20th Century Battlefields
Encyclopedia
20th Century Battlefields is a BBC
documentary television series hosted by television and radio personality Peter Snow
, and his son Dan Snow
.
Episodes cover the major battle
s of the twentieth century, and is best known for its extensive use of "sand table" (often called the "mapcase" in both series) CGI
effects to help viewers visualize the battles.
at Gravelines
and who won the Yom Kippur war
. He also expressed concern over his father’s health during filming in the Middle East when his father was becoming tired and run down from not drinking enough water.
, as well as basic Infiltration tactics. Peter and Dan Snow observe a combined-arms exercise.
and the Battle of the Coral Sea
and then in more detail on the Battle of Midway
. The episode also focuses on the rise of the aircraft carrier in World War II. Dan Snow takes part in a training exercise with the Royal Navy where they tackle a simulated engine room fire.
briefly up to the Battle of Stalingrad
and then describes the battle in detail from the initial attacks on the city to the surrounding and eventual destruction of the German 6th Army. Focuses in particular on urban warfare tactics employed, especially snipers. Dan Snow spends some time with the British Army Snipers to illustrate the power of the sniper, targeting a command post occupied by Peter Snow. Dan succeeds in 'assassinating' his father.
from the initial invasion by North Korea until the final ceasefire (but not peace treaty, as it is shown the two nations are still technically at war) after Chinese involvement. Focuses in particular on the retaking of Seoul and then the Battle of the Imjin River
as the main fight shown. Peter and Dan experience the power of artillery.
, but the main focus is on the Battle of Hue. Dan Snow participates in training for urban assault.
from start to finish concentrating on both the Syrian and Egyptian fronts. Does not cover one engagement primarily, other than a slight focus on the Battle of Chinese Farm
near the Suez Canal. The Palestinian struggle for statehood is heavily emphasized, although neither Egypt, Syria, or the other members of the Arab League
were officially concerned with the Palestinian cause at the time. The episode is filmed in the Negev Desert in Southern Israel since neither Egypt or Syria gave permission to film in their territories. Dan Snow learns how to operate an anti-tank missile.
from start to finish. Beginning with the invasion of the island
, it then details all major engagements of the conflict from The Sinking of the Belgrano
, The Sinking of the HMS Sheffield
, the British landing on the Falklands, Battle of Goose Green
, and finally The Battle for Stanley. Dan Snow practices night fighting with the British Army.
and occupation of Kuwait the episode then details the retaking of the country by the UN coalition. It covers in most detail the air campaign
(noting the changes in tactics to respond to international pressure) and then the ground attack. No individual engagement is given priority, though an unusual amount of time is given to non-combat events, such as the burning of oil wells
and SCUD attacks on Tel-Aviv. Dan Snow experiences operating in gas masks.
.
As an example, in "Episode 6: 1973 Middle East" most footage showing current-day civilian life in Israel was shot in Jerusalem, showing predominantly Arab presence in traditional wear, even though the war was never fought in that part of the country. The episode starts with a brief historical overview of the war, insinuating that the Palestinian question was at the heart of the conflict although such claim cannot be verified. The description of the Six-Day War
states that the Israeli attack was a preemptive strike, yet it fails to provide examples of its "preemptive" nature (such as the amassing Egyptian forces in the demilitarized Sinai peninsula following the Suez Crisis
) and instead focuses on the Israeli attack and Egyptian witness accounts. The Suez Crisis, in which the British air-force was an active participant, was not mentioned at all.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
documentary television series hosted by television and radio personality Peter Snow
Peter Snow
Peter Snow, CBE is a British television and radio presenter. He is the grandson of First World War general Sir Thomas D'Oyly Snow, and cousin of Jon Snow, the main presenter of Channel 4 News, nephew of schoolmaster and bishop George D'Oyly Snow, and the brother-in-law of historian-writer Margaret...
, and his son Dan Snow
Dan Snow
Daniel Robert Snow is an English television presenter. He has presented and appeared in many popular history-related programmes for the BBC and is the "History Hunter" for The One Show.-Early life and background:...
.
Episodes cover the major battle
Battle
Generally, a battle is a conceptual component in the hierarchy of combat in warfare between two or more armed forces, or combatants. In a battle, each combatant will seek to defeat the others, with defeat determined by the conditions of a military campaign...
s of the twentieth century, and is best known for its extensive use of "sand table" (often called the "mapcase" in both series) CGI
Computer-generated imagery
Computer-generated imagery is the application of the field of computer graphics or, more specifically, 3D computer graphics to special effects in art, video games, films, television programs, commercials, simulators and simulation generally, and printed media...
effects to help viewers visualize the battles.
