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THE WAR FILE - GREAT SEA BATTLES OF WORLD WAR
TWO
Britain's response to Germany's
Blitzkrieg invasion of Poland, in 1939, was the British Expeditionary
Force, sent to Europe to prevent the Germans following their successful
airborne invasion of the Low Countries, with an armoured assault against
France. The BEF's enforced, heroic withdrawal at Dunkirk left the RAF,
under Sir Hugh Dowding, to win the Battle of Britain and postpone invasion
plans indefinitely. As World War Two entered its second, decisive phase,
the British Army showed its teeth at El Alamein where Montgomery's victory
halted Rommel's armoured sweep through North Africa. Further East,
Hitler's attack on the Soviet Union proved suicidal: German surrender at
Stalingrad left Russia poised to punch into the heart of the Reich. In the
Far East, Japan followed their pre-emptive strike at Pearl Harbour with
rapid territorial gains before being pushed back from Midway by American
naval might. In Europe, RAF Bomber Command blitzed German cities as the
D-Day invasion at Normandy was taking shape. By April 1945, American and
Russian forces had Berlin surrounded - the liberation of Europe was
complete. These momentous events are portrayed through front-line film
footage and carefully researched contemporary accounts.
 PEGDVD1009 – 137
minutes
THE WAR FILE - SPECIAL
FORCES
'There is a heroism beyond all, for which no Victoria Cross is
ever given because there is no official enemy nor any sort of fire, except
one volley in the morning at some spot where the noise does not echo into
the newspapers' Rudyard Kipling. It is an old military tradition that the
uniform is to be worn with pride. Yet some of the most highly regarded
service badges are rarely, if ever, seen in public. Their wearers, if they
wear this uniform at all, are unlikely to be found in any grand victory
parade, even when they have played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Such men belong to what are usually called 'Special Forces'. Shadowy,
highly secret units whose very existence is scarcely acknowledged by their
own governments. The right to wear the insignia of formations such as the
Green Berets is not easily won... using rare and fascinating footage, we
bring you the story of these men.
 PEGDVD1023 – 52 minutes
THE WAR FILE - WAR IN THE
DESERT
Italy's entry to the war in June 1940 posed a serious threat to
Britain's strategic positions in the Mediterranean, Egypt and Palestine.
It also jeopardised the supplies of oil from the Middle East and the line
of communication with India and the Far East through the Suez Canal. By
February 1941, the allies had crushed the Italians; the resulting euphoria
was short-lived - as General Rommel and the Afrika Corps entered the
Theatre of desert war.
 PEGDVD1024 - 56 minutes
THE WAR FILE - HITLER'S
WAR
By June 23rd 1940, Hitler's dream of mastery in Europe had come
true as he triumphantly took Paris after only ten months at war, and then
launched his ultimate plan for an Eastern front. Opposed the twin forces
of the invincible Russian soldier, the German army froze and starved
outside Moscow. Encouraged by Japan's entry into the war, Hitler's hopes
lay in a speedy spring offensive, but weakened elsewhere by the disastrous
Battle of the Atlantic, defeats in North Africa, the British bombing
offensive, and certain war with the U.S., his 6th Army was crushed and
forced to retreat from the Red unshaken, Hitler bows to the need to
re-arm, and in 1943 German teeth are clenched as the struggle begins to
re-establish supremacy by any means. This DVD narrates Hitler's early war,
using much newly discovered footage including colour material shot by Eva
Braun at the Berghof. It is 1943 and Germany's triumph is turning into
disaster. With 4 armies lost at Stalingrad, the Afrika Korps defeated and
submarines neutralised by radar, Germany's morale waivers. By 1944 much
ground is lost, and the fight is against time as Hitler faces losing the
Ukraine, crippling air-raids on Berlin, and an acute shortage of troops.
Not even the last desperate deployment of the terrifying flying bombs can
turn the tide. With the 1944 allied invasion, the defeat of Rommel's
troops, the relentless Soviet military machine, and the French winter
counter-offensive leading to the deepened. Hitler was ill, threatened with
assassination by his own generals, and the fuel and ammunition were
running out in the face of the advancing allied forces closing on a
stricken Berlin, making it only a matter of time before Hitler's war would
be over. This DVD depicts Hitler's crisis years using rare archive footage
much of which has been unavailable in the West since World War II.
 PEGDVD1030 - 110 minutes
THE WAR FILE - SNIPERS
The story of
the sniping war as it developed during World War II, throughout the
various theatres of war. At the outset of war sniping was not considered
relevant to modern warfare, but its importance was gradually realised by
all the major combatants. This programme covers the development of
different weapons and techniques adopted by the German, Russian, British,
US and Japanese armies. Furthermore it covers the psychology of the sniper
and his association with regular soldiers. The sniper was, and remains
until this day, a contradictory figure, respected as a skilled
professional, hated as an assassin.
 PEGDVD1042 - 54 minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE BOER WAR
THE STORY OF BRITAIN'S LAST GREAT IMPERIAL WAR When
Britain went to war against the Boers in October 1899, the British public
expected the fighting to be over by Christmas. As it turned out, The Boer
War, in Kipling's famous phrase, gave the British 'no end of a lesson'.
Using accounts of the soldiers who fought in this bitter and bloody
clash-of-arms and remarkable contemporary photographs, the programme tells
the story of Britain's last great Imperial war.
