Episodes
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 10 - Final Episode (06 Jun 1944)
The Normandy landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history, with nearly 5,000 landing and assault craft, 289 escort vessels, and 277 minesweepers participating. Nearly 160,000 troops crossed the English Channel on D-Day, with 875,000 men disembarking by the end of June. Allied casualties...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 9 (06 Jun 1944)
Utah Beach Utah Beach was in the area defended by two battalions of the 919th Grenadier Regiment. Members of the 8th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division were the first to land, arriving at 06:30. Their landing craft were pushed to the south by strong currents, and they found themselves...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 7 (06 Jun 1944)
Coordination with the French Resistance French Resistance members and Allied paratroopers discuss the situation during the Battle of Normandyin 1944 Through the London-based État-major des Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur (French Forces of the Interior), the British Special Operations Executive...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 6 (06 Jun 1944)
Armoured reserves Rommel believed that Germany's best chance was to stop the invasion at the shore and requested that the mobile reserves, especially tanks, be stationed as close to the coast as possible. Rundstedt, Geyr, and other senior commanders objected. They believed that the invasion could...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 5 (06 Jun 1944)
Weather The invasion planners determined a set of conditions regarding the phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days in each month were deemed suitable. A full moon was desirable, as it would provide illumination for aircraft pilots and have the highest tides.…
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 4 (06 Jun 1944)
The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000 British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France starting at 06:30. The target...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 3 (06 Jun 1944)
Planning for the operation began in 1943. In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception, codenamed Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings. The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, but...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 2 (06 Jun 1944)
Airborne and Beach Assault The Normandy beaches were chosen by planners because they lay within range of air cover, and were less heavily defended than the obvious objective of the Pas de Calais, the shortest distance between Great Britain and the Continent. Airborne drops at both ends of the...
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[D-Day] Complete Broadcast Ep. 1 (06 Jun 1944)
During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American,...
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The Price of Greatness - Winston Churchill
---Fifty years ago at Harvard, Winston Churchill delivered his great clarion call for Anglo-American brotherhood. How remarkable it is that his words remain as noble a guide half a century on.--- The Price of Greatness - Winston Churchill The last time I attended a ceremony of this character was…
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Initial Reports of Japanese Surrender
As with all highly anticipated news, the first reports are often muddled and confused. This audio report is no different, sharing the exciting news of Japan's surrender to the Allies on 12 August 1945 and then recalling the news flash. While this account is semi-true, the Japanese government had...
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Colonel Britton & The V Campaign
Colonel Britton was the pseudonym of Douglas Ritchie, a 36-year-old Assistant News Editor at the BBC. He expanded the V for Victory campaign in 1941 and 1942 in the occupied territories, where it was designed to subvert German rule with various methods of resistance. Since the English-language...
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14 June 1944 - Normandy Churchbells
14 June 1944 - BBC Hermanville Churchbells With the liberation of Caen and Hermanville the small village a few miles outside the main city comes the joyful liberation by Allied forces. The townsfolk celebrate by ringing the bells of the church which is their pride.
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Italy Declares War on Allies (June 1940)
Italy Declares War on Allies (10 June 1940) Taking a short break from the D-Day audio series, we bring you the English translation of Benito Mussolini declaring war on the British and French. In reprisal, President Roosevelt announces a shift from neutrality to "non-belligerency," meaning more...
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D-Day Audio Series #14: Firsthand Reports
Part 14 of the D-Day Audio Series 6 June 1944 - 0927 CBS D-Day Broadcast News reports from combat reporters on-scene including air reprots, onboard ship (LST) and interviews with soldiers about to depart on the shores of Normandy.
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D-Day Audio Series #13: NBC War Corespondent Reports
D-Day Audio Series #13 0900 - 6 June 1944 A war reporter from NBC attached to the 9th Bomber Command tells about the D-Day events and plans.
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D-Day Audio Series #12: Beachheads Solidified
D-Day Audio Series #12 - CBS World News 0900 EWT 6 June 1944 SHAEF - Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces Allied troops landed on the channel islands according to a German broadcast.
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D-Day Audio Series #11: CBS Military Analysis
Military Analysis on the Normandy Invasion CBS D-Day Broadcast 0540 EWT (6 June 1944) Hitler takes command of the Army and defense forces. Air operation recap and special training for troops assaulting the beaches and paratroopers behind the lines assault.
