Jaws of Defeat

Episode 35: Stalingrad Part I

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 15:58:38 +0000

In a two-part episode, we dive into the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most pivotal battles of the 20th century. Will explains the origins of the conflict between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, and Luke mostly listens politely.

Sources:

Bevor, Anthony, Stalingrad.

Hellbeck, Jochen, Stalingrad.

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Episode 34: The Emu War

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Sat, 13 Jul 2019 17:57:40 +0000

In 1932, the Australian Army went to war against the emus. Needless to say, things didn't go as planned.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

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Episode 33: Salsu

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Thu, 16 May 2019 02:39:19 +0000

In this famous clash between the Sui Chinese and Goguryeo Korean kingdoms, Luke explains why you literally cannot fight a river.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

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Episode 32: Operation Compass

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 02:25:03 +0000

WWII Showdown in the desert of North Africa! The UK shows Italy that actually having a mechanized army is much more effective than saying you have a mechanized army, even against 4:1 odds.

Source:

Latimer, Jon. Operation: Compass, Osprey Publishing, 2000.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

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Episode 31: Battle of Yavin

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 23 Jan 2019 02:05:23 +0000

Happy JOD Anniversary! That means it's fictional battle time and it's the grand daddy of all underdog victories: the Battle of Yavin! ...Death Star, its the attack on the Death Star.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

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Episode 30: Battle of Myeongnyang Strait

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 01:32:51 +0000

It's Korea vs. Japan in the Battle of Myeongnyang Strait. Will explains why you should always bring a cannon to a gun fight, especially when it's 10:1 odds.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

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Episode 29: Battle of Pliska

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 16:24:05 +0000

Luke presents the Battle of Pliska, pitting the Byzantines-not as underdogs for once-against the Bulgar Khanate. Remember, dear listeners: the key to strong leadership is keeping a good head on your shoulders.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

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Episode 28: Battle of Mount Tabor

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 03:09:59 +0000

In our first Napoleonic battle, Will explains the finer points of infantry squares and why even world conquerors have to worry about high school bullies.

Special thanks to Destin and Matt at "No Dumb Questions" for the new and improved audio!

Sources:

Napoleon in Egypt by Paul Strathern

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Episode 27: Battle of Gate Pa

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 16:04:22 +0000

In this week's episode Luke walks us through the Battle of Gate Pa, wherein the Maori show the British that preparation and cunning can (sometimes) beat excessive artillery bombardments

My sources were as follows:

http://www.battleofgatepa.com/quick-history/

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/war-in-tauranga/gate-pa

http://www.theartofbattle.com/battle-of-gate-pa-1864/

A Map of the Pa can be found here:

https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/plan-gate-pa

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Episode 26: Cannae

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 21:32:48 +0000

The one and only Hannibal Barca faces off against the largest Roman army yet so he can show future historians how amazing double-envelopments are. Will geeks out on tactical minutiae while Luke smiles and nods politely.

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Episode 25: Red Cliffs

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 15:12:43 +0000

In Episode 25, Luke shares why you should always, always consider fire ships a sound tactical option and why the enemy of your enemy is probably not your friend.

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Episode 24: Plains of Abraham

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Fri, 25 May 2018 20:19:48 +0000

In this episode, we learn how by squinting really hard, even Britain can look like an underdog. We also learn how the best amphibious landings come from opioid-fueled fever dreams.

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Episode 23: Battle of Narva

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:45:54 +0000

It's the Russians vs. the Swedes in the Battle of Narva. Learn how winter finally failed the Russians and why teenagers are always right.

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Episode 22: Seige of Antioch

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 03:57:18 +0000

In this episode we go to the First Crusade for the Siege of Antioch. A coalition of European knights faces off against its greatest foe (getting along with one another) to overcome its second greatest foe: the Seljuk Empire.

Asbridge, Thomas. The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land. New York: Harper Collins, 2010.

Baz Battles. "First Crusade: Siege of Antioch 1098 AD." July 8, 2017.

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Episode 21: The Battle of Helm's Deep

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 02:11:51 +0000

In our second and final fictional battle, Will explains the correct tactical application of wizards and tree-people, while also explaining why Gimli is the most tragic character of all.

