In the final episode of the series, Gary and Spencer examine Churchill’s leadership from the Blitz to 1945, assessing his wartime strategy across multiple fronts. They discuss his Mediterranean focus, from the failed Greek campaign (1941) to the humiliating fall of Tobruk (1942), his controversial replacement of Auchinleck with Montgomery, and Britain’s later role in Italy, Yugoslavia, and the Greek Civil War. The episode also covers the war against Japan, including the loss of HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse, the fall of Singapore, and the challenges of the Burma campaign. The hosts delve into Britain’s strategic bombing campaign, Commando raids, and the Battle of the Atlantic, before turning to Churchill’s uneasy relationship with Stalin and the fraught negotiations over the Second Front. They conclude by exploring why Churchill lost the 1945 election, despite his central role in Britain’s victory.

Gary and Spencer continue their exploration of Churchill’s transformational leadership, focusing on his pivotal decisions in 1940. They analyse his response to Operation Sealion, assessing how he strengthened Britain’s defences during the Battle of Britain and established himself as a wartime leader. The discussion explores his working methods, including a notable quote on his approach to leadership. They also examine Churchill’s morale-boosting speeches and his ability to unite the country during a period of immense uncertainty. A key focus is his broader strategic thinking—despite the looming invasion threat, he controversially sent British forces to the Middle East in August 1940, prioritising long-term imperial strategy. The episode also covers Churchill’s early efforts to bring the United States into the war, laying the groundwork for what would become a critical alliance.

In the fourth part of the series on Churchill and war, Gary and Spencer focus on Churchill’s dramatic return to government during the Phoney War. They analyse his role as First Lord of the Admiralty and his efforts to modernise the Royal Navy, ensuring Britain’s readiness for the looming conflict. The discussion explores Churchill’s complex relationship with Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, highlighting their political disagreements and contrasting leadership styles. Gary and Spencer also examine the critical question of succession as Chamberlain’s premiership faltered. Who would take the helm: Churchill, with his unyielding defiance of fascism, or the more diplomatically inclined Lord Halifax? The hosts offer compelling insights into the political manoeuvring of this pivotal moment in history, setting the stage for Churchill’s ultimate rise to the role of wartime leader.