Combat Ships

20144 series
Available on
Sky History

Some of the greatest warships have gone on to shape the history of the world and have even pushed their crews into unbelievable and incredible acts of bravery. The series looks at the very first submarine, which is rumoured to have lurked beneath New York harbour during the Revolutionary War; the smaller ships that rescued thousands from Dunkirk; and the destroyer in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Over the years, conflicts and wars have prompted extreme advances to ship designs, and now they are faster, stronger, and smarter than ever before.

Warships of the World Wars: Episode Image
Episode 1Warships of the World Wars

We examine how the battleship began the 20th century as a dominant force, but then saw its weaknesses exploited mercilessly in the World Wars. (S1, ep 1)

Submarines War Beneath The Waves: Episode Image
Episode 2Submarines War Beneath The Waves

Submarines: War Beneath The Waves: From early beginnings in the American War of Independence to modern day, this is the story of the submarine and its role in naval warfare. (S1, ep 2)

The Vessels That Saved D-Day: Episode Image
Episode 3The Vessels That Saved D-Day

A chronological telling of the dramatic D-Day story, focusing on the vessels that made the landings possible. (S1, ep 3)

The First Metal Warships: Episode Image
Episode 4The First Metal Warships

Looking at early metal warships, and how HMS Rattler's screw propeller in 1845 would lead to the revolutionary HMS Dreadnought in the 20th Century. (S1, ep 4)

Torpedo Boats At War: Episode Image
Episode 5Torpedo Boats At War

From tests in the River Thames, to the German's deadly U-boat attacks in World War II, this episode explores the silent threat of submarines. (S1, ep 5)

Cold War Warriors: Episode Image
Episode 6Cold War Warriors

Exploring the Cold War vessels that played pivotal roles in events such as the blockade of Cuba and the Vietnam war. (S1, ep 6)

Rescue Ships: Episode Image
Episode 7Rescue Ships

Stories of hospital ships and those who served on them, including the tragic story of the sinking of the Titanic's sister vessel, The Britannic. (S1, ep 7)

The Smallest Ships of War: Episode Image
Episode 8The Smallest Ships of War

Ships don't have to be large to make history, like the 1776 gunboat built to stop a British invasion, or the remarkable story of the HA-19 sub. (S1, ep 8)

Mighty Wooden Warships: Episode Image
Episode 9Mighty Wooden Warships

We learn about life on a Tudor ship from objects found on the Mary Rose, while on HMS Victory we learn the battle-winning tactics of Admiral Nelson. (S1, ep 9)

Secrets and Lies: Episode Image
Episode 10Secrets and Lies

A look at the tactics employed to pass strategically important ships under the nose of the enemy, and the use of intelligence to carry out naval attacks. (S1, ep 10)

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