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D-Day Audio Series #10: German Initial Resistance
Part 10 of the D-Day Audio Series begins the references to the initial German resistance by local German tank forces and background on General Eisenhower's attempts at deception. Of interest are the references to the 'Monitors' or shallow draft heavily armed warships designed to deal with coastal...
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D-Day Audio Series #9: Firsthand Reports of Airborne
Firsthand Reports of Airborne Part 9 of the D-Day Audio Series starts off by showcasing early firsthand combat reporters tales of the departing airborne missions.
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D-Day Audio Series #8: CBS D-Day Broadcasts 0415
Part 8 of World War II History's D-Day Audio Series is Continuing early morning reports from CBS and European affiliates bringing new European updates on the D-Day landings at Normandy beginning at 0415 EWT 6 June 1944.
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D-Day Audio Series #7: NBC D-Day Reports 4AM
D-Day Audio Series #6 reports form NBC at 0400 EWT 6 June 1944.
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D-Day Audio Series #6: NBC First Reports
D-Day Audio Series #6: 03:32 EWT - NBC First Reports about invasion in Europe coming in. London - Communique #1 radio broadcast. Continuing NBC reports. Men and Women of the United States this is a historic moment!
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D-Day Audio Series #5: AP Review of Reports Still Unconfirmed
D-Day Audio Series #5: 03:30 Eastern War Time - CBS World News & AP Review of Reports Still Unconfirmed with Allied Headquarters in Washington remaining silent, with increasing reports about Normandy on 6 June 1944. THIS MEANS INVASION! - Communique #1 CBS Newsroom continuing reports.
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D-Day Audio Series #4: Communique No 1
Supreme Headquarters - Allied Expeditionary Force Communique #1 - (6 June 1944) Under the command of General Eisenhower Allied naval forces supported by strong air forces began landing Allied armies this morning on the northern coast of France.
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D-Day Audio Series #3: Unconfirmed Invasion Reports
Part 3 of the D-Day Audio Series is the first American news coverage of the D-Day invasions at Normandy on 6 June 1944.
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D-Day Audio Series #2: FDR Fireside Chat
Part 2 of the D-Day Audio Series is the pre D-Day Fireside Chat given by Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this speech, Roosevelt highlights the fall of Rome to the Allied forces on 4 June 1944, preparing the nation for success in Europe while not giving away any details on the upcoming invasion.
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Eisenhower's Message
Transcript: Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with…
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D-Day Audio Series #1: Eisenhower's Message
The first audio broadcast in our D-Day Audio Series is General Eisenhower's message to the troops on 5 June 1944 just prior to the invasion. This message was given in print as well to the troops before they left for Normandy.
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Prelude to D-Day - Resistance Messages
Prior to the D-Day landings in Normandy, French Resistance fighters were alerted to the impending assault via coded messages transmitted through the BBC and Radio France. This audio clip showcases some of the English and French codes used. As a bonus, attached is a PDF with a list of Coded...
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WWII History for May 13
Today in WWII History World War II History for May 13 Winston Churchill in Helmet May 13, 1940 – Winston Churchill told Britain's Parliament that "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." Winston Churchill "blood, toil, tears, and sweat" speech (May 13, 1940) May 13, 1944 –…
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WWII History – April 22
WWII Events Today, April 22 Apr 22, 1941 – Emmanuel Tsouderos was named premier of Greece. Apr 22, 1941 – Two thousand US Army reinforcements were sent to the Philippines. Apr 22, 1942 – Apr 23, 1942 – 14 German U-boats were refueled and resupplied 500 miles from Bermuda, giving the Germans a…
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Springtime at Anzio + Bonus
Springtime at Anzio 20 April 1944 - BBC's Wynford Vaughan Thomas reports on springtime life at Anzio. BONUS - WWII P-38 Wallpaper Attached is a cool looking phone wallpaper of a P-38 wireframe model. Click the Wallpaper button to save and use. Enjoy!
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Iwo Jima
On of the bloodiest battles to occur during the entirety of World War II happened on a small desolate island in the vast Pacific (16 Feb 1945 – 26 Mar 1945). American Flag on Iwo Jima overlooking the landing beaches. "Iwo Jima, which means sulfur island, was strategically important as an air base...