 PEGDVD1043 - 42 minutes
THE WAR
FILE - THE GREAT WAR
On 20th June 1914 the assassination of the heir to
the Austro-Hungarian Empire at Sarajevo set the stage for the global
conflict diplomats and dynasties alike had said would never happen. But
the holocaust that followed was all too real. Within weeks of Archduke
Ferdinand's death, Europe was mobilising to fight the war to end all wars
- a war that would leave nine million dead and change the face of the
globe. The tinder suspicion, smouldering for decades, was fanned into
violent life by German ambition: the union of 35 states forged in the 1870
Franco-Prussian war was ready to test its strength, and three decades of
covert construction saw them in a position to enter the superpower stage
on more than equal terms. On August 1914, the German s rampaged through
neutral Belgium, but lost their momentum: in the Flanders fields,
Howitzers carved out a blighted wasteland strewn with the dead of both
sides. The air was in its infancy, and cavalry gave way to tanks, but this
was a war fought hand-to-hand in trenches: Verdun, the Somme and
Passchendaele were names that passed into the language as symbolic of the
massive waste of life. Verdun survived a ten-month German bombardment the
longest ever in the history of warfare- but at the cost of 700,000 lives
overall, while British losses at Somme were the greatest of any wartime
army to date. As soldiers faced their third winter, they bitterly recalled
the promise made in 1914 that they'd be 'home by Christmas'. They were not
told which one... The slaughter on the battlefields of Europe still had
far to go, as the entrenched armies of Germany and the Allies wiped out a
whole generation of young men to control a few yards of mud. But the utter
exhaustion of men and nations was relieved by the new theatre of conflict
in the skies with air supremacy becoming a key factor in the war, and a
symbol of a new era of glamorous warfare. Germany's all-out-U-Boat
offensive, America's declaration of war and the subsequent battle of the
Atlantic proved a turning point in allied fortunes as the development of
the tank also helped break the impasse of arms movement back to the
trenches. But although any advances caused devastating loss of life and
Russia quit after their historic Revolution, gradually the allied
initiatives and re-alliance brought a divided Germany to its knees. On
November 11th 1918 the Great War ended, leaving nine million dead.
 PEGDVD1047 - 100 minutes
THE WAR
FILE - THE WAR IN THE SKIES
During World
War II, the war in the air proved a vital and decisive factor in the final
outcome. This programme outlines the many theatres of war, where airpower
was used as one of the key weapons, the fighter battles, the mass bombing
raids, carrier based aircraft, flying bombs, reconnaissance, airborne
troops, submarine hunting, convoy protection and strategic bombing attacks
on key targets.
 PEGDVD1050 - 55 minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE HISTORY OF WORLD WAR TWO - VOLUME
1
This three
part set covers the major events of World War Two: including the
Blitzkrieg through Poland, Denmark, Norway and the Low Countries to the
fall of France... Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the savage Blitz...
the Duels in the Desert and the Atlantic... the invasion of Russia, the
assault on Pearl Harbour... the battles of Stalingrad, Kursk, Monte
Casino... the 1,000 bomber raids on Germany, the battles of the Pacific...
the D-Day landings and the push to the Rhine, the reversals at Arnheim and
the Ardennes... the fall of Berlin, the horrors of the Nazi concentration
camps... and the awesome finale of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
 PEGDVD1052 - 60 minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE HISTORY OF WORLD WAR TWO - VOLUME
2
 PEGDVD1053 - 60 minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE HISTORY OF WORLD WAR TWO - VOLUME
3
 PEGDVD1054 - 60 minutes
VICKERS WELLINGTON
When it entered service in 1938, the twin-engined
Vickers Wellington began an operational career that spanned the whole of
the Second World War. Rugged and reliable, it was operated by Bomber
Command, Coastal Command and Transport Command, possessing a level of
versatility second to none, serving in almost every theatre of War. By the
autumn of 1945 nearly 11,500 had been built. As the last one rolled off
the Vickers' production lines, the 'Wimpy' as it was affectionately known,
had secured its place in history, as one of the truly great aircraft of
the Second World War.
 PEGDVD1055 - 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - FIGHTERS OF WORLD WAR II
The development and operational history of the best
and most famous fighter aircraft of World War Two. Some of the fighters in
this DVD changed the course of the conflict, others gained spurious fame
through the propagandists, some marked the end of an era in fighter
design, whilst others signified the beginnings of a new era.
 PEGDVD1060 - 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - AIR BATTLES OF WORLD WAR
TWO
Featuring dramatic action of battles fought in the air
during the Second World War. Dogfights over England between the British
and German pilots during the Battle Of Britain, the Japanese Zeros versus
the American Hellcats and Corsairs over the Pacific. The famous bombing
raids of the infamous 617 Squadron on the Mohne, Sorpe and Eder Dams and
against the V2 Rocket launching site at Peenemunde. The USAAF raid on the
Ploesti Oilfields in Rumania. The fighter battle for the Island of Malta
and the air war over the battlefields of the Kursk Salient between the
Russian and German aces.
 PEGDVD1058 - 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE RAF AT WAR VOLUME 1
The first of three one hour DVDs depicting in detail
the glorious effort of the Royal Air Force operations during World War
Two. A force that grew to be the finest air force in the world. A
fascinating and educational account of the men, machines and organisations
that flew 'Against All Odds' into battle against the mighty Luftwaffe.
Outnumbered by manpower and machines by overwhelming odds, yet turning the
tide of the war in favour of the Allied Forces. Including the personnel
and Ground Crews, Fighter, Bomber and Coastal Commanders, the overseas
Theatre Of War and Reconnaissance and Transport.
 PEGDVD1066 - 60
minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE RAF AT WAR VOLUME 2
 PEGDVD1067 - 60
minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE RAF AT WAR VOLUME 3
 PEGDVD1068 – 60
minutes
THE WAR FILE - PEARL HARBOUR
The surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7
December 1941 shocked the world and drew the United States forces into the
war. Did the British intelligence and Britain's prime minister, Winston
Churchill, know in advance of the Japanese plans to attack but fail to
warn the American military of this impending assault?
 PEG1080 - 28
minutes
HITLER'S SECRET WEAPONS
As the Second World War progressed, the race for
scientific intelligence, secrecy and detection brought a new dimension to
warfare. The pilot-less flying bomb, or V1, emerged as the first of
Hitler's new weapons, and for a brief but terrifying period rained death
and destruction on the south of England until the RAF and anti-aircraft
gunners learnt to counter the terrible 'Doodlebug'. With Allies closing in
from the West and the Eastern Front crumbling, Hitler realized Germany was
losing the war and his response was to give top priority to the V2.
Pioneered by Werner Von Braun, it was one of the greatest advances in the
technology of warfare. Capable of being launched from anywhere, Hitler
pinned his hopes on this early rocket, but the V2 had come too late,
draining Germany's resources and ultimately failing to alter the course of
Hitler's war. Against the background of the famous campaigns that led to
his eventual defeat, this DVD shows spectacular archive footage of
Hitler's secret armoury as it was being developed, tested and finally used
in anger.
