Discovery Channel - Air Aces War Heroes of the Skies (2012) Part 1 George Beurling

Since the dawn of aerial combat in the First World War, the heroism of the men who put their lives at risk in the air has known no bounds. There were no more heroic airmen than the fighter pilots and bomber crews of the Second World War - men who sacrificed their own lives in order to save their crew or who, although in extreme pain, managed to get their aircraft home rather than risk becoming PoWs. Air Aces is the groundbreaking series that tells the stories of the most heroic airborne combat missions in history. Through the eyes of the heroes, experience realistic mid-air combat and see revealing interviews with the last surviving WWII veterans in Air Aces. From the WWII aircrew officer who doused a fire on the wing of his aircraft while 20,000 ft in the sky, to the phantom fighter pilot who took out four MiGs over Vietnam in the most celebrated dog fight of the modern era. Presented by Lord Ashcroft, these are all stories of superhuman endurance, selfless courage and heroism beyond the call of duty. Using real vintage aircraft, the series films the impossible by re-creating mid-air combat sequences. Featuring Spitfires, Lancaster bombers and Phantom fighters, as well as aerial stunt teams and state-of-the-art camera technology, the series dramatises the exploits of the world s greatest Air Aces. The series also features revealing interviews with the last surviving veterans and military historians, rare archival footage and cutting edge CGI to transport viewers back in time to experience the reality of air combat.

Part 1 George Beurling

Even though Canadian George Beurling broke every rule in the book, he still managed to become one of the greatest fighter pilots of World War II. But his was a turbulent road to glory. The Canadian Air Force deemed him too young for service and even when the British RAF accepted him, Beurling was branded a loner who lacked discipline and regularly defied orders. Only when he was transferred to Malta, one of the most dangerous war zones of World War II, was he able to prove himself. From 1940 to 1942, the strategically vital Mediterranean island was on the verge of surrender to the fascist powers. During the bitterly fought Battle of Malta, no Allied pilot shot down more enemy planes. Against staggering odds, Beurling's eagle-eyed marksmanship and extraordinary command of his Spitfire helped to win a crucial victory that changed the course of the war.

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