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World War II History – January 20
Today in WWII History World War II History for January 20 Audio: 1940-01-20 – Winston Churchill – Speech – Neutrals-Liberation is Sure Jan 20, 1940 – In a speech admonishing neutral nations to support the Allied cause, Winston Churchill, Britain's first lord of the admiralty, claims, "Each one...
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Radiomans Message Endures
Edward Joseph Chlapowski (June 5, 1922 – Jan. 16, 2011) /via CNN.com Chlapowski, who died Sunday in Montana at age 88, was the person who told the world of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. According to the Billings Gazette, Chlapowski, who was a Navy radioman on Adm. Husband...
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Fireside Chat On Battle Of The Bulge
[Audio History] 1945-01-06 FDR Fireside Chat On Battle Of The Bulge "Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States… Ladies and gentlemen, Today in pursuance of my constitutional duty, I sent to the Congress a message on the State of the Union, and this evening I am taking the…
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Quick Clip - Sinking of Graf Spee
Captain H.W. Langsdorff of the German Pocket Battleship Graf Spee In 1939, Captain Langsdorff gave the world a matchless example of personal integrity and human compassion in wartime but uninformed military criticism has overlooked his true value. Langsdorff's significant role in the dramatic…
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Sinking of the Graf Spee
The Sinking of the Graf Spee These are the actual radio broadcasts from Dec 17-18, 1939 about the sinking of the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Speeoff Uruguay in South America. Graf Spee was a German pocket battleship of 10,000 tons launched in 1936. The Graf Spee was more heavily gunned...
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Churchill – End of the Beginning
PRIME MINISTER WINSTON CHURCHILL SPEECH AT THE MANSION HOUSE "End of the Beginning" Speech London, November 10, 1942 I notice, my Lord Mayor, by your speech you have reached the conclusion that news from the various fronts has been somewhat better lately. In our wars, episodes are largely adverse...
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WWII History for Oct 26
World War II History for October 26 Audio Clip: Winston Churchill Speech October 29, 1941 – These Are Great Days Oct 26, 1941 – The Australians were relieved at Tobruk by the British 70th Division, the Polish Carpathian Brigade and British tank elements. Oct 26, 1942 – USS Enterprise was hit…
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WWII History - 07 Oct 1939 - Elmer Davis with the News
World War II History - Audio Podcast (App Exclusive) CBS News Anchor Elmer Davis with the News - 07 October 1939 (4m40s - mp3) Radio Background In August 1939, Paul White, the news chief at CBS, asked Davis to fill in as a news analyst for H. V. Kaltenborn, who was off in Europe reporting on the...
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WWII History for September 28
WWII Events Today, September 28 Audio: 26 Sept 1943 – CBS World News Sep 28, 1938 – Chamberlain repudiated the foreign ministry statement of the previous day, saying, "We cannot in all circumstances undertake to involve the whole British Empire in war simlpy on [Czechoslovakia's] account." Sep…
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Battle of Britain – 175 Shot Down
BBC Alvar Liddell – 15 September 1940 Battle of Britain Here is the midnight news and this is Alvar Liddell reading it. After 10 o'clock 175 german aircraft had been destroyed in today's raids over this country. Today was the most costly for the German airforce than any other. In daylight raids...
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WWII History for August 31
WWII Events Today, August 31 Audio Clip: BBC reports on children being evacuated from London (1939-09-01). Aug 31, 1936 US Neutrality Bill, no shipping to combatant nations. "Schools, not battleships." Aug 31, 1938 Churchill suggests alliance with US and USSR over Sudeten. Aug 31, 1939 The…
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Winston Churchill – The Few – Speech
Winston Churchill "The Few" Speech House of Commons – August 20, 1940 Almost a year has passed since the war began, and it is natural for us, I think, to pause on our journey at this milestone and survey the dark, wide field. It is also useful to compare the first year of this second war against...
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WWII History for July 25
WWII Events Today, July 25 Audio: Mussolini Resigns (1943-07-25) Jul 25, 1934 – Austrian chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss was shot and killed by Nazis. Jul 25, 1937 – Japanese 20th Division clashed with Chinese troops at the city of Langfang, China, major rail junction between Beijing and Tianjin....