Underground Strategy - Underground Strategy

Latest Episodes:

British Auxiliary Units with Andrew Chatterton – Part 2 Jan 26, 2025

Show notes

In this second part of our conversation with Andrew Chatterton, we explore the extreme lengths Britain went to in preparing for a German invasion. From hidden resistance networks to the brutal realities of underground warfare, this episode unpacks the operations that never made the history books.

We also discuss the use of women and teenagers in secret roles, the harsh choices these units had to make, and how their actions would have shaped the fight for Britain. Plus, what would have happened if German infiltrators had made it onto British soil? Andrew walks us through a fascinating counterfactual scenario to test how effective these secret groups really were.

Andrew Chatterton’s Books

Britain’s Secret Defences: Civilian Saboteurs, Spies and Assassins during the Second World War - https://amzn.to/3DYyMXd

Fortress Britain 1940: Britain’s Unsung and Secret Defences on Land, Sea and in the Air - https://amzn.to/4hgI2V3

Explore more

StayBehinds research group - www.staybehinds.com

Watch the toilet bunker video - https://youtu.be/iVLsKehOhIM?si=GzGFzVfDKAJTdW2S

Connect with Andrew Chatterton

X - https://twitter.com/Chats1

Instagram - https://instagram.com/historicalandrew

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/historicalchats.bsky.social

Threads - https://threads.net/@historicalandrew

Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

British Auxiliary Units with Andrew Chatterton - Part 1 Jan 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we go full cloak and dagger with British auxiliary units, the country’s secret last line of resistance during WWII. Max and Tony are joined by historian Andrew Chatterton, an expert on Britain’s covert civilian forces, to explore the unsung heroes who were prepared to fight from the shadows if the Nazis invaded.

We uncover the origins of these secret units, their training, recruitment, and the ingenious tactics they planned to use against an occupying force. From hidden bunkers and sabotage plans to civilian spies and coded messages in church keys, this episode sheds light on the secret war that never happened—but could have changed history.

Andrew Chatterton’s Books

Britain’s Secret Defences: Civilian Saboteurs, Spies and Assassins during the Second World War - https://amzn.to/3DYyMXd

Fortress Britain 1940: Britain’s Unsung and Secret Defences on Land, Sea and in the Air - https://amzn.to/4hgI2V3

Explore more

StayBehinds research group - www.staybehinds.com

Watch the toilet bunker video - https://youtu.be/iVLsKehOhIM?si=GzGFzVfDKAJTdW2S

Connect with Andrew Chatterton

X - https://twitter.com/Chats1

Instagram - https://instagram.com/historicalandrew

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/historicalchats.bsky.social

Threads - https://threads.net/@historicalandrew

Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

UGS Special: The Battle of Spioenkop – A Masterclass with Robert Davidson Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Max and Tony are joined by Robert Davidson, a South African author and battlefield guide, to explore the history and significance of the Spioenkop campaign during the Anglo Boer War.

Robert shares his lifelong passion for military history, recounting how decades of research culminated in his book on the tragic Spioenkop battle. The discussion highlights the strategic missteps, human stories, and the role of groundbreaking battlefield photography that seared the campaign into public consciousness.

The trio also examines the broader context of the Anglo Boer War, including the political tensions, trench warfare, and the personal narratives of those who lived through it. This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of military geography and history, paired with candid reflections and vivid storytelling.

For those curious about the intersection of history and humanity, this masterclass will leave you with much to reflect on.

Links:

Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Robert Davidson’s book - The Spioenkop Campaign: The Battles to Relieve Ladysmith, 17-27 January 1900: https://amzn.to/3E0i5dS

Hand-to-Hand Combat: Tradition, Training, and Reality Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Max and Tony dive into the myths and realities of hand-to-hand combat. From Hollywood's dramatizations to the harsh realities of the battlefield, they explore how militaries approach close-quarters combat and its role in modern training and operations.