 PEGDVD1106 - 55
minutes
KAMIKAZE
Named after the 'divine wind' that had twice
intervened to prevent invasion by the armies of Kublai Kahn in the 13th
Century, the Kamikaze pilots symbolised the extreme lengths the Japanese
Imperial forces were prepared to go to when faced with defeat. Opposed by
the might of the American fleet, rebuilt after the surprise attack at
Pearl Harbour, the Imperial seal of approval was given to suicide air
attacks on the enemy stalking them in the Pacific. Honoured for its
purity, suicide was shrouded in ceremony and mysticism, capturing the
Samurai spirit. It took several military forms when Japan withdrew from
the League of Nations after occupying Manchuria in 1931. Ramming
techniques were perfected alongside the development of human bombs,
bullets and torpedoes, as the suicide tactics struck terror into the
hearts of men trying to survive - by men wishing to die. It was the
suicide pilots, dubbed 'black edged cherry blossoms' who were the most
feared in this savage arena. Captured within this rare archive footage is
the nightmare chaos of the Pacific War, the air thick with tracer bullets
and belching smoke as the sea foamed with devastating destruction.
Although the Banzai tactics eventually led to mass suicide amongst the
Japanese and the gradual depletion of men and machines resulted in defeat
- the American navy had been forced into retreat by the horrific
onslaught. They and the rest of the world had witnessed the Samurai
mentality, where a whole nation, from the Emperor downwards was honoured
to die for their cause.
 PEGDVD1107 - 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - VIETNAM - THE CHOPPER
WAR
As US-backed South Vietnamese troops began to wane in
their struggle against the Communist North, the American military sort a
solution that would turn the advantage back in their favour. The answer
was to improve air mobility with the introduction of the US Army
helicopter, in vast numbers and multiple guises. Amongst others, the now
legendary Bell UH-1 or 'Huey' helicopter became a familiar sight in the
Vietnamese skies, carrying out various roles from escort gunship to air
ambulances or 'Medevac' helicopters. The versatility of these aircraft was
recognised as being a major asset, one that has been adapted through the
decades to the needs of modern warfare.
 PEGDVD1167 - 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE WAR AT SEA
Domination of the sea, both above and below the waves
was an essential criterion for either side to win the war. The balance of
naval power ebbed and flowed throughout the conflict with each success or
failure coming at great cost, both in financial terms and in the number of
lives lost.
 PEGDVD1174 - 55
minutes
GREAT LINERS - FAMOUS SHIPS FROM THE
GOLDEN AGE OF TRAVEL
As the music from the dance-band drifts from the
ballroom into the bracing night air, strolling couples idle romantically
by the ship's rails, gazing into the starlit night. The breeze from the
great liner's quietly powerful onward motion ripples through their hair
and elegant evening wear. This is the epitome of the age of the great
liner, a time when comfort abounded and the upper classes revelled in
outrageous luxury. Using nostalgic archive footage, contemporary newsreels
and still photographs, this DVD looks at the ships, the trips and the
passengers of the Great Liner era
 PEGDVD1177 - 55
minutes
THE HOLOCAUST - THE LIBERATION OF
AUSCHWITZ
Etched deeply into the pages of history, Auschwitz
conjures up images of death, torture and unimaginable human suffering. At
the time of release only 18 minutes of the footage contained within this
DVD had been seen in the west; despite it being used as damning
prosecution evidence at the Nuremburg Trials. Recorded from January -
February 1945 by a Soviet film crew attached to the 1st Ukrainian Front,
the programme tells the story of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp.
Captain Alexander Vorontsov, a member of the camera crew, describes the
emotions that he and his comrades felt as they were confronted by the
appalling scenes at Hitler's infamous death camp. In the interest of
preserving the original character of the material, the footage has been
left unedited, emphasising the truly shocking nature of the crimes
recorded.
 PEGDVD1218 - 55
minutes
VICTORY AT SEA - THE WORLD SLIPS
INEVITABLY TOWARDS ALL-OUT CONFLIC
Design For War: The dark days of September 1939 saw
an unprecedented build-up of men and machinery as German aggression
precipitated the outbreak of World War Two. As Europe collapsed, Britain
and America embarked on a monumental operation of survival on land, sea
and in the air in a battle to control the Atlantic and secure vital supply
routes.
The Pacific Boils Over: The Japanese
attack on Pearl Harbour was a well-orchestrated and shrewd battle plan
that all but crippled the US Pacific Fleet in December 1941. From the
debris and mangled wreckage the US Navy would rise again to inflict the
killer blow that their enemy had failed to do. Sealing The Breach:
Following the "day of infamy", the destruction of Pearl Harbour in
December 1941, the American war machine moved into top gear with the
mobilisation of all armed forces and in particular deployment of naval
convoys around the coast and in the Atlantic to stop the German threat.
Midway Is East: As the forces of Imperial Japan moved irresistibly across
the South East Pacific former strongholds of Britain and America began to
crumble. Cities such as Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore were now in enemy
hands. The Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway were to turn
the tide in the Allies' favour and begin the end of Japanese
domination.
 PEGDVD1404 - 55
minutes
VICTORY AT SEA - ACROSS THE GLOBE THE WAR
RAGES
Mediterranean Mosaic: The British presence in and
around the Mediterranean Sea was a constant thorn in the side of Hitler's
expansionist vision. Occupation of Malta and Gibraltar and a large naval
fleet insured an ever ready and formidable force that proved an
insurmountable object for the Axis Powers.
Guadalcanal: The 90 square miles of steaming jungle
that constitute the island of Guadalcanal was the scene of some of the
most fierce, dogged and brutal fighting of the Second World War. The
previously innocuous island became the epicentre of a war within a war as
Allied Forces began to drive the Japanese out of the Solomon Islands.
Rings Around Rabaul: Following its early successes, the forces of Imperial
Japan swept almost unhindered through the South East Pacific. Rabaul was
selected as a strategic springboard and was quickly reinforced with
thousands of Japanese men and machines. If the Allies were to gain control
of the region, Rabaul would have to be taken. Mare Nostrum: "Mare Nostrum"
was the Roman name for the Mediterranean Sea adopted by Mussolini to
explain his vision of Italian domination and the reestablishment of a
Roman Empire. Even with immense German assistance in Europe and Africa,
the cold realities of war and the determination of those he sort to
dictate ended any such dream and spelt the end for Il Duce.
