History of the Second World War

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

  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 [email protected] 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

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

  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 [email protected] 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

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

  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 [email protected] 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

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• 208: If Necessary Alone - An Introduction

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

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• Summary 4: Interwar Britain

  Those plucky Brits were doing Plucky Brit things, while also being stretched to the limit because when you have a world spanning empire your enemies can come from anywhere. Contact [email protected] 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

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