Ep 4. Hitler's Island Fortress

Time Team season 18 episode 4, titled "Hitler's Island Fortress," takes the team to the Channel Island of Alderney to uncover the secrets of a mysterious Nazi base, built during German occupation in World War II. The team is joined by local experts as they race against the clock to uncover the remains of the secret installation, which had been buried on the island since the end of the war.

The Nazi base, known as Battery Mirus, was one of the most heavily fortified installations in the Atlantic Wall, with over 30 bunkers and underground tunnels. The Time Team sets out to uncover the remains of this fortress, with the help of ground-penetrating radar and other high-tech equipment. The team works together to find out how the base was constructed, how it was used, what it was for, and what evidence of its existence remains today.

As the team delves deeper into the history of the site, they uncover some stunning discoveries. They find that the island was largely uninhabited before the Germans arrived and introduced a brutal regime that included slave labour, concentration camps, and forced deportations. They also find evidence of a desperate struggle between German and British forces in the final days of the war, with the island being the location of one of the last Nazi-held territories in Europe.

Throughout the episode, the Time Team explores the fascinating history of this small island in the English Channel and the important role it played during the war. They also uncover some heart-wrenching stories of the island's residents, who were caught up in the horrors of war and occupation.

The episode is a testament to the bravery and determination of the Time Team, who work tirelessly to uncover the secrets of this fascinating site. With its rich history and impressive archaeological remains, Alderney is a treasure trove of information about the Second World War, and this episode of Time Team brings that history to life.