On this episode, Mark welcomes onto the podcast Professor Matthias Strohn, writer of many First World War books and host of the 'Both Sides of the Wire' WW2 podcast. They to discuss the German spring offensive of 1918 and in particular, Operation Michael beginning on 21st March 1918. Despite tactical innovations and procedures, it results in the bloodiest day for the German Army on the Western Front, outstripping the number of casualties suffered by the British Army on 1st July 1916. They describe the strategic situation post 1917 moving into 1918 involving the Eastern Front and the arrival of American troops on the Western Front, alongside how the strategic and operational design for the offensive was inherently flawed and thus doomed to fail. General Ludendorff's strategy, operational plans, tactical initiatives did not work as Professor Strohn describes how the offensive unfolded. A fascinating and interesting discussion about one of the most significant events in 1918 that had dramatic strategic repercussions contributing to the Armistice of the First World War.

From the macro to the micro topics of history, The History Syndicate Podcast is the forum for all with a common interest in all things history.

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Hosted by Mark Martin.

With Professor Matthias Strohn.

Produced by Andy Hewitson.

Music: Throughout History available via Podcastle.

Audio: Mixed using Podcastle.

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