WW2: Both Sides of The Wire
World War 2: Both Sides of the Wire is the podcast that takes you beyond the familiar and dives deep into the untold stories and surprising truths of the Second World War from the Allied and Axis perspectives. Join us as we lift the lid on one of the most pivotal periods in human history, busting myths and unraveling the complexities of a conflict that still shapes our world today. Host: Prof. Matthias Strohn & Jesse Alexander More about Matthias & Jesse: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow#host Support us and what we do: To comment and ask questions, please join our community...
How Good Really was Montgomery? From the Desert to the Rhine
In today’s episode, we continue our look at Bernard Montgomery, from his time in the African desert to the final victory in Europe.
With thanks to our friends at Findmypast for supporting this episode. Their new Military Lives initiative is a free resource helping people uncover the stories of those who served and died in the First World War. https://www.findmypast.co.uk/remember
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The Making of Monty: Britain's Most Controversial General
In today’s episode, we’ll turn to the story of one of the war’s most praised and most criticised commanders – Field Marshal Bernhard Law Montgomery.
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Frederick the Great and Prussia’s Rise to Power
Jesse is absent this week, so our Matthias delves deep into Frederick the Great, one of history’s most pivotal military figures. Discover a poor nation transformed into a European superpower. Frederick's revolutionary military tactics, and the surprising influence his legend had on Hitler and WWII. From the legendary Battle of Leuthen to the “Miracle of Brandenburg,” this episode explores how Frederick’s legacy shaped German military doctrine for centuries. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOOD...
The 1941 Preventive War Theory
In today’s episode, we’ll return to our beloved theme of mythbusting – this time we’ll tackle the ideas around Soviet war planning and alleged aggressive intentions towards Germany in 1941.
Our first book INFERNO is out now! Available in Hardcover, eBook and Audiobook (narrated by Dan Hill): https://lnk.to/inferno_book
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The Free French: Resistance, Rivalries & Liberation
In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about the Free French – which, it turns out, involves more than just De Gaulle’s famous speeches. James Taub is a historian specialising in French and US military history, and a regular guest on our sister podcast Not So Quiet on the Western Front. Check out our brand new book INFERNO: https://lnk.to/inferno_book Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclu...
The Last President of the Third Reich: Karl Dönitz
In today’s episode, we’ll continue the story of Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz and the discussion about his politics and time as last President of the German Reich.
INFERNO is available now.Hardcover or eBook available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inferno-gripping-account-battles-century/dp/000881886X/
Audiobook narrated by Dan Hill: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inferno-Battles-World-Shaped-Century/dp/B0GMZTJGMH/ Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and e...
Karl Dönitz and His Rise to Power
In today’s episode, we’ll get better acquainted with one of the war’s most important commanders – Grand Admiral and short-lived President of the German Reich Karl Doenitz. His is a story of U-boats, the Nazi Party, and the Nuremberg trials. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your suppor...
Operation Felix - The Capture of Gibraltar
Episode covers German Operation Felix: the planned 1940-41 invasion of Gibraltar. Details Hitler's strategy, Franco's refusal to enter the war, German military plans (49th Mountain Corps, Stukas, artillery bombardment), British defenses, and why this "what if" never happened.
INFERNO is available now. Hardcover or eBook available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inferno-gripping-account-battles-century/dp/000881886X/
Audiobook narrated by Dan: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inferno-Battles-World-Shaped-Century/dp/B0GMZTJGMH/
For UK readers also available in Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/inferno/dan-hill/9780008818869
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Listeners' Q&As – From Brazil's Navy to Soviet Manpower
In today’s episode, we will once again reach into our bag of questions from our supporter community – from German tank counterfactuals to South American neutrals to Soviet manpower. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your support! Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow-paypal E-Mail: [email protected]...
The Spanish Civil War: The War That Shaped Modern Spain
In today’s episode, Matthias returns to the Spanish Civil War to follow the conflict from the fighting around Madrid and the battles of Jarama and Brunete to Guernica, the Ebro offensive, and Franco’s final victory in 1939. We also explore the role of the International Brigades, German and Italian intervention, the development of combined-arms warfare, and the lasting political legacy of the war in Spain.
