]BBC - Secrets of World BBC - Secrets of World War II Set 2 (1998) Part 8 Merrill's Marauders

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.

BBC - Secrets of World War II Set 2 (1998) Part 8 Merrill's Marauders

America's answer to fighting behind Japanese lines in the jungle was to deploy a highly trained unit called Merrill's Marauders. In August of 1943, a call went out for American soldiers willing to embark on a “hazardous and dangerous mission” behind enemy lines in Burma. The war department wanted 3,000 volunteers, and it didn’t care who they were; they would be expendable, with an expected casualty rate of 85 percent. In late February 1944, a top-secret regiment of the US Army crossed the Indian border and plunged into the hostile jungles of Japanese-occupied Burma. Under the command of Brigadier General Frank Merrill, the soldiers spent 6 grueling months pushing through nearly impenetrable terrain to cut enemy supply lines, attack the superior forces of Japan's 18th Army and capture a vital military airfield. Now experience the remarkable story and heroic exploits of MERRILL'S MARAUDERS. Walawbum, Shaduzup, Inkangahtawng, Nhpum Ga, Ritpong, Myitkyina. Although the names of these battles are not as familiar to the public as Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, the name of the legendary American volunteer regiment that fought in them echoes throughout modern military history. Experience the Marauders operating successfully in hostile territory, pioneering long-range military activities in jungle and mountainous regions, and completing one of the most productive – and perilous – military campaigns in American history.

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