Hidden Histories of WWII — Season 1, Episode 3: The Mustang P51B: Thirty to One
60 min • 1 season, 4 episodes
Episode synopsis
January 1944, high above snow-shrouded northwest Europe, an extraordinary air battle was taking place. James Holland and his companion, historian Rowland White, explore what this largely forgotten engagement can tell us about the wider strategic air battle over Europe, about the men that fought it, and the machines they were using. Thanks to the advent of the P-51 Mustangs, Operation POINTBLANK was underway: the destruction of the Luftwaffe as an effective force in the west. This major operation was only made possible by the fighter escorts flying these new planes, and one fighter pilot in particular, Major Jim Howard, was about to make history by had single-handedly taking on the Luftwaffe at a ratio of Thirty to One without losing a single bomber from the stack he was protecting. This is the story of how a number of elements came together to bring skilled pilots and cutting-edge design together to achieve such remarkable results.
About Hidden Histories of WWII
Renowned historian and acclaimed broadcaster, James Holland, takes a deep dive into key events from the Second World War, bringing incredible stories to life for a new generation, and offering new research and analysis to enhance our understanding of the most consequential war of the 20th Century. In each episode, Holland teams up with an expert companion to explore iconic battlegrounds and machinery, reawakening history's echoes. Witness Jean Moulin's collapse in Lyon's shadows; feel the ground shake in Rauray's epic tank clash; trace the gruelling road to Rome via Monte Cassino's monumental battle; and chase the legendary P-51 Mustang, paired with an astounding 30-1 combat saga. On location, we gain insight into the unfolding of each narrative as Holland analyses each event alongside his partner, illustrated with archive and documents.