BBC - Secrets of World War II Set 1 (1998) Part 3 Secret Mission to North Africa

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 3 Secret Mission to North Africa

After numerous adventures, a small number of American officers managed to rendezvous with their submarine on the North Africa coast in 1942 and relay back to Eisenhower information which would save thousands of British and American lives. Before the Allies could invade North Africa in 1943, a critical question needed to be answered Would the Vichy French guarding the coastline meet the Allied troops with open arms…or with bullets? Now learn of the daring plan to gain crucial French support and at the American general who risked his life on the “Secret Mission to North Africa.” Join General Mark Clark on a submarine voyage to the clandestine meeting with leaders of the Vichy French – and find out how the trip nearly cost him his life. Trace the events that led to the invasion, including a shocking attack on the French navy by a trusted ally. Climb aboard Clark's transport, the HMS Seraph, and learn why it was the only ship during the war to have both an English and American commander. And witness the violent mix-up during the landings of Operation Torch as American soldiers struggle to determine friend from foe.

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Episode Two Shown Here