Ep 6. Strike from the Sky

Set during World War II, "WWII's Greatest Raids" is a series that gives viewers an in-depth look at some of the war's most daring and successful missions. Season 1, Episode 6, titled "Strike from the Sky," focuses on an Allied bombing raid over Nazi-occupied Norway in 1942.

The episode begins with a brief introduction to the situation in Norway at the time. German forces had invaded and occupied the country in 1940, and the Allies were keen to disrupt their operations there. As part of this effort, they planned a series of bombing raids on vital German targets.

The main focus of the episode is on a daring mission that took place on November 28, 1942. A group of British and Canadian airmen were tasked with attacking a German heavy water plant in the remote Telemark region of Norway. Heavy water was a key ingredient in the production of nuclear weapons, and the plant had become a major priority for the Allies.

The raid was a complex operation that involved flying an incredibly long distance over hostile territory through dangerous weather conditions. The planes had to fly at low altitude to avoid detection, and the pilots had to rely on their navigation skills to find their target in the dark.

The episode provides a fascinating insight into the preparations that went into the raid. We see the crews of the Lancaster bombers and Mosquito fighter-bombers being briefed on their mission and preparing their planes for the long flight.

Once the planes are in the air, the tension ramps up as they approach their target. The German anti-aircraft defences are formidable, and the pilots know they are risking their lives with every second that ticks by. But they press on, determined to complete their mission.

When they come under attack from German fighters, the Allied planes have to fight back with everything they have. There are intense air battles over the skies of Norway, with planes exploding in mid-air and pilots bailing out. It's a thrilling and terrifying sequence that gives viewers a real sense of the danger involved in these kinds of raids.

Eventually, the planes reach their target and drop their bombs on the heavy water plant. The explosions are huge, and the damage inflicted is significant. The plant is put out of action for several months, which is a major blow to the German nuclear program.

Despite the success of the mission, the episode doesn't shy away from the devastating human cost of these kinds of raids. Several of the Allied planes are shot down, and many of the airmen involved in the raid are killed or captured by the Germans. We hear from survivors of the raid, who reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of their fellow airmen.

Overall, "Strike from the Sky" is a gripping and poignant episode of "WWII's Greatest Raids." It's a testament to the incredible bravery of the men who took part in these daring missions, and a reminder of the sacrifice they made to help bring an end to the war.