The Buildings That Fought Hitler

Season 1

During World War II, the British built or reinforced a series of structures consisting of over 26,000 buildings to form a line of defence against an expected German invasion. Rob Bell travels around the UK to learn their secrets.

Where to Watch Season 1

8 Episodes

We Shall Fight on the Beaches
E1
We Shall Fight on the BeachesRob Bell explores the costal defence network built to defend Britain's beaches against invasion during WWII, including a tower in Essex which controlled mines laid across the estuary.
We Shall Fight Them in the Street
E2
We Shall Fight Them in the StreetThe physical defence of London was crucial. A ring of steel and concrete was thrown up around the capital as well as utilising natural defences.
We Shall Fight Them in the Fields
E3
We Shall Fight Them in the FieldsNumerous pill boxes, gun emplacements and dragon's teeth were all tactically positioned to slow the Germans trying to get to the major cities.
We Shall Fight Them in the Air
E4
We Shall Fight Them in the AirRAF Kenley is one of the most intact Battle of Britain airfields left standing. Britain was able to resist the German invasion, what gave Britain the edge during WWII was an integrated defence system and RADAR.
We Shall Never Surrender
E5
We Shall Never SurrenderReigate Fort was repurposed in preparation for a Nazi invasion of Britain. It was designed to block the Nazi's from getting to London and was set to become the Resistance headquarters should the capital have fallen.
Keep The Home Fires Burning
E6
Keep The Home Fires BurningWith the blitz taking its toll, Britain had to find a way to keep it's manufacturing going. Shadow factories were born and were crucial in the production of ammunition and other wartime essentials.
Fighting Back by Sea and Air
E7
Fighting Back by Sea and AirBritain needed to produce vast amounts of ammunition. Chatham Docks on the Medway saw 142 ships set sail, and bomber bases sprung up across the country.
The Day of Days
E8
The Day of DaysRob Bell looks at how the greatest amphibious invasion in human history was being prepared in Southern England and the buildings that helped with the invasion of Normandy on D-Day and Operation Overlord.