Production
Dan Snow has admitted that during the production he bickered with his father about the significance of certain battles such as the Spanish ArmadaSpanish Armada
This article refers to the Battle of Gravelines, for the modern navy of Spain, see Spanish NavyThe Spanish Armada was the Spanish fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England to stop English...
at Gravelines
Gravelines
Gravelines is a commune in the Nord department in northern France.It lies at the mouth of the river Aa 15 miles southwest of Dunkirk. There is a market in the town square on Saturdays. The "Arsenal" approached from the town square is home to an extensive and carefully displayed art collection....
and who won the Yom Kippur war
Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War or October War , also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, was fought from October 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria...
. He also expressed concern over his father’s health during filming in the Middle East when his father was becoming tired and run down from not drinking enough water.
Episode 1: 1918 Western Front
Covers the Battle of Amiens, and in particular the innovative tactics invented, most notably the close coordination of infantry, tanks and aircraft which characterises modern battles shown by the British commander Douglas HaigDouglas Haig
Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig was a British soldier and senior commander during World War I.Douglas Haig may also refer to:* Club Atlético Douglas Haig, a football club from Argentina* Douglas Haig , American actor...
, as well as basic Infiltration tactics. Peter and Dan Snow observe a combined-arms exercise.
Episode 2: 1942 Midway
Covers the War in the Pacific from the Attack on Pearl HarborAttack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
and the Battle of the Coral Sea
Battle of the Coral Sea
The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. The battle was the first fleet action in which aircraft carriers engaged...
and then in more detail on the Battle of Midway
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
. The episode also focuses on the rise of the aircraft carrier in World War II. Dan Snow takes part in a training exercise with the Royal Navy where they tackle a simulated engine room fire.
Episode 3: 1942 Stalingrad
Covers the Eastern FrontEastern Front (World War II)
The Eastern Front of World War II was a theatre of World War II between the European Axis powers and co-belligerent Finland against the Soviet Union, Poland, and some other Allies which encompassed Northern, Southern and Eastern Europe from 22 June 1941 to 9 May 1945...
briefly up to the Battle of Stalingrad
Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a major battle of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad in southwestern Russia. The battle took place between 23 August 1942 and 2 February 1943...
and then describes the battle in detail from the initial attacks on the city to the surrounding and eventual destruction of the German 6th Army. Focuses in particular on urban warfare tactics employed, especially snipers. Dan Snow spends some time with the British Army Snipers to illustrate the power of the sniper, targeting a command post occupied by Peter Snow. Dan succeeds in 'assassinating' his father.
Episode 4: 1951 Korea
Covers the entire Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
from the initial invasion by North Korea until the final ceasefire (but not peace treaty, as it is shown the two nations are still technically at war) after Chinese involvement. Focuses in particular on the retaking of Seoul and then the Battle of the Imjin River
Battle of the Imjin River
The Battle of the Imjin River, also known as the Battle of Kumgul-san, P'ap'yong-san and Solma-ri or the Battle of Xuemali , took place 22–25 April 1951 during the Korean War. Forces from People’s Republic of China attacked UN positions on the lower Imjin River in an attempt to achieve a...
as the main fight shown. Peter and Dan experience the power of artillery.
Episode 5: 1968 Vietnam
Covers the Tet Offensive, in particular the fighting at Saigon and Khe SanhBattle of Khe Sanh
The Battle of Khe Sanh was conducted in northwestern Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam , between 21 January and 9 July 1968 during the Vietnam War...
, but the main focus is on the Battle of Hue. Dan Snow participates in training for urban assault.
Episode 6: 1973 Middle East
Covers the Yom Kippur WarYom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War, Ramadan War or October War , also known as the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the Fourth Arab-Israeli War, was fought from October 6 to 25, 1973, between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria...
from start to finish concentrating on both the Syrian and Egyptian fronts. Does not cover one engagement primarily, other than a slight focus on the Battle of Chinese Farm
Battle of The Chinese Farm
The Battle of the Chinese Farm took place during October 15 to October 17, 1973 between the Egyptian Army and the Israel Defense Forces , as part of the Yom Kippur War. It was fought in the Sinai Peninsula, north of the Great Bitter Lake and just east of the Suez Canal...
near the Suez Canal. The Palestinian struggle for statehood is heavily emphasized, although neither Egypt, Syria, or the other members of the Arab League
Arab League
The Arab League , officially called the League of Arab States , is a regional organisation of Arab states in North and Northeast Africa, and Southwest Asia . It was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945 with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan , Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Yemen joined as a...
were officially concerned with the Palestinian cause at the time. The episode is filmed in the Negev Desert in Southern Israel since neither Egypt or Syria gave permission to film in their territories. Dan Snow learns how to operate an anti-tank missile.
