This is the audio version of my latest YouTube video, which can be found here https://youtu.be/FwebKyWDqes?si=fRLfI_mj8cZpy3EP During World War Two, a plethora of special forces and clandestine units were formed by the Allies. Many are well known, such as the SAS, SBS, SOE and the OSS. One of the lesser known was Z Special Unit, also known as Z For…

I was joined today by the brilliant Paul Bruno. Paul has spent the last 20 years gathering information about Second World War Jeeps. The Jeep is arguably one of the most famous, and most important vehicles of the war. And don't just take my word for it, General Eisenhower called the Jeep one of the 3 vehicles that won the war! Owning a 1944 Ford GP…

I was joined by Robert O'Connor. Robert is an Author who wrote the fantastic novel "Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge" The novel follows the story of Jim Tanzer as he enlists in the U.S. Army’s Morale Corps in WWII. Along with Private Mickey Rooney and others, he is detailed to entertain soldiers in combat zones. Jim gets caught up in…

Today I was joined by Mike Atherton, Mike is an author who writes Historical Fiction novels. Including those based on his own relatives experiences in the First World War. Before becoming an author, Mike spent several years in the British Army serving as a Nurse, we discussed his time in the Army, including nursing an aging Nazi Rudolf Hess inside …

I was joined today by Martin Bennett, an author who has wrote the superb "Wounded Tiger" the true story of the pilot "Mitsuo Fuchida" who led the Pearl Harbor attack on the United States in December 1941, whose life was changed by an American prisoner and by a girl he never met. The book covers several important topics, including faith, loyalty and…

This is an audio upload from my YouTube Video - “Britains Greatest General” If you where to ask the average Britain on the street, to name a British military leader from days gone by, names like, Montgomery, the Duke of Wellington and Nelson are bound to crop up, Chances are that few people would name, or even have heard of the man who is the subje…

I was honoured to be joined by Peter Mathews, Peter is originally from The Hague in The Netherlands, but found himself taking part in America's War in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star after saving a critically wounded soldier. Peter spent a year in country with the 1st Cavalry Division and towards the end of his tour found a diary belonging …

Today i was joined by Podcast Regular Anthony Tucker-Jones, join us as we discuss an often overlooked part of the life of Winston Churchill, his role in the The Cold War. We discuss Operation Unthinkable and the plan to attack the Soviet Union, his relationship with the Royal Family, the conflicts around the world and so much more. Thank you once a…

I was joined today by Jerry Glazer, Jerry is a veteran of the Vietnam War, being drafted into the Army shortly after graduating from College. Jerry never intended to be a soldier, much less lead a special Operations Team, fighting for survival in war He served in Special Ops with Airborne Units, 1st Cav, the Marines, and Special Operations Groups. …

I was joined today by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Spicer OBE. We spoke about his upcoming book about the life of the most extraordinary man - Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale. A 17-year-old Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale is working for his father, taking submarines from Vladivostok to St Petersburg for the Russian Imperial Navy. He takes a submarine out for sea t…

Today i was joined by Jim Carter. Jim is an author who wrote the fantastic Hearts of Steel. Hearts of Steel explores the time of the Royal Navy from the end of World War 1 to the Battle of Crete in May 1941. During this period the Royal Navy was taking the fight to the German war machine. There were losses, but great victories too. It was a time of…

Today I was joined by my friend Kieran "Woody" Haywood. Woody served for 21 Years in the British Army in The Royal Green Jackets and The Rifles. He saw active combat in Iraq and Afghanistan where he was shot in the face by the Taliban during a firefight. We spoke about his life in the Army where he had a varied career that included winning various …

I was joined once again by the fantastic Historian Anthony Tucker-Jones to talk about the events of 1945 and the Battle of Berlin. We discuss the fall of the Third Reich, the events of the Seelow Heights, Hitler's descent into madness as well as some of the tragic individual tales from the worlds most turbulent period. Anthony's new book is out soo…

I was joined today by Jon from the WW2 Wayfinder YouTube Channel. We discussed his travels to Italy to view the sites at Monte Cassino, Gran Sasso and more, we chat about the incredible difficulties that the Allies and Axis troops faced fighting in Italy. Jon's fantastic channel can be found here https://www.youtube.com/@WW2Wayfinder The Gran Sasso…

I shall be talking about the only man to be awarded the VC twice during the First World War, his name was Noel Chavasse. His first honour came at the Somme. His second, at Passchendaele, cost him his life. An incredible man who left behind an incredible legacy of how far Medical Staff will go to help their patients. If you’d like to get in touch em…

I was joined today by the Mike Croissant who is a former CIA Officer and Author. Mike's book "Bombing Hitler's Hometown: The Untold Story of the Last Mass Bomber Raid of World War II in Europe" tells the incredible story of the airmen of the Fifteenth Air Force who embarked on a deadly mission to bomb one of Europe’s most heavily defended targets—L…

