Echoes of War (Formerly The Pacific War Channel Podcast)

The Battle of Taranto 🎙️ ft Justin

In this Pacific War Podcast Craig tells Justin the story of the Battle of Taranto, the British surprise attack against the Italian Navy in 1940.

The Battle of Taranto took place on the night of November 11-12, 1940 and was a pivotal naval engagement during World War II. It marked the first significant victory for British naval aviation and demonstrated the effectiveness of aircraft carriers in modern naval warfare.

At the time of the battle, Italy  had a significant naval presence in the Mediterranean. The Italian fleet, anchored at the port of Taranto, posed a threat to British naval operations in the region. The British Admiralty devised a plan to neutralize this threat by launching an aerial attack using carrier-based aircraft from the HMS Illustrious and HMS Eagle.

Under the command of Admiral Andrew Cunningham, the British Fleet Air Arm launched a daring nighttime raid on the Italian naval base at Taranto. The attack was led by Fairey Swordfish biplanes, which were slow and outdated but capable of performing night attacks. The Swordfish aircraft were armed with torpedoes modified to run in shallow waters, suitable for attacking ships in harbor.

The British strike force, consisting of 21 Swordfish aircraft, approached Taranto under the cover of darkness. Despite facing heavy anti-aircraft fire from Italian defenses, the British pilots pressed on with their attack. They skillfully navigated the narrow confines of the harbor and launched their torpedoes at the Italian battleships and cruisers anchored there.

The results of the attack were devastating for the Italian fleet. The British torpedoes struck the battleships Conte di Cavour, Littorio, and Caio Duilio, causing severe damage and sinking the Conte di Cavour. Additionally, several other ships were damaged, and the port facilities suffered significant destruction. The success of the raid demonstrated the vulnerability of battleships to aerial attack and highlighted the effectiveness of carrier-based aircraft in naval warfare.

The Battle of Taranto had far-reaching consequences for the balance of power in the Mediterranean. It significantly weakened the Italian Navy's ability to challenge British naval supremacy in the region and forced Italy to adopt a more defensive posture. The success of the British raid also served as a blueprint for future carrier-based operations and influenced naval strategies throughout World War II.

 

Politically Incorrect History Ep 1🎙️WW2 Debauchery ft Ian

The first episode of Politically Incorrect History about WW2 stuff and pure Debauchery featuring Ian.

Disclaimer: This will be very different from other podcasts.

Craig and Ian are historians....but also pure degenerates. They both listen to the Cumtown Podcast and love comedians like Shane Gillis. Thus they got the bright idea of having quite a few drinks and started a podcast where they tell history....or atleast history related stuff off the cuff, probably incorrectly.

This is more comedy than history and its goes off the rails. In this episode Craig tried to keep it grounded somewhat on the subject of WW2 stupidity, they talk about drunk Churchill, how idiots in the OSS failed to make weapons to fight the enemy and other silly stuff. 

If you actually like this style of content let Craig and Ian know by checking out the Pacific War Channel discord server and commenting "give us more Politically Incorrect History!"

The Basest Warlord? 🎙️ The "Dogmeat General" ft Ian

In this Pacific War Podcast Craig tells Ian the legendary story of Zhang Zongchang, the "Dogmeat General"

Who was Zhang Zongchang? How did he receive the nicknames like: Dogmeat General, Lanky General, Old 86 and such? Why is he considered the basest of the Chinese warlords? Why has he become such a meme across social media?

This  podcast covers the history of Zhang Zongchang, the infamous warlord of Shandong province during China's Warlord Era. You will learn how he rose to prominence, what he was truly like versus what propaganda would say and how he influenced the future of China. Did you ever wonder why he was called "Dogmeat General" or "Old 86"? The answers might actually surprise you.

While Zhang Zongchang was in many ways the basest of the warlords, he was also a tyrannical monster who inflicted suffering upon the citizens of Shandong province. He overtaxed, caused severe inflation and punished all those who would dare criticize his rule. His tyranny was so bad it led to the creation of the Red Spear Society.

