20th Century Battlefields

20th Century Battlefields
Genre	Documentary
Presented by	Peter Snow Dan Snow
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language	English
No.of seasons	1
No.of episodes	8
Production
Executive producer	Danielle Peck
Producer	Ben Lawrie
Running time	60 minutes
Original release
Network	BBC 2
Release	4 June(2007-06-04)– 23 July 2007(2007-07-23)

20th Century Battlefieldsis aBBCdocumentary television serieshosted by television and radio personalityPeter Snow,and his sonDan Snow.

Episodes cover the majorbattlesof the twentieth century, and is best known for its extensive use of "sand table" (often called the "mapcase" in both series)CGIeffects to help viewers visualize the battles.

Production

Dan Snow has admitted that during the production he bickered with his father about the significance of certain battles such as theSpanish ArmadaatGravelinesand who won theYom Kippur war.He also expressed concern over his father's health during filming in the Middle East when his father was becoming tired and run down from not drinking enough water.

Episode list

Episode 1: 1918 Western Front

Covers theBattle of Amiens,and in particular the innovative tactics invented, most notably the close coordination of infantry, tanks and aircraft which characterises modern battles shown by the British commanderDouglas Haig,as well as basic infiltration tactics. Peter and Dan Snow observe a combined-arms exercise.

Episode 2: 1942 Midway

Covers theWar in the Pacificfrom theAttack on Pearl Harborand theBattle of the Coral Seaand then in more detail on theBattle of Midway.The episode also focuses on the rise of the aircraft carrier in World War II. Dan Snow takes part in a training exercise with the Royal Navy where they tackle a simulated engine room fire.

Episode 3: 1942 Stalingrad

Covers theEastern Frontbriefly up to theBattle of Stalingradand then describes the battle in detail from the initial attacks on the city to the surrounding and eventual destruction of the German 6th Army. Focuses in particular on urban warfare tactics employed, especially snipers. Dan Snow spends some time with the British Army Snipers to illustrate the power of the sniper, targeting a command post occupied by Peter Snow. Dan succeeds in 'assassinating' his father.

Episode 4: 1951 Korea

Covers the entireKorean Warfrom the initial invasion by North Korea until the final ceasefire (but not peace treaty, as it is shown the two nations are still technically at war) after Chinese involvement. Focuses in particular on the retaking ofSeouland then theBattle of the Imjin Riveras the main fight shown. Peter and Dan experience the power of artillery.

Episode 5: 1968 Vietnam

Covers theTet Offensive,in particular the fighting at Saigon andKhe Sanh,but the main focus is on theBattle of Hue.Dan Snow participates in training for urban assault.

Episode 6: 1973 Middle East

Covers theYom Kippur Warfrom start to finish concentrating on both the Syrian and Egyptian fronts. It also briefly covers the six day war of 1967, in which Israel launched a preemptive strike against Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Does not cover one engagement primarily, other than a slight focus on theBattle of Chinese Farmnear the Suez Canal. The Palestinian struggle for statehood is heavily emphasized. The episode is filmed in the Negev Desert in Southern Israel, since neither Egypt nor Syria gave permission to film in their countries. Dan Snow learns how to operate an anti-tank missile.

Episode 7: 1982 Falklands

Covers theFalklands Warfrom start to finish. Beginning withthe invasion of the island,it then details all major engagements of the conflict from the sinking ofGeneral Belgrano,the sinking ofHMSSheffield,the British landing on the Falklands,Battle of Goose Green,and finallythe battle for Stanley.Dan Snow practices night fighting with the British Army.

Episode 8: 1991 Gulf War

Covers the First Gulf War from start to finish. Beginning with theinvasionand occupation of Kuwait the episode then details the retaking of the country bythe UN coalition.It covers in most detail theair campaign(noting the changes in tactics to respond to international pressure) and then theground attack.No individual engagement is given priority, though an amount of time is given to non-combat events, such as theburning of oil wellsandSCUD attacks on Tel-Aviv.Dan Snow experiences operating in gas masks.

See also

• Battlefield Britain

External links

• 20th Century BattlefieldsatBBC Online
• Discovery Military website
• 20th Century BattlefieldsatIMDb