BBC - Secrets of World War II Set 1 (1998) Part 10 Target Okinawa The Greatest Sea/Air Battle in History

You probably know the History, now discover the incredible SECRETS OF WORLD WAR II. Rarely has a war produced such clear cut reasons to fight as World War II. On the one hand were the totalitarian Dictators - Tojo, Hitler and Mussolini. On the other were the great democracies of the Western World which were gradually regaining their feet after the Great War of 1914-18 and the Wall Street Crash. Suddenly, ordinary men and women from all walks of life found themselves thrown into fearsome, nerve-tingling 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 archive film, maps and computer graphics which can complete the picture for today's viewer. 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. This is an inspiring series with a giant canvas including much never before seen colour film. Over 300,000 hours of archive material have been searched for its compilation. Specially orchestrated music and compositions from the great composers all contribute to the excitement and drama of some of the world's greatest stories of bravery under fire. It is the largest series of its kind ever produced and with recently released secret footage will give the viewer a new insight into the great untold war stories of World War II. In many cases, this series gives the true stories for the first time this Century.

Part 10 Target Okinawa The Greatest Sea/Air Battle in History

There have been larger land battles and more protracted air campaigns than Okinawa but this was a combined operation, unparalleled in size, scope and ferocity. In April 1945, a U.S. bombardment of the Japanese-held island Okinawa rapidly escalated into the most intense battle of the Pacific. Thousands of Americans perished, and the Japanese lost ten times as many, along with their mightiest carrier, in what is described as “history's greatest madhouse.” Discover the secret weapon that made such a decisive American victory possible – and significantly shortened the entire war – in “Target Okinawa The Greatest Sea/Air Battle in History.” Find out how the Allied code-breakers gained access to Japan's most confidential battle plans…even before Pearl Harbor. Experience the fiercest battles leading up to Okinawa – Coral Sea…Midway…Guadalcanal…Iwo Jima. Learn what happened on a top-secret mission to shoot down Japan's greatest military leader. Uncover the secret maps and plans to launch a suicide “tidal wave” against a U.S. attack – made up entirely of Japanese civilians. And see why events at Okinawa led to the first use of the weapon to end all wars…the atomic bomb.

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