Listen to Wartime Speeches & Music ...in Streaming Audio
We've put together a collection of streaming audio files of wartime speeches and popular songs. All of the files require Real Player and a Microsoft browser. If you don't have this software, go to Real Player's web site and download the "Basic" version (which is free). If you are using a Netscape 4 browser you can still download and hear the files, but they will not be streaming audio. To listen to a selection click on the image of the phonograph or the words Play It.
Neville Chamberlain	War is Declared Neville Chamberlain -- September 3rd, 1939 Neville Chamberlain announces to the British people that Germany has refused to stop its attack against Poland, and that the British people were therefore at war with Germany. For more information about Neville Chamberlain and the early-war government of Britain go to: www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/PRchamberlain.htm	Play It
Neville Chamberlain	Chamberlain Announces his Resignation Neville Chamberlain -- May 10th, 1940 After failing to keep Europe from falling into war and suffering from the early setbacks against the blitzkrieg in Norway, Prime Minister Chamberlain is forced to resign in favor of Winston Churchill.	Play It
Winston Churchill	"This Was Their Finest Hour" Winston Churchill -- June 18th, 1940 This famous speech was delivered by Prime Minister Churchill bracing the British people and the world to the coming fight. In the following months the Royal Air Force held the line in the Battle of Britain, fulfilling Churchill's prophecy of ultimate victory. For more information about the Battle of France go to: www.worldwar2database.com/html/france_40.htm	Play It
Hawker Hurricane	Dogfight over the Channel BBC -- July 14th, 1940 During the height of the Battle of Britain A BBC broadcaster observes an attack by German bombers on a channel convoy. During the action British fighters and anti-aircraft artillery defend the ships. For more information about the Battle of Britain go to: www.battleofbritain.net	Play It
The Bismark	Announcement of the Sinking of the Bismark First Sea Lord Alexander -- May 31st, 1941 The German battleship Bismark was sunk on 5/31/41 after a lengthy pursuit by the Royal Navy. During the chase HMS Hood was tragically lost with nearly all hands, an event referred to in the speech. For more information about the Bismark go to: www.battleshipbismarck.com/ For more information about the HMS Hood go to: hmshood.com/	Play It
Winston Churchill	Announcement of the German Invasion of Russia Winston Churchill -- June 22nd, 1941 The Prime Minister announces the German invasion of Russia, Operation Barbarrosa, to the British people. He includes a bitter appraisal of Hitler's character. For more information about Operation Barbarrosa: www.geocities.com/Area51/Cavern/2941/	Play It
Winston Churchill	Address to the U.S. Congress Winston Churchill -- December 26th, 1941 Churchill addresses the American Congress after that nation's entry into the war. For more information about Churchill go to: winstonchurchill.org	Play It
Gen. Montgomery	Speech to Troops Before Alamein Gen. Montgomery -- October, 1942 The Second Battle of Alamein was the final turning point in the war in North Africa. After days of heavy fighting Rommel's Africa Corps was forced to retreat, eventually surrendering in Tunisia several months later. For more information about Alamein go to: www.historylearningsite.co.uk/battle_of_el_alamein.htm	Play It
Night Air Attack	Night Attack at Anzio WV Thomas -- January 26th, 1944 A BBC reporter records the sounds as a German night-raider attacks British troops in the Anzio beach-head.	Play It
Winston Churchill	Allied Victories Winston Churchill -- March 26th, 1944 The Prime Minister reflects on the changing tide of the war.	Play It
Rows of Gliders	Watching the Normandy Airlift Begin Richard Dimbleby -- June 5th, 1944 A BBC reporting watches the first planes take-off carrying the 6th Airborne Division towards the D-Day Invasion drops. For more information about Normandy go to: normandy.eb.com	Play It
Field Marshal Montgomery	Address to the Troops in Europe Field Marshal Montgomery -- September 17th, 1944 On the opening day of Operation Market-Garden Field Marshal Montgomery delivers a speech to his troops, reminding them of their accomplishments and willing them to further efforts.	Play It
The Drop at Arnhem	Flying over Operation Market-Garden Edward R. Murrow -- September 17th, 1944 Report from a Dakota watching American paratroopers jump during Operation Market-Garden. For more information about Market-Garden go to: www.marketgarden.com	Play It
The Rhine in Flames	Crossing the Rhine WV Thomas -- March 24th, 1945 A BBC reporter crosses the Rhine in a Buffalo with Commandos during the opening moments of Operation Varsity, the Crossing of the Rhine into Germany.	Play It
Hamilcar Glider	Flying over Operation Varsity Richard Dimbleby -- March 24th, 1945 Report from a BBC reporter flying in the air armada with British Airborne troops as they drop during Operation Varsity, the Crossing of the Rhine into Germany.	Play It
Hamilcar Glider	Glider Landing in Germany Stanley Maxted -- March 25th, 1945 A BBC reporter recalls his trip in a Hamilcar glider during the landings of Operation Varsity, the crossing of the Rhine into Germany.	Play It
British Troops into Germany	The Drive Through Germany BBC -- March 31st, 1945 A BBC reporter gives his impressions of the last days of the war, as British and Canadian forces roll across Germany. The troops begin to realize that after over five years of war the end is in sight.	Play It
Belsen	Viewing Belsen Concentration Camp Richard Dimbleby -- April 19th, 1945 A BBC reporter in the Belsen Concentration Camp during its liberation by advancing British troops. For more information on Bergen-Belsen go to: motlc.wiesenthal.org/text/x03/xm0333.html	Play It
Liberation	Freeing British POW's Robert Reid -- April 31st, 1945 Reporting from a German Prisoner of War camp liberated by American troops, a BBC reporter talks of the newly released British prisoners.	Play It
King George VI	His Majesty Addresses the British People on VE Day May 8th, 1945 In this public address King George VI announces the German surrender, ending WW2 in Europe. For more information on the Royals go to: www.royal.gov.uk/	Play It
Winston Churchill	VE Day Speech Winston Churchill -- May 8th, 1945 The Prime Minister speaks to the public on the victory over Germany.	Play It
Clement Atlee	Announcement of the Japanese Surrender Clement Atlee -- August 15th, 1945 The new Prime Minister announces the surrender of Japan, and the end of World War Two.	Play It
Vera Lynn	"The White Cliffs of Dover" Vera Lynn Vera Lynn was perhaps the most famous female singer in Britain during the war. This was arguably her signature song.	Play It
Vera Lynn	"We'll Meet Again" Vera Lynn Another classic tune by Vera Lynn.	Play It