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The Spanish Civil War: How It Began
In today’s episode, Matthias takes us to Spain in the 1930s to set the stage for one of the most complex conflicts of the interwar years: the Spanish Civil War. From the collapse of the monarchy and the deep political divisions of the Second Republic to Franco, the International Brigades, and intervention by Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union, we explore how Spain became a testing ground for the wider war to come. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and...
Erwin Rommel's Politics & Legacy
In today’s episode, we’ll wrap up our journey through the life and times of Erwin Rommel by tackling thew most controversial aspects: his politics, his connection to atrocities, and his role in the Hitler assassination attempt of July 1944.
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Erwin Rommel: North Africa & the Desert Fox legend
In today’s episode we continue our exploration of the life and times of Erwin Rommel, as he is sent to North Africa and his reputation grows. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your support! Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow-paypal E-Mail: [email protected] Website: http...
Erwin Rommel: From Württemberg Cadet to France 1940
In today’s episode, we’ll take a closer look at one of the most famous, mythologized and lionized figures of the war – the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your support! Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow-paypal E-Mail: [email protected] Websit...
North Africa 1941-42: Operation Crusader & Brevity
In today’s episode, we return to the Egyptian and Libyan desert, as both the British Commonwealth and the Axis gear up for several dramatic campaigns in the second half of 1941. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your support! Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow-paypal E-M...
North Africa 1940-41: A War of Tanks, Sand and Supply
In today’s episode, we’ll visit the warm and sandy expanses of the Libyan desert, for the back-and-forth campaigns of 1941 and the controversial performance of the so-called Desert Fox.
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Was Stalingrad the Real Turning Point?
In today’s episode, we’ll return to mythbusting, to take on one of the sacred cows of popular military history discussions: was Stalingrad the turning point in WW2? Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your support! Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow-paypal E-Mail: [email protected]...
Walking Through Berlin’s History
In today's episode, we'll go for a stroll through Berlin and Brandenburg and take you with us on the ground to some of the most interesting spots in a city layered in history. Our Berlin Tour: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsotw-2026 Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your sup...
The Last Stand on Okinawa
In today’s episode, we follow the fighting on southern Okinawa to its bitter conclusion, as US forces face their toughest challenge against a series of imposing ridges, and an enemy determined to fight to the last. Checkout our First Book INFERNO: https://battleguide.co.uk/inferno Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Tha...
Hitler’s Orders, His Generals and Neutral Portugal
In this week’s episode, we celebrate our 100th show by answering listener questions on the German Army’s lack of winter equipment in 1941, Hitler’s “no retreat” orders, Portugal’s role as a neutral power, and the relationship between Hitler and his generals. Checkout our First Book INFERNO: https://battleguide.co.uk/inferno Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgr...
Battles That Shaped the 20th Century
In this week’s episode and in a long overdue collaboration between Not So Quite on the Western Front and WW2 Both Sides of the Wire, four of us sit down to explore what we feel are the battles that, for one reason or another, shaped the course of the 20th century. Pre-order here: https://www.battleguide.co.uk/inferno Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forg...
Okinawa: Kamikazes and the Yamato
In today’s episode, we hit the beaches at Okinawa, as American forces begin a grinding 82-day campaign to capture the island from determined and dug-in Japanese defenders. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your tier, upgrade or cancel at any time. Thanks so much for your support! Support via Paypal: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsow-paypal E-Mail: [email protected] We...
Okinawa Begins: Operation Iceberg
In today’s episode, we’re off to the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, to the small but strategically important island of Okinawa. The US invasion of the island in 1945 would be the largest amphibious landings in the Pacific theatre, and set the stage for the final phase of the war against Japan. Join our community! The steps are simple: - Visit: https://both-sides-of-the-wire.com/Select your rank – (Captain comes with one month free) - Fill in your details and use promo code: DEEPDARKWOODS - Enjoy ad-free podcasts and exclusive content with us! - Don’t forget, you can change your...
