After and abrupt pause to the show due to travel and summer situations, we at the World on Fire Podcast are excited to announce the return of the show. Starting in August we will be returning to our bi-weekly schedule, and it will be better than ever. For all of you that have been waiting, this is it. We’re back.
In our newest short episode, we are covering the history behind the United States' remembrance holiday that is taking place this coming Monday, Memorial Day. We speak on the lives lost, the meaning of the Red Poppy, and how Memorial Day is celebrated in my own home with a little bit of information on my background. As always, Remember Memorial Day.
After the fall of Poland, Witold Pilecki would embark on one of the most dangerous missions of all time by purposefully getting himself sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp to confirm the rumors to the Polish government in exile that atrocities were in fact taking place. But his hardships would not just end in that camp, and life cut short but not due to war. In this episode we discuss the life of Witold Pilecki.
In our final episode in the Last Man Standing series, we are going to discuss the immediate impacts that the end of the battle brought not just to the United Kingdom or Nazi Germany, but the entire world. We are going to discuss the tenacity of the civilians, the differences in losses, the ever-permanent damage caused. We also discuss how the first major loss would be the catalyst for the end of Hitler's 1,000 Reich.
By June of 1940, the Luftwaffe wasn't just known, they were feared. More importantly, their fighter pilots were some of the greatest the world had seen. But this time they would face the ultimate test, the Royal Air Force on their home turf. In this episode we will discuss the mistakes of Nazi High Command, and how that formulated with constant changes, and a mistreatment of fighter pilots, ultimately stopped the advancement in the West.
As this week marks beginning of the 162-game season for Major League Baseball. As the oldest sporting league in the United States, it has survived and thrived in many moments throughout history. But it was in World War II where it shined it's brightest. Stepping away from our series on the Battle of Britian, this week we take a dive into the state of baseball after Pearl Harbor, the players who left to fight, and the impact it made on everyday life in the United States.
There is a lot to be said about the British in the Second World War. But one thing that isn't spoken of very often is the impact everyday British civilians made on the war during the Blitz. Men, women, and in many cases even children arose to the occasion in the name of saving the lives of their fellow countrymen. In this episode we will discuss the triumphs and tragedies these people faced, and how their tenacity back their countries ultimate weapon.
As the Nazi war machine salivated over the demise of England, they would have one final obstacle to face before total occupation of Europe, The Royal Air Force. The largest Air Force every created would be tested to it's limits in a do or die situation over their homeland. In this episode we look directly at the stories of some of the men who placed themselves in the cockpit over and over again in order to prevent the inevitable. Might & Fury WWII Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com...
By the summer of 1940, England was bracing for impact against a seemingly invincible Nazi war machine. As the Luftwaffe prepared to take to the skies over England, the British people were preparing for an all-out war on their doorstep. But how exactly did the Nazis get to this point? What moments led to Britian's defense of their homeland? In this episode we discuss the after math of World War I and how a fear of repeating it gave way to Hitler's uncontested crusade through Europe....
From Makin to Bougainville, the Marine Corps Raiders would lay the foundation for American Special Operations. Born from the British Commando idea, the Marine Corps Raiders would become experts in small team tactics and guerilla warfare. Only existing for two short years, the Raiders would create a legacy that is still in use today. Might and Fury WWII kickstarter.com/projects/568503279/mightandfury...
Experts in mountain warfare the Gurka Soldier would be a backbone for the allied troops in North Africa and in Italy. But, it was their perfection and revolution of jungle warfare that made the Gurkha soldier invaluable during the Second World War. Hailing from Nepal, and fighting for the British under the Indian Army, the Gurkha soldiers would lead the charge to recapture Burma.
After the fall of Nazi Germany, Georgy Zhukov would face volatile future. After being sacked due to fear of becoming a rival, Zhukov's career would be soiled until the death of Joseph Stalin. Individuals would use him for a series of events that would lead him to political power, and those same individuals would create his downfall. In of final of this series epsiode we cover the post-war career and life of Georgy Zhukov.
After Operation Barbarossa launch on June 22, 1941, Georgy Zhukov is placed in a position to lead his nation's army against an onslaught of German soldiers bent on erasing their existence. From Kiev to Stalingrad Zhukov was faced with unheard of casualties but with no option of failure. In this episode we discuss the life and career of Zhukov during the Great Patriotic War. Might & Fury WWII Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/568503279/mightandfury...
Georgy Zhukov was one of Russia'sn most unlikely of heroes. From deep poverty to becoming the Hero of the Soviet Union by leading the Red Army against the Nazis, Zhukov earned his spot in history. In this episode we will cover his humble upbringings, how World War I altered his course, and how one of history's worst purges created a quick path to rank.
Once the Marines landed on Peleliu on September 15th, 1944, they were in for a fight. Thousands of rounds and shells rained down on them from the Umurbrogol Mountain range. From unseen obstacles, and hand to hand combat, Peleliu would test the might and strength of the United State Marine Corps. On this episode we cover the entire battle on Peleliu utilizing written memoirs from the Marines that fought there.
While Admiral Chester Nimitz began to eye the probability of attacking and landing on mainland Japan, General Douglas MacArthur had plans to take back the Philippines. Utilizing his power and notoriety, MacArthur caught the attention of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After long deliberation, MacArthur would get his wish. By doing so the Marines would need to take a small southern piece of the Palau Islands, Peleliu. In this episode we talk about the decision to go back to the Philippines and w...
