244 - East Africa

History of the Second World War

Wesley Livesay

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.5 • 626 Ratings

🗓️ 7 January 2026

⏱️ 22 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of “History of the Second World War,” we explore the often-overlooked but strategically significant campaign in East Africa during 1940–1941, where British and Italian forces clashed across rugged terrain. While the Western Desert dominated headlines, behind-the-scenes battles raged in Ethiopia and Somalia — fought not just by Britons and Italians, but by diverse colonial troops including Indian soldiers and African askaris serving under both empires. We’ll examine how logistical challenges, shifting alliances, and Churchill’s broader Balkan ambitions shaped British strategy in the region — even as General Wavell struggled to balance multiple fronts with limited resources. Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on History of the Second World War. History of the Second World War is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast.
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0:34.8	Hear that? It's your big McDonald's hunger calling because the Big Arch is back
0:39.1	and this time is here to stay
0:41.0	with juicy beef, cheddar cheese
0:42.7	and that Big Arch sauce.
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1:03.8	Hello everyone and welcome to History of the Second World War, Episode 24, North Africa,
1:10.2	1940, East Africa. This week, a big thank you goes out to
1:14.7	Robert and Christopher for supporting the podcast by becoming members. Members get access to ad-free
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