Warfare

On June 6th 1944, Allied forces launched a massive amphibious invasion of Normandy, France - the operation involved over 150,000 troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. Better known as D-Day, success would mark a pivotal turning point in the Second World War. While the exact number of lives lost is undetermined, it's estimated 4,400 Allied troops lost their lives - and an additional several thousand German troops were killed during the invasion. But what exactly happened on D-Day, and what was it like for the people actually there?In this episode, James welcomes back WW2 Veteran Chuck Richardson, and his researcher Emily Wilson, to talk about Chuck's experiences on this momentous day in history. A WW2 Pilot, Chuck flew over the beaches on D-Day and provided invaluable air support to the troops down below and experienced enemy fire from the ground. With his own personal diary entries and memories, Chuck provides a first hand account of what happened on D-Day.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

War Gaming, an activity that has been around as long as warfare itself, provides valuable insights into the complex nature of war. Whether it's traditional games like Chess or more contemporary ones like Armageddon, each War Game offers a unique perspective on the multifaceted world of war. By simulating battles and incorporating strategic elements, these games enable players to comprehend the reasons behind conflicts, and the factors that contribute to their outcomes. But how can we apply War Gaming to modern conflicts happening today?In this episode James welcomes Martin Anward, Game Director of Paradox Interactive - to talk about the real world applications of War Gaming, and how this can be experienced in their new game 'Victoria 3'. Looking at conflicts across the 19th Century, and examining their socio-political origins, global influences, and the grand strategies employed; what can we learn from War Gaming? And how can it effect history?If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

A prominent American Diplomat, and influential American statesmen, Henry Kissinger is a name known around the world. Serving as National Security Advisor and later as Secretary of State under Presidents Nixon and Ford, he prioritised national interests over ideological concerns. Known for his involvement in significant diplomatic initiatives, including the opening of relations with China and the negotiation of the Paris Peace Accords, his influence was global. However, his actions and policies have also been subject to criticism, particularly regarding human rights abuses and covert operations during his tenure. So who was Henry Kissinger, and does he deserve the reputation he has?In this episode James welcomes Professor Thomas Schwartz from Vanderbilt University, to delve into the life and career of Henry Kissinger. Looking at his early childhood in Nazi Germany, his early political career and education, along with his involvement in the several global conflicts and peace agreements - is it possible to define who Henry Kissinger was, and what can we learn about his legacy?You can buy Thomas' book here.Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe. Edited by Annie Coloe.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store.

In March 2015, a ten-nation coalition of Gulf states launched an attack against Houthi insurgents in Aden. With Iran seeking to dominate the Southern Arabian Peninsula and take control of the Suez Canal, Aden became a key logistical city and suddenly found itself thrust into the limelight. With Washington involved in a Nuclear Deal with Iran for the first time, the Gulf States acted alone in their defense. But why was the Yemeni city of Aden so important to the coalition, and how far were they willing to go to defend it?In this episode, James welcomes Michael Knights, author of the new book '25 Days to Aden', to the podcast to help unpack this pivotal moment in modern history. Examining the socio-political importance of Aden, addressing Washington's lack of support, and looking at the lasting consequences of this conflict, Michael helps explain what happened in those 25 days of 2015 and why they were so important.Produced by Elena GuthrieEdited by Aidan LonerganIf you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

It's 1943, you're part of the French resistance, and you've been sentenced to death. You're allowed to write one last letter before you're shot by the Nazis. Who do you write to? Friends? Family? Fellow comrades? How do you know if they'll even get it?Of the 10,000 or so executions during the Second World War, only around 700 letters remain, and today's guest, Daniel Brunstetter, Professor of Political Science at the University of California Irvine, has spent the last three years trying to track them down, and working with the families to piece together their life, death, and acts of heroism.Together, Daniel and host James Patton Rogers set the scene of occupied France, Charles de Gaulle's rallying cry to resist, and the multiple lives the letters, years after their authors were executed.The Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. It was edited and mixed by Aidan Lonergan.Intro music: Ludwig van Beethoven, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsFor more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

Fighting has broken out in Sudan following years of power struggle between the country's military leadership: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the armed forces, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).However, the origins of this conflict can be traced back to 1956, when Sudan first gained independence from the British-Egyptian Condominium. Since, Sudan has been a country that has tried to establish a civilian, democratic government time and again, but each time has been derailed by a military coup.In today's episode, host James Patton Rogers is joined by the first US Ambassador to South Sudan, Susan D Page, to help make sense of this complex history. From independence in 1956, through to President Omar al-Bashir's 2019 downfall and the 2021 coup, they assess what the history means for events happening right now, and finally, what steps towards peace could look like.Produced by Elena Guthrie, edited by Annie Coloe.For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

80 years ago, in the late hours of May 16th 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson fearlessly commanded the 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force to execute a daring bombing mission. Their aim - to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley - Germany's vital industrial hub. This top-secret operation was known as 'Chastise', but we know them today as the 'Dambusters'. But why has this famed mission, that was so vital to the allied war effort, become so controversial? And 80 years on, what new information do we have about these pilots?In this episode, James chats to Sir Max Hastings to help explain just who the Dambusters were and what they did. With decades of Max's research, including first hand accounts from the men who were there, there's a lot to be learnt 80 years on. Examining the controversies surrounding operation Chastise, and looking at the monuments erected in memoriam of those lost - what can we learn about the men, and the victims, of Second World War bombing raids?Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe. Edited by Aidan Lonergan.For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

In this episode of Warfare, host James Patton Rogers is joined by Tony Phelan and Susanna Fogel, creators of the new TV series A Small Light, which explores the remarkable true story of Miep Gies, who hid Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust. The trio discuss the character of Gies and how she went from Otto Frank's employee, to hiding his whole family in the secret annex for two years.A Small Light is currently streaming on Disney+, with two episodes released each week.For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store.

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was a soldier, statesman, and prominent political figure who served the United Kingdom twice as Prime Minister. He is known to many as a successful defensive general, but what about when he was on the offensive? In this episode, we explore the life, career, and death of Wellington. James is once again accompanied by Historian and presenter Zack White as they delve into the complex life of Wellington - debunking myths, exploring his life, legacy, and controversies.First published September 2021For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store.First published September 24th, 2021