Episode 7: 1982 Falklands
Covers the Falklands WarFalklands War
The Falklands War , also called the Falklands Conflict or Falklands Crisis, was fought in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the disputed Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands...
from start to finish. Beginning with the invasion of the island
1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands
On 2 April 1982, Argentine forces mounted amphibious landings of the Falkland Islands . The invasion involved an initial defence force organised by the Falkland Islands' Governor Sir Rex Hunt giving command to Major Mike Norman of the Royal Marines, the landing of Lieutenant-Commander Guillermo...
, it then details all major engagements of the conflict from The Sinking of the Belgrano
ARA General Belgrano
The ARA General Belgrano was an Argentine Navy light cruiser in service from 1951 until 1982. Formerly the , she saw action in the Pacific theater of World War II before being sold to Argentina. After almost 31 years of service, she was sunk during the Falklands War by the Royal Navy submarine ...
, The Sinking of the HMS Sheffield
HMS Sheffield (D80)
HMS Sheffield was the second Royal Navy ship to be named after the city of Sheffield in Yorkshire. She was a Type 42 Guided Missile Destroyer laid down by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering at Barrow-in-Furness on 15 January 1970, launched on 10 June 1971 and commissioned on 16 February 1975.An...
, the British landing on the Falklands, Battle of Goose Green
Battle of Goose Green
The Battle of Goose Green was an engagement of the Falklands War between British and Argentine forces. Goose Green and its neighbour Darwin are settlements on East Falkland in the Falkland Islands. They lie on Choiseul Sound on the east side of the island's central isthmus...
, and finally The Battle for Stanley. Dan Snow practices night fighting with the British Army.
Episode 8: 1991 Gulf War
Covers the First Gulf War from start to finish. Beginning with the invasionInvasion of Kuwait
The Invasion of Kuwait, also known as the Iraq-Kuwait War, was a major conflict between the Republic of Iraq and the State of Kuwait, which resulted in the seven-month long Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, which subsequently led to direct military intervention by United States-led forces in the Gulf...
and occupation of Kuwait the episode then details the retaking of the country by the UN coalition. It covers in most detail the air campaign
Operation Instant Thunder
Operation Instant Thunder was the preliminary name given to a planned air strike by the United States during the Gulf War. Designed by Colonel John A. Warden III, it was planned to be an overwhelming strike which would devastate the Iraqi military with a minimum loss of civilian as well as American...
(noting the changes in tactics to respond to international pressure) and then the ground attack. No individual engagement is given priority, though an unusual amount of time is given to non-combat events, such as the burning of oil wells
Kuwaiti oil fires
The Kuwaiti oil fires were caused by Iraqi military forces setting fire to 700 oil wells as part of a scorched earth policy while retreating from Kuwait in 1991 after invading the country but being driven out by Coalition military forces...
and SCUD attacks on Tel-Aviv. Dan Snow experiences operating in gas masks.
Criticism
As with other BBC productions, the information presented in these series contains elements of the opinions and viewpoints of the company. BBC is a British, state-owned broadcasting company, and as such it is known to cultivate certain political agenda from within the news coverage and documentaries it produces. See Criticism of the BBCCriticism of the BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation has been criticized for various reasons, by the British government of the day, as well as from other political groups and various media outlets.-Iraq and the Hutton Inquiry :...
.
As an example, in "Episode 6: 1973 Middle East" most footage showing current-day civilian life in Israel was shot in Jerusalem, showing predominantly Arab presence in traditional wear, even though the war was never fought in that part of the country. The episode starts with a brief historical overview of the war, insinuating that the Palestinian question was at the heart of the conflict although such claim cannot be verified. The description of the Six-Day War
Six-Day War
The Six-Day War , also known as the June War, 1967 Arab-Israeli War, or Third Arab-Israeli War, was fought between June 5 and 10, 1967, by Israel and the neighboring states of Egypt , Jordan, and Syria...
states that the Israeli attack was a preemptive strike, yet it fails to provide examples of its "preemptive" nature (such as the amassing Egyptian forces in the demilitarized Sinai peninsula following the Suez Crisis
Suez Crisis
The Suez Crisis, also referred to as the Tripartite Aggression, Suez War was an offensive war fought by France, the United Kingdom, and Israel against Egypt beginning on 29 October 1956. Less than a day after Israel invaded Egypt, Britain and France issued a joint ultimatum to Egypt and Israel,...
) and instead focuses on the Israeli attack and Egyptian witness accounts. The Suez Crisis, in which the British air-force was an active participant, was not mentioned at all.