World War II: Countdown to Victory (2009)
Tracking the main events of World War II is a truly fascinating experience, and with the help of remarkable archive footage you can literally see for yourself exactly what happened, and when. From the early battles right through to the complexities of the endgame, this extensive series of 24 programmes will help shine a spotlight on a period of history that should never be forgotten. Each episode spans a few months of the conflict, giving the viewer an incredible level of detail into each and every event. From Adolf Hitler marching his troops into Poland on the 1st of September 1939 to the freezing attacks along the Eastern Front; The sweeping Pacific Naval clashes to that fateful day on the 2nd of September 1945 when World War II was brought to a swift end with the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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Episode 1 - The Road to War
Release Date: 2009-01-01When Adolf Hitler's troops invaded Poland in September 1939, war in Europe looked unavoidable. The start of a fascinating 24-part series charting key events of WWII.
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Episode 2 - Battle Lines Drawn
Release Date: 2009-01-01Everything you wanted to know about WWII. In early 1940, Britain faced up to the prospect of rationing and Hitler prepared for full-scale invasion of Scandinavia.
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Episode 3 - First Blood
Release Date: 2009-01-01Blood, toil, tears and sweat: the story of WWII. Winston Churchill's first task as incoming Prime Minister in May 1940 was the evacuation of Allied soldiers from Dunkirk.
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Episode 4 - Britain Under Attack
Release Date: 2009-01-01A thorough guide to the deadliest conflict in history. With much of Europe under his power, Hitler's advance continued west - resulting in the Battle of Britain.
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Episode 5 - Fighting Further Afield
Release Date: 2009-01-01An in-depth guide to WWII. As 1940 drew to a close, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Italy and Germany. Nightly bombing raids decimated British cities.
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Episode 6 - On Land, in the Air and All at Sea
Release Date: 2009-01-01This captivating WWII retrospective focuses on early 1941, as the Luftwaffe continued to bomb Britain and the Afrika Korps blossomed under Rommel.
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Episode 7 - The Blitz, the Bismarck and Barbarossa
Release Date: 2009-01-01After failing to conquer Britain by 1941, Hitler switched his focus to Russia. Incredible archive footage brings the realities of war to life.
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Episode 8 - Russian Roulette
Release Date: 2009-01-01The Siege of Leningrad began in September 1941, but the Red Army refused to give in easily. Find out how they used the bleak Soviet winter to their advantage.
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Episode 9 - America at War
Release Date: 2009-01-01This epic account of WWII is a must-see for history buffs. As Germany fought Russia in the east, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor crucially brought the US into the war.
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Episode 10 - The Fall of Singapore
Release Date: 2009-01-01As the US Army arrived in Britain in 1942, Japan strengthened their position in the Pacific with the capture of Singapore. An epic, blow-by-blow guide to WWII.
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Episode 11 - The Battle of Midway and Beyond
Release Date: 2009-01-01Vivid memories of WWII. The US struck key victories over Japan in two naval battles. Britain came under heavy fire once again in the Baedeker Raids.
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Episode 12 - El Alamein to Stalingrad
Release Date: 2009-01-01The turbulent story of WWII. Hear how the arrival of top general Bernard Montgomery in mid-1942 marked a change of fortunes for the Allies in North Africa.
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Episode 13 - The Tide Begins to Turn
Release Date: 2009-01-01The definitive guide to WWII. As 1942 drew to a close, the Allies were making real headway: the British on top in North Africa and the US dominating Japan.
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Episode 14 - Facing the Music
Release Date: 2009-01-01Experience the heroism and horror of war in this compelling series. The 6th Army surrender at Stalingrad in early 1943 and the RAF target German cities from the sky.
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Episode 15 - Resistance is Never Futile
Release Date: 2009-01-01In May 1943, the RAF carried out the renowned Dambusters raid, which disrupted water and electricity supplies in a key area for the manufacture of Germany's munitions.
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Episode 16 - Tentative Steps
Release Date: 2009-01-01Discover the triumph and tragedy of World War II. After their success in North Africa, the Allies returned to action in occupied Europe and began the fight for Italy.
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Episode 17 - New Challenges
Release Date: 2009-01-01Epic history series. With the Axis under the cosh by late 1943, the Big Three - Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill - met at the Tehran Conference to plan their next move.
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Episode 18 - Blueprint for Victory
Release Date: 2009-01-01Reflections on when the world went to war. In early 1944, the Allies prepared for the invasion of German-occupied Europe under US general Dwight D Eisenhower.
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Episode 19 - D-Day at Last
Release Date: 2009-01-01The D-Day landings of 1944 resulted in a huge victory for the Allies, with their sheer numbers and element of surprise catching Germany on the hop. Watch to learn more.
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Episode 20 - Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
Release Date: 2009-01-01The ultimate guide to WWII. As a jubilant France was liberated by the Allies, German officer Claus von Stauffenberg made an attempt on Hitler's life.
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Episode 21 - Onwards, Ever Onwards
Release Date: 2009-01-01The complete guide to WWII. Hear how the Nazis managed to inflict heavy US casualties at the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, despite their terrible position.
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Episode 22 - The Race for Berlin
Release Date: 2009-01-01The key events of the most destructive war in history. Hear how the endgame was in sight by early 1945, with Allied forces advancing on Germany from both sides.
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Episode 23 - Churchill's Finest Hour
Release Date: 2009-01-01Relive the pivotal moments of WWII. The war in Europe finally climaxes as the Allies enter Berlin and Hitler commits suicide, sparking VE Day celebrations.
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Episode 24 - Brave New World
Release Date: 2009-01-01In August 1945, President Truman decided to end the war swiftly and take the controversial step of dropping two atomic bombs on Japan. Relive the shocking resolution.