At the eastern gateway of Belgium stands one of the most ambitious fortresses ever built.

https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-world-war-2/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-1940/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-may-1940/fall-gelb/belgium-defences-and-defence-strategy/fort-deben-emael/

In this opening episode of a new podcast series, we explore Fort Eben-Emael as it is designed to function — not as a battlefield, but as a defensive system at the heart of Belgium’s interwar strategy.

Carved deep into Saint Peter’s Hill, Eben-Emael dominates the Albert Canal and is intended to control the three critical canal crossings at Veldwezelt Bridge, Vroenhoven Bridge, and Kanne Bridge. Together, the canal, the bridges, and the fortress form a single integrated barrier, meant to stop a German invasion at the border and buy time for Allied forces to deploy.

This episode focuses on what Belgium builds and why. We examine the fort’s layout, firepower, underground structure, garrison, and command system. We place Eben-Emael within the wider Position Fortifiée de Liège and explain how Belgian planners expect this system to delay an enemy advance in 1940.

This is not yet the story of the attack.

It is the story of doctrine, engineering, and confidence — and of a defensive concept built on concrete, steel, and water. Understanding Fort Eben-Emael and the Albert Canal defences is essential before we can understand what happens next.

More maps, photos, and sources at ⁠www.worldwar2-sof.com⁠

#FortEbenEmael #AlbertCanal #BattleOfBelgium #WW2History #MilitaryHistory #Fortifications #Fallschirmjäger #WorldWar2 #HistoricForts #EuropeanHistory

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On Christmas Eve 1944, deep in the snowbound Ardennes, a small hut becomes the setting for an extraordinary act of courage and humanity.

A German mother, her twelve-year-old son, three lost American soldiers and four exhausted Wehrmacht troops share one room, one meal, and one unspoken decision: tonight, there will be no killing.

In this episode, Truce in the Forest, we follow the memories of Fritz Finken, the boy who witnessed enemies lay down their weapons, share soup, wine and cigarettes, pray together and then part as comrades. It is a quiet story set against the thunder of the Battle of the Bulge – a fragile Christmas miracle in the middle of a brutal war.

This is not a tale of generals and grand strategy, but of ordinary people choosing peace for a single winter night.

#TruceInTheForest #WorldWarTwo #BattleOfTheBulge #Christmas1944 #TrueStory #HistoryPodcast #WartimeStories #HumanityInWar #WW2Podcast #Ardennes

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In this episode of The Special Forces in World War II Podcast, host Michael Weyers explores the remarkable history of the 79th Armoured Division — one of the most innovative and influential Allied formations of the Second World War.

Created under Major-General Percy Hobart, the division became the home of the famous “Hobart’s Funnies”: specialised armoured vehicles designed to break through minefields, concrete defences, waterfront obstacles, and fortified towns. From the assault beaches of Normandy to the battles for Le Havre, Boulogne, the Scheldt, Walcheren, and the Rhine crossing in Operation Plunder, these unique machines reshaped the Allied approach to modern warfare.

Discover how the division was formed, how its equipment was designed and tested, and how its specialised crews supported nearly every major operation in Northwest Europe. Using original wartime accounts, official histories, and modern research, this episode reveals how engineering innovation and tactical adaptation helped secure Allied victory.

To explore photographs, maps, original documents, and the full list of sources behind this episode, visit the 79th Armoured Division page at www.worldwar2-sof.com.

https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/the-worlds-special-forces-in-world-war-2/the-allied-special-forces/great-britain-special-forces/79th-armoured-division/

#WW2 #WorldWar2 #79thArmouredDivision #HobartsFunnies #PercyHobart #DDay #Normandy1944 #OperationOverlord #OperationPlunder #Walcheren #Scheldt #BritishArmy #SpecialForcesHistory #ArmouredWarfare #MilitaryHistoryPodcast #WW2Podcast #HistoryPodcast #SpecialOperations #RoyalEngineers #ShermanTankWebsite: https://worldwar2-sof.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww2.sofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOFPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpecialForcesinWorldWar2Spotify: Special Forces in World War 2 Podcast

In this episode, we explore one of the most ambitious and unlikely armoured innovations of the Second World War: the Duplex Drive (DD) amphibious tank. Developed by engineer Nicholas Straussler and perfected under the 79th Armoured Division, the DD tank combined a standard armoured vehicle with a collapsible flotation screen and propeller system—allowing it to swim from landing craft to shore under its own power.

