Narrow Escapes of World War II episode 1: Amazing wartime tales. A gripping account of one of the most daring raids of WWII – the squadron of low-flying bombers who freed Resistance fighters from Amiens Jail.
In advance of the Allied landings at Normandy, the British plan the aerial bombing of Amiens Prison, where a hundred Resistance fighters await execution. It was one of the most daring raids of World War II.
Led by Group Captain Charles Pickard, a squadron of Mosquito bombers, often flying just twelve feet off the ground, sped across the English Channel. Their task to smash down the walls of Amiens Jail and free the Resistance fighters inside. But waiting for them was a squadron of German fighters. This film features the gripping recollections of Maxwell Sparks, one of Pickard s pilots and authentic footage from the raid.
Narrow Escapes of World War II tells the real stories of courageous and deadly fights against impossible odds. The extraordinary stories of heroes; men who stand up and fight when everything seems lost. Those brilliant generals, ferocious warriors and individual acts of courage that can turn the tide in a war, and whose stories can still be told as shining examples of bravery and courage. This series combines eyewitness and expert testimony with specially shot material, dramatic reconstruction and archive much of it previously unseen.
Revisit some of the most daring missions of World War II as recounted by leading historians, military experts, and occasionally by the participants themselves. These 13 gripping episodes feature operations that took place all over the world—from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the steppes of southern Russia, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the frozen waters of the Baltic and the skies over Nazi-occupied France. With the benefit of original film footage, informative maps, and dramatic recreations, Narrow Escapes tells stories of valor, suffering, dedication, and determination—exploits of bravery that helped shape the outcome of the Second World War and continue to inspire today.
Narrow Escapes of World War II episode 1
The Amiens Raid, also known as Operation Jericho, was a daring air raid that took place on February 18, 1944, during World War II. It was a joint effort between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the French Resistance, aimed at destroying a German prison and Gestapo headquarters in Amiens, France, and freeing prisoners of war.
The raid was planned and executed with precision, using modified Mosquito bombers to fly low and fast over the target area, dropping bombs to breach the prison walls and enable the escape of over 250 prisoners. The operation was successful in achieving its primary objectives, but not without considerable loss of life on both sides.
The Amiens Raid was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it was a highly effective example of cooperation between the RAF and French Resistance, demonstrating the value of intelligence sharing and tactical planning. Secondly, it was a rare example of an airborne prison break during World War II and showed the determination of the Allies to rescue their captured comrades. Lastly, it caused significant damage to the German war effort, disrupting their supply lines and boosting morale among the resistance.
The success of the Amiens Raid was due in part to the innovative modifications made to the Mosquito bombers used in the operation. These modifications included the removal of all non-essential equipment and armament, which reduced the weight of the aircraft and enabled it to fly faster and lower. Additionally, the bombs used in the operation were specially designed to breach the thick prison walls without causing excessive collateral damage. Despite the success of the Amiens Raid, it was not without its share of tragedy. The RAF lost several aircraft and crew members during the operation, and many of the escaped prisoners were recaptured and executed by the Germans. Nevertheless, the raid remains a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the Allied forces, and a reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom during World War II.
The Amiens Raid was a remarkable example of teamwork and courage, and a significant blow to the German war effort. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the importance of cooperation and innovation in the face of adversity.
