Gladiators of World War II — Season 1, Episode 10: Part 10: The Royal Navy

Episode synopsis

Never before nor since has the Royal Navy been so challenged as it was during 1939-45. In the Atlantic it fought the longest campaign of the war against the German U-boats and surface ships, experiencing tragedy and triumph before the battle was finally won. The Mediterranean witnessed its one major fleet action of the war, and the grim struggle to prevent the crucial island of Malta from falling to the Axis. In the war against Japan the Royal Navy had to overcome early setbacks, but its Pacific Fleet played its part in bringing about ultimate victory.

About Gladiators of World War II

In this BBC documentary series newly declassified documents are used to examine the strategic roles played in the war by thirteen of the world's regular and resistance land, sea and air forces.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Part 1: Waffen-SS
• E2Part 2: Special Operations Executive
• E3Part 3: SAS
• E4Part 4: Desert Rats
• E5Part 5: Free Polish Forces
• E6Part 6: RAF Fighter Command
• E7Part 7: The Paras and Commandos
• E8Part 8: Norwegian Resistance Fighters
• E9Part 9: Kamikaze
• E11Part 11: The Chindits
• E12Part 12: Free French Forces
• E13Part 13: The Anzacs