Zhang Zongchang served under the Fengtian clique, until they eventually were defeated and Zhang Xueliang chose to join Chiang Kai-Shek and the Nationalists. Zhang Zongchang would lead a rebellion, fail, get exiled and eventually was assassinated. Certainly there was a monster behind this meme.

General Ishiwara Kanji: Ishiwara vs Tojo🎙️ Episode 4

This Pacific War Channel Podcast is about General Ishiwara Kanji, the mastermind behind the invasion of Manchuria and his battle against Hideki Tojo.

This Pacific War Channel Podcast explores of the life and ideas of Ishiwara Kanji, a significant figure in Japanese history during the mid-20th century. Ishiwara, was deeply involved in political and military affairs, particularly during Japan's expansionist period leading up to the Pacific War. He advocated for the concept of pan-Asianism and the establishment of the East Asian League as a means to counter Western imperialism. However, his efforts were ultimately undermined by Japan's involvement in wars, particularly the China War and Pacific War, which drained resources and led to Japan's defeat. Ishiwara's views evolved over time, from initially supporting Japan's military actions to later predicting its defeat and advocating for national reconstruction. Despite his initial support for militarism, Ishiwara became disillusioned with the Hideki Tojo's regime and actively criticized it. He foresaw Japan's defeat and focused on post-war reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of science and culture in Japan's recovery. Throughout his life, Ishiwara faced contradictions and challenges, including conflicts with other political figures, illness, and being purged from public life.

Despite his setbacks, Ishiwara remained dedicated to his vision of a peaceful and prosperous Japan, even seeking reconciliation with former enemies and advocating for global peace. His final reflections acknowledged the failures of his earlier predictions and the need for a new approach to international relations. Ishiawara's legacy is one of complexity, as he navigated the turbulent waters of wartime politics and post-war reconstruction with determination and conviction.

 

Don't forget I have a patreon now where you can get exclusive content like "General Kanji Ishiwara & the Mukden Incident" check it out here ⤵️ https://www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel

The Battle of Wake Island🎙️ ft Ian

In this Pacific War Podcast Craig and Ian tell the heroic story of the Battle of Wake Island.

The Battle of Wake Island began simultaneously with the attack on Pearl Harbor and invasion of Southeast Asia. For two weeks US Marines, air crews and civilians fought off an invasion force of Japanese Special Naval Landing Force troops. While the Japanese were easily overwhelming the allies in every other location, the men at Wake held firm in an Alamo like fashion.

In this episode Craig and Ian explain why there was a battle for Wake atoll, what happened during the raids and invasion and the tragic aftermath for the survivors. It was a heroic effort at the very beginning of the Pacific War.

 

What does the Average Joe know about the Pacific War? 🎙️ ft Justin

In this Pacific War Podcast Craig tries to answer the question, what does the average Joe know about the Pacific War? Featuring Justin.

You have you history buffs, your WW2 fanatics, sometimes even Pacific War junkies, but what about the average joe? If you grabbed a stranger off the street and asked them, what was the Pacific War? Why did it happen? Who was involved? What kind of answers do you expect to receive?

Well Craig grabbed his friend Justin to use and abuse as a Guinea Pig in this Pacific War Podcast. 

How to get your Normie friend into the Pacific War? 🎙️ ft Justin & Ian

In this Pacific War Podcast Craig and Ian try to answer the question, how do you get your Normie friend (Justin) into the Pacific War?

In this rather silly and beer fuelled Pacific War Podcast, Craig and Ian use Justin as a Normie friend Guinea Pig, to see how they can get such a person into the Pacific War. 

They cover just about every possible faucet imaginable: Youtube Channels, Movies, Podcasts, Books, TV Series, Manga, Anime, Music and much more.

What is the most important to the average joe? Historical accuracy? Entertainment, action, is it funny? Is it more about the story/experience/narrative, so many people are different. Craig and Ian offer the most diverse options they can think of in all the categories, not excluding warships turning into anime girls. 