 PEGDVD1045 - 55
minutes
DIVE BOMBER
The ever-dashing Errol Flynn stars alongside Fred
MacMurray in this action packed drama set at the U.S. Naval Air Station in
San Diego during the uncertain year of 1941. With war already raging in
Europe, U.S. Forces began to prepare for their seemingly inevitable
involvement in the conflict. As part of the preparation Naval flight
surgeon Lt. Doug Lee (Errol Flynn) is determined to eradicate pilot
blackout and altitude sickness, thus handing U.S. pilots an immeasurable
advantage. With the initially reluctant help of Lt. Com Joe Blake (Fred
MacMurray) the two men risk their own lives in order to find a cure.
 PFDVD1261
AERIAL GUNNER
Lieutenant Davis and his striken aircraft return to
base following a successful bombing mission over Japan, only to discover
members of his crew are either missing or dead. Recounting in flashbacks
the events leading up to the fatal mission, Davis tells of his rivalry
with his aerial gunner Sgt "Foxy" Pattis. A dramatic story of envy,
revenge and comradship set against the background of World War Two.
 PFDVD1264
NRHTR - HITLER'S RISE TO POWER
This educational and thought provoking series
comprises German newsreel recordings and includes unique footage plundered
by Russians troops. Directed and orchestrated under the influence of
Goebbels's Ministry of Propaganda, it is by no means an accurate
historical depiction but a fascinating insight into how the period leading
up to and including World War Two was portrayed to the German people. This
episode deals with the early years including the Great War to the
emergence of Hitler as German Chancellor. It covers the collapse of the
German economy and subsequent poverty; the SA implementing the anti-Jewish
campaigns; the death of Hindenburg and the turbulent elections and
re-building of Germany under the new chancellor.
 AR026D – 90 minutes
NRHTR - GERMANY PREPARES FOR WAR
This educational and thought provoking series
comprises German newsreel recordings and includes unique footage plundered
by Russians troops. Directed and orchestrated under the influence of
Goebbels's Ministry of Propaganda, it is by no means an accurate
historical depiction but a fascinating insight into how the period leading
up to and including World War Two was portrayed to the German people. This
episode covers the years 1936 through to the start of the Second World War
in 1939. It includes the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin; the Nuremburg
Rally of the same year; the celebrations for Hitler's 50th birthday;
German rearmament and the lightning invasion of Poland
 AR027D – 90 minutes
NRHTR - EUROPEAN DOMINATION
This educational and thought provoking series
comprises German newsreel recordings and includes unique footage plundered
by Russians troops. Directed and orchestrated under the influence of
Goebbels's Ministry of Propaganda, it is by no means an accurate
historical depiction but a fascinating insight into how the period leading
up to and including World War Two was portrayed to the German people. This
episode covers early 1940 as Hitler's forces steamrollered Western Europe.
It deals with the invasion and surrender of Holland, Belgium, Norway and
Denmark; the Battle of Dunkirk and the subsequent British evacuation and
the capitulation of France including the victory parades through
Paris.
 AR028D – 90
minutes
THE SUPERSONIC FORCE! - FAST JETS
'Fast Jets' is a display of the most exciting
aircraft in the world including the Lockheed SR-71 - more popularly known
as 'The Blackbird' the most exciting of them all! This impressive aircraft
is just one of the jets featured in this action-packed DVD. Also included
is the F-111, the world's best all-weather aircraft and the first in
service to feature pivoting swing wings, and the RAF's Harrier, which has
proved to be the world's most survivable aircraft. The Rockwell B-1B, 1000
of which have been built for USAF strategic air command, and the McDonnell
Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, designed to fly from aircraft carriers.
 AR058D – 45
minutes
IN THE COCKPIT - FLY LOW! HIT HARD!
Attack aircraft and their advanced weaponry are
amongst the most awesome weapons on today's battlefield. Speed into action
with many of the best-known modern ground attack machines as they streak
over enemy lines to deliver their deadly payload of rockets, guided
weapons and bombs. 'Fly Low! Hit Hard!' takes you to Vietnam as you fly
with the nimbler A-4 Skyhawk, the mighty F-4 Phantom and the carrier-borne
A-7 Corsair. Then move on to such international aircraft as the
battle-proven Israeli Kfir, the Anglo-French Jaguar and Tornado. See why
the USAF's A-10 Thunderbolt II has become the most feared tank-buster in
the world. Join Warthog pilots wheeling and lurking over the battlefield
before zeroing in to blast armour with devastating 30mm cannons that can
rip most modern tanks apart in seconds.
 AR070D – 60
minutes
ALLIED BOMBERS
Allied Bombers not only includes unique film coverage
of the war-winning Avro Lancaster and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress but also
puts you aboard the Wellesley and Whitley, the Blenheim and Hudson, the
Wellington and Mitchell, the Boston and the Stirling. You are also
familiarised with the Soviet SB-2 and the Boeing B-29 Superfortress which,
armed with the atom bomb, sealed the end of the war.
 AR098D – 60
minutes
ENEMY BOMBERS
The German, Italian and Japanese bomber forces,
veterans of earlier campaigns in Spain, Abyssinia and China, took a heavy
toll on Allied ships and aircraft, as well as devastating many cities
before the tide began to turn against them. Enemy Bombers takes you over
the battlefields of Europe, the Far East and the world's oceans, putting
you into the cockpit of the most famous Axis aircraft of the war.
 AR099D – 60
minutes
ALLIED FIGHTERS
Allied Fighters sweeps you into dogfights with
Hurricanes and Spitfires against the Messerschmitts during the Battle of
Britain. Join the battle with the Hellcats and Corsairs in the Far East
and rejoin the fray with Lightnings, Mustangs, Thunderbolts, Typhoons and
Tempests over Europe. Mosquitoes, Beaufighters and Black Widows also
feature dramatically to show, as never before, the might of Allied fighter
warplanes in action, which included the Russian Yaks, Petlyakovs and
Ilyushins.
