Watch World War II: The War in the Atlantic

World War II: The War in the Atlantic is a historical documentary from 2009 which takes a comprehensive look at the naval conflicts that took place in the Atlantic during World War II. The film is directed by Doug Headline, and it features Jeremy Anthony as the narrator. The documentary covers several elements of the war, ranging from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Normandy invasion.

The movie begins with a quick overview of the events that led to the conflict, including Hitler's rise to power in Germany and the country's territorial expansion. Then the film zeroes in on the Atlantic, which was the primary theater of naval warfare during the war. Through archival footage and interviews with military historians and veterans, the documentary highlights the brutal conditions of naval combat, which often involved life-or-death struggles atop frigid seas.

One of the focal points of the film is the Battle of the Atlantic, which saw German U-boats try to sink Allied supply convoys in order to starve Britain into submission. This was the longest and most critical naval campaign of the war, lasting from 1939 to 1945. The documentary breaks down the battle into several phases and explores how both sides adapted their strategies in response to changing circumstances.

Another key event covered by the film is the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944. This operation, commonly known as D-Day, was a massive amphibious assault that saw the landing of over 156,000 troops on the beaches of Normandy. The documentary emphasizes the role played by the Allied navies, which provided crucial firepower and transport for the troops. It also highlights the immense logistic operation required to plan and execute such a complex operation, including the construction of an artificial harbor and the transportation of equipment and personnel across the channel.

The film pays particular attention to the Atlantic convoys that were so crucial to the Allied war effort in Europe. These convoys, composed of hundreds of merchant ships and guarded by warships and aircraft, carried vital supplies such as food, fuel, and weapons to Allied forces. The documentary shows the hardships and dangers faced by the convoys, which were pursued by German U-boats and bombers. The film also explores the contributions of British and American codebreakers, who were able to decrypt German communications and track their submarine movements.

Throughout the film, there are interviews with veterans who share firsthand experiences from the war. These include former sailors and pilots who served on both sides of the conflict, as well as civilians who were caught in the crossfire. Their testimonies provide a human element to the documentary, giving viewers a glimpse into the realities of war.

The film concludes by examining the lasting impact of the war in the Atlantic. It notes that the conflict paved the way for the United States to emerge as a global superpower and accelerated the decline of the British Empire. It also highlights the technological innovations that emerged from the war, such as radar and sonar, which revolutionized naval warfare. The documentary ends on a somber note, reminding viewers that the war claimed the lives of millions of people and left indelible scars on the world.

In summary, World War II: The War in the Atlantic is an informative and well-produced documentary that covers the naval conflicts of World War II with depth and clarity. With a mix of archival footage, expert analysis, and firsthand accounts, the film offers a comprehensive overview of the fighting in the Atlantic and its impact on the course of the war.

World War II: The War in the Atlantic is a 2001 documentary with a runtime of 51 minutes.