In todays Podcast, I am joined by Michael G. Stroud once again as we tackle the American Civil War in Part 2 of our 3 Part series. We discuss the likelihood of a Confederate victory, the key battles and so much more! Big thanks to everyone listening and downloading, the Podcast has charted in several countries recently and its amazing to see! The l…

I was joined today by my good friend and long time collaborator Michael G Stroud. This is Episode 1 in a 3 part series on the American Civil War. Today we discuss the prelude to the American Civil War, why it happened and what factors played a part in the Confederacy breaking away from the union. The Link to Michaels new book on the Byzantium's Twi…

Something abit different today, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to everyone subscribing, listening and downloading, we recently hit the charts in Ireland, and Sri Lanka! So fingers crossed we can keep that up! The YouTube channel is linked below https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4y2VEewZpgwxfHFwT0TVsQ?sub_confirmation=1 Email me at - afewminutespod@out…

I had the privilege today, to be joined by Colonel Chris Starling USMC (Retired) Chris’s family have a unique story, his father, himself, his brother and his son have all saw combat serving with the 1st Division US Marines, and today we dive into their story! We chat Vietnam, Desert Storm, 9/11 and more as Chris shares what life was like as a Marin…

Today i was proud to welcome Phil Gioia to the the show. Phil is a veteran of the Vietnam War and a successful author. During his two deployments , Gioia received two Silver Stars for valor, a Bronze Star with “V” for valor, and two Purple Hearts. We chat in depth about his time as a young officer in the 82nd Airborne and the 1st Cavalry Division. …

Today i was joined by Brian Short, Brian joined the Royal Marines in 1973 not as a Commando but as a musician in the world renowned Royal Marine Band Service. in this episode we discuss his involvement with the Corp during the Falklands War mainly onboard the SS Canberra. If you would like a copy of Brian's book, it can be found here - https://www.…

I was joined by Dave Roberts, who is probably the biggest expert on 30 Commando Assault Unit in the world! The brain child of naval commander Ian Fleming & Lord Louis Mountbatten, this wartime unit was a secret well kept for over 50 years after the war by the Official Secrets Act, some remains classified, see Reading. At the time, officially, they …

I was joined by Ricky D. Phillips (@RDPHistory on Twitter) we spoke in depth about the life of one of the worlds most famous Warships The Belgrano, we spoke about its life during the Second World War as USS Phoenix until its sinking in 1982 as The Belgrano. If you'd like a copy of Ricky's new book it can be found here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?i…

I was joined this week by Robert Riggs, an American Investigative Reporter, Riggs was an embedded reporter with the Army unit that led the invasion of Iraq in 2003. His assignments have included covering the White House, Congress, Pentagon, and State Department during the administrations of President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush. Am…

In 1931, Japan invaded Manchuria and the rest of China in 1937. The Chinese airforce was in a parlous state and needed a capable commander they got one, in the form of an American, Clair Lee Chennault, who brought along 100 Pilots that successfully stopped the Japanese Airforce despite being heavily outnumbered, in less advanced aircraft and thousa…

I am joined today by Tom Petch, Tom is a former SAS Officer who wrote "Speed, Aggression, Surprise: The Untold Secret Origins of the SAS" we dive into the remarkable deception campaign that turns the eccentric Dudley Clarkes idea into the most famous and best Special Forces Unit. Tom served with the British Army until 1997 leading small teams gathe…

Today i was joined by Anthony Tucker-Jones who joined me to talk about his book Battle of The Cities. We dive into some of the brutal but pivotal battles for key Cities on the Eastern Front during the Second World War. A copy of the book can be found here - https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Battle-of-the-Cities-Hardback/p/23296 Anthony Tucker-Jones, …

Hello! Thank you all for being so patient! I am back and today i am joined once again by my good friend Jon from the fantastic YouTube Channel WW2 Wayfinder. We discuss his trip to Normandy for the anniversary, his flight in a P-51 Mustang as well as his insane growth on YouTube and so much more! Check out the channels YouTube here - https://youtub…

In todays episode, I had the privilege and honour of talking to Robin Bartlett, he kindly recounted his extraordinary combat experiences as a 22-year-old 1st Lieutenant in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) leading his 28-man platoon on search and destroy missions, firefights and helicopter combat assaults into hot landing zones at the height of …

I am joined by Ian Pegg (@cluelesspegg on Twitter) and we discuss The Royal Army Chaplains Department, from the start of the War, to the Beaches of Dunkirk, Normandy, Bergen Belsen and everything in between. Thanks to Ian for his time and i hope you all enjoy this one! Don't forget over on YouTube we have a wide collection of videos for you all as …

Hello everyone! Thanks for sticking with the Podcast! For those of you after my links and emails to get in touch they are here! Twitter - @afewminshistory Instagram - @afewminutesofhistory LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-corfield-94980b1ab Email - [email protected] Send us a text…

