Combat Ships

The programme examines the role of the tiniest war vessels, focusing on the diminutive canoes employed by the Cockleshell Heroes during their daring strike against German ships, as well as the modest boats that played a crucial part in evacuating troops from Dunkirk. It highlights how these seemingly insignificant craft proved pivotal in high‑risk operations, demonstrating that size alone does not determine a vessel’s impact in wartime. By tracing the actions of these small craft, the episode underscores their contribution to both offensive raids and rescue missions, offering a concise look at how the smallest ships of war left a lasting imprint on history.

The episode takes a close look at the artefacts recovered from the Tudor warship Mary Rose, exploring what those objects reveal about life aboard the vessel. It then turns its attention to the strategic methods Admiral Horatio Nelson employed on HMS Victory, breaking down the tactics that helped him win decisive battles. By juxtaposing the material culture of the Mary Rose with Nelson’s battlefield ingenuity, the programme offers a concise examination of both the physical remnants of a 16th‑century ship and the combat techniques that defined British naval supremacy in the age of sail.

The episode takes a close look at the artefacts recovered from the Tudor warship Mary Rose, exploring what those objects reveal about life aboard the vessel. It then turns its attention to the strategic methods Admiral Horatio Nelson employed on HMS Victory, breaking down the tactics that helped him win decisive battles. By juxtaposing the material culture of the Mary Rose with Nelson’s battlefield ingenuity, the programme offers a concise examination of both the physical remnants of a 16th‑century ship and the combat techniques that defined British naval supremacy in the age of sail.

The episode examines how naval forces managed to escort crucial vessels right through enemy‑controlled waters, employing daring manoeuvres to slip past watchful eyes. It details the careful planning and precise timing required to navigate hostile zones without alerting opposing forces, focusing on the clever use of deception and coordinated movements that allowed these ships to reach their objectives safely. In addition, the programme highlights the role of intelligence in shaping naval assaults, showing how gathered information guided the selection of targets and the execution of attacks. It's a clear look at how strategic data was turned into actionable plans, enabling forces to strike effectively while minimising risk.

The episode examines how naval forces managed to escort crucial vessels right through enemy‑controlled waters, employing daring manoeuvres to slip past watchful eyes. It details the careful planning and precise timing required to navigate hostile zones without alerting opposing forces, focusing on the clever use of deception and coordinated movements that allowed these ships to reach their objectives safely. In addition, the programme highlights the role of intelligence in shaping naval assaults, showing how gathered information guided the selection of targets and the execution of attacks. It's a clear look at how strategic data was turned into actionable plans, enabling forces to strike effectively while minimising risk.

Viking Longships programme tells the tale of a single Viking vessel, tracing how its construction transformed over time. Initially built as a swift, lightweight war canoe, the craft gradually acquired features that made it both adaptable and intimidating, ultimately becoming a feared instrument of conquest that reshaped historical events. The episode follows this evolution, showing how changes in design turned a simple racing boat into a versatile warship whose impact echoed across the centuries. From its early coastal voyages to later open‑sea raids, the ship’s modifications—reinforced hulls, larger oars and a sturdier sail—boosted speed and durability. These changes let Viking crews strike farther, turning the vessel into a symbol of power that shifted the balance of forces in medieval Europe.

Viking Longships programme tells the tale of a single Viking vessel, tracing how its construction transformed over time. Initially built as a swift, lightweight war canoe, the craft gradually acquired features that made it both adaptable and intimidating, ultimately becoming a feared instrument of conquest that reshaped historical events. The episode follows this evolution, showing how changes in design turned a simple racing boat into a versatile warship whose impact echoed across the centuries. From its early coastal voyages to later open‑sea raids, the ship’s modifications—reinforced hulls, larger oars and a sturdier sail—boosted speed and durability. These changes let Viking crews strike farther, turning the vessel into a symbol of power that shifted the balance of forces in medieval Europe.

Stealth follows the hidden vessels that have operated beneath the radar, staying out of sight of hostile forces. From covert operations that played a part in securing victory in the Second World War to today’s cutting‑edge stealth ships, employing careful design and advanced materials, the programme charts how these craft have evaded detection. It shows how secrecy has been a vital tactical advantage, allowing ships to slip past enemy eyes and carry out missions that would otherwise have been impossible. By linking historic wartime undertakings with contemporary naval technology, the episode highlights the continuous evolution of still invisibility at sea.

Stealth follows the hidden vessels that have operated beneath the radar, staying out of sight of hostile forces. From covert operations that played a part in securing victory in the Second World War to today’s cutting‑edge stealth ships, employing careful design and advanced materials, the programme charts how these craft have evaded detection. It shows how secrecy has been a vital tactical advantage, allowing ships to slip past enemy eyes and carry out missions that would otherwise have been impossible. By linking historic wartime undertakings with contemporary naval technology, the episode highlights the continuous evolution of still invisibility at sea.