Ep 93: Hitler’s Gamble

James Holland reads an exclusive extract from his new book, Sicily ’43. In this chapter he discusses events in the lead up to Operation Husky.

Featured Books: Sicily ’43

Ep 92: Printing Money

James Holland and Al Murray talk about the German attempt to destabilize the UK economy by printing British bank notes. Also discussed are the French industrial failure under Nazi rule and the quality of the Japanese airforce and its highly experienced pilots.

Ep 91: A Land Fit for Heroes

James and Al are again joined by Professor Dan Todman, author of Britain’s War. The lads discuss the economic war effort, including Britain’s attempts to manipulate the price of tungsten in order to hinder the German armaments industry. Also debated is the role of parliament during the war and the political plans for post-war Britain.

Ep 90: Bombers and Gliders

Airborne conflict takes centre stage as Al Murray and James Holland debate the effectiveness of blanket bombing. Also discussed are the merits of dropping in forces by parachute. And why was the glider assault during Operation Husky so calamitous? James explains.

Ep 89: Britain’s War

Al Murray and James Holland are joined by Professor Dan Todman, author of Britain’s War. They discuss the effect of shipping routes on the global conflict and the relationship between the US and the UK in war time.

Ep 88: The War in the Air

James Holland and Al Murray discuss the desperate situation in Malta before Spitfires were finally sent to the beleaguered island.

The lads also debate bomber command’s decision to start attacking Berlin rather than continuing to hammer the Ruhr.

And what happened to the huge number of Italians captured by the allies in Africa?

Ep 87: Invasion tactics

Al Murray quizzes James Holland about his new book, Sicily ‘43. The pair discuss the often ignored operational aspect of the invasion and how its success influenced the tactics used during D-Day.

Featured Books: Sicily ’43

Ep 86: From Dunkirk to Sicily

Would Britain have sued for peace if the army had been lost at Dunkirk? And just how important was the battle for the Mediterranean? Al Murray and James Holland make a case for the Allies’ success in the Med having a major influence on the battle for the eastern front.

Featured Books: Sicily ’43

Ep 85: The Landing Beaches

James Holland and National Army Museum resident expert Peter Johnston examine the roles of Captain Alfred Rowe, a beach master on D-Day, and Lieutenant John Groom, who was awarded the Military Cross for covert reconnaissance of beach mines and obstacles on the Normandy coastline.

Ep 84: Chez Goebbels

Life in post war Berlin for British soldiers takes a surreal twist as one family move into Goebbels’ house. Al Murray and James Holland hear a listener’s tale and also debate their favourite glider commando raid. Other topics for discussion include Third Reich football and the daring crossing of the Garigliano.