Adolf Hitler's War

At Kursk – a battlefield the size of Wales – the tide of fighting begins to turn in favour of the Soviets. As the German forces withdraw, they systematically erase all proof of their genocidal actions, ultimately attempting to hide their crimes.

Scorched Earth is a programme presented in the format of an episode, forming part of a larger series that examines wartime events. Classified simply as an episode in genre terms, the title itself evokes the ruthless strategies employed on the front lines. This concise format allows the show to focus tightly on a single, decisive moment in the conflict. The narrative zeroes in on the Battle of Kursk, portrayed as a battlefield the size of Wales. After months of grinding combat, the situation abruptly changes when the tide turns against the German forces. The sheer expanse of the front and the intensity of the fighting are highlighted, underscoring how this massive clash became a turning point in the war. With the momentum shifting, Soviet troops begin to push the Germans back across the vast terrain. Their advance marks a clear reversal of fortunes, signalling that the previously dominant German army is now forced into retreat. This forward movement by the Soviets illustrates the changing dynamics on the Eastern Front, where the balance of power started to tilt decisively in their favour. As the German units withdraw, they undertake a systematic effort to destroy all evidence of their genocidal activities. This deliberate erasure is intended to hide the atrocities committed during the campaign. The episode therefore not only depicts the military reversal but also reveals the lengths to which the retreating forces went to conceal the darker side of their operations.