Combat Trains

2012•1 series

Available on

Before the advent of air transportation, trains played a vital role during times of war. In addition to transporting soldiers and supplies to the front lines, the locomotives served as mobile hospitals and were sometimes used as massive weapons on wheels. `Combat Trains' explores some of the machines and railways that helped change history dating back to the Civil War. The show uses archival footage and accounts from veterans to highlight the stories of engineering prowess that helped the soldiers do their jobs.

Episode 1Nazi Railways

Series exploring the role of trains in the major conflicts of the past 150 years. Auschwitz survivors explore the railways' part in the Nazis' mass murder. (S1, ep 1)

Episode 2The Death Railway

Death Railway: Veterans and historians tell the story of the Thai-Burma railway and the countless prisoners of war and slave labourers who lost their lives building it. (S1, ep 2)

Episode 3Ambulance Trains

From the trench to the home front hospital, a medical historian retraces the train journey made by wounded soldiers during World War I. (S1, ep 3)

Episode 4The First Railroad War

The story of the Great Locomotive Chase - an attempt by Northern spies to steal steam locomotive The General during the American Civil War. (S1, ep 4)

Episode 5Precious Cargo

The astonishing accounts of four railway journeys that changed history, including the perilous expedition that made a young Winston Churchill world famous. (S1, ep 5)

Episode 6Secrets and Lies

Learn how Lawrence of Arabia used guerilla warfare against the Ottoman Empire's railways. Also, what secrets lie under New York's Grand Central Station? (S1, ep 6)

Episode 7First World War

A look into how the efficiency of the rail networks on both sides helped cause the stalemate of the First World War. (S1, ep 7)

Episode 8Second World War: Homefront

Eyewitness accounts of how trains were able to bring back troops from Dunkirk, and evacuate hundreds of children to safety. (S1, ep 8)

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