On the night of 9th July 1943, British airborne troops launched Operation Ladbroke, a daring glider assault to seize the Ponte Grande and railway bridges in Sicily. A and C Companies of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment led the coup-de-main raid, transported in Airspeed Horsa gliders to improve landing precision. Despite meticulous planning, the operation quickly descended into chaos.

Gliders crashed into the sea, troops were scattered across enemy territory, and the airborne force—vastly outnumbered—faced overwhelming Italian counterattacks. Yet, with sheer determination, they captured the Ponte Grande bridge, severed enemy communications, and held their ground against relentless assaults. Outgunned and low on ammunition, they fought until the last bullet before being overrun—only to retake the bridge later that day.

Through firsthand accounts and detailed historical research, Special Forces in World War II brings to life the incredible bravery, resilience, and sacrifice of the men who paved the way for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

🔹 #WWII #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #WW2Podcast #OperationLadbroke #AirborneForces #GliderTroops #EliteForces #Sicily1943 #WarStories

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On the night of 9th July 1943, the Special Raiding Squadron embarked on their first Sicilian mission in World War II. Departing from Egypt and training in Palestine, they prepared for a critical role in the Allied invasion of Sicily. Their objective: to strike deep behind enemy lines and eliminate the heavily fortified Lamba Doria gun battery.

This podcast follows their journey—from the grueling forced marches across Palestine to the chaos of the night landing and brutal close-quarters combat that followed. Experience the tension of pre-battle preparations, the adrenaline of the assault, and the strategic impact of their mission.

Through firsthand accounts and detailed historical research, Special Forces in World War II brings to life the men who risked everything to change the course of history.

#WWII #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #WW2Podcast #HistoricalWarfare #EliteForces #SpecialRaidingSquadron #Commandos #WWIIOperations #WarStories

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In the thrilling conclusion of our series on the Coup de Main, we take you to the night of June 6, 1944. Join us as we follow Staff Sergeant Jim Wallwork, Major John Howard, and the men of the 2nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in their daring glider assault on the Pegasus and Horsa bridges. Experience the tension, bravery, and chaos as these soldiers fight to secure these vital crossings against formidable German defenses. From the precise crash landings to the intense firefights, witness the extraordinary courage and determination that ensured the success of this pivotal mission in the Normandy invasion.

Don't miss this action-packed episode as we bring history to life!

#WWII #HistoryPodcast #PegasusBridge #DDay #CoupDeMain #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #OxAndBucks #NormandyInvasion #MajorJohnHoward #PodcastSeries #HistoricalEvents #WarStories #HeroicMissions

Listen now on Spotify and relive the incredible story of the Coup de Main and the heroes who made history.

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In this gripping first episode of our series on the Coup de Main, we dive into the meticulous preparations led by Major John Howard and the 2nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Discover how Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery's strategic decisions set the stage for one of World War II's most daring missions. Follow the intense training, strategic planning, and rigorous exercises that transformed ordinary soldiers into a formidable force. Learn about the importance of capturing the Pegasus and Horsa bridges to secure the left flank of the Normandy beachhead. This episode sets the stage for the thrilling assault to come.

Listen now and uncover the extraordinary efforts behind this critical mission!

#WWII #HistoryPodcast #PegasusBridge #DDay #CoupDeMain #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #OxAndBucks #NormandyInvasion #MajorJohnHoward #PodcastSeries #HistoricalEvents #WarStories

Tune in on Spotify and stay tuned for the next episode, where we delve into the actual assault and the incredible bravery displayed during the capture of the bridges.
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Operation Mincemeat

The Corpse That Fooled the Germans

Explore the incredible deception operation that fooled the Germans, Operation Mincemeat. Discover how British intelligence used a homeless man's body, complete with an entire fabricated identity, to mislead the Germans and shift the tide of World War II. From covert journeys aboard submarines to forged love letters, every detail counted in this audacious plan. Tune in to hear how ingenuity and a touch of audacity changed the course of history.

#OperationMincemeat #SpecialForces #WWIIHistory #Espionage #BritishIntelligence 🔗 Stay connected with us: Website: https://worldwar2-sof.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww2.sof Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOF Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ww2.sof Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpecialForcesinWorldWar2 Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worldwar2sof

In this shorter episode of the Special Forces in World War II Podcast, we uncover the untold story of Band Beach, the crucial yet often overlooked site of Operation Overlord. While Sword, Gold, Juno, Utah, and Omaha beaches are well-known, Band Beach played a pivotal role in the success of the D-Day invasion. Join us as we explore the daring missions of No. 46 Royal Marine Commando, the British 6th Airborne Division, and the Royal Navy, who worked tirelessly to neutralize formidable German defenses. Discover the bravery, strategy, and sacrifices that ensured the liberation of Europe.

#WWII #D-Day #OperationOverlord #BandBeach #RoyalMarines #Airborne #Navy #HistoryPodcast #MilitaryHistory #UnsungHeroes #SpecialForces #WW2History

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Operation Frankton, The Escape Phase, Part 3

Welcome to the Special Forces in World War II Podcast! In this third episode of our series on Operation Frankton, we explore the perilous escape phase following the daring raid on Bordeaux harbour. After successfully planting limpet mines on German cargo ships, Major Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler and his team of 12 commandos from the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment faced the daunting task of evading capture and making their way back to safety. Join us as we delve into the incredible challenges they encountered, the strategies they employed to navigate hostile territory, and the ultimate fate of the men involved. This episode pays tribute to the resilience and bravery of these commandos and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

#WWII #OperationFrankton #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #RoyalMarines #Podcast #WartimeCourage #NavalWarfare #HistoryPodcast #WorldWarII #MilitaryStrategy #BordeauxRaid #Heroism #WWIIPodcast #EscapePhase #WarHeroes

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Operation Frankton, The Assault Phase. Part 2

Welcome back to the Special Forces in World War II Podcast! In this second episode of our series on Operation Frankton, we shift our focus to the daring assault phase. Join us as we recount the perilous journey of Major Herbert 'Blondie' Hasler and his 12-man team from the Royal Marine Boom Patrol Detachment as they navigate enemy waters in six canoes. Hear the tense moments as they approach Bordeaux harbour, the strategic deployment of limpet mines on German cargo ships, and the significant disruption they caused to the Axis supply chain. This episode highlights the bravery and precision of these commandos during one of the most challenging missions of World War II.

#WWII #OperationFrankton #SpecialForces #MilitaryHistory #RoyalMarines #Podcast #WartimeCourage #NavalWarfare #HistoryPodcast #WorldWarII #MilitaryStrategy #BordeauxRaid #Heroism #WWIIPodcast #AssaultPhase