Secrets of World War II episode 11: The underwater war saw many innovations and a rapid increase in electronic technology, which eventually enabled the Allies to achieve ultimate victory. It was the only thing that truly frightened Winston Churchill. Silently patrolling the cold, gray waters of the Atlantic, the German U-boat almost sank Great Britain’s chances for victory. How could the U-boat nearly sever England’s lifeline? What were U-boats doing off the American coastline and in the Gulf of Mexico? And how did Allied submarines bring Japanese industry to a grinding halt? Learn the crucial role of the submarine in every theater of war in “Above Us the Enemy.”
Discover how the accidental sinking of a merchant ship brought Great Britain into the war. Visit the claustrophobic quarters inside a U-boat as Allied depth charges mercilessly pound its fragile hull. Watch a furious battle between a British convoy and a “wolf pack.” See the development of secret Allied technology for tracking and destroying Axis subs. And learn how the ramming of a German sub yielded a vital piece of equipment to help end the war.
Secrets of World War II episode 11
You probably know the History, now discover the incredible SECRETS OF WORLD WAR II. Rarely has a war produced such clear cut reasons to fight as World War II. On the one hand were the totalitarian Dictators – Tojo, Hitler and Mussolini. On the other were the great democracies of the Western World which were gradually regaining their feet after the Great War of 1914-18 and the Wall Street Crash. Suddenly, ordinary men and women from all walks of life found themselves thrown into fearsome, nerve-tingling situations worthy of any Hollywood movie. The only difference in this series is that every story is true. Real people emerge as the Heroes of Telemark. Ordinary GIs and US Airforce and Navy personnel suddenly find themselves flying against the Japanese in China, jungle fighting in Burma and being dropped by submarine on enemy coasts at midnight.
These untold stories can now be examined in great detail with the benefit of hindsight, newly-discovered archive film, maps and computer graphics which can complete the picture for today’s viewer. Each fifty-two minute story covers the background to the main action. It will give the viewer a clear view of the historical context, the strategic objective and the tactical effort made by flyers, sailors and foot-soldiers – often in the most oppressive and life-threatening situations – to win victory from the enemy.
This is an inspiring series with a giant canvas including much never before seen colour film. Over 300,000 hours of archive material have been searched for its compilation. Specially orchestrated music and compositions from the great composers all contribute to the excitement and drama of some of the world’s greatest stories of bravery under fire.
It is the largest series of its kind ever produced and with recently released secret footage will give the viewer a new insight into the great untold war stories of World War II. In many cases, this series gives the true stories for the first time this Century.
The U-boat Threat in World War II
During World War II, German submarines, known as U-boats, posed a significant threat to Allied ships crossing the Atlantic. The U-boat campaign, led by Admiral Karl Dönitz, aimed to cut off supplies to the United Kingdom and disrupt the movement of troops and resources. The U-boat fleet, consisting of over 700 submarines, was able to sink thousands of ships and cause heavy losses to the Allies. The submarines were equipped with torpedoes and deck guns and were able to operate at depths beyond the reach of depth charges. They were also able to stay underwater for extended periods, making them difficult to detect and track.
The Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, was the longest continuous military campaign of the war. The primary objective of the German U-boats was to disrupt the supply of goods and resources to the UK, as well as to prevent troops and equipment from reaching the front lines. The U-boats were successful in sinking numerous ships carrying supplies, including food, fuel, and weapons. The Battle of the Atlantic was a back-and-forth struggle between the U-boats and the Allies, with both sides making advancements in technology and tactics. The Allies eventually developed effective convoy systems, sonar technology, and long-range aircraft to track and hunt the submarines.
The Turning Point
The tide of the Battle of the Atlantic began to turn in favor of the Allies in 1943. The introduction of new technologies such as radar and sonar, as well as the deployment of more escorts, made it increasingly difficult for the U-boats to operate. Additionally, the U-boat fleet was stretched thin trying to cover the vast expanse of the Atlantic. The Allies also began to target U-boat pens and bases, making it difficult for the submarines to refuel and resupply. By 1944, the U-boat campaign was effectively over, and the Allies had gained control of the Atlantic.
The Impact of the U-boat Campaign
The U-boat campaign was a significant factor in the outcome of World War II. The submarines were able to cause heavy losses to the Allies, and the Battle of the Atlantic was a major drain on resources and manpower. The U-boats also forced the Allies to divert significant resources to the fight against the submarines, which could have been used elsewhere. However, the U-boat campaign ultimately failed in its objective of cutting off supplies to the UK and disrupting the movement of troops. The submarines were unable to stop the massive buildup of men and material in the UK in preparation for the D-Day invasion.
The U-boat campaign of World War II was a significant threat to the Allies, causing heavy losses and diverting resources. However, the introduction of new technologies and tactics eventually turned the tide of the Battle of the Atlantic in favor of the Allies. The U-boats were unable to achieve their primary objective of cutting off supplies to the UK and disrupting the movement of troops, ultimately leading to their defeat in the war.
