The Biggest Prison Breakout of WW2

The Biggest Prison Breakout of WW2

During World War II, in the town of Cowra in central New South Wales, thousands of Japanese prisoners of war were held in a POW camp. On the icy night of August 5th they staged one of the largest prison breakouts in history, launching the only land battle of World War II to be fought on Australian soil. Five Australian soldiers and more than 230 Japanese POWs would die during what became known as The Cowra Breakout.


In this episode historian and podcaster Mat McLachlan joins Dan to tell him this extraordinary story of negligence and complacency, and of authorities too slow to recognise danger before it occurred - and too quick to cover it up when it was too late.


This episode was produced by Mariana Des Forges and it was edited by Thomas Ntinas.


If you'd like to learn more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today!


To download the History Hit app please go to the Android or Apple store.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(1497)

The Commanders: Eisenhower

The Commanders: Eisenhower

As Supreme Commander, Eisenhower spearheaded the successful Allied invasions of North Africa, Italy and Western Europe. He's consequently one of the most celebrated leaders of the Second World War - b...

16 Mar 59min

The Battle of Gettysburg

The Battle of Gettysburg

In July 1863, the quiet town of Gettysburg became the site of one of the most decisive clashes of the American Civil War. Over three intense days, Union and Confederate forces fought across fields, hi...

12 Mar 1h 5min

Can Air Power Alone Topple Governments?

Can Air Power Alone Topple Governments?

With the Iran war still unfolding, we ask the question: Can air power alone topple a government?From the First World War onward, military strategists have argued that bombing from the air could break ...

10 Mar 45min

The Commanders: Montgomery

The Commanders: Montgomery

Celebrated for his victories in North Africa and Europe, Bernard Montgomery built a reputation for meticulous planning and caution that many soldiers admired. But his record was not without controvers...

9 Mar 1h 19min

Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson: A Royal Scandal

Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson: A Royal Scandal

In this episode, we explore the dramatic love story between King Edward VIII and the twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson - a romance that shook the British monarchy to its core. Set again...

5 Mar 38min

The Commanders: Rommel

The Commanders: Rommel

In the sands of North Africa, Erwin Rommel became a battlefield legend. His bold manoeuvres and audacious tactics captured the imagination of friend and foe alike. But how did he become that commander...

2 Mar 1h 7min

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City

At the heart of Beijing sits the Forbidden City, one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. It's the largest palace complex on Earth. Constructed in the early 15th century as the...

26 Feb 1h 15min

NEW SERIES: THE COMMANDERS

NEW SERIES: THE COMMANDERS

Our world is shaped by decisions — bold, reckless, and often irreversible. And nowhere did choices matter more than in the Second World War, the deadliest conflict in human history. In our new mini-se...

24 Feb 1min

Populært innen Historie

henrettelsespodden
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
rss-katastrofe
historier-som-endret-norge
historier-som-endret-verden
rss-benadet
aftenposten-historie
sektledere
rss-frontkjemperne
med-egne-oyne
rss-gamle-greier
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
historiepodden
vare-historier
taakeprat
rss-politisk-preik
rss-historiepodden-ww2
sannhet-eller-konspirasjon
undersattene