Watch Spies of War

Spies of War is a thrilling three-part documentary series from ZDF that explores the world of espionage during World War II. Each episode examines a different aspect of covert operations during the war, from the elaborate spy rings that operated in Nazi Germany to the high-tech intelligence gathering methods used by Britain and the United States.

The first episode, "German Intelligence," focuses on the secret operations of the Nazi intelligence agencies, particularly the Abwehr. Through interviews with historians and former spies, as well as archival footage and documents, the episode reveals how the Abwehr recruited and trained spies, planted agents in foreign countries, and intercepted enemy communications. It also explores some of the most famous spy cases of the war, including the Abwehr's attempts to infiltrate the British government and military.

The second episode, "Allied Intelligence," turns the spotlight onto the intelligence agencies of the Allies, particularly the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS or MI6) and the United States' Office of Strategic Services (OSS). This episode delves into the use of signals intelligence, such as cracking German codes and intercepting radio transmissions, as well as human intelligence gained through espionage and sabotage. The episode also highlights the role of women in intelligence operations, including Nancy Wake, a British agent who became known as the "White Mouse" for her ability to evade the Gestapo.

The final episode, "Technology and Spycraft," explores the groundbreaking technologies and techniques used by both sides during the war. This includes the development of radar and sonar, which enabled the Allies to detect and track German submarines, as well as the creation of the world's first programmable computer, Colossus, which was used to crack German codes. The episode also examines some of the more unusual and daring spycraft techniques employed by intelligence agencies, such as using dead bodies to transmit messages and deploying spy pigeons to carry information across enemy lines.

Throughout each episode, Spies of War provides a fascinating insight into the world of espionage during World War II, showing how these covert operations played a crucial role in the outcome of the war. With interviews from experts and former spies, as well as rare archival footage and documents, the series brings this hidden world of spies and secret operations to life in a way that is both gripping and informative.

Overall, Spies of War is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of espionage, World War II, or the role of intelligence agencies in modern warfare. The series provides a unique perspective on this fascinating topic and sheds light on some of the unsung heroes of the war effort.

Spies of War is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between June 6, 2019 and on ZDF