World War II: Countdown to Victory

Season 1

The key events of the Second World War.

Where to Watch Season 1

24 Episodes

  • The Road to War
    E1
    The Road to WarWhen 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.
  • Battle Lines Drawn
    E2
    Battle Lines DrawnEverything 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.
  • First Blood
    E3
    First BloodBlood, 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.
  • Britain Under Attack
    E4
    Britain Under AttackA 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.
  • Fighting Further Afield
    E5
    Fighting Further AfieldAn 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.
  • On Land, in the Air and All at Sea
    E6
    On Land, in the Air and All at SeaThis captivating WWII retrospective focuses on early 1941, as the Luftwaffe continued to bomb Britain and the Afrika Korps blossomed under Rommel.
  • The Blitz, the Bismarck and Barbarossa
    E7
    The Blitz, the Bismarck and BarbarossaAfter failing to conquer Britain by 1941, Hitler switched his focus to Russia. Incredible archive footage brings the realities of war to life.
  • Russian Roulette
    E8
    Russian RouletteThe 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.
  • America at War
    E9
    America at WarThis 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.
  • The Fall of Singapore
    E10
    The Fall of SingaporeAs 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.
  • The Battle of Midway and Beyond
    E11
    The Battle of Midway and BeyondVivid 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.
  • El Alamein to Stalingrad
    E12
    El Alamein to StalingradThe 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.
  • The Tide Begins to Turn
    E13
    The Tide Begins to TurnThe 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.
  • Facing the Music
    E14
    Facing the MusicExperience 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.
  • Resistance is Never Futile
    E15
    Resistance is Never FutileIn 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.
  • Tentative Steps
    E16
    Tentative StepsDiscover 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.
  • New Challenges
    E17
    New ChallengesEpic 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.
  • Blueprint for Victory
    E18
    Blueprint for VictoryReflections 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.
  • D-Day at Last
    E19
    D-Day at LastThe 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.
  • Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
    E20
    Liberty, Equality and FraternityThe 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.
  • Onwards, Ever Onwards
    E21
    Onwards, Ever OnwardsThe 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.
  • The Race for Berlin
    E22
    The Race for BerlinThe 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.
  • Churchill's Finest Hour
    E23
    Churchill's Finest HourRelive the pivotal moments of WWII. The war in Europe finally climaxes as the Allies enter Berlin and Hitler commits suicide, sparking VE Day celebrations.
  • Brave New World
    E24
    Brave New WorldIn 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.

Cast of Season 1

  • Liam DaleNarrator / Director

 

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