The Real General Patton: Hero, Showman, or Myth?
In today’s episode, we tackle the legendary, controversial, and much mythologized US General George S. Patton – was he really as good as his reputation in popular memory?
Checkout our First Book INFERNO: https://battleguide.co.uk/inferno
Join us in Berlin in September: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsotw-2026
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The Last Hours of Hitler’s Berlin 1945
In today’s episode, we examine the final phase of the Battle of Berlin, as Soviet troops conquer the city and Hitler meets his end.
Join us in Berlin in September: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsotw-2026
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Trapped in the Ruins of Berlin
In today's episode, we begin the end of the story of the Battle of Berlin, as for the fighting reaches the city itself
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Closing the Ring - Berlin 1945
In today’s episode, we jump into the action in April 1945, as Soviet forces race towards Berlin and close the ring around the Nazi capital.
Join us in Berlin in September: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsotw-2026
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Berlin 1945: The Last Line of Defence
In today's episode, we start the story with the launch of the Berlin Operation in April 1945, and the bitter struggle for Berlin that started on the high ground at Seelow.
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Why the Germans Fought to the Bitter End
In today's episode, we pick up the story of the Battle of Berlin 1945, drilling down on the German side of the wire as the Berlin Operation begins.
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Episode 90: Prelude to the Downfall: The Red Army at the Gates of Berlin
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Battle of the Bulge - Bastogne, Skorzeny, and Germany’s Failure
In today’s episode, we once again take up the story of the Battle of the Bulge after the initial German breakthrough, and consider how the Allies turned the tide.
Berlin Tour: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsotw-2026
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Battle of the Bulge - Day One: When the Allies Were Caught Off Guard
In today’s episode, we return to the Battle of the Bulge and take up the action with the first chaotic days of the German offensive – when no one was sure how things would turn out.
Berlin Tour: https://battleguide.co.uk/bsotw-2026
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The Battle of the Bulge Begins: Germany’s Final Offensive
In today’s episode, we’ll tackle Germany’s last-ditch offensive in the West to win the war in the west: the Battle of the Bulge.
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The 1913 Redl Spy Case
This bonus episode features a special guest appearance on the Untitled History Podcast with Gareth Edwards, where we dive into the espionage case of Alfred Redl, an Austro-Hungarian officer who spied for Russia before World War I.
🎧 Listen to this episode and explore more here:
RSS: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/the-untitled-history-podcast
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pVhf1zLs05L1hPwsB2tJI
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-untitled-history-podcast/id1878396733
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UntitledHistoryPod
Founded in 1879, the Austro-Hungarian Evidenzbureau was the first per...
Normandy’s Forgotten Battle with Paul Woodadge
In today's episode, we'll drill down to a relatively unknown battle from July 1944 that reveals much about the fierce fighting in the Normandy campaign — the Battle of La Haye-du-Puits.
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Should France have fought on in 1940?
In today's episode, we'll test the waters of a historical counterfactual. Could or should France have fought on in 1940?
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From Clash to Total War: Japan vs China (1937)
In today’s episode, we’ll begin the story of the full-scale war between China and Japan, which started with the so-called China Incident in 1937.
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900,000 vs 90,000: The Fight That Should’ve Ended Mao
In today's episode, we'll continue the story of China's civil war and war of Resistance against Japan, including the debate around the long march that has become the stuff of legend in China today.
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How Manchuria Lit the Road to WWII
In today’s episode, we’ll continue the epic story of the long fuse to the Second World War in Asia, where the Chinese Civil War spills over into a clash with Japan in Manchuria.
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Operation Anthropoid - The Escape & The Betrayal
In this week’s episode, we continue and bring to an end the fascinating and also gruesome story of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich.
This week with Military Historian Dan Hill, check out his podcast: https://listen.not-so-quiet.com/
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