Gladiators of World War II — Season 1, Episode 13: Part 13: The Anzacs

Episode synopsis

The Australian and New Zealand forces built on the reputation they had earned during World War 1 for being among the finest fighting troops in the world. Australian troops earned the nickname the Rats of Tobruk for their defence of the Libyan port during Rommel's long but ultimately abortive siege of it. New Zealanders fought the length of North Africa and Italy. In the Far East, after suffering disaster in Malaya, Australians became the first Allied ground forces to drive back the Japanese during the grim battles on the Kokoda Trail in the mountainous jungle of New Guinea.

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
• E10Part 10: The Royal Navy
• E11Part 11: The Chindits
• E12Part 12: Free French Forces