Combat Ships

The programme examines the smallest war vessels, from the tiny canoes used by the Cockleshell Heroes in their daring assault on German ships. It also highlights the modest boats that rescued soldiers during the Dunkirk evacuation, underscoring their crucial role in that historic rescue.

"The Smallest Ships of War" is a programme presented as a single episode. It falls within the broader genre of historical documentary, focusing on naval operations that involved unusually small vessels. The format is designed to give viewers a concise look at how diminutive craft played surprisingly pivotal roles in wartime actions. The episode highlights the miniature canoes used by the Cockleshell Heroes, a group that launched a daring strike against German ships. These tiny watercraft, far smaller than conventional warships, were central to the operation’s boldness, allowing the volunteers to approach enemy vessels with a level of stealth that larger boats simply couldn’t achieve. Their audacious assault demonstrates how size alone didn’t limit their impact on the conflict. In addition, the programme covers the modest boats that took part in the evacuation at Dunkirk. These vessels, often overlooked in grander naval histories, were instrumental in ferrying stranded soldiers back to safety. By focusing on these humble craft, the episode underscores how even the smallest ships could make a significant difference in the course of wartime events.