak peek at the fiery topics we'll be tackling over the next ten weeks. Get ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about history.Upcoming Rages:Heather Darsie takes on Anne of Cleves and the 'Flanders Mare' mythNick Le Huray gets his rage on at the 'Model Occupation' of the Channel; IslandsMuseum Curator Liam Gauci of the Malta Maritime Museum rages that Corsairs and Pirates are very differentJohanna Strong is sick to death of the Bloody Mary tagTobias Capwell rages that armour is for fighting in, of course you can move in itSteve Tibble argues about the realities of the Crusades and their missionAuthor Ron Drabkin takes a new look at the Pearl Harbour blame game and who was at faultShalina Patel shouts that there are many more suffrage campaigners than the PankhurstsNicola Clark rages that Anne Boleyn did not withhold sex to become QueenJames Crossland explores the farce that is the Lockhart plot and that British Intelligence is not infallibleThe ragefires will burn again with general release on 16th December. See you then!Stay Connected:Follow us on Twitter: @HistoryRageJoin the conversation with Paul Bavill: @PaulBavillShare your thoughts using the hashtag #HistoryRageSupport History Rage on Patreon for early episode access, the chance to submit questions to guests, prize draws, and the exclusive History Rage mug at www.patreon.com/historyrage.To catch up on all the rage from bygone times, visit our website www.historyrage.comIf you want to get in touch with History Rage, email historyragepod@gmail.comStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage10. The Sailors’ Stories: The Navy's Role in Normandy with Nick Hewitt
56:19||Season 14, Ep. 10In this episode, historian and author Nick Hewitt shares his expertise on the role of sailors in the Normandy invasion during World War II. He debunks the misconception that sailors only put the army on the beach and then left. · The Navy was involved in maintaining supply lines, providing naval gunfire support, and defending against German attacks.· Intelligence gathering and preparation, including the work of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties, were essential before D-Day.· Their responsibilities included delivering troops to the beaches, coordinating the movement of ships and supplies, providing naval gunfire support, and establishing and maintaining the Mulberry Harbours.· The Navy had beach masters and tri-service beach groups that organized the traffic and logistics on the beaches.· There were forward observer teams that called in naval gunfire support and sailors who cleared and operated captured ports.Connect with Nick:· - Follow Nick on Twitter: @nickhweitt4Support the Show:· If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Nick’s Books· Normandy: the Sailors' Story: A Naval History of D-Day and the Battle for France· Coastal Convoys 1939-1945: The Indestructible Highway· Firing on Fortress Europe: HMS Belfast on D-Day Follow the Rage:· - Twitter: @HistoryRage· - Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavill· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRage· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/· Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!9. The Myths of Mata Hari and Edith Cavell with Helen Fry
43:21||Season 14, Ep. 9In this episode of History Rage, historian Dr. Helen Fry discusses the misconceptions surrounding Mata Hari and Edith Cavell. She reveals that Mata Hari was not a spy, despite popular belief, and that her image as a glamorous femme fatale has overshadowed the contributions of real women in intelligence. On the other hand, Edith Cavell, known as an innocent martyr, was actually involved in espionage and ran her own network behind enemy lines in Belgium. Dr. Fry emphasizes the importance of uncovering the true stories of women in intelligence and dispelling myths that have persisted for decades.HighlightsMata Hari was not a spy, despite popular belief, and her image as a glamorous femme fatale has overshadowed the contributions of real women in intelligence.Edith Cavell, known as an innocent martyr, was actually involved in espionage and ran her own network behind enemy lines in Belgium.It is important to uncover the true stories of women in intelligence and dispel myths that have persisted for decades.The public is hungry for new stories and properly researched history that challenges traditional narratives.Connect with Dr. Helen Fry:- Follow Helen on Twitter: @drhelenfrySupport the Show:If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Helen’s BooksWomen in IntelligenceThe Walls Have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of World War IISpymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6MI9: A History of the Secret Service for Escape and Evasion in World War TwoThe London Cage: The Secret History of Britain's World War II Interrogation Centre Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavillFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!8. The Neutrality Nightmare: Debunking Irish WWII Myths with Dr. Joseph Quinn
01:13:56||Season 14, Ep. 8**LANGUAGE WARNING**In this explosive episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by the impassioned Dr. Joseph Quinn, a historian specialising in Ireland and Britain during the Second World War. Together, they tackle one of the most contentious and misunderstood aspects of the war: Irish neutrality. Dr. Quinn, known for his fiery takes, is here to set the record straight on the myths and misconceptions surrounding Ireland's stance during the conflict. Episode Highlights:- Dr. Joseph Quinn's Return: Dr. Quinn is back, bringing his expertise on the Second World War and Irish history to the forefront.- The Roots of Irish Neutrality: Discover how Ireland's decision to remain neutral was not an act of cowardice but a calculated move to preserve national security and avoid civil conflict.- Debunking Myths: Dr. Quinn dismantles the erroneous belief that Ireland was a haven for Nazi sympathisers and collaborators, providing compelling evidence to the contrary.- Pro-Allied Neutrality: Learn about the extensive, albeit covert, cooperation between Ireland and the Allied forces, including intelligence sharing and the facilitation of Irish volunteers joining the British military.