 AR100D – 60 minutes
ENEMY FIGHTERS
During the bloody conflict of World War II, and to
protect their rapidly moving troops and later to defend against the
devastating Allied bombing, the Germans and Japanese deployed superb
fighters, such as the BF 109, FW 190 and the Zero for supremacy of the
skies. These and many others, including the earlier operational jets and
rocket fighters are seen in unique action footage in this comprehensive
DVD which showcases the might of the fighter arm of the Axis powers.
 AR101D – 60 minutes
SUBMARINE WARFARE
The U-505 is a German World War II Type-IXc
Unterseeboot (submarine) that was captured in battle on the high seas by
boarding parties from the USS Guadalcanal task group 22.3 on 4 June 1944.
This film contains some of the most amazing war footage ever taken,
documenting the capture in detail. In 1989 the U-505 was designated a
National Historic Landmark. Since 1954 over 23 million visitors have
toured the U-505. Many other aspects of submarine warfare are examined.
Join the unsung heroes of submarine warfare who went to sea in submarines,
carrying the battle to the enemy in his own waters, from Pearl Harbour to
the surrender in Tokyo Bay.
 ATDVD1130 – 54
minutes
LINE OF FIRE - THE GULF WAR 1991
On August 3rd 1990, Iraq, under its ferocious
dictator Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, its oil-rich neighbour. Not long
out of a war with Iran, Iraq badly under-estimated the reaction of the
watching world to its unprovoked attack; in particular, they believed that
the US would not dare to become involved. A coalition against Iraq was
formed and it struck back with awesome power in January 1991. Iraq's air
defence system and the country's infra-structure were taken apart by air
attacks that utilised the very latest warfare technology - and it was
technology as much as anything else that brought Iraq's armed forces to
its knees. Saddam had promised the 'mother of all battles' - words that
came to haunt him and his army as they were caught in the open on the
bloody road to Basra.
 CROMDVD1014 – 48
minutes
TANKS - TIGERS IN THE DESERT
Although they were few in number, the legendary Tiger
tank carved a reputation that was out of all proportion to its limited
numbers. This fascinating film draws on rare archive footage, stunning new
animation and the views of leading armour authorities and tank veterans
from World War II to paint an intriguing picture of the deployment and use
of armour in the desert war. Tigers in the Desert features a detailed
examination of one of the last remaining Tigers in the world and a vivid
reconstruction of the crew in action.
 CROMDVD1036 – 52
minutes
THE ZULU WARS 1879
'Fix bayonets and die like British soldiers do!'
ORDER TO BRITISH TROOPS. An authoritative account of the Zulu War of 1879.
The Redcoat campaign in Zululand in 1879 holds a special place in the
pantheon of military history. Its two most famous battles - the dreadful
slaughter at Isandlwana and the heroic defence of Rorke's Drift still hold
an enduring fascination. These epic encounters are laced with tales of
courage and valour on both sides. The incredible determination of the Zulu
warriors and the sheer professionalism and bravery of the British soldiers
ensures that the Zulu Wars maintain their place in the popular
imagination. Featuring footage from the movie 'Zulu Dawn' this video is a
spectacular true record of the war against the Zulus. Exciting specially
filmed reconstructions and re-enactments, plus dramatised eye-witness
accounts combine with the very latest 3D mapping techniques and superb
period imagery to tell the epic story of the momentous chapter in military
history. Narrated by Robert Powell. Featuring expert comment and analysis
by Dr David Chandler, the world's foremost military historian and former
head of War Studies at Sandhurst.
 CROMDVD1051
THE BOER WAR & OTHER COLONIAL
ADVENTURES
'The story of Britain at her Imperial zenith'. During
the long reign of Queen Victoria, Britain's armies marched to the farthest
reaches of the globe in order to win an empire for their queen and
country. Africa was a vital source of trade and materials for the rapidly
expanding industrial Britain and so the famous redcoat armies fought
through the endless jungles, swamps and deserts of the vast continent.
Through these harsh conditions, soldiers campaigned on expeditions from
the Asanti and Zulu Wars to the Boer War. This DVD uses accurate feature
film footage and original dramatised reconstructions and re-enactments to
tell the story of Britain at the height of her imperial ambitions. This
highly atmospheric programme also features state of the art computer
mapping techniques and delightful surviving period imagery. Narrated by
Brian Blessed. Featuring expert comment and analysis by Dr David Chandler,
the world's foremost military historian and former Head of War Studies at
Sandhurst.
 CROMDVD1055
RORKE'S DRIFT 1879 - AGAINST ALL ODDS
The story of history's most famous rearguard action,
The story of the extraordinary events of January 22nd 1879 has never lost
any of its fascination. The defence of Rorke's Drift by a handful of
British redcoat soldiers provides history with a tale of incredible
courage and valour, qualities displayed by the brave men of both sides who
fought to the death on that momentous day. While Britain cheered its
heroes, she also plotted a merciless revenge on the Zulu nation. Featuring
extensive re-enactment action footage and dramatised 'eye-witness'
accounts of the battle, this DVD tells the story of the British soldiers
who successfully defended Rorke's Drift against more than 4000 Zulu
warriors. It also includes period images and photographs, computer
graphics and expert comment from Ian Knight, one of the world's leading
authorities on the Zulu Wars. Narrated by Hu Pryce.
 CROMDVD1071
THE FALKLANDS WAR
It is over twenty years since Argentine forces
invaded the Falkland Islands. Within three days, a British task force had
been mobilised and was on its way to the South Atlantic on a mission to
restore the islands to British control. Soon, harrowing images that
demonstrated the terrible realities of war were being beamed back to the
United Kingdom. This twentieth anniversary commemorative programme is a
powerful record of a war that cost more than a thousand lives. It features
remarkable archive footage of the fight for the Falkland Islands,
atmospheric battle reconstructions and 3D animated graphics that provide a
unique perspective on famous battles such as Goose Green, Tumbledown
Mountain and Wireless Ridge. 'The Falklands War' also features the
memories and recollections of British and Argentine servicemen who went to
war in the South Atlantic more than twenty years ago.
