Underground Strategy

In this episode, military historian John C. McManus joins Underground Strategy to discuss his latest book, Alamo in the Ardennes, and the brutal early fighting during the Battle of the Bulge.We focus on the often-overlooked role of the 110th Infantry Regiment, whose desperate stand helped delay the German advance toward Bastogne before the arrival of the 101st Airborne. From the shattered remnants of the 28th Infantry Division to the chaos on the ground in Clervaux, John takes us through the battle day by day, including the leadership of Colonel Hurley Fuller and the tragic consequences of being ordered to "hold at all costs."This is a deep and moving account of courage, sacrifice, and how history sometimes forgets the most critical players.John C. McManus’ WorkAlamo in the Ardennes – https://amzn.to/4irXHBXContact John - https://bsky.app/profile/johncmcmanus.bsky.socialMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 – https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission – https://undergroundstrategy.com

Few people think of South Africa when discussing World War II at sea, but its waters played a crucial role in the global conflict. Historian Evert Kleynhans returns to Underground Strategy to uncover the forgotten story of submarine warfare, coastal defenses, and strategic shipping routes off South Africa’s coast.We explore how German U-boats and Axis surface raiders operated in the region, why the Cape of Good Hope was so strategically important, and how South Africa’s naval defenses evolved to meet the threat.From signals intelligence and convoy protection to the successes and failures of anti-submarine warfare, this episode sheds light on a rarely discussed front of World War II.Evert also shares insights from his book on South Africa’s naval war, the challenges of researching this overlooked history, and why these lessons still matter today.Evert Kleynhans’ WorkThe Naval War in South African Waters - https://amzn.to/3DuZJ50Hitler’s South African Spies - https://amzn.to/43u79jpThe Second World War in East Africa - https://amzn.to/41zapre20 Battles: Searching for a South African Way of War - https://amzn.to/4iwE4rWNavigating the New Terrain of Military Operations (Pre Order) - https://amzn.to/3DgrrT7The Handbook of African Defence and Armed Forces (Pre Order) - https://amzn.to/4ivILlMMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com

How does war change, and what shapes its character over time? Historian and educator Will Gordon joins Underground Strategy to discuss the changing character of war, focusing on the period from 1792 to 1945.Through the lens of his teaching, Will explores how factors like leadership, doctrine, industrialization, and alliances influenced warfare, and why different conflicts required different approaches. Rather than a straight historical timeline, this conversation examines the themes and shifts that defined military conflict in this era.We also touch on conscription, national identity, and how military education shapes perspectives on war today, making connections between past and present conflicts.UGS Recommended reads on the topicThe New Rules of War by Sean McFate - https://amzn.to/3QIl3a3The Changing Character of War (ed. Hew Strachan) - https://amzn.to/3QJ5tLyMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission - https://undergroundstrategy.com

What makes soldiers fight—and what makes them stop? Historian, tour guide, and podcaster Tom Thorpe joins Underground Strategy to break down combat morale, motivation, and the will to fight.We discuss the psychology of combat, small-unit cohesion, leadership, and how motivation shifts across different wars and cultures. From the trenches of World War I to modern warfare, we explore how morale shapes battlefield outcomes—and why it sometimes leads to collapse.Tom also shares insights from his research on the London Regiment, upcoming books, and what history can teach us about the realities of motivation in war.Good reads on the subjectOn Killing - Lt. Col. Dave Grossman - https://amzn.to/4h8nIEIWill to Fight - Ben Connable - https://amzn.to/3QIXkGJCombat and Morale in the North African Campaign - Jonathan Fennell - https://amzn.to/3XmLINCThe Unforgiving Minute - Craig Mullaney - https://amzn.to/4i3PgMRMen Against Fire - S.L.A. Marshall - https://amzn.to/3DcwKCXTom Thorpe’s WorkCombat Morale Podcast- https://combatmoralepod.com/Episode 25 with Max Lauker and Tony Garcia - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ORR55guSbqDg9G1x4Wl4EThe Kensingtons blog - https://kensingtons.org.uk/Mentioned in Dispatches Podcast Ep 125 with Tony Garcia - https://open.spotify.com/episode/396537t2UVsnoN4dMdmVPcMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Former Rhodesian Selous Scout Andy Balaam returns to Underground Strategy to break down Operation Long John, one of the most significant cross-border raids into Mozambique during the Bush War.With ZANLA gaining unrestricted access to Mozambique after the Portuguese withdrawal in 1975, Rhodesian forces had to act fast. Andy shares firsthand insights into the intelligence failures, reconnaissance missions, and high-stakes direct action operations that shaped this mission.From snatch-and-grab operations to the cancelled plan to hijack a diesel train into Maputo, this episode explores the chaotic planning, brutal realities, and high-risk tactics of Rhodesian counterinsurgency. Andy also discusses his books—Bush War Operator, The Further Operations of a Bush War Operator, and Skuzapo—offering unfiltered accounts of the conflict.Andy's WorkBush War Operator - https://amzn.to/4gLOToJFurther Memoirs of a Bush War Operator - https://amzn.to/3CYQcmoSkuzapo: The Untold Story - https://amzn.to/430ijfxMore from Underground StrategyDiscover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Historian, journalist, and podcast host Desmond Latham returns to Underground Strategy for a wide-ranging discussion on warfare, history, and modern conflict. While Stalingrad was on the agenda, this episode moves beyond a single battle—covering urban warfare, women in combat, and the evolution of military doctrine.From the brutal house-to-house fighting at Stalingrad to the parallels with Mariupol and Bakhmut, we explore the grim realities of urban warfare. The conversation also touches on Soviet military leadership, psychological warfare, and how combat shapes soldiers across history.Desmond previously hosted the Number 788 miniseries, where he led an in-depth discussion on Max’s book Number 788, now available under the Underground Strategy podcast.Check out Desmond Latham’s work:Desmond Latham’s Blog: https://desmondlatham.blog/The Battle of Stalingrad Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7fbukBWd21o7k17V6O4XzoRecommended Reading – Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege: 1942-1943 by Antony Beevor: https://amzn.to/40P4Tk1Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com