WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

Al Murray and James Holland stand on the banks of the Neder-Rijn in the exact spot that the remnants of the 1st Airborne Division rowed and swam back across the river after nine days of hell in Arnhem. Was the operation doomed from the start? Or a risk worth taking? A Goalhanger Films production. Recorded in Holland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why did General Gavin not take the vital bridge at Nijmegen as soon as his 82nd Airborne Division landed in Holland? A hugely controversial decision to concentrate instead on the Groesbeek Heights is debated here by James Holland and Dutch historian R G Poulussen. A Goalhanger Films production. Produced in Nijmegen, Holland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On day four of Operation Market Garden, British commanding officer Roy Urquhart gave up trying to relieve John Frost at Arnhem bridge and instead ordered his remaining men to form a defensive perimeter around the village of Oosterbeek. Al Murray explores the small pocket in which three thousand British troops grimly hung on waiting for a relief force that would never arrive. A Goalhanger Films production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September 1944 the Allied ground troops of Operation Market Garden smashed their way north towards the beleaguered British troops holding on in Arnhem. Seventy five years later James Holland rides in a Sherman tank up the same road outside Nijmegen and towards the Groesbeek Heights. A Goalhanger Films Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan Snow chats with James Holland by the bridge in Arnhem. The two historians discuss the battle’s iconic place in British history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland walk across the famous John Frost bridge at Arnhem while describing the intense fighting which took place there 75 years ago. The boys explore the locations of the buildings held by John Frost and his men before climbing up onto the bridge itself. #WeHaveWays A Goalhanger Films Production. Recorded and edited in Arnhem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray describes a single day in Arnhem as events turn decidedly against the British airborne troops. #WeHaveWays [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first of our special episodes to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, Al Murray is at the Hartenstein Hotel. He is joined by battlefield tour expert Paul Reed to discuss the history of what became 1st Airborne Division’s Headquarters and relive what the fighting was like on the streets of Oosterbeek. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 17th, 1944, British and American forces launched one of the most audacious operations of World War Two. In this first of nine episodes devoted to Operation Market Garden, Al Murray and James Holland discuss the build up to the battle. Al and James recorded this episode in London before flying out to Holland. The remainder of the series will be recorded on Hell’s Highway, in Nijmegen and in Arnhem. Don’t miss a single episode as the lads rediscover the key sites of one of the war’s most famous battles. We Have Ways of Making You Talk is a Goalhanger Films Production. Twitter: #WeHaveWays Email: [email protected] Follow James Holland and Al Murray on twitter using @James1940 @almurray Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland debate the controversial decision taken by General Mark Clark to liberate Rome. Also up for discussion are the mysterious Foo Fighters and the wartime experiences of comedian Spike Milligan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s 80 years since the outbreak of war. James and Al discuss the build up to the German invasion of Poland and the British and French response. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Paris burning? James Holland and Al Murray discuss the liberation of Paris and the final days of the Normandy campaign. Plus, what role did the mafia play in the invasion of Sicily? Were the Allies made an offer they couldn’t refuse? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland discuss the drugs used by the Germans to keep submariners awake. Plus what would have happened if the German army had fought in Asia, while the Japanese were defending the Normandy beaches? A fascinating if preposterous debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland take to the stage at the Edinburgh fringe to debate the great last stands of World War Two. Plus who was Wojtek the bear? And can we justify the bombing of Dresden? The boys answer some challenging audience questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland discuss the challenges of maintaining morale in the Allied armies. Plus James answers the question of why Malta was denied Spitfires in the island’s greatest hour of need. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland joins Al Murray from Bavaria, where he sits in the shadow of Hitler's infamous summer residence, the Eagle's Nest. Al discusses his recent trip to Maquis country, plus the boys answer questions about forces and suncream; the toughest unit in WW2; the Japanese bombing of Australia; and their team selection for a do or die assault on an impregnable Nazi fortress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland look back on a murderous incident on D-Day plus one. Plus the lads use hindsight to decide which World War II regiment, squadron or ship they would choose to serve with or on. Also up for discussion are Operations Epsom, Goodwood and the much maligned Italian forces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland and Al Murray debate the wisdom of collecting all the Allies’ most escape-minded prisoners of war in one place. Also up for discussion are bombing tactics, the Battle of the Atlantic and Monty’s autograph book. Plus Al and James’s recommended reading for the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode there’s a chance to hear Franklin D Roosevelt’s speech after Pearl Harbour as performed by American actor Chaz Mena. Legendary broadcaster Ed Murrow and World at War narrator Laurence Olivier also get a run out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland joins British troops attacking a German trench. Experience the sounds and voices of Tommy soldiers in Normandy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have EVEN MORE ways of making you talk. In this bonus episode James gets to explore the inner workings of a World War 2 tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode veteran John Hamilton describes shooting down a Stuka before being rescued from the beach at Dunkirk. He also details the extraordinary fitness regime he still maintains despite being 101 years old. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode recorded at Chalke Valley History Festival James Holland talks to Professor Peter Caddick-Adams about some of the more extraordinary D-Day stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland discuss Nazis dressed in Allied uniforms; the possibility of the US dropping an atomic bomb on the Germans; plus they take questions from a live audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland spend part of this week’s podcast examining the life of a single German soldier, as revealed by his identity papers. Also discussed: the Russian boy used as a mascot by German soldiers; Hitler’s near brush with the battle in Normandy; and the quality of Ike Eisenhower in the field. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland and Al Murray get into a heated debate about the role of Russia in the defeat of the Nazis. Also discussed are the French civilian experiences in Normandy; the curious case of the Daily Telegraph crossword; and the fashion status of American army uniforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland and Al Murray discuss the remarkable story of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force and their contribution to the war effort in Italy. Plus the boys debate the raid on Dieppe and the incompetence of German Intelligence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland discuss Hitler’s personal life. Also James finally turns the conversation to air power, Al recalls meeting a Russian Night Witch and James allows Al to try on his British Battledress jacket. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland explore the converted tanks used at Normandy. Also up for discussion are parachute decoys, the dangers of back-flash and who killed Michael Wittmann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D-Day takes centre stage as Al Murray and James Holland discuss floating tanks, flame throwers and the story of Omaha Beach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray and James Holland head to Bovington Tank Museum to discuss Normandy and the tanks that fought there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland discusses the early planning of Operation Overlord while Al Murray debates the merits of the PIAT, the British hand-held anti-tank weapon with a mixed reputation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Holland and Al Murray debate Rommel, rations and the right approach to heavy bombing. Plus we hear the story of an important battle between the British and Japanese. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al and James explain why Arnhem was a Bridge too Far; James describes the Germans’ enormous guns in Crimea; Al tells a boy’s own story of Normandy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray arrives at the podcast carrying a German machine gun. James tells the story of a little known Italian massacre. Both men discuss the role of Hugo Boss in Nazi tailoring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Al Murray explains why Madagascar was briefly the most important battleground in World War Two, while James Holland talks us through the output of Nazi radio. Also, why the Ritz served lobster and fine wine throughout the blitz, and the lads debate the bloodiest battle on the western front. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first episode of our new World War II series Al Murray explains why the wings of a Spitfire never break off, while James Holland remembers the man who was told to smash up Monte Cassino. Plus General Patton, tactical genius or bloody murderer? #WeHaveWays Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Achtung! Achtung! Comedian Al Murray and historian James Holland bring you a new podcast all about the Second World War. We Have Ways of Making You Talk will see the two men tell battlefield tales and bring forgotten events back into sharp focus as they roam down forgotten front lines, cast new villains and make the case for unlikely heroes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices