Secrets of World War II
★ 8 · 1998 · Documentary · War & Politics
Rarely has a war produced such clear cut reasons to fight as World War II. Suddenly, ordinary men and women found themselves thrown into fearsome, situations worthy of any Hollywood movie. The only difference in this series is that every story is true. Real people emerge as the Heroes of Telemark. Ordinary GIs and US Airforce and Navy personnel suddenly find themselves flying against the Japanese in China, jungle fighting in Burma and being dropped by submarine on enemy coasts at midnight. These untold stories can now be examined in great detail with the benefit of hindsight, newly-discovered film, maps and graphics. Each fifty-two minute story covers the background to the main action. It will give the viewer a clear view of the historical context, the strategic objective and the tactical effort made by flyers, sailors and foot-soldiers - often in the most oppressive and life-threatening situations - to win victory from the enemy.
Episodes
1. The Corpse That Fooled the AxisLittle did the Germans know that the body they discovered on the coast of Spain in 1943 was part of one of the most elaborate hoaxes of World War II.
2. Adolf Hitler's Last DaysWith access to Eva Braun's personal photograph album, this programme reconstructs the final days in the Dictator's underground lair, and in particular it examines the possibility of escape for the selected few.
3. Secret Mission to North AfricaAfter numerous adventures, a small number of American officers managed to rendezvous with their submarine on the North Africa coast in 1942 and relay back to Eisenhower information which would save thousands of British and American lives.
4. When Hitler Invaded AmericaIn June 1942 two German U-Boats landed secret agents on Long Island and at Jacksonville, Florida. Their aim was sabotage, but their methods left a lot to be desired!
5. The Bruneval RaidIn June 1942 two German U-Boats landed secret agents on Long Island and at Jacksonville, Florida. Their aim was sabotage, but their methods left a lot to be desired.
6. What Really Happened to RommelHe was nicknamed the 'Desert Fox' and highly decorated by Hitler. However, Rommel was not in sympathy with the Nazi party and may have been involved in the plot to kill Hitler. Did the legendary German General commit suicide or was he murdered?
7. The Enigma SecretKnow what this is about?
8. Human TorpedoesIn 1941 four Italian frogmen used their two-man underwater 'chariots' to place explosive charges on two British battleships in Alexandria Harbour. They were the first of many brave men to use these unconventional weapons.
9. The Secrets of the Battle of the BulgeIn 1944 as Hitler faced defeat he tried one last gamble of an offensive on the Western Front. The result was the 'Battle of the Bulge'. But what the Germans did not know was the Allies were decoding their radio messages.
10. Okinawa: The Greatest Sea/Air Battle in HistoryThere have been larger land battles and more protracted air campaigns than Okinawa but this was a combined operation, unparalleled in size, scope and ferocity.
11. Above Us: The Enemy - Secrets of the Submarine WarThe underwater war saw many innovations and a rapid increase in electronic technology, which eventually enabled the Allies to achieve ultimate victory.▶12. The Secrets Behind the Battle of GuadalcanalHundreds of sailors, eight ships and two American Admirals were to be lost in actions where valour overcame many mistakes on both sides - leading to the defeat of the Japanese Admiral Yamamoto.
13. The Real Heroes of TelemarkIn 1943 as the Germans were producing 'heavy water' to build their atomic bomb, the Norwegian resistance launched a daring raid against the Norsk Hydro plant.▶14. They Flew for ChinaBetween 1941 and 1943 some of America's most talented fighter pilots flew for Nationalist China against the Japanese. They became known as the 'Flying Tigers' and with the name a legend was born.
15. How Germany Was Bombed to DefeatOne thousand bomber raids flown by the US airforce by day and the same by Britain's RAF by night. The result was a firestorm which destroyed German cities, industry and communications; raids which involved much personal bravery and the use of secret technology.
16. The End of the ScharnhorstShe was faster than any British battleship, but in what was to become known as 'The Battle of the North Cape', the Scharnhorst was about to meet her destiny at the hands of Admiral Fraser in one of the most exciting naval engagements ever.
17. The RAF Versus the V Weapons
18. Japan's Last Secret WeaponHad it not been winter, North America's vast western forests, farms and cities might have been decimated by a secret weapon sent in thousands across the Pacific by the Japanese in 1944.▶19. The MinehuntersOne of the most feared weapons of World War II was the mine. Some were laid by ship and submarine, others by aircraft. Of all of these the most lethal was the magnetic mine, and the race to counter it was one of the most crucial of the war.▶20. The Nazi Plundering of EuropeThroughout occupied Europe the Nazis systematically plundered the continent's museums, galleries, and private collections. At the war's end, a massive effort was mounted by the Allies to locate the missing art treasures and return them to their rightful owners. But even today many great objects are still unlocated.
21. Confusion Was Their BusinessThe exciting story of the emergence of special forces such as the British SAS and the US Rangers.
22. Merrill's MaraudersAmerica's answer to fighting behind Japanese lines in the jungle was to deploy a highly trained unit called Merrill's Marauders.▶23. The Amazing Colonel DoolittleThe citizens of Japan could not believe their eyes when the Americans dared to fly an audacious bombing mission against Tokyo only a few months after Pearl Harbor.▶24. Destroying Hitler's Oil FieldsAmazing new footage has become available which shows the raid by the US Air Force against the Ploesti oil fields in Rumania which supplied 60 percent of Hitler's oil in 1943.▶25. Home Run from ColditzThe Germans said it was impregnable but the confines of Colditz were to inspire some of the most legendary escapes of all time.▶26. The Cruise of the Secret RaidersThe fascinating story of the secret heavily-armed cargo ships deployed by the Germans which were in reality designed to sink Allied merchant ships as well as refuel German U-boats and warships.More Like This
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