Interview 48: Flying with the 384th Bomb Group with Hans Smith

Interview 48: Flying with the 384th Bomb Group with Hans Smith

Author: Wesley Livesay November 2, 2025 Duration: 36:43
In this interview I was joined by Hans Smith to talk about his book Bombs Away: A B-17b Pilot's 'Small' Part in a Big War which covers the experiences of his Great Uncle Herbert Small who flew with the 384th Bomb Group during the war. Bombs Away can be purchased here: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=mP2MsCJWp54htljFc6ecBoyyXdmJ2aZaV9857QcJ7WN 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

Podcast Episodes
229: The Battle of Britain Pt. 4 - Familiar Failures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
In Episode 229 of _The Battle of Britain_, listeners dive into the intense, attritional final phase of the aerial campaign as the Luftwaffe shifts focus to dismantle RAF Fighter Command’s defenses with precision raids on…
228: The Battle of Britain Pt. 3 - New Plans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:14
This episode delves into the critical turning point of the Battle of Britain, exploring how the Luftwaffe's ambitious plans faced mounting challenges as weather disruptions and strategic miscalculations threatened their…
227: The Battle of Britain Pt. 2 - The Hardest Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:30
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives into the intense final days of the Battle of Britain, focusing on the critical days following Eagle Day, August 13th, when the Luftwaffe launched its decisive offen…
226: The Battle of Britain Pt. 1 - Adlertag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
This episode of History of the Second World War delves into the pivotal moments of the Battle of Britain, focusing on the Luftwaffe's final preparations and the critical operations of Adlertag (Eagle Day), the code name…
225: The Battle About Britain Pt. 9 - The Senior Service [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:52
This episode of _History of the Second World War_ dives deep into the pivotal role of the Royal Navy during the Battle of Britain, exploring how its strength served as a critical counterbalance to the Luftwaffe's air cam…
Interview 42: Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945 with Jack Bowsher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
This time I was joined by Jack Bowsher the author of Thunder Run: Meiktila 1945: The Greatest Combined Arms Manoeuvre Battle of WW2 which is available now! Come find out about what the fighting was like in Burma during 1…
223: The Battle About Britain Pt. 7 - Invasion Preparations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
This episode delves into the high-stakes preparations of Britain’s military and government as they braced for a potential German invasion during the summer of 1940, a pivotal moment in the Battle of Britain . From chaoti…
Interview 41: Motorization with Bruce Gudmundsson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:35
In this interview I was joined by Bruce Gudmundsson to discuss some of the benefits, challenges, and difficulties of motorization in the armies of the Second World War. Check out way more of Bruce's writing over on Subst…