WWII's Most Daring Raids Season 1 Episode 3

Ep 3. Churchill Strikes Back

  • TV-PG
  • October 2, 2016
  • 46 min
  •   (5)

In the third episode of the first season of WWII's Most Daring Raids, titled "Churchill Strikes Back," viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most audacious military raids of WWII. After the fall of France in 1940, the British army found themselves in constant danger from German U-boats, which could attack their shipping lanes with ease. To counter this threat, the British Royal Navy launched a daring raid on the French port of St. Nazaire, which was home to the only dry dock on the Atlantic coast large enough to accommodate German battleships.

Viewers are introduced to the operation's planning stage, which included a team of engineers and divers creating miniature models of the dock and practicing the raid in a lake in Scotland. In addition, the Navy assembled a force of more than 600 men, including commandos, sailors, and aviators. The plan was devised to use old ships filled with explosives to ram the gates of the port, allowing the British to destroy the dry dock and prevent the German fleet from repairing their battleships in this location.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the incredible bravery and tenacity of the British forces as they attempt to carry out this daring raid. From the commandos who embarked on a dangerous mission to destroy German gun emplacements, all while under heavy fire, to the naval squadrons that escorted the makeshift explosive ships and fought against the German gunners, the sheer scale and complexity of the operation are evident.

The program also details the role of Winston Churchill and Prime Minister Lord Mountbatten in the raid's planning and execution, highlighting how Churchill made personal trips to the operation's headquarters to ensure that everything was going according to plan.

Ultimately, the mission was carried out with minimal casualties on the British side, and the German battleship Tirpitz was delayed in repairs for several months as a result. The episode ends by highlighting the heroism and sacrifice of the British forces who participated in the raid, many of whom were recognized for their bravery with medals and commendations.

Overall, "Churchill Strikes Back" is a gripping and suspenseful episode of WWII's Most Daring Raids that showcases the innovation, determination, and courage of the British forces during one of the most pivotal periods in WWII. Viewers are treated to stunning recreations and insightful interviews from surviving participants and historians, bringing the history of this remarkable raid to life and paying tribute to those who risked everything to achieve this vital victory in the war effort.

Description
Watch WWII's Most Daring Raids - Churchill Strikes Back (s1 e3) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
WWII's Most Daring Raids, Season 1 Episode 3, is available to watch and stream on Smithsonian CHANNEL. You can also buy, rent WWII's Most Daring Raids on demand at Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    October 2, 2016
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    46 min
  • Language
    English