In todays episode i am joined by Historian James Jefferies, and we discuss the war in the air from an RAF and USAAF point of view. We discuss how the tactics changed throughout the war with the invention of new technology, more manpower and bigger resources. If you'd like to get in touch with James his Twitter handle is - @jamesjhistory As always m…

I am joined by my friend Jon from the YouTube Channel - WW2 Wayfinder We discuss his fantastic YouTube video which shows the fencing off of the Bois Jacques area in the Ardennes, of the Band of Brothers Easy Company Fame! We discuss the reasoning behind this and give our own personal view points on the situation. The video that we chatted about in …

I am joined today by Dr Matthew Powell, an Air Power Historian. We discuss RAF Bomber Command as a whole from its inception in 1936 through to the end of the Second World War. If you'd like to get in touch with Matthew he can be found here - Twitter - @tac_air_power Email - [email protected] Send us a text…

In todays episode, i'm joined once again by historian Michael G. Stroud. This is part one of a series on America in the Interwar period, we discuss Isolationism, the slowing down of arming the military and everything inbetween! If you'd like to see more of Michaels work, you can find him on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgstroud…

In todays episode I am joined by Eric Lee who wrote the fascinating book "Britain's Plot To Kill Hitler: The True Story of Operation Foxley and SOE. Come and listen as we discuss some of the most outrageous plots to assassinate the German Furher. If you'd like a copy of Eric's book it can be found here - https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Britains-Plo…

Operation Market Garden was an Allied plan that in theory would of dealt a lethal hook into the heart of industrial Germany. In reality however, the Operation was a grand failure and potentially set the Allies back further. Me and Anthony Tucker-Jones discuss the Operation in detail. Send us a textBy Jake Corfield

Was Hugo Boss Adolf Hitlers tailor? Did he design the infamous uniforms of the Waffen SS or was it a myth that became popular after the war? Well in todays episode we discuss this! Send us a textBy Jake Corfield

In today's episode, i was joined by American Historian and friend of the Podcast, Michael Stroud. We dicussed the Battle of Amien in 1918, and debate whether the battle should be held in higher standing in the historical world? If you'd like to contact Michael or view his work his Linkedin is here; https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgstroud/ Send u…

Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg is the only member of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces, to be awarded the Victoria Cross on the recommendation of the enemy. Send us a textBy Jake Corfield

In todays episode, i am joined by Anthony Richards as we discuss the fantastic true story of the Christmas Truce, with some amazing first hand accounts from the men who where there! I want to a special thanks to Greenhill Books and Pen and Sword for arranging this interview. Anthony's book is linked here and i highly recommend it! https://www.pen-a…

The Third Battle of Ypres became known for the utterly horrendous conditions the men who fought, lived and died in the area faced. In todays episode, we discuss the background of the battle and why it lasted so long and cost well over 500,000 men their lives. Send us a textBy Jake Corfield

"THE NAVY IS HERE" cried HMS Cossacks boarding party as it raided the German ship The Altmark on the hunt for prisoners of war! Come and hear the fantastic story of Royal Navy bayonet wielding Sailors as they clashed with their German foe in February 1940! Also the books i speak about at the end of this podcast are linked here - Life and Death on t…

January 1879, the British launch an attack on Zululand, aiming to defeat the Zulu army and claim their lands. However, the British suffered a huge defeat at Isandlwana, and now 4000 Zulu's are making their way to the mission station at Rorkes Drift to destroy the small British Garrison stationed inside. Todays episode discusses that battle! Send us…

In todays episode, i am once again joined by Anthony Tucker-Jones to discuss The Waffen SS. We break down the differences between the Waffen SS and the rest of the SS. The numerous foreign volunteers and what drove them to join the SS. And much, much more! Send us a textBy Jake Corfield

In todays episode. I discuss the superb miniseries Band of Brothers. In todays episode I discuss the incredible work that went on behind the scenes to bring this work of art to life! Send us a textBy Jake Corfield

One of the most notorious and evil Nazi doctors of World War II, Josef Mengele known as The Angel of Death, performed gruesome medical experiments on thousands of prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp. YouTube - https://youtube.com/channel/UC4y2VEewZpgwxfHFwT0TVsQ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@afewminutesofhistory?_t=8VwHaKiCNwz&_r=1 Sen…

When the German Army invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, they did so with a wide variety of different tanks. In todays episode we discuss those vehicles, and also what the Soviet Union would defend their country with! For a link to the YouTube video for this audio which features pictures of the tanks, click here ⬇️⬇️ https://youtu.be/ugKlw0w005c Send…

On todays episode, i have a fantastic chat with historian Anthony Tucker-Jones about his latest book "Hitlers Winter: The German Battle of the Bulge". We discuss the Operation from a German perspective, the ins and outs of the German planning and whether it could of succeeded had things gone differently. Send us a text…