The Buildings That Fought Hitler

2021•1 series

Available on U&Yesterday

During World War II, the British Army strategically built or reinforced a series of structures consisting of over 26,000 buildings to form a formidable line of defence against an expected German invasion. In this documentary series, engineer Rob Bell travels across the UK to investigate these various structures, from coastal defences, to secret bases, and to the GHQ lines, to uncover their mysterious secrets, functions and purposes in the war effort. Using a mixture of archive photography, expert interviews, and first-hand testimony, the series shines a light on what was considered to be the last chance of defence to protect the British people.

Episode 1We Shall Fight on the Beaches

Rob Bell explores the coastal defence network built to defend Britain's beaches, including a tower in Essex which controlled mines laid across the estuary.

Episode 2We Shall Fight Them In The Streets

The physical defence of London was crucial. A ring of steel and concrete was thrown up around the capital as well as utilising natural defences.

Episode 3We Shall Fight Them In The Fields

Numerous pill boxes, gun emplacements and dragon's teeth were all tactically positioned to slow the Germans trying to get to the major cities.

Episode 4We Shall Fight Them In The Air

RAF Kenley is one of the most intact Battle of Britain airfields. What gave Britain the edge during WWII was an integrated defence system and RADAR.

Episode 5We Shall Never Surrender

Reigate Fort was repurposed to block the Nazi's from getting to London and was set to become Resistance HQ should the capital have fallen.

Episode 6Keep The Home Fires Burning

With the blitz taking its toll, Britain had to keep it's manufacturing going. Shadow factories were born and were crucial in the production of ammunition.

Episode 7Fighting Back by Sea and Air

Britain needed to produce vast amounts of ammunition. Chatham Docks on the Medway saw 142 ships set sail, and bomber bases sprung up across the country.

Episode 8The Day of Days

Rob Bell looks at how the greatest invasion in human history was being prepared in Southern England and the buildings that helped with D-Day and Operation Overlord.

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