 CROMDVD1083 – 93
minutes
BLITZKRIEG
Blitzkrieg or 'lightning war' was Hitler's
terrifying, ruthless but highly effective tactic that brought countries
such as Poland, Czechoslovakia and France to their knees in the early
years of World War Two. Originally conceived during the Great War, the
Germans added air power and the crucial element of political surprise to
the concept of Blitzkrieg; a concept to which Germany's enemies had no
answer. This DVD is a powerful record of the battle strategy that struck
fear into the people of Europe and includes rare archive footage from
German sources and informative illustrations and graphics. Narrated by
Michael Leighton.
 CROMDVD1149 – 55
minutes
SEAPOWER - WOODEN SHIPS, IRON MEN
HMS Victory is perhaps the most famous warship ever
to grace the waters around Britain. Not only was she triumphant at one of
history's best known naval engagements, the Battle of Trafalgar, but at
her helm was a man whose name is synonymous with Britain, seamanship and
victory - Horatio Nelson. Life aboard an 18th century man-of-war like HMS
Victory was a life of hardship, endless toil and danger. This programme
examines the living conditions of the men and the weapons and tactics of
the era with the use of archive material and footage shot on board the
fully restored HMS Victory. It also includes a comprehensive look at the
Battle of Trafalgar, and how the legend of Nelson was born.
 CROMDVD1244 – 50
minutes
SEAPOWER - U-BOAT 534
"Underwater, underhanded and damned un-English" they
might have been but submarine development and deployment has long been an
integral part of naval warfare. For centuries man has been fascinated with
the possibility of an underwater vessel, the ultimate method of improving
the odds against a superior surface fleet. Being submerged beneath the sea
was the obvious means by which a warship could be approached and attacked
without detection - but the attempts to create the perfect sub was a long
and often tragic affair. This DVD tracks the evolution of underwater
crafts from the early Turtle to a privileged look inside the salvaged
U-Boat 534 and beyond. Aboard the famous U-Boat 534 we examine the living
conditions and the true bravery shown by all her crew.
 CROMDVD1246 – 50
minutes
GERMANY AT WAR 1918-1941
This is the first in an unique trilogy that presents
events leading up to World War II, as well as the war itself, from footage
that would have been seen by the German nation at the time. The
comprehensive commentary allows the viewer to understand the content of
what is being seen, whilst placing these events in their 'whole war'
context. The programme offers compulsive viewing as well as an invaluable
resource for understanding World War II.
 AR166D
GERMANY AT WAR 1943-1945
This is the third in an unique trilogy that presents
events leading up to World War II, as well as the war itself, from footage
that would have been seen by the German nation at the time. The
comprehensive commentary allows the viewer to understand the content of
what is being seen, whilst placing these events in their 'whole war'
context. The programme offers compulsive viewing as well as an invaluable
resource for understanding World War II.
 AR168D
MEIN KAMPF
Mein Kampf (My Struggle) is the book written by Adolf
Hitler in which he laid out his political philosophy. Regarded inside
Germany as the bible of National Socialism, it was an accurate blueprint
of what he aspired to accomplish when in power. After its publication few
believed that Hitler and his Nazi Party intended to carry out every phrase
of his literal program. In this film everything is taken from original
footage and actually happened in our time. It tries to answer the burning
questions, such as what exactly happened during this terrible time in our
history and how it was made possible.
 AR214D
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
'Never in the field of human conflict was so much
owed by so many to so few.' Winston Churchill. This DVD tells the story of
those referred to by Winston Churchill as 'the few', the handful of
courageous young Allied fighter pilots who flew time and again to defy the
mighty Luftwaffe. At a time when Nazi Germany had swept all before it and
Hitler's eyes were fixed firmly on English shores, the remarkable men of
the RAF formed an impenetrable line of defence, risking all to protect our
borders. Featuring powerful archive footage and expert comment and
analysis. Narrated by Mike Leighton.
 CROMDVD1144 – 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - BATTLE OF BRITAIN
With the surrender of France on 22nd of June l 940,
Britain and her Commonwealth stood alone against the might of the German
armed forces. In that dark summer of 1940, the threat of invasion hung
heavily over Britain and children were once more evacuated to the
countryside. The army was still recovering from its defeat in France and
could offer no real defence against invasion. Britain had a strategy to
meet the German threat, which was due to one man, Air Chief Marshal Sir
Hugh Dowding. Against enormous internal pressure, Dowding had resisted
committing the majority of his Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons to the
battle on the Continent, knowing that the major battle was yet to come -
the Battle for Britain itself. Having preserved his squadrons, Dowding
could now concentrate on his four-point master plan of defence: a fighter
strike force of Spitfires and Hurricanes, a superbly flexible radar
fighter direction system, a defence shield of anti-aircraft cover and a
brilliantly simple defence strategy, disrupting the bomber attacks before
they could reach their targets, but ensuring enough air cover for the
bases of the squadrons involved in the battle. This documentary, using
newly discovered footage, gives full justice to the exceptional Commander,
Hugh Dowding, to Keith Park, his second-in-command, and to all the men and
women who, during that dark summer of l 940. Inflicted the first defeat on
German arms.
 PEGDVD1010 – 60
minutes
THE WAR FILE - GESTAPO
The very name of Hitler's secret police has become
synonymous with the rule of terror that, under Heinrich Himmler, first
maintained and then extended the Fuhrer's iron grip on Germany and its
people. Waging relentless war on political dissidents, disaffected
citizens and religious minorities alike, the Gestapo's tactics of torture,
interrogation and summary execution bolstered Hitler's crumbling regime to
the last and established a reputation for brutality and oppression that
would endure long after the last Gestapo commandment met his fate at the
gallows.
 PEGDVD1029 – 52
minutes
THE WAR FILE – FOCKE-WULF FW190
No combat aircraft ever achieved perfection, but at
the time of its debut the FW 190 probably came as near to this elusive
goal as any other fighter. This aircraft was undoubtedly the finest
warplane ever produced by Germany and from the moment it entered the
theatre of war, the FW 190 achieved a slim margin of superiority over the
RAF aircraft in fighter versus fighter combat. In the ground attack role
it subsequently proved its ability to absorb considerable punishment and
in return deliver a more then powerful punch.
