Combat Ships
Season 1
A documentary series on combat ships through the ages, from the 16th century to the present day.
10 Episodes
- Warships of the World Wars
E1Episode 1Warships of the World WarsAt the start of the 20th century, the battleship was the key naval vessel, escorting convoys and overpowering the enemy. But over the course of two world wars, technology raced ahead, drastically changing their role from flagships of the fleet to floating artillery vessels. Revisit some of the mighty battleship's greatest triumphs and tragedies and witness tales of heroic acts and daring missions, from the Battle of Jutland to the sinking of the HMS Royal Oak to the D-Day invasion. - Submarines War Beneath the Waves
E2Episode 2Submarines War Beneath the WavesIt began with a barrel-shaped submersible that patrolled New York Harbor during the American Revolutionary War. Since then, the submarine has evolved into a vital weapon of war. Dive in as we track its history, from the 1775 Turtle to the 1879 Resurgam to the mighty German U-boats and nuclear subs of today. Rare archival footage, visits to surviving decommissioned subs, and interviews with crewmembers help explain how these machines became such a powerful symbol of naval supremacy. - The Vessels That Saved D-Day
E3Episode 3The Vessels That Saved D-DayIn 1944, the fate of Europe depended on an Allied plan to land over 150,000 troops in just 24 hours on the beaches of Normandy. They would arrive on a remarkable armada of vessels, some experimental, some simply dangerous. Join us as we examine the D-Day invasion from the sea, tracing the critical naval operation that transported the troops to shore. We explore the technology behind the diverse and ingenious ships that bravely crossed the English Channel and present firsthand accounts from those who were part of the historic invasion. - The First Metal Warships
E4Episode 4The First Metal WarshipsThe crucial role ships have played in international conflict over the past 500 years. This program looks at early metal warships, and examines HMS Rattler's screw propeller in 1845 would lead to the revolutionary HMS Dreadnought in the 20th century. - Torpedo Boats at War
E5Episode 5Torpedo Boats at WarIn the late 1800s, the invention of the self-propelled torpedo incited a revolution in ship design. Navies needed new vessels to fire them and to defend against them. Enter torpedo boats--fast, lightweight ships that would play a big role in both World Wars. Examine some of these sophisticated speedsters, from the German S-boats, which turned one D-Day rehearsal into a very real battle, the MTB 102, the smallest vessel to ever serve as a Royal Navy flagship, and the PT 109, which made a hero of a young JFK. - Cold War Warriors
E6Episode 6Cold War WarriorsThe Cold War was an era of espionage, treachery, and the flexing of military muscle. Over four decades, the naval capabilities of East and West threatened assured mutual destruction, which helped maintain a tense but stable peace between the superpowers. Witness stories of remarkable humanity and bravery as we examine the period's most fearsome warships and subs and their operations in Cuba, Vietnam, and Soviet waters. - Rescue Ships
E7Episode 7Rescue ShipsIn the past two centuries of combat, ships have played a major role in rescuing thousands of people--some injured, some in need of transport, and others fleeing for their lives. Board some of history's most remarkable rescue ships, from the USS Constellation, which hunted down illegal slave ships to the most unlikely rescue ship of World War II, a tiny workboat that saved hundreds of Danish Jews from Nazi terror. - The Smallest Ships of War
E8Episode 8The Smallest Ships of WarFor centuries, small vessels have made immense contributions in times of war, thanks to the expertise, bravery, and sheer willpower of their designers and crews. Witness David and Goliath stories involving the tiny combat vessels that took on massive battleships and deadly subs. From the short-lived but legendary USS Philadelphia to the gunboat M33, see how ships of war don't have to be large to make history. - Mighty Wooden Warships
E9Episode 9Mighty Wooden WarshipsVoyage back to the age when wooden warships were the ultimate fighting machines. From the Mary Rose, one of the first great combat ships, to the HMS Victory, which tattered Napoleon's plans of invading Britain in 1805, celebrate history's brave commanders and crews who rode these wooden wonders into battle. Witness how technological advancements in Europe and America led to longer, faster, and more heavily armed vessels. - Secrets and Lies
E10Episode 10Secrets and LiesExplore the dark side of naval warfare--a world of deception, double-dealing, and disguised vessels--throughout the first half of the 20th century. See how Britain's Royal Navy attempted to fool German U-boats through the technique of "dazzle painting," then look at the ingeniously designed Gizmo, an American spy vessel that never made it beyond American waters.