This is a wild one.

General Douglas Macarthur🎙️Mistakes & Blunders in the Philippines ft. Justin & Ian

In this episode of the Pacific War Podcast, Craig explains to Ian and Justin how General Douglas MacArthur screwed up during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines.

Craig rants about three major issues that occurred during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. The first was known as the Clark Field Disaster, where MacArthur seemingly did...nothing while the Japanese wiped out his bomber capabilities? There is much more sinister forces at play.

The second covers MacArthur's tinkering of the original contingency plans concerning the Philippines in the case of a war breaking out with Japan: War plan Orange-3 and Rainbow Plan-5. 

The third expands on the war planning, explaining how when MacArthur finally initiated the contingency plans, he had already messed them up so badly, the men fighting in Bataan were crippled as a result.

Overall the podcast is a silly Craig rant.

Armies of the Elves 🎙️ Tolkien’s First Age ft Ian

In this episode of the Pacific War Podcast, Ian and Craig talk about the Elven armies of Tolkien’s first age.

The Eldar began as the Vanyar, Noldor and Teleri, whom spoke Vanyarin Quenya, Noldorin Quenya and Telerin. During “the Great Journey”, while the Noldor, Vanyar and some Teleri traveled to Valinor, many of the Teleri chose to stay, becoming known as the Sindar and Nandor. The Sindar and Nandor also held subgroups as well, the Laiquendi, who later became Silvan and Iathrim, Falathrim, Mithrim. The Teleri would be the first Eldar Morgoth would face in battle after returning to Middle-Earth.

Of the three Eldar races, each had a preference of weaponry, although it was by no means exclusive: the Vanyar preferred spears, the Noldor swords and shield, the Teleri bows, and their subgroup the Nandor preferred axes

There would be numerous Elven realms during the first age who all had unique armies and ways of performing combat. Craig and Ian go through all of them, trying to unfold how they operated and what were they similar to in our worlds ancient history. 

Support me on Patreon where I create exclusive content by using this Link ⤵️

https://www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel

Don't forget to check out Private Internet Access using my link to receive 83% off, 4 months free with a 30 day money back guarantee ⤵️

https://www.piavpn.com/PacificWarChannel

General Ishiwara Kanji: The China War🎙️ Episode 3

This Podcast about General Ishiwara Kanji, the mastermind behind the Mukden Incident of 1931 and author of the Final War Theory.

Ishiwara Kanji was a fascinating person and one whose actions changed the entire world. It could be argued Ishiwara Kanji single handedly caused World War Two. Ishiwara Kanji is known predominantly for two things, his role in the Mukden Incident and his Final War Theory.

Ishiwara Kanji sought for Japan to invade Manchuria to acquire her natural resources to build up the Japanese military in preparation for his theorized conflict against the United States. In a rather ironic twist, Ishiwara Kanji ushered in the invasion of Manchuria, but fought against escalating the war against China proper.

Ishiwara Kanji performed the Mukden Incident, a false flag operation kicking off the invasion of Manchuria. The Japanese first seized Mukden, then expanded to places like Kirin, Jinzhou, Jiangqiao, Harbin, until all of Manchuria was now under Japanese control. Yet Ishiwara Kanji did not seek a real war with China, his ultimate goal was simply to seize the resource rich part of Manchuria to build up Japan to face the United States. He sought an alliance with China and that of Asia in general.

He began a campaign of racial harmony and this led to the formation of Manchukuo. However Ishiwara and the rest of the Japanese military argued about how to treat China proper. Ishiwara created the Concordia association and fought to form an alliance. A rivalry emerged between the Kodoha and Toseiha factions and Ishiwara would find himself stuck in the February 26 coup d'état incident.

He survived the incident unharmed politically, but his fight to stop a war with China fell apart quickly. Despite his efforts to stop the conflict from escalating, the China War broke out. In his depression Ishiwara was going to lose his military career, but his fight against the China War would go on. 

Support me on Patreon where I create exclusive content by using this Link ⤵️ https://www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel