The Secret War
Season 1
January 5, 1977
7Episodes
The "Secret War" lifts the veil of secrecy on the crucial role science and intelligence played behind the lines in winning World War 2. Presented by William Woollard and largely based on the book "Most Secret War" by R V Jones. Superbly presented by William Woollard, this fascinating documentary series is unusual and particularly good because of many interviews with the people involved with the development and countering of these secret weapons, including R V Jones.
Episodes
1. The Battle of the Beams
January 5, 1977
The fight by British intelligence to counter Nazi Germany's secret radio navigation systems for their bombers.
2. To See for a Hundred Miles
January 12, 1977
The development of radar and its role in World War II air warfare.
3. Terror Weapons
January 19, 1977
The development and use of Nazi Germany's V-1 and V-2 missile programs.
4. If ...
January 26, 1977
An examination of various innovative secret prototype weapon and vehicle designs of World War II, and their military potential.
5. The Deadly Waves
February 2, 1977
The account of how the British scientific effort to discover and counter a dangerously effective new kind of Nazi Germany magnetic naval mine.
6. Still Secret
February 9, 1977
Discussed are the efforts to break the Enigma Code and the role played by the Colossus computer, designed by T.H. Flowers. In 1977 the Colossus was still on the secret list, so details are fairly sparse, but the programme benefits enormously from an interview with Tommy Flowers. There are also valuable contributions from others present at Bletchley Park during WW2 such as Gordon Welchman, Harry Golombek and Peter Calvocoressi.