In this final episode in our Burma 44 series, Al and James turn their attentions a little further north and to the astonishing Battle of Kohima. Surrounded and besieged, the small garrison held out but as Al and Jim discover, it was a very close run thing indeed, but this - and other heroics - ensured General Slim and his Fourteenth Army won a crushing victory from which the Japanese in Burma would never recover. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @‌WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this fifth episode, Al and James look at the progress of the Battle of Imphal and how the Japanese prompted several deep crises as Slim’s men desperately fought to halt the multi-pronged enemy attacks. They also focus on the extraordinary - and battle-saving - actions at Sangshak and Numgshigum. But a further great threat looks at Kohima… A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @‌WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this fourth episode, Al and James turn their attention to the Assam front and the major battle being planned by the Japanese. General Mutaguchi Renya’s aims were nothing less than the destruction of the Allies in South East Asia and the conquest of India, but General Slim’s plans were also ambitious: to destroy the Japanese 15th Army around Imphal and only then cross back into Burma. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Social: @‌WeHaveWaysPod Email: [email protected] Join our ‘Independent Company’ to watch our livestreams, get earlybird tickets and our weekly newsletter - packed with deals. Membership Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland catch up on their latest research and after some revelatory peering down rabbit holes look back to this week in 1943 to explore the war in Italy, the role of Charles De Gaulle in Lebanon, the birth of the United Nations and the complexity of the Cairo Conference. Tickets for We Have Ways Fest 2024 are on sale now! Find out more now... wehavewaysfest.co.uk A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland speak to actress, comedian and political campaigner Suzy Eddie Izzard about their lifelong love for the Second World War. In another jam-packed episode of war waffle, Suzy discusses the difference between performing stand up in Germany and France, playing a Nazi alongside Tom Cruise in the film Valkyrie, and her incredible 1940s themed model railway. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December 1942, Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler's men were aiming for the occupied port of Bordeaux - with just canoes, mines and grenades. Operation FRANKTON was certainly daring and it did achieve its aims but only two out of ten ever made it back. James Holland and Al Murray discuss one of the most famous - but possibly hare-brained - missions of the entire Second World War. A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the bestselling author of Brothers in Arms comes the story of the most pivotal Allies campaign of World War II. With the invasion of France the following year taking shape, and hot on the heels of victory in Sicily, the Allies crossed into Southern Italy in September 1943. They expected to drive the Axis forces north and be in Rome by Christmas. And although Italy surrendered, the German forces resisted fiercely and the swift hoped-for victory descended into one of the most brutal battles of the war. Even though shipping and materiel were already being safeguarded for the D-Day landings, there were still huge expectations on the progress of the invading armies, but those shortages were to slow the advance with tragic consequences. As the weather closed in, the critical months leading up to Monte Cassino would inflict a heavy price for every bloody, hard fought mile the Allied troops covered. Chronicling those dark, dramatic months in unflinching and insightful detail, The Savage Storm is unlike any campaign history yet written. James Holland has always recounted the Second World War at ground level, but this version telling brings the story vividly to life like never before. Weaving together a wealth of letters, diaries, and other incredible documents, Holland traces the battles as they were fought - across plains, over mountains, through shattered villages and cities, in intense heat and, towards the end, frigid cold and relentless rain - putting readers at the heart of the action to create an entirely fresh and revealing telling of this most pivotal phase of the war. Buy The Savage Storm Now: https://linktr.ee/thesavagestormhb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who killed Jean Moulin, and did they get him to talk? Al Murray and James Holland discuss the final days of the resistance hero's life, and how his death has contributed to national myths about occupied France during the Second World War. The boys also discuss the mind boggling figures that surround Operation Market Garden, including some stomach churning facts about injuries in Arnhem A Goalhanger Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the battles in the Philippines impact the struggle between the US and Japanese forces? Al Murray and James Holland are joined by our regular US expert John McManus to take a deep dive into the Philippines campaign. A Goalhanger Films Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: wehavewayspod.com Members’ Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Note: This is the final episode of Between The Lines Between The Lines captures the reaction across the world through the letters, diaries and logbooks of our characters on Between The Lines. Between The Lines is a We Have Ways production Julia ‘Ma’ Blyth is read by Ruth Sillers David Blyth is read by Matthew Malthouse Oscar Griswold is read by Michael Lyons Chester Hansen is read by Lance Fuller  Vere Hodgson is read by Rachel Holland Heinz Knoke is read by Lukas Wechsler Bertie Packer is read by Paul Waggott Willhelm Mauss is read by Alex Figuierdo Jack Ward is read by Adam Jarrell Harry Wilson is read by Joel Emery Narration is by James Holland and Al Murray Editing by Jon Gill and Joey McCarthy Written and produced by Merryn Walters The Executive Producer is Tony Pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of our harrowing conversation with filmmaker and historian, Martin Davidson, we discuss the real-world rhetoric and operations that make Nazi high command pursue the building of the camps and the Final Solution. A Goalhanger Films Production Produced by Joey McCarthy Exec Producer: Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Members' Club: patreon.com/wehaveways Website: wehavewayspod.com Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s approaching July 1943 and German forces have pushed on to Kursk, north of the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. As they await the spring thaw and recommencement of hostilities, the Russians are digging in for a long defensive fight and future counter-offensive.  