Sources:

Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Battle_of_the_Hornburg

http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/First_Battle_of_the_Fords_of_Isen

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Episode 20: The War of 1996(Independence Day)

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 19:47:13 +0000

We started this podcast 1 year ago, so we're doing something special this month to celebrate.

As we all know, 22 years ago the world survived a brutal attack from malevolent aliens seeking to destroy humanity and strip our world of its precious natural resources. In this very special episode of Jaws of Defeat, we examine the War of 1996 - in which all of humanity stood together as one to fight off these invaders.

(It's Independence Day. We're talking about Independence Day in this one)

Sources:

IISS The Military Balance 1996/1997
http://independenceday.wikia.com/wiki/War_of_1996

http://www.cracked.com/article_19025_6-giant-blind-spots-in-every-movie-aliens-invasion-strategy.html

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Episode 19: Battle of Leuktra

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 19:41:26 +0000

In 371BCE, Thebes dealt Sparta, the reigning hegemon of Greece, a blow it would never recover from. An innovative mix of hoplite tactics allowed Theban General Epaminondas to win a landmark strategic victory that put Thebes on the map... for about 30 years before they screwed it all up.

Sources:

Hanson, Victor Davis, "The Leuktra Mirage"

Ray Jr., Frank Eugene, "Greek and Macedonian Land Battles of the 4th Century BC," McFarland, 2012.

Xenophon, "Hellenica"

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Episode 18: Longewala

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 21:15:25 +0000

This week on Jaws of Defeat, we look at the Battle of Longewala from the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This episode has it all: 20:1 odds, poor planning, and tanks trying to maneuver in sand.

Sources:

An Assessment of the Battle of Longewala by Thakur K. S. Ludra

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010113/windows/main4.htm

The Greatest Underdog Story Ever Told - The Battle Of Longewala, Indo-Pak War 1971 by Abhishek Saksena

https://www.indiatimes.com/culture/who-we-are/the-greatest-underdog-story-ever-told-the-battle-of-longewala-indopak-war-1971_-233975.html

Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report

https://web.archive.org/web/20120304011310/http://www.pppusa.org/Acrobat/Hamoodur%20Rahman%20Commission%20Report.pdf

Indian-Pakistan War of 1971: A Modern War by Major R.G. Kyle, Royal Canadian Artillery

https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1984/KRG.htm

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Episode 17: Midway Part II

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 00:13:43 +0000

Will picks up where he left off... after a digression on aircraft carrier tactics and technology... and finally finishes the Battle of Midway

Episode 16: Midway Part I

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 20:35:32 +0000

In our first two-parter, Will only manages to get midway through his recounting of the Battle of Midway.

Sources:

"Battle of Midway" by Craig Symonds

"Shattered Sword" by Anthony Tully and Jonathan Parshall

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Episode 15: The Winter War

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 18:37:18 +0000

This week, we learn how plucky little Finland managed to stop Russia cold during the Winter War. Here's a hint - it involves skis, machine guns, and a whole lot of grit.

Sources:

The Winter War: The Russo-Finnish War of 1939-1940" by William R. Trotter

"Finnish Soldier versus Soviet Soldier: Winter War 1939-1940 (Combat)" by David Campbell

BBC Documentary "Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia" (2006)

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Episode 14: The Battle of the Chesapeake

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:13:50 +0000

In 1781, there seemed little hope for the American Revolution. The war in the north had stagnated, and the British were in the process of driving the Continental army out of the south.

And then the Royal Navy lost a battle. To the French navy.

After the Battle of the Chesapeake, the victory at Yorktown became possible, and all that followed.

Learn a bit about the engagement, campaign, and naval tactics from the age of fighting sail as we discuss the battle with a guest contributor.

Sources:

E.B. Potter and Chester Nimitz, Sea Power

Harold Larrabee, Decision at the Chesapeake

Alfred Thayer Mahan, Influence of Sea Power Upon History

John Clerk, An Essay on Naval Tactics

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Episode 13: Tanga

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 17:35:28 +0000

In this week's episode, Luke talks about the Battle of Tanga. Well, he mostly talks about pre-WWI colonial politics in Africa, but he gets to the battle eventually.