 PEGDVD1073 – 55
minutes
FARNBOROUGH - THE GOLDEN YEARS 1949 - 1959
- BRITAIN'S GREATEST AIR SHOW
From the archives of the famous Imperial War Museum
comes a treasured look at history in the making - Farnborough, Britain's
greatest air show. Witness the show from 1949 through to 1959 recorded on
newsreels shown in the cinemas of the day. What an exciting decade it was,
with the accomplishment of technological genius giving birth to innovation
we now take for granted. Observe the dangers - the daring test pilots,
ever willing to overcome the seemingly impossible and the bravery that
cost the life of famed John Derry at Farnborough '52. Enjoy the Black
Arrows (the forerunners of the Red Arrows) as they demonstrate the very
meaning of precision during their giant aerobatics display. AIRCRAFT
FEATURED ON THIS DVD: Aiglet, Alpha, Apollo, Argosy, Avro 707, Avro 7078,
Avro Ashton, Avro CF-100, B-1 Canberra, Beverly, Blackburn NA-39,
Blackburn YB-1, Brabazon, Bristol 173, Bristol 192, Comet, Dart Herald,
Delta-2, DH-110, DH-112 Venom, DH-113 Vampire, Gloster Meteor, Gnat,
Gyrodyne Convertiplane, Hawker P-1052, Hawker P-1081, Herald, Hermes V,
Heron, Hunter, Javelin, Jet Provost, Lightning, Marathon, Pioneer II,
President, Princess, Rotodyne VTOL, Saunders Roe P-531, Scimitar, Sea
Hawk, Seamew, Shackleton, Short SB-3, Short SC-1, Short Solent, Short
SP-5, Skeeter, Supermarine 510, Swift, Universal, Valiant, Vanguard,
Vickers 355, Victor, Viscount, Vulcan, W-10 Airhorse, Wessex, Westminster,
Wyvern TF-2.
 PEGDVD1119 – 80
minutes
THE UNOFFICIAL HISTORY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON
MOTORCYCLES
Harley-Davidson is a legend. It has grown from cult
appeal to mass appeal. Harley is more than a motorcycle - it's a state of
mind. Harley motorcycles are a symbol; they're worn like a badge. Like
their riders, no two are the same. The story of the Harley-Davidson not
only takes into account the most interesting and exciting motorcycles ever
made, but it's also a story about the people who choose to ride them.
Motorcycles and Harleys have come a long way - from bikers to middle class
families to Gray Panthers, all taking the weekend off to tour the country
on their Harley. Harley-Davidson will always stand for freedom,
independence and the open road. Its place in history is assured. It
remains and will forever be, a legend. The program features rare, restored
and classic Harley motorcycles from 1903 to the present. Also included is
a visit to the Gott Museum and comments from Harley owners, plus an
interview with Willie G. Davidson, a descendant from the founders, who
still designs Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
 PEGDVD1121 – 60
minutes
THE WAR FILE - KENT AT WAR
A deeply personal, emotional and sometimes humourous
account from the people of Kent and their memories of World War Two. Its
proximity to Europe means Kent was always going to be the frontline of
England's defences and the inhabitants of the coastal county had to adapt
quickly to their new inenvious position as prime targets for Hitler's
armed forces. Having dealt with years of bombing raids and land-based
shelling from France, Hitler then unleashed a new weapon that had
devastating consequences - the V1 and V2 rockets. Combining wartime
footage and new film shot at various locations around Kent, this DVD is a
touching archive of memories from those who witnessed the horrors of war
first hand and a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives and those
who displayed their true British fighting spirit.
 PEGDVD1387
BATTLEFIELD - GUADALCANAL
The attack on Pearl Harbour was supposed to obviate
the need for the grinding attritional battle that was the hallmark for the
bloody fighting of Guadalcanal. The capture of this strategically crucial
island in the Solomons - during which more than 25,000 Japanese lost their
lives - was the key to the US victory in the Philippines and paved the way
for the horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the final defeat of Japan.
This is a brand new episode from the landmark television series
'Battlefield'. Featuring fascinating archive footage from all over the
world the programme includes a review of the political and military
situation before the battle, portraits of leaders and commanders, an
explanation of weapons and tactics and the story of the battle itself.
 CROMDVD1005 – 100
minutes
LINE OF FIRE - GALLIPOLI 1915
The story of the ill-starred Allied campaign in the
Dardenelles that was supposed to knock Turkey out of World War One. It was
the brain-child of Winston Churchill, who convinced Allied High Command
that an attack at Gallipoli would also open up vital supply lines to
Russia and establish a third front against Austria-Hungary. Gallipoli has
become a by-word for the bravery and sacrifice of the ANZACS - the
Australian and New Zealand troops who fought and died during the ten month
campaign that saw an estimated 36,000 Commonwealth troops lose their lives
before the ignominious Allied withdrawal in January 1916. It was not only
Turkish shot and shell at infamous places such Anzac Cove and Suvla Bay
that claimed so many lives, but also those other traditional hidden
enemies of the soldier - sickness and disease.
 CROMDVD1013 – 48
minutes
LINE OF FIRE - GOOSE GREEN 1982
The fight at Goose Green in May 1982 was the most
famous battle of the Falklands War, which saw British and Argentine troops
struggle for control of the Falkland Islands. In the wake of the shock
Argentine invasion, Britain sent a hastily assembled Task Force to the
South Atlantic charged with the job of restoring British sovereignty. The
Argentine positions at Goose Green were thought to pose a threat to the
British advance across the Islands and troops from the Parachute Regiment
were sent to deal with it. After 12 hours of bloody fighting, the
Argentine position was finally overrun and the British advance on the
capital Port Stanley could continue. Moving pictures were beamed back to
Britain of the aftermath of the battle, bringing home the stark realities
of combat - a sobering reminder amid the political rhetoric and jingoism.
About 'Line of Fire'.
 CROMDVD1015 – 48
minutes
LINE OF FIRE - THE FALL OF PORT
STANLEY
June 1982 saw the final battles of the Falklands War.
For the servicemen of the British Task Force, the campaign to defeat a
determined enemy had been difficult and costly, but now the capital
Stanley, the final prize, lay within their grasp. This programme tells the
story of the drive to liberate Stanley, during which battles such as those
at Tumbledown and Mount Longdon found their way into the pages of British
military history. Featuring computer animated 3D graphics that clearly
illustrate strategy, tactics and the ebb and flow of the battles, the
programme draws on extensive archive footage. Also featured are
atmospheric battle recreations, new location footage and expert comment
and analysis.