It’s clear the Germans are beatable, but can the Red Army take advantage of their superior supply lines, rations & vehicles, and partizan support from locals? Or will their far higher casualty rates level the playing field? Al and James survey the preparations for battle…A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comMembers’ Club: patreon.com/wehavewaysEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In occupied Vichy France, small pockets of resistance existed throughout the nation - desperate to thwart and overthrow Nazi rule. Al Murray and James Holland discuss the individual acts of bravery and heroism of Christian clergy during the Second World War.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the battle rages in North Africa, Hitler insists on sending ever-more precious men and materiel to save the day. But time is running out as the Allies start to work out what looks suspiciously like a winning formula…A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: www.wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al and James discuss the Sherman Tank, and why the German’s lack of tanks cost them the war. They also chat about Douglas Porch’s book: Defeat and DivisionA Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al and James are joined by podcaster and historian James Rogers to discuss Drone Warfare and the evolution of Second World War American doctrine, with stories including Joseph P. Kennedy Jr and Marilyn Monroe.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Murray has his boots on the ground as he reports from Larroque, a small village on the border of the Pyrenees. Al has been out researching what happened in the area towards the end of the war, which sparks a fascinating discussion with James about the French Resistance.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al and James discuss the issues arising from David French’s book ‘Deterrence, Coercion, and Appeasement’ and ask whether other politicians would have done things differently to Chamberlain. James also examines the remarkable revolution in British farming as a result of the war.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al and James are joined by Martin Davidson, to discuss his Grandfather’s involvement in the SSA Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June 1942 the Libyan city of Tobruk fell to Rommel’s German troops leaving the Allied North African campaign in serious trouble. Eighty years on, Al and James look back on the conflict and explore the writings of Major-General Francis Tuker in his book Approach to Battle.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al and James discuss the Battle of Midway, the technological weaknesses of the Japanese and the five minutes that changed the world.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Holland follows the journey of the Sherwood Rangers through Normandy to find where poet Keith Douglas was killed and buried. A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story of the discovery of the missing British submarine HMS Urge off the coast of Malta, told by the man who found her, Timmy Gambin, to James Holland.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPodWebsite: wehavewayspod.comEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

40 years since the Falklands War, at the time Britian's most significant military campaign since the Second World War, military history Saul David has teamed up with Goalhanger Podcast for a new series on 20th century warfare. James chats to Saul about the new pod, which features interviews with the people at the heart of the conflicts - ranging from admirals, to special forces, to politicians.You can listen to Battleground: The Falklands War here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we're dropping an episode by our friends at Noiser podcast. Their podcast takes a trip back in time to Ancient Rome, to discover the bizarre and barbaric world of the gladiators. But who were these mysterious warriors? And how much truth lies behind the legends? Take your seat in the Roman Colosseum, the games are about to begin. https://podfollow.com/short-history-of  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of We Have Ways, (recently afflicted) journalist Autumn Hendrickson brings to Al and James a year's worth of research into the war contributions of both the men and women of Reading, Massachusetts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al and James discuss bugging and intelligence during the war. Al also reveals details of a new We Have Ways project. A Goalhanger Films production Produced by Harry Lineker Exec Producer Tony Pastor Twitter: #WeHaveWays @WeHaveWaysPod Website: www.wehavewayspod.com Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chapter 14: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city. The author, known as Zeno, fought at Arnhem and later wrote this account of the battle while in prison. Although long out of print, The Cauldron remains the best first hand account of the British forces stranded on the north side of the Rhine.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays@WeHaveWaysPodEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chapter 6: The Cauldron, by ZenoIn September, 1944, the British 1st Airborne Division found itself in a fierce battle for the Dutch city of Arnhem. Al Murray reads the story of a single platoon trapped in the smoking ruins of the city. The author, known as Zeno, fought at Arnhem and later wrote this account of the battle while in prison. Although long out of print, The Cauldron remains the best first hand account of the British forces stranded on the north side of the Rhine.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWays@WeHaveWaysPodEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Murray and James Holland are joined by Professor Dan Todman, author of Britain's War. They discuss the effect of shipping routes on the global conflict and the relationship between the US and the UK in war time.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthy & Harry LinekerExec Producer: Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysTwitter: @WeHaveWaysPodEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Holland debates the merits of British and German machine guns with National Army Museum curator Peter Johnston. Was the MG42 the best gun of World War Two? And did the Sten gun deserve such a mixed reputation?A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysTwitter: @WeHaveWaysPodEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Murray and James Holland examine life in post-war Germany as the British forces start the process of rebuilding the broken nation. The discovery of Bergen-Belsen and the divided city of Berlin are also discussed with the National Army Museum’s curator Dr Peter Johnston.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysTwitter: @WeHaveWaysPodEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third and final part of our in depth interview with Major-General Stuart Watson the World War Two veteran describes his experiences in Holland during Operation Market Garden; his time in the line in the Ardennes; and the destruction he encountered in Germany itself as the war ended.