The WW2 Podcast

In this episode, historian Taylor Downing joins me to explore the remarkable work of reconnaissance pilots and photo interpreters during the Second World War. These daring aviators flew perilous missions over Occupied Europe, risking life and limb to capture the detailed aerial photographs crucial to the Allied war effort. But capturing the images was only half the story. On the ground, a team of brilliant and inventive photo interpreters worked tirelessly, pioneering a completely new science to decode these pictures. From developing 3D photography techniques to uncovering enemy positions and movements, their work provided invaluable intelligence that shaped the course of the war. Taylor is the author of 'Spies In The Sky: The Secret Battle for Aerial Intelligence during World War II', and if you cast your mind back, he joined me in episode 226 to discuss allied deception plans for D-Day.   patreon.com/ww2podcast  

For this episode, I'm joined by Matthew Hough, and we discuss Harold Alexander and his road to supreme command in the Mediterranean Theatre. Matthew is a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leeds whose research examines Alexander and ideas about Supreme Command in the Mediterranean Theatre toward the end of the war. patreon.com/ww2podcast  

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, held immense strategic value during WWII and quickly became a top priority for Japanese control. With its vast reserves of oil and rubber, the island was essential for fueling the Japanese war effort. But Borneo would also become a tragic battleground, claiming the lives of countless prisoners of war, internees, locals, and even Japanese forces. Joining me today is John Tulloch. John served with the Royal New Zealand Artillery before transferring to the British Royal Artillery, gaining experience across the globe and instructing on the British Army’s Jungle Warfare course. He is also the author of The Borneo Graveyard, 1941-45, which tells the story of Borneo’s occupation and the deployment—and eventual capture—of five Royal Artillery air defence sections sent to Southeast Asia. To order your copy The Borneo Graveyard, 1941-45, email [email protected]. patreon.com/ww2podcast  

When World War II began in 1939, it sparked a deadly conflict between the Axis and Allies, while also creating tense negotiations among the Allies. Diplomacy, military power, and economic decisions determined the fate of nations. In North America, the U.S. and Canada worked to build a military alliance to protect their coasts from German U-boats and the threat of Japanese invasion. Their economies became intertwined to supply weapons for Britain and other allies, and defending North America was crucial before sending forces abroad. Joining me is Tim Cook. Tim is the Chief Historian and Director of Research at the Canadian War Museum. He has penned numerous bestselling books which have won multiple awards. His latest being The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism During the Second World War.   patreon.com/ww2podcast