]BBC - Secrets of World War II Set 2 (1998) Part 11 Home Run from Colditz

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 gives 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. Through this exciting series, you have top-level clearance to previously unseen military footage-both in black and white and color with newly declassified information, vivid re-creations and revealing firsthand accounts. Uncover the daring deeds, ingenious plots and amazing escapes that helped shape the outcome of the 20th-Century's greatest conflict.

Part 11 Home Run from Colditz

The Germans said it was impregnable but the confines of Colditz were to inspire some of the most legendary escapes of all time. In 1940, the Third Reich began moving its most escape-prone Allied prisoners to an ancient fortress deep in the German countryside. Built on rocks high above the surrounding terrain, with massive stone walls and a deep moat, Colditz Castle was considered escape-proof. But, during the course of the war, resourceful POWs made numerous attempts to break out of the prison, and surprisingly, many succeeded. Relive their most daring, ingenious and outrageous flights to freedom in “Home Run from Colditz.” Uncover the top-secret British organization that smuggled concealed maps, identity papers and tools to Allied prisoners. Then travel to Colditz for a pulse-pounding escape attempt by climbing down its sheer walls. See how two nervy escapees posed as German officers and began giving orders to the guards. And discover the astonishing contraption designed to fly over the castle walls…and to freedom. Finally, find out how an eagle-eyed American sergeant helped the prisoners of Colditz make their greatest escape, just seconds before invading U.S. artillery planned to pound the castle into a pile of rubble.

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