This episode covers the complete history of the DD tank programme, including:

• Early amphibious concepts and the Tetrarch DD prototype
• Development of the Valentine DD and the first successful sea trials
• The creation of the Sherman DD and its adoption by British, Canadian, and U.S. forces
• Intensive training at Fritton Lake, Stokes Bay, Torcross, and dedicated DD tank schools
• Combat use on D-Day across Sword, Juno, Gold, Utah, and the heavy losses at Omaha
• Later operations in Europe: the Scheldt, the Rhine, the Po, and the Adige
• The final combat swims in northern Germany and northern Italy in 1945
• Technical insight into flotation screens, propeller drive arrangements, launch procedures, and crew survival drills

From Normandy’s surf to the great rivers of Europe, the Duplex Drive tank proved both fragile and indispensable. It saved lives on some beaches, suffered tragedy on others, and became one of the most distinctive armoured vehicles of the war. This episode reveals how the DD system was built, tested, trained, and ultimately fought in some of the most demanding amphibious operations of the conflict.

For more information and multimedia go to our webpage about the Duplex Drive Tanks.

https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/world-war-2-equipment/british-equipment/british-vehicles/duplex-drive-tanks/

#DDTank #DuplexDrive #ShermanDD #79thArmouredDivision #HobartsFunnies #DDay #OperationOverlord #WW2History #AmphibiousWarfare #SpecialForcesWW2 #ShermanTank #WW2Podcast #MilitaryHistoryPodcast #HistoryDocumentary

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In this bonus episode of The Special Forces in World War II Podcast, we return to Normandy to follow the final chapter of the Provisional Ranger Force after D-Day.

It is June 9th, 1944. Major Richard Sullivan leads the 5th Ranger Battalion, supported by elements of the 2nd, in a coordinated attack on the powerful German gun positions at Maisy, the twin batteries of Les Perruques and La Martinière.

Through flooded fields, minebelts, and hidden trenches, the Rangers fight their way forward under heavy fire. Half-tracks roll through mud and shellfire. Mortars and artillery pound the German defences. For five hours, the battle rages across the fortified complex until the Rangers finally overrun the site, capturing hundreds of prisoners, seizing more than 180 tonnes of ammunition, and uncovering the German payroll for the entire coastal sector.

With the fall of Maisy, the last major artillery threat to Omaha and Utah Beaches is eliminated. The Rangers’ mission, begun on the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, ends in victory amid the wreckage of the Maisy Batteries, a final triumph of courage, endurance, and determination.

Listen now to hear how the Rangers completed their campaign in Normandy, and brought the story of the Provisional Ranger Force to its close.

#DDay #WWII #RangersLeadTheWay #ProvisionalRangerGroup #OmahaBeach #PointeDuHoc #MaisyBattery #Normandy1944 #WW2Podcast #SpecialForces #USArmyRangers #OperationNeptune #OperationOverlord #MilitaryHistory #WW2History #HistoryPodcast #AlliedForces #WW2Battles #RangerBattalion

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On D-Day, June 6th, 1944, Ranger Force C, under Major Max Schneider, sails toward the Normandy coast. Comprising the 5th Ranger Battalion, Companies A and B of the 2nd Ranger Battalion, and the Ranger Cannon Platoon, the force faces a crucial decision: follow the planned assault on Dog Green Beach or divert west to relieve the hard-pressed Rangers at Pointe du Hoc.

What begins as a carefully timed landing becomes chaos in heavy seas, broken radio contact, and fierce enemy fire. The episode follows Force C from the moment they leave their ships at dawn to their violent landings on Omaha, their fight up the bluffs with Brigadier General Norman Cota’s immortal order “Rangers, lead the way!” and their struggle through Vierville-sur-Mer, Saint-Pierre-du-Mont, and finally to Pointe du Hoc.

You’ll hear how these Rangers endured confusion, counterattacks, and friendly-fire incidents while holding the western flank of Omaha Beach and fighting to link up with the isolated men of Force A. Meticulously reconstructed from after-action reports and eyewitness records, this episode reveals the full scope of the Rangers’ courage, endurance, and sacrifice during the desperate opening days of Operation Neptune.