 CROMDVD1016 – 48
minutes
LINE OF FIRE - THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE
Discover why the last major German offensive of World
War Two so nearly succeeded and how heroic defensive actions by American
GIs thwarted their plans. Taken from the hugely-popular television series
'Line Of Fire', this programme harnesses state-of-the-art computer
technology to explore, explain and bring new perspectives to one of the
most vital battles of World War Two. It also features rare archive
footage, specially treated recreations and authoritative comment by
leading military historians from the Royal Military Academy,
Sandhurst.
 CROMDVD1018 – 48
minutes
THE WAR FILE - THE STORY OF THE
HURRICANE
It's eight wing-mounted Colt-Brownings spitting
flame, the Hawker Hurricane swooped to dispatch over two-thirds of all
enemy aircraft destroyed in the Battle of Britain. Courageous squadron
commander Douglas Bader, I 4 - kill hero 'Cobber Kain', Ginger Lacey - the
top Battle of Britain ace with 18 victims - and many other RAF pilots owed
their reputations and their lives to this toughest mount of all. The
Hurricane was outnumbered but never outclassed, designed to hit the enemy
hard, absorb tremendous punishment yet live to fight another day.
Featuring colour footage of the last surviving aircraft, alongside
original combat film. This is the definitive documentary of a fighter
plane that truly changed the course of history.
 PEGDVD1002 – 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - BATTLESHIPS AT WAR
The battleship reigned supreme in naval warfare from
the start of this century to 1945 and, though only the Dardanelles and
Jutland provided action in World War 1, German rearmament ensured the
heavily armed queen of the seas would play a major part in the second
conflict. The Royal Navy won early successes: the mighty Graf Spee was
scuttled off South America, while half of Raeder's fleet was destroyed at
Narvik. U-Boats and air power posed a real threat to battleship
superiority, as proved by British torpedo bombers at Tyrants, but Britain
had to destroy France's capital ships off North Africa to prevent them
falling into enemy hands. Admiral Cunningham's fleet, led by HMS War
spite, ensured the Royal Navy's mastery of the Mediterranean, crushing
Italy at Cape Mattapan. Battleships later played a leading role in North
Africa, Sicily, Italy and the D-Day landings as floating weapons platforms
pounding shore-based enemy positions. The US Navy proved all-powerful in
the Pacific, Leyte Gulf leaving the Japanese with Only One surviving
battleship. Fittingly, the final act of the war took place On USS Missouri
as Japan signed the surrender. The Allies had secured ultimate victory - a
triumph in which the battleship had played its part.
 PEGDVD1006 – 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - D-DAY
Early in the morning of 6th June 1944, a vast and
bizarre armada ploughed steadily against stiff head-winds through the
rough waters of the English Channel, heading for the Normandy coast.
Amongst the 5,000 vessels were many of the best British and American
warships, of stupendous collective firepower, also ancient battleships and
tankers on their last voyage, destined to be sunk to provide breakwaters.
Thousands of the craft had been built to make one journey only and that a
short one; to ferry the invading allied forces tougher with their immense
diversity of equipment on the last difficult, dangerous stretch from the
transports to the shore of enemy-occupied France. It was D-Day. Conceived
almost on the shores of Dunkirk, four years planning, two in the
organising and one day in the execution, the landing in Normandy was
easily the largest and most extraordinary combined military operation ever
attempted. It was also a crucial one. By 1944 it was becoming clear that
Germany would lose the war in Europe, who would win it was another matter.
Had D-Day failed and at times it came close to it, the western allies
would have found it impossible to launch another operation for at least a
year, perhaps more and today's map of Europe might have been very
different. One of the millions taking part in the landings, Admiral
Ramsey, was famous for his dislike of even the mildest exaggeration, as
Overlord got under way, he told his officers 'Gentlemen, I am sorry about
all the superlatives, today they happen to be true.' This is that
story.
 PEGDVD1021 – 55
minutes
THE WAR FILE - BOMBERS - THE STORY OF
STRATEGIC BOMBING
Strategic bombing was first used by the Germans in
the 1940 Blitz and became the keystone for Allied strategy in World War
Two. As British Lancaster's hit at the heart of Germany by night, the US
Eighth Air Force Flying Fortresses bombed the industrial centres by day,
resulting in a round-the-clock bombardment that would not only tear the
heart out of Hitler's war effort but would reduce the German morale to
rumble. Rare archive material and dramatic film footage tells the story of
a controversial and costly strategy that was to be seen in operation in
later years during the war between the United States and Vietnam.
 PEGDVD1070 – 55
minutes
THE MARVELLOUS MINI
Sit back and enjoy this look at the Mini, which made
motoring a new experience. A new generation of car that became a design
classic. We join hundreds of Mini owners at a rally and find out why this
little car has such a wide appeal to everyone both young and old! The Mini
van, pick up, custom conversions, rally models, Cooper S and many more
Mini models are all on show. Join us as we step back in time to rediscover
those Marvellous Minis.
 PEGDVD1095 – 55
minutes
THE STORY OF AVIATION
From the early days of hot air ballooning to the dawn
of the space-race, man has strived to understand and achieve flight. This
DVD is an informative and spectacular journey through the history of
aviation. From the early pioneers such as the Wright Brothers to the use
of planes for reconnaissance and weapons during the two World Wars, and
finally up to the introduction of the Space Shuttle. Here we have a jet
propelled look at the story of aviation.
 PEGDVD1179 – 70
minutes
HINDENBURG
The spectacular newsreel footage of the unfortunate
Hindenburg crashing to the ground in a ball of flames has become one of
the most instantly recognisable images of the twentieth century. This DVD
studies the development of airships in general and with the help of
archive footage, photographs, interviews with surviving crew members and
ground staff, takes a look at the theories surrounding the Hindenburg
disaster. Thirty five people died on that fateful day, in an airship that
was the pride of the Third Reich, a luxurious flying hotel ultimately to
become known as the 'Titanic of the Sky'.
 PEGDVD1176 – 55
minutes
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