The History of WWII Podcast - by Ray Harris Jr

Mussolini and Hitler deceive each other over desired territory, while Prime Mister Metaxas of Greece tries to stay below Italy's radar. Britain is through trying to separate Italy from Germany and decides to support the smaller Aegean power, despite the prevailing opinion that the outcome will be nothing more than a quick Italian victory.

Mussolini would pay back Hitler "in his own coin" by invading Greece without first telling his Axis partner. But the Greek people, for all their industrial limitations were angry with the Italians and their Dictator Ioannis Metaxas, had the experience to ready his people and country to their limit. The photo is of Greek Dictator Metaxas.

Here is an overview of my recent visit to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. This episode is in an Mp4 format, so please enjoy the pictures. At the end, is the drawing for the replica newspaper from December 8, 1941.

By 1940, Great Britain had several possessions in the Mediterranean Sea, that they would use to project power against the Axis. But exactly how did Britain obtain them?

Andrew Lambert, Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies at King's College London, joins us to discuss the Royal Navy's position in the Mediterranean Sea. Outgunned but not outmanned, the British Navy under Admiral Cunningham takes the fight to the Italian Fleet and quickly dominates the Eastern and Central Med. Until the Luftwaffe and U-boats arrive.

We are joined by Luke Whitehorn, special effects artist from the movie Iron Sky. WWII and Sci Fi! What's not to love. We cover episodes 62 and 63 and Luke brings a good perspective to our story so far in North Africa.

The British plan their attack against General Graziani and the Italian 10th Army. Hitler and Franco meet to discuss an attack on Gibraltar. And General Charles de Gaulle moves to restore Free France and his reputation.

Marshall Graziani FINALLY moves into Egypt, but then stops. Gen. De Gaulle is in place to take Dakar in West Africa. Finally, a quick look at the Italian Navy.

Voting for the Podcast Awards starts November 1st. Please think of me! I'm in the Cultural/Arts category. So is Laszlo, but that's his problem. Also, listen to find out how you can win a replica newspaper from December 8, 1941.

Jamie Redfern of The History of: Hannibal spends time with us to discuss the war in the desert, Iran and somehow-Buddy Ebsen.

This time, we cover the tension between Churchill and two of his three service leaders in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Marshall Graziani is poised like a statue to invade Egypt. But, like a statue, he doesn't move. And Admiral Cunningham takes his weaker naval vessels and reminds the Italians what war means. The cover photo is of Graziani.

Is the influence and greatness of the Roman Empire over-rated? Listen to your's truly and other history podcasters debate this and find out!

WARNING: The following is not a normal WWII episode. But, it is entertaining! With the kind permission of The China History Podcast, here is the 100th episode of Laszlo Montgomery's podcast. Together, he and I talk about our podcasts, other history podcasts and our experiences over the last two years. Enjoy! You'll laugh, we certainly did.

Zack Twamley of the When Diplomacy Fails Podcast joins me in discussing the events of Episode 60 as well as the war so far covered in Europe.

Mussolini wants his Roman Empire in Africa. But the British refuse to yield. Gen. Archibald Wavell is asked to do much, with very little. France is out of the war, so the battle for the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa is between Great Britain and Italy. For now.