For more information and multimedia go to: https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-world-war-2/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-1944/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-june-1944/operation-overlord/operation-neptune/omaha-beach/omaha-beach-provisional-ranger-group/omaha-beach-prg-force-c/

#DDay #OmahaBeach #PointeDuHoc #5thRangers #2ndRangers #OperationNeptune #WWII #RangersLeadTheWay #SpecialForcesInWWII

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Company C, 2nd Ranger Battalion (Force B), draws a distinct mission on D-Day: land on the extreme western end of Omaha’s Charlie Sector at H+3, smash Widerstandsnest 73 overlooking Dog Green/Charlie, then push west to clear Widerstandsnest 74 at Pointe de la Percée and link up toward Pointe du Hoc.
We trace the hazardous pre-dawn run-in, the loss of one landing craft to anti-tank fire, and the brutal crossing under mortars and MGs. With fewer than half their number left, the Rangers reach the cliffs, climb, and fight trench-to-trench around the “Fortified House” to silence WN73. Naval gunfire helps—and at times endangers—them; radios fail; friendly-fire scares mount. By afternoon WN74 appears wrecked; by night the survivors—fewer than twenty combat-effective from sixty-four—move to Gruchy and link with Force C. This episode captures the grit, losses, and decisive effect of Force B in opening Omaha’s western flank.

More info: https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-world-war-2/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-1944/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-june-1944/operation-overlord/operation-neptune/omaha-beach/omaha-beach-provisional-ranger-group/omaha-beach-prg-force-b/

#DDay #OmahaBeach #ProvisionalRangerGroup #ForceB #2ndRangerBattalion #Rangers #CharlieSector #DogGreen #Vierville #Widerstandsnest73 #Widerstandsnest74 #PointeDeLaPercée #PointeDuHoc #June6_1944 #WWII #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #Normandy

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Continuing the five-part Provisional Ranger Group D-Day series, this episode covers the gritty aftermath at Pointe du Hoc. After the hidden 155 mm guns are found and disabled, Ranger teams split: some dig in on the shattered Point while others hold the inland highway under snipers, mortars, and counterattacks. With ammunition low and communications failing, Force A clings to the cliffs through the night of June 6–7 until relief arrives on June 8, 1944. Courage, confusion, and a mission completed—the guns never fire on Omaha or Utah.

More info: https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-world-war-2/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-1944/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-june-1944/operation-overlord/operation-neptune/omaha-beach/omaha-beach-provisional-ranger-group/omaha-beach-prg-force-a-pointe-du-hoc/

#DDay #PointeDuHoc #Rangers #WWII #SpecialForces #OmahaBeach #UtahBeach #MilitaryHistory #Normandy #HistoryPodcast #RangerBattalion #USArmy #BattleOfNormandy

🔗 Stay connected with us:Website: https://worldwar2-sof.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww2.sofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOFThreads: https://www.threads.net/@ww2.sofPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpecialForcesinWorldWar2Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worldwar2sof

On the morning of June 6th, 1944, Ranger Force A of the Provisional Ranger Group sets out across rough seas toward one of the most dangerous objectives of D-Day: Pointe du Hoc. Packed into small landing craft, they face confusion, heavy surf, and enemy fire during their desperate run to the cliffs.

This episode continues our five-part series on the Provisional Ranger Force during D-Day. We follow the Rangers from their transports to the shattered beach below Pointe du Hoc, a hazardous approach that tested their training, their equipment, and their resolve.

For more background, including photographs, maps, original documents, and the sources behind this series, visit https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-world-war-2/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-1944/which-special-forces-operations-took-place-in-june-1944/operation-overlord/operation-neptune/omaha-beach/omaha-beach-provisional-ranger-group/omaha-beach-prg-force-a-pointe-du-hoc/

#WWII #DDay #Rangers #PointeDuHoc #OmahaBeach #Normandy1944 #MilitaryHistory #HistoryPodcast #WW2Podcast

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Before scaling the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, the U.S. Army Rangers had to be forged into a single fighting force. In this first episode of our five-part series, we trace the preparations of the Provisional Ranger Group — from their arrival in Britain and training at the Assault Training Center, to secret equipment trials, planning debates, and final embarkation for D-Day.

Discover how the 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions were readied for one of the most dangerous missions of June 6th, 1944.

For photographs, maps, and original documents, visit: www.worldwar2-sof.com

#DDay #OmahaBeach #WW2History #USRangers #PointeDuHoc

🔗 Stay connected with us:Website: https://worldwar2-sof.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww2.sofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOFThreads: https://www.threads.net/@ww2.sofPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpecialForcesinWorldWar2Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worldwar2sof