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Holland meets leading US historian Rob Citino to talk about the German approach to war. A Goalhanger Films production Produced by Joey McCarthyExec producer Tony Pastor Twitter #WeHaveWaysEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas from We Have Ways of Making You Talk. Over the next 12 days Al and James are reading extracts from some of their favourite books about the Second World War. Today Al is reading from Tank!, by Ken Tout.A Goalhanger Films Production#WeHaveWays Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas from We Have Ways of Making You Talk. Over the next 12 days Al and James are reading extracts from some of their favourite books about the Second World War. Today James is reading from Brave Men, by Ernie PyleA Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthy and Harry LinekerExec producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas from We Have Ways of Making You Talk. Over the next 12 days Al and James are reading extracts from some of their favourite books about the Second World War. Today Al is reading from Mussolini: His Part in My Downfall, by Spike Milligan.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthy and Harry LinekerExec producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Murray heads to Lincolnshire to visit the RAF’s stunning collection of working World War Two aircraft. Al gets to explore a Spitfire, a Hurricane, a Dakota, and a Lancaster, while quizzing Squadron Leader Mark Discombe and Bomber Leader Neil Farrell.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Holland and Al Murray discuss newly revealed German home movies. From Hitler Youth camps to burning villages on the eastern front and the cold-blooded murder of civilians, the footage illustrates the moral bankruptcy of life under the Nazis.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthy and Harry LinekerExec producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventy five years on from the most brutal battle involving US troops in World War Two, Battle of the Bulge expert Peter Caddick-Adams talks to James about the circumstances leading up to the conflict.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthyTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Churchill’s defeat in the 1945 election really a surprise?Al Murray and James Holland discuss the significance of sending the Beveridge Report to every serviceman. Plus the boys make a case for their favourite tank. Was it the Sherman what won it? A Goalhanger Films production Produced by Joey McCarthy and Jon GillExec producer Tony PastorTwitter: WeHaveWaysEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James ‘Pee-wee’ Martin parachuted into Normandy on D-Day; fought on Hell’s Highway during Market Garden; and at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge.He recently spent time with James Holland retelling his extraordinary story. Not to be missed.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony PastorTwitter: #WeHaveWaysEmail: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Holland and Al Murray discuss the famous convoy system known as the Red Ball Express, which supplied Allied forces moving across the continent after D-Day. The lads also discuss the Scheldt Campaign which opened up the shipping route to Antwerp; plus the importance of the Arctic Convoys.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthy & Jon GillExec Produced by Tony Pastor#[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Alex Richie tells James Holland the harrowing story of her father-in-law Władysław Bartoszewski, a Polish Jew who was one of the first men to be sent to Auschwitz.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony Pastor#[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Murray and James Holland discuss the issues of race in the US armed forces during World War Two, including the little known Battle of Bamber Bridge. Also up for discussion is the importance of the war at sea as James explains how the wrong approach by the German Kriegsmarine proved decisive.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthyExec Producer Tony Pastor#[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Holland reports from Washington as he continues to research his forthcoming book on the battle for Sicily.Reporting from inside the US archives, James explains his research methods and reads from the forgotten accounts and intriguing diary entries of a German, an Italian and an American involved in the battle.A Goalhanger Films production.Produced by Joey McCarthyExec producer Tony Pastor#[email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill have a grudging respect for each other? Al Murray and James Holland discuss the two war leaders, contrasting their styles and comparing their similarities.A Goalhanger Films productionProducer: Joey McCarthyExec producer: Tony Pastor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading military historian John McManus describes the situation facing American soldiers on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He also talks to James Holland about the the current appetite in the States for studying World War Two. And Jim Gavin makes his customary appearance #WeHaveWays.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the start of June, 1942, the Japanese navy ruled the Pacific. A week later US forces had won a decisive battle that would change the course of the war.Leading US historian Craig Symonds tells James Holland why the Battle of Midway was so decisive and describes the key characters and action.A Goalhanger Films ProductionProduced by Joey McCarthy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burma and Operation VarsityJames Holland describes the role of General Slim in turning round the fortunes of the British forces in Burma. Al Murray explains how the airborne success of Operation Varsity was principally built on the lessons learnt in Arnhem.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Harry Lineker and Joey McCarthy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major-General Stuart Watson describes his experiences on Sword Beach on D-Day to James Holland. He also recounts the sights and smells of the Falaise Pocket. Finally he tells James about his journey with XXX Corps to the bridge at Nijmegen.A bonus episode of We Have Ways of Making You Talk.A Goalhanger Films Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major-General Stuart Watson landed on Sword Beach on D-Day. In this bonus episode of We Have Ways of Making You Talk Major-General Watson tells James Holland about his training with amphibious tanks in anticipation of the invasion.A Goalhanger Films productionProduced by Joey McCarthy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the autumn of 1944 German troops murdered more than 700 Italian civilians in one village. James Holland visits the scene seventy five years on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.