The main source for this episode was The Battle of Tanga, German East Africa 1914 by Maj. Kenneth J. Harvey - which can be found here: http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a416385.pdf

For more information about this battle, look into Battle for the Bundu: The First World War in German East Africa by Charles Miller and The Great War in Africa, 1914–1918 by Byron Farwell

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Siege of Malta

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 03:46:39 +0000

Will explains the Siege of Malta, which pits the Ottoman Turks vs. the Knights of St. John/Hospitaller/Malta in one of history's most epic sieges. Surprise naval attacks, incendiary weapons, and underground flame thrower fights, this one has it all.

There's a map this time!: https://twitter.com/JoDPodcast/status/884618168530063360

Our main source was Roger Crowley's Empires of the Sea

You could also check out Earnle Bradford's The Great Siege: Malta 1565

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Fall of France

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 02:32:23 +0000

It is difficult to overstate how disorienting France's collapse was in the spring of 1940. A great power with one of the most advanced militaries in the world that possessed a number of numerical advantages over the German Wehrmacht was not supposed to suffer a catastrophe that would end in six weeks with Nazi troops marching down the Champs-Élysées.

Yet it did happen, despite the efforts of Allied soldiers -- including the approximately 124,000 Frenchmen who died fighting in what would amount to over twice the amount of American deaths in Vietnam.

So what went wrong? Historians, politicians, and generals have offered a wide range of explanations in the wake of the Battle of France from the moment the last shot was fired to today. Some claim French political dysfunction and the public's supposed reluctance to fight are responsible; others look to the errors of Allied high command in the face German strategic, operational, and tactical innovation; others still point to technology and even luck.

All of these factors contributed to this massive upset, but our hosts and their guest have definite opinions.

Resources:

-Marc Bloch, Strange Defeat: A Statement of Evidence Written in 1940 (1940)

-Eliot A. Cohen and John Gooch, "Catastrophic Failure: The French Army and Air Force, May-June 1940," in Military Misfortunes: The Anatomy of Failure in War (1990)

-Julian Jackson, The Fall of France: The Nazi Invasion of 1940 (2003)

-Ernest R. May, Strange Victory: Hitler's Conquest of France (2000)

-Art of the Battle: Animated Battle Maps, "Battle of France, 1940"

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Okehazama

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 01:37:46 +0000

In this week's episode, Luke takes us to feudal Japan and presents our biggest upset yet, the Battle of Okehazama. Ever wondered why Oda Nobunaga is a big deal? Not sure who Oda Nobunaga is? Look no further, those questions and more will be answered.

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Carrhae

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 16 May 2017 02:03:54 +0000

In this battle between the Romans and Parthians, Marcus Lincinius Crassus and his legions run afoul of Surena and his horse archers, the Carr-height of folly. Luke comes clean about his hatred for camels.

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Battle of the Ice

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Tue, 02 May 2017 01:44:23 +0000

In this week's episode, Luke does the Battle of the Ice. This has nothing to do with Game of Thrones. Real deal, we promise. Its the Teutonic Knights vs. the Novgorod Republic led by Alexander Nevsky. Remember dear listeners, unless you're the Mongols, it's always a bad idea to invade Russia during winter.

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Dien Bien Phu

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 03:28:32 +0000

In this week's episode, the French Colonial Army learns an object lesson in colonial hubris at the hands of the Viet Minh forces, and Luke mistakes the name of the battle for a type of delicious soup.

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Stonewall in the Valley

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 12:01:03 +0000

In this episode we look at a whole campaign rather than one battle. This is Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's Shenandoah Valley campaign.

Battle of Dara

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 02:02:18 +0000

In our fifth episode, Luke describes a battle against the Persians... again. But it's with the Byzantines this time!

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Granicus

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 03:38:57 +0000

In this episode, Will tells Luke why you don't bring a wicker shield to a spear fight in the Battle of Granicus, Alexander the Great's first battle against the Persians.

Islandlwana

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 04:30:22 +0000

Episode 3: Luke presents this 19th century battle between the Zulus and British colonials.

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Salamis

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 17:56:12 +0000

In today's episode, Luke makes a terrible Sala-mistake in choosing an ancient sea battle between the Greeks and the Persians.

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Agincourt

jaws.defeat@gmail.com (Jaws of Defeat) — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 17:53:52 +0000

In our first episode we take a look at the Battle of Agincourt, which pits the French mounted cavalry against the English longbow. Sorry about the sound quality, it's our first day.

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