In 1943 Hanns Scharff has taken the reigns as lead interrogator of US Army Air Forces' airmen who have been shot down and capture in Germany. Instead of beating the prisoners into giving information he created an interrogation technique that is still utilized to this day by using one simple rule, humanity. But how exactly did Sharff, the son of a Prussian officer and grandson of a textile magnet avoid death fighting the Soviet Union and becoming the most proflic interrogator of all time?...
Born in the Heartland of American and grew and empire in the Big Easy, Andrew Higgins revolutionized amphibious warfare forever with the design of his Eureka watercraft. Not only that, but he revolutionized industrial manufacturing in the United States with precision and consistency. In this episode we cover the humble beginnings of Andrew Jackson Higgins and how he turned a boat meant for fur trappers, into one of the most successful vehicles in the American arsenal during World War II. History...
Siegfried Strauss was quickly rising to the top of German wealth. An Iron Cross recipient of the First World War, Siegfried was a proud German that developed one of the biggest grain, fodder, and real estate businees in Essen, Germany. Emmaculant homes, luxuirous vacations, and top of the line education for their children, the Struass family was looking prosperous in the 1930s. However, with the Nazi's rise to power, came a death blow to the family and their business. The Strauss family was one ...
By 1930 Gunther Quandt would rise to become the most powerful man in Germany. Once the Nazis rose to power, Quandt was in the right place to make a fortune. However, his business practices would change him from a bystander in the holocaust, to a participant in the atrocities. In this episode we will learn of the life and business empire of Nazi Germany's wealthiest man, Gunther Quandt. From a small textile producer in World War I, to producing world renown Luger with slave labor. This is our fir...
On our very first guest episode we will bring aboard close family friend and history fanatic, Jordan. This episode is a little longer as it has loads of conversations, Q&A with Nik, and a deep dive into the final push of the North African campagin when the American landed in French North Africa with Operation Torch. In a race to escape a pinch, Rommel gives everything he has to escape the collapse of the Afrika Korps, the Ameircans are dealt a deadly blow at the KAsserine Pass, and the Briti...
The First Battle of El Alamein would prove to the Germans that the British were not going to fall so easily in Egypt. While General Auchinleck would stop the German advance, he would fail at pushing them back, leading to his firing. Taking control of the British 8th Army would be General Bernard Montgomery. It was his decision to strategically plan the 2nd Battle of El Alamein. At the same time the Americans are on their way to Algeria under the leadership of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Runnin...
In 1941 the British and the Germans are fighting desperately the oil rich lands of North Africa. After the fall of France, Egypt (controlled by the British) is the last step in the way to succeeding in their replinishment of resources. However, the British would not allow a defeat, especially after crushing blows at Crete and Dunkirk. The British throw everything they have, holding out until the Americans are drug headfirst into the war. ASU Foundation Link : World War II Studies Student Support...
While the daylight bombing campgain of the US 8th Air Force proved to be critical, over one million civilians would be caught in the mangled hell of fire and twisted steal. In this epsiode we will cover the evolution of bombing, the decision to fire bomb populated city, and US President Harry S. Truman's choice to decimate a civilian population in Japan. Wrapping up our series on the Might Eighth, we look at the death of the innocent on the ground.
The year following the enactment of the Unescorted High Altitude Bombing Campaign of the Eighth Air Force would prove to be incredibly deadly to those that fought in it. Moments like Black Thursday would be deciding times for airmen yearning to complete their 25-mission requirement. Men such as William Metzger Jr., Robert Femoyer, Archibald Mathies, and Maynard Smith would place their life on the lines in the most heroic manners miles above in order to save their own life and the lives around th...
In January 1943, the United States Army Air Forces would enact a new strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. Their plan was simple, use a plane that could defend itself against ariel attackers and throw as many bombers as possible at one specific target. Unescorted Daylight Bombing would prove to be incredibly useful, but at what cost? Over 26,000 American airmen would lose their lives in World War II. Why exactly did British Prime Minister Winston Churchill want to convince US Presiden...
On December 16th, 1944. After months of fighting in the Hurtgen and attempting to cross the Seigfried Line, the Germans launched their final major offensive of the war. Ultimately known as the Battle of the Bulge we will be discussing why it happened and why the City of Bastogne became such a focal point for the German Army on their push to Antwerp. In the mist of their own fight, the Waffen SS carried out two war crimes that would light a fire under the Americans. This battle would be the final...
79 years ago today, over 350,000 soldiers and sailors began as Allied Supreme Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, the great crusade. Across 5 beach heads and dozens of drop zones across France, the Allies began their liberation of Western Europe. Spearheaded by the best available leaders, we will discuss the reason behind the landings and ultimate the fate of the men who landed feet first into hell. Even though it is only one day in time, this single day would be the beginning of the e...
In the second episode of our series on the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, we will look directly to one signular command in the Allied push East. The 28th Infantry Division is one of the most storied American fighting divisions in the history of the US Army. The Pennsylvania National Guardsmen would be called upon to relive the 9th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Hurtgen under the command of famed leader, General Norman Cota. Against an unrelenting enemy, constant fighting, and immense ...
On September 19th, 1944 the United States Army officially launched their longest battle in history. The Battle of the Hurtgen Forrest would be a true testament of how desperate Nazi Germany was in defending their homeland. The push into the green abyss would generate over 33,000 casualties for the Americans. In the first part of this three-part series we will be discussing the man behind the planning and the reasons that he made his decisions, General Courtny Hodges. We will also be discussing t...