The discussion touches on the evolution of techniques like Krav Maga, the importance of mental and physical toughness, and how these skills translate to other scenarios like close protection. Max reflects on his own training and real-life experiences, offering candid insights into what really works in the heat of the moment.

Tony shares historical examples, from the brutal trench warfare of WWI to modern contexts like Ukraine, and they debate whether hand-to-hand combat remains relevant in today’s world of long-range weaponry and drones.

Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast, a student of military history, or just curious about the realities behind the movies, this episode offers a thought-provoking take on the art and utility of close combat.

Join the mission: https://undergroundstrategy.com

Discover Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Churchill’s Spaniards: A Forgotten Chapter in WWII with Séan Scullion Part 2 Jan 05, 2025

Show notes

We’re kicking off 2025 with the second part of our discussion with Seán Scullion, active-duty officer, historian, and author of Churchill’s Spaniards.

This episode dives deeper into the incredible story of Spanish Republicans who joined the British Army during WWII, continuing their fight against fascism across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.

Séan shares powerful accounts of these men’s bravery and resilience, as well as the challenges they faced as soldiers and survivors. We also touch on the cultural and political complexities surrounding their contributions, both during and after the war.

Start the new year by uncovering more about this overlooked chapter of history.

Thank you for joining us as we begin another exciting year of Underground Strategy.

Churchill’s Spaniards is available now, published by Helion & Co. Get your copy on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZSDRaV

Follow Séan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sean.scullion/

Séan´s Reading list:

-Churchill and Spain: The Survival of the Franco Regime, 1940-1945 - https://amzn.to/4iTD1mY

-Octubre 1934 - https://amzn.to/41OFJnJ

Discover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Underground Strategy - https://undergroundstrategy.com

Max Lauker on Instagram - https://instagram.com/maxlauker

Underground Strategy on Instagram - https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

Churchill’s Spaniards: A Forgotten Chapter in WWII with Séan Scullion Part 1 Dec 29, 2024

Show notes

In the final Underground Strategy episode of the year, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia are joined by Séan Scullion—active-duty officer, historian, and author of Churchill’s Spaniards.

Séan shares the remarkable story of Spanish Republicans who, after fighting in the Spanish Civil War, joined the British Army during WWII. These men, fighting for freedom and survival, served in the Pioneer Corps, SAS, and other units across Europe, North Africa, and beyond.

We explore their resilience, bravery, and the challenges they faced as soldiers and survivors. Séan also talks about the eight-year journey that went into writing this book and his connections with the families of these forgotten heroes.

This is part one of a two-part series that highlights an extraordinary but overlooked chapter of WWII history.

Churchill’s Spaniards is available now, published by Helion & Co. Get your copy on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3ZSDRaV

Séan´s Reading list:

-Churchill and Spain: The Survival of the Franco Regime, 1940-1945 - https://amzn.to/4iTD1mY

-Octubre 1934 - https://amzn.to/41OFJnJ

Thank you for an incredible year! Stay safe, stay frosty, and we’ll see you in 2025!

Discover Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Underground Strategy Website - https://undergroundstrategy.com

Max Lauker on Instagram - https://instagram.com/maxlauker

Underground Strategy on Instagram - https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

Military Christmas - Reflections and Realities Dec 25, 2024

Show notes

In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony bring a festive yet poignant twist to the podcast as they explore the traditions, letters, and unique experiences of military personnel during Christmas. From historical moments like the 1914 Christmas Truce to personal reflections from their own deployments, this episode delves into the resilience and camaraderie that emerge in the most challenging circumstances.

Max shares stories of cozy family Christmases alongside recollections of Swedish coffee and festive trimmings on deployments. Tony recounts a warm South African Christmas with deminers, while reflecting on the mix of celebration and loss often faced by those in active duty. They also touch on the famous 1941 Christmas address by Winston Churchill and letters from soldiers in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and even World War II.

This episode pays tribute to service members who find ways to honor the season, no matter where they are stationed, while reminding us of the sacrifices made by those serving during the holidays.

