Ep 2. Battle of the Bulge
- January 5, 2007
- 44 min
The Lost Evidence is a historical documentary series that takes a deep dive into significant battles of World War II through the analysis of recently discovered or declassified photos and footage. In season 1 episode 2, titled 'Battle of the Bulge', the show focuses on the pivotal battle that took place in December 1944 in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium and Luxembourg.
The Battle of the Bulge was Hitler's last major offensive attempt on the Western Front, and it was characterized by heavy fog and snow, which made it difficult to see or move around. The German forces launched a surprise attack against the Allied forces, trying to divide them by cutting off key supply routes and seizing important bridges. The episode explores various aspects of the battle by piecing together clues from a range of sources, including aerial photographs taken during the conflict, eyewitness accounts, and official military archives.
One area of focus is the role of the US Air Force in providing support to the ground troops. The aerial photos reveal how Allied planes pounded German formations throughout the battle, but also show how difficult it was to distinguish between enemy and friendly forces in the chaotic and rapidly changing conditions. The episode looks at how the air crews grappled with these challenges, including the risk of friendly fire and the need to adapt their tactics to the changing weather.
Another aspect that The Lost Evidence explores is the fierce fighting in and around the town of Bastogne. The German forces made several attempts to take Bastogne, which was a critical transportation hub and also served as the site of General George Patton's headquarters. The episode explores how the town's defenders managed to hold out against overwhelming odds, including the use of artillery shells as improvised grenades and the strategic placement of troops in key positions. The show also highlights the role of the town's civilian population, who were caught in the crossfire and had to navigate dangerous terrain to escape.
Through interviews with historians, military experts, and other knowledgeable sources, The Lost Evidence provides an in-depth look at one of the most significant battles of World War II. The viewer gains a sense of the scale and ferocity of the fighting while also gaining insight into the tactics and strategies employed by both sides. The episode also underscores the importance of using new technology and methods to uncover hidden or forgotten information about historical events, helping to shed new light on the past and potentially inform our understanding of the present and future.