341: 80 Years On—Revisiting Hitler's Desperate Gamble

Guest

After completing an undergraduate degree in history and political science at Simon Fraser University, Paul McNicholls spent a career in insurance claims investigation. When nearing retirement, he was approached by the UK publisher Helion and Company, and the result was his first book Journey Through the Wilderness. He is now writing the story of Donald Montgomery who served with the Canadian Corps in the First World War. He moved to Vancouver in 1908 and was the older brother by one year of Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. In 2021, Paul received the Howard Browne Medal from the Victorian Military Society.

Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Paul explore the historical significance of World War II's Battle of the Bulge, coinciding with its 80th anniversary.

Paul explains Hitler’s campaign goals, including his desire to split the American and British alliances and capture the port of Antwerp.

Jeff provides the context for some of the events leading to the battle: the Allied breakout from the Normandy beaches, the Ally’s ill-fated Market Garden campaign, and the disastrous Battle of the Hurtgen Forest.

Their conversation also focuses on the challenges of the harsh winter conditions, the U.S.’s initial troop limitations, and the German force’s need for fuel.

The conversation also highlights lesser-known stories, such as the Malmedy Massacre and the brutal realities faced by soldiers in the Ardennes.

Paul and Jeff share their experiences walking historic battlefields and how physically visiting these sites provides a deeper understanding of history's emotional and human elements. The discussion concludes with reflections on the importance of preserving these stories and their enduring lessons about leadership, resilience, and the cost of conflict.

Three Takeaways

Battlefield Lessons: The Battle of the Bulge illustrates the significance of tactical decisions, resource limitations, and the human cost of war in shaping history.

Emotional Connection to History: Walking historic battlefields fosters a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional challenges the soldiers faced.

Preserving Stories for the Future: Sharing lesser-known events, like the Battle of the Hurtgen Forest and the Malmedy Massacre, deepens the public’s understanding of the critical lessons of history.

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Referenced

The Malmady Massacre: The War Crimes Trial Controversy by Steven Remy

When Senator Joe McCarthy Defended the Nazis Smithsonian July 2020

Rachel Maddow Ultra Season 2

The Boys’ Crusade by Paul Fussell

Voices of the Bulge by Michael Collins and Martin King

About Jeff

Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.

Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.

Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.