Wishing all listeners a Merry Christmas, whether you're celebrating at home or far away.

Discover Max’s book co-authored by Tony, Number 788: https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Max Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlauker

Underground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

Military Culture: Ceremonies and the Role of War Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, recorded just days before Christmas, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia bring a relaxed yet reflective tone to the Underground Strategy podcast. From holiday traditions to the deep connections between military service, ceremonial duties, and global conflict, this conversation covers a lot of ground.

The episode begins with Max and Tony sharing Christmas traditions—from Swedish celebrations on the 24th to Scottish winter mornings with blazers and cookies for Santa. But the discussion soon transitions into a thoughtful exploration of ceremonial guard duties, their significance, and the cultural differences in how military traditions are honored.

Drawing from personal experiences, Max recalls guarding Stockholm’s Royal Castle during a snowy Christmas and reflects on how ceremonial roles contribute to both public engagement and unit cohesion. The conversation expands to military traditions worldwide, from Swiss Guards to riot drills and even the grandiose parades of more autocratic states.

Max and Tony also explore how societies view and respect their armed forces, particularly during times of war and peace. Max shares his nuanced perspective on the balance between honoring military service and ensuring the ultimate objective remains peace—a timely reminder as the holidays approach.

Discover Max’s book, Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Max Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlauker

Underground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

Andrew Balaam - Selous Scout and Bush War Operator Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Underground Strategy Podcast, Max and Tony sit down with Andrew Balaam, a former Selous Scout and veteran of the Rhodesian Bush War.

From Andrew’s early life in Southern Rhodesia to his experiences in the legendary Selous Scouts, this episode goes straight into the realities of pseudo-operations, inter-unit rivalries, and life on the frontlines of a conflict that shaped Southern Africa’s history.

Andy shares unique insights into the tactical and personal challenges of operating behind enemy lines, as well as his thoughts on leadership, resilience, and the nuances of warfare.

Some highlights from the episode:

-Life as a Selous Scout: What made this unit unique, and how pseudo-operations reshaped the battlefield.

-Operation Detachment: The first vehicle-based cross-border raid into Mozambique and its impact on Rhodesian strategy.

-Leadership and Solo Operations: The challenges of operating independently in hostile environments, including Andrew’s unforgettable 57-day mission.

-Historical Reflections: Andrew's candid thoughts on the political and personal aftermath of the Rhodesian conflict and his transition to life post-military.

Andrew also discusses his books, including Bush War Operator and his latest work Skuzapo, which brings to life the stories and perspectives of both black and white Selous Scouts.

Check out Andrew’s books:

Bush War Operator - https://amzn.to/4gLOToJ

Further Memoirs of a Bush War Operator - https://amzn.to/3CYQcmo

Skuzapo: The untold story - https://amzn.to/430ijfx

Check out Max´s biography Number 788 - https://amzn.to/3BQGmm7

Visit undergroundstrategy.com for additional resources, reviews, and articles or follow us on Instagram.

Max Lauker: https://instagram.com/maxlauker

Underground Strategy: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy

UGS Special Edition: General Botha - Rise to Power Part 2 Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series by exploring General Louis Botha’s transformative journey from wartime commander to statesman.

In this episode, Max and Tony discuss Botha’s pivotal role in World War I, including his leadership during the Southwest Africa campaign, the challenges of commanding a divided nation, and the moral complexities of fighting alongside the British so soon after the Anglo-Boer War.

They also reach into the dynamics of Botha’s partnership with Jan Smuts—how their unique relationship shaped South Africa’s military and political traditions, and how Botha’s leadership left an enduring mark on the nation.

Let us know if there are other military legends you’d like us to cover in upcoming episodes!

For more on the topic, Tony's book Botha, Smuts and the First World War (available in South African bookstores) provides an in-depth look.

The UK edition, Botha, Smuts and the Great War, is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3C05lDr

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Underground Strategy – Underground Strategy

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected