In this second episode of our series on Unternehmen Danzig, we turn from the battlefield to the attackers themselves.

After examining the Belgian defences along the Albert Canal and Fort Eben-Emael in Episode 1, this episode follows the creation and preparation of Sturmabteilung Koch,the specially formed German airborne assault unit tasked with seizing the canal bridges at Veldwezelt, Vroenhoven, and Kanne, and neutralising Fort Eben-Emael at the opening of the 1940 campaign in the West.

Built from Fallschirmjäger, engineers, glider troops, and support elements, Sturmabteilung Koch trains under extreme secrecy. New weapons such as hollow charges are introduced. Timelines are measured in minutes. Every element of the plan depends on speed, surprise, and exact coordination. Training takes place under false unit names, behind sealed hangars, and often without the men knowing their final objective.

This episode explores how the assault force is organised, how its tasks are divided between bridge and fortress objectives, and how changing plans, technical limits, and operational pressure shape the final concept of the attack.

By the end of this episode, the ground assault force is ready. The plan is fixed. And attention turns to the final and decisive element, the glider pilots who must carry the assault troops into battle.

🔗 Explore maps, photos, original documents, and sources at www.worldwar2-sof.com

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#UnternehmenDanzig #SturmabteilungKoch #FortEbenEmael #AlbertCanal #Veldwezelt #Vroenhoven #Kanne #Fallschirmjäger #GermanAirborne #WW2Airborne #WorldWar2 #MilitaryHistory #SpecialForcesWW2 #WW2Podcast🔗 Stay connected with us:Website: https://worldwar2-sof.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww2.sofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOFFacebook Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOF/subscribe/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ww2.sofSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worldwar2sof

At the eastern gateway of Belgium stands one of the most ambitious fortresses ever built.

In this opening episode of a new podcast series, we explore Fort Eben-Emael as it is designed to function — not as a battlefield, but as a defensive system at the heart of Belgium’s interwar strategy.

Carved deep into Saint Peter’s Hill, Eben-Emael dominates the Albert Canal and is intended to control the three critical canal crossings at Veldwezelt Bridge, Vroenhoven Bridge, and Kanne Bridge. Together, the canal, the bridges, and the fortress form a single integrated barrier, meant to stop a German invasion at the border and buy time for Allied forces to deploy.

This episode focuses on what Belgium builds and why. We examine the fort’s layout, firepower, underground structure, garrison, and command system. We place Eben-Emael within the wider Position Fortifiée de Liège and explain how Belgian planners expect this system to delay an enemy advance in 1940.

This is not yet the story of the attack.

It is the story of doctrine, engineering, and confidence — and of a defensive concept built on concrete, steel, and water. Understanding Fort Eben-Emael and the Albert Canal defences is essential before we can understand what happens next.

More maps, photos, and sources at ⁠www.worldwar2-sof.com⁠

#FortEbenEmael #AlbertCanal #BattleOfBelgium #WW2History #MilitaryHistory #Fortifications #Fallschirmjäger #WorldWar2 #HistoricForts #EuropeanHistory

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In this episode of The Special Forces in World War II Podcast, host Michael Weyers explores the remarkable history of the 79th Armoured Division — one of the most innovative and influential Allied formations of the Second World War.

Created under Major-General Percy Hobart, the division became the home of the famous “Hobart’s Funnies”: specialised armoured vehicles designed to break through minefields, concrete defences, waterfront obstacles, and fortified towns. From the assault beaches of Normandy to the battles for Le Havre, Boulogne, the Scheldt, Walcheren, and the Rhine crossing in Operation Plunder, these unique machines reshaped the Allied approach to modern warfare.

Discover how the division was formed, how its equipment was designed and tested, and how its specialised crews supported nearly every major operation in Northwest Europe. Using original wartime accounts, official histories, and modern research, this episode reveals how engineering innovation and tactical adaptation helped secure Allied victory.

To explore photographs, maps, original documents, and the full list of sources behind this episode, visit the 79th Armoured Division page at www.worldwar2-sof.com.

https://worldwar2-sof.com/welcome-to-world-war-2-special-forces-com/the-worlds-special-forces-in-world-war-2/the-allied-special-forces/great-britain-special-forces/79th-armoured-division/

#WW2 #WorldWar2 #79thArmouredDivision #HobartsFunnies #PercyHobart #DDay #Normandy1944 #OperationOverlord #OperationPlunder #Walcheren #Scheldt #BritishArmy #SpecialForcesHistory #ArmouredWarfare #MilitaryHistoryPodcast #WW2Podcast #HistoryPodcast #SpecialOperations #RoyalEngineers #ShermanTankWebsite: https://worldwar2-sof.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ww2.sofFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldWar2SOFPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/SpecialForcesinWorldWar2Spotify: Special Forces in World War 2 Podcast