- The Book of Condolence: Addressing one of the most persistent myths, Dr. Quinn clarifies the reality behind De Valera's controversial visit to the German representative following Hitler's death.- Churchill's Critique and De Valera's Response: Delve into the diplomatic tensions between Ireland and Britain, highlighted by Churchill's post-war speech and De Valera's poignant reply.Join us as we navigate through the murky waters of historical distortion and emerge with a clearer understanding of Ireland's complex role during the Second World War. This episode promises to be a rollercoaster of revelations, challenging long-held beliefs and shining a light on the nuanced reality of Irish neutrality. Connect with Dr. Joseph Quinn:- Follow Dr. Quinn on Twitter: @ww2researchSupport the Show:If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug. Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavillFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry!7. The Unsung Bomber: The Halifax's Contributions to Victory with Jane Gulliford Lowes
40:57||Season 14, Ep. 7In this high-flying episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by Jane Gulliford Lowes, historian, author, and co-host of the "Never Mind the Dambusters" podcast, to dismantle the myth that the Lancaster bomber single-handedly won World War II. Jane takes us on a turbulent journey through the skies of the Second World War, passionately advocating for the often-overlooked Handley Page Halifax and other unsung aircraft of RAF Bomber Command. Prepare for a deep dive into the complex and multifaceted history of these wartime workhorses and get ready to challenge the narrow narratives perpetuated by popular media and historical oversights.Episode Highlights:- Jane Gulliford Lowes' Introduction: Jane shares her journey from a much-loathed legal career to becoming a historian and aviation enthusiast, driven by a childhood fascination with the Falklands War and a personal connection to RAF Bomber Command through her great uncle Jack Clyde.- The Lancaster Myth: Jane passionately debunks the notion that the Lancaster bomber won the war on its own, criticising the "Lancastrification" of World War II history and highlighting the vital roles played by other aircraft, particularly the Halifax.- The Halifax's Contributions: From strategic bombing to mine-laying operations, SOE missions, and supporting airborne operations, Jane details the extensive and varied contributions of the Halifax, arguing for its rightful place in the annals of aviation history.- Challenges and Improvements: Jane discusses the early issues faced by the Halifax, its subsequent improvements, and how it evolved to become a formidable aircraft by the time of the Mark III, which rivalled the Lancaster in terms of performance.- The Overlooked Heroes: Jane calls for a broader recognition of all the aircraft that contributed to the war effort, including the Hamdens, Stirlings, Wellingtons, and Blenheims, urging listeners to appreciate the full spectrum of Bomber Command.Connect with Jane Gulliford Lowes:- Grab a copy of Jane's book "Above Us the Stars" from The History Rage Bookshop- Follow Jane on Instagram @justcuriousjane and Twitter @LydiaJane13Support the Show:If you’re fired up by this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Paul on Twitter: @PaulBavillStay Angry, Stay Informed - History Rage6. Jane Seymour - Beyond the Boring Queen with Elizabeth Norton
40:27||Season 14, Ep. 6Step into the tumultuous world of Henry VIII's court as Paul is joined by historian and author Dr. Elizabeth Norton, who is here to set the record straight on one of history's most misunderstood queens: Jane Seymour. Elizabeth, renowned for her extensive work on Tudor women, passionately argues against the common perception of Jane as a dull, submissive figure and reveals the true complexity and significance of her life.Introducing Dr. Elizabeth Norton:- Elizabeth shares her background in Tudor history and her latest projects, including a groundbreaking study on Jane Seymour and a book on reigning queens.Jane Seymour: More Than Just Henry VIII's Wife:- Elizabeth debunks the myth of Jane Seymour as merely the mother of Henry's son, highlighting her overlooked qualities and achievements.Early Life and Upbringing:- Delve into Jane's enigmatic early years, her family background, and the factors that shaped her into a formidable figure at court.Jane's Rise to Power:- Explore Jane's strategic ascent to queenship, her court connections, and the political manoeuvres that positioned her beside Henry VIII.Challenging the Stereotypes:- Elizabeth counters the portrayal of Jane as a gentle, submissive queen, presenting evidence of her intelligence, ambition, and influence.Jane's Political and Personal Influence:- Uncover Jane's role in the dissolution of the monasteries and her daring interventions in Henry's policies, which reveal a more assertive and politically savvy queen.Jane's Relationships with Her Stepchildren:- Learn about Jane's nurturing relationships with Mary and Elizabeth, and her significant impact on their lives during her queenship.Legacy and Misconceptions:- Elizabeth discusses why Jane Seymour's legacy is often overshadowed and calls for a re-evaluation of her contributions and significance in Tudor history.Conclusion:See Jane Seymour in a new light, recognising her as a remarkable and influential figure in her own rightFor a deeper dive into Jane Seymour's life, grab a copy of Elizabeth's book Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's True Love from the History Rage Bookshop and follow Elizabeth on Twitter @ENortonHistory.Share your thoughts on Twitter @HistoryRage using the hashtag #HistoryRage. Join our 'Angry Mob' on Patreon for exclusive perks, including early episode access and the esteemed History Rage mug, at patreon.com/historyrage.Follow History Rage on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryRageTwitter: https://twitter.com/HistoryRageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyrage/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/historyrage.bsky.socialStay Angry, Stay Informed