WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk – Episode Summary: "Speer, Snipers & Submarines"
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Hosts: Al Murray (Comedian) and James Holland (Historian)
1. Introduction and Co-Writing "Victory 45" (02:04 – 03:57)
The episode kicks off with Al Murray and James Holland discussing their collaborative effort on the book "Victory 45." They delve into the nuances of co-authoring, highlighting the blend of their distinct perspectives.
- James Holland: “It's a very interesting experience co-writing a book.” (03:34)
They contemplate structuring the book, considering making "Unconditional Surrender" the prologue to set the stage for subsequent chapters, ensuring a smooth narrative flow.
2. Roosevelt’s Leadership and the Atlantic Charter (03:54 – 06:43)
The conversation shifts to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's strategic mindset during WWII. Al and James explore Roosevelt's determination to industrialize the American war effort, emphasizing production goals like creating 50,000 aircraft annually.
- Al Murray: “Roosevelt's thinking we need to win the war or when we get in involved, we're going to want to get this over with quickly.” (04:24)
They discuss the Atlantic Charter's principles, such as the right to self-determination and establishing a world free of want and fear, linking it to post-war initiatives like the Marshall Plan.
- James Holland: “There's a straight line between that and the Atlantic Charter.” (06:17)
3. Albert Speer and German War Production (10:50 – 11:42)
Albert Speer’s role within the Nazi regime is scrutinized, with references to Richard Evans' "Hitler's People." The hosts express disdain for Speer's attempts to deflect responsibility.
- James Holland: “He's despicable. And it is diabolical that he's allowed to get away with it.” (10:54)
They critique the misleading portrayal of German aircraft production, arguing that despite Speer’s claims, the broader context of Allied production rendered German efforts insufficient.
4. Irish Neutrality in WWII (12:48 – 14:57)
Addressing Ireland's stance during the war, James Holland references Joseph Quinn’s insights from the "History Rage" podcast, challenging the notion of complete neutrality.
- James Holland: “Ireland wasn't neutral at all actually. Ireland was, you know, doing some conscious cooperation whilst maintaining a pose of neutrality.” (12:58)
They highlight the significant number of Irish individuals who enlisted in the British Armed Forces, countering criticisms from figures like Churchill.
5. Reflections on the Podcast’s Journey (08:20 – 08:43)
Both hosts reflect on the podcast's longevity, celebrating over five years of engaging discussions on WWII history.
- James Holland: “It's been over five years since we've been doing this.” (08:29)
6. Future Directions: Biographical Episodes and Merchandise (13:25 – 15:35)
Al and James brainstorm future podcast content, considering biographical episodes on key WWII figures such as Field Marshal the Earl Alexander. They also discuss their line of WWII-inspired jackets, emphasizing authenticity and craftsmanship.
- James Holland: “If you were going back, you'd see how extraordinary some of these lives were.” (14:22)
7. Snipers in WWII: Myth vs. Reality (22:23 – 25:05)
A listener question about the prevalence and effectiveness of snipers during WWII sparks an in-depth discussion. The hosts differentiate between trained snipers equipped with scopes and ordinary riflemen taking opportunistic shots.
- Al Murray: “Let's report them as riflemen, please, from now on.” (24:16)
They argue that while iconic snipers are often glorified, the reality involved many more untrained marksmen contributing to the chaos of battle.
8. British Submarine Arm: Effectiveness and Misconceptions (29:58 – 31:23)
Addressing another listener query, Al and James evaluate the British submarine force's performance. They assert that despite perceptions, British submarines were highly effective, especially in the Mediterranean theater.
- James Holland: “British submarines in the entire North African campaign are absolutely brilliant.” (31:02)
They recommend Brent Bryant's book for an in-depth look at successful submarine commanders like Lieutenant Commander Wanklin.
9. Conclusion and Upcoming Events (31:25 – 32:14)
The episode wraps up with announcements about upcoming events, including the "We Have Ways Fest" scheduled for September 12-14 next year at Black Pit Brewery. They also promote their YouTube channel and merchandise, encouraging listeners to stay engaged.
- Al Murray: “We have Ways Fest is on sale, of course, for next year. We havewaysfest.co.uk 12th to 14th September.” (19:57)
Notable Quotes
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Al Murray: “Roosevelt's thinking we need to win the war or when we get in involved, we're going to want to get this over with quickly.” (04:24)
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James Holland: “It's a very interesting experience co-writing a book.” (03:34)
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James Holland: “He's despicable. And it is diabolical that he's allowed to get away with it.” (10:54)
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Al Murray: “Let's report them as riflemen, please, from now on.” (24:16)
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James Holland: “British submarines in the entire North African campaign are absolutely brilliant.” (31:02)
Key Takeaways
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Roosevelt’s Determination: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s strategic focus on industrializing the American war effort was pivotal in securing Allied victory.
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Albert Speer's Accountability: Despite attempts to mitigate responsibility, Albert Speer remains a controversial figure due to his role in Nazi war production.
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Irish Contributions: Ireland’s nominal neutrality belied significant contributions to the British war effort, with thousands enlisting in Allied forces.
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Snipers vs. Riflemen: The romanticized image of WWII snipers often overlooks the broader reality of many untrained riflemen who played crucial roles in combat.
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British Submarines' Success: Contrary to some beliefs, the British submarine fleet was highly effective, particularly in the Mediterranean, challenging misconceptions about its overall performance.
Join the Conversation:
For additional content, including bonus episodes, live streams, and early access to live show tickets, join the membership club at patreon.com/wehaveways. Explore more Goalhanger Podcasts at www.goalhanger.com.
Upcoming Event:
Don't miss the We Have Ways Fest from September 12-14 at Black Pit Brewery. Secure your tickets and join fellow WWII enthusiasts for a celebration of history and camaraderie.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Speer, Snipers & Submarines" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both new and returning listeners.