Watch The Silent War

The Silent War is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary series that explores the history of espionage and surveillance during World War II. The series is produced by Curiosity Stream and aired in 2013. The series investigates how the Nazis controlled their population through espionage and surveillance, and how Britain and the allies struggled to counter the Nazi threat during the war. The series also provides access to the previously classified documents and testimonies of the people involved in the spying game.

The series is hosted by Haydn Gwynne, a British actress who is best known for her roles in the stage, television, and film industry. She provides a captivating narration of the events, guiding the audience through the story of the spies and their intelligence agencies.

The Silent War consists of three episodes, each lasting 60 minutes. The first episode, "The Spymasters," introduces the audience to the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) or MI6 and the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - two intelligence agencies that were instrumental in Britain's fight against the Nazis. The episode also showcases the German intelligence agency, the Abwehr, and its efforts to infiltrate Britain.

The second episode, "The War of Words," reveals how both the allies and the Nazis employed propaganda as a psychological weapon. The episode also explores how Nazi Germany secretly bugged the conversations of prisoners of war and how Britain fought back by broadcasting its own messages to captive audiences.

The third and final episode, "Eyes Everywhere," focuses on the role of aerial reconnaissance in the war. The episode examines how aerial photography provided the Allied forces with vital information about Nazi-occupied Europe. It also shows how the Allies used deception to distract the Germans from their true intentions.

The Silent War does not romanticize the world of espionage and surveillance; instead, it portrays the reality of the war and the sacrifices made by the people involved. It highlights how espionage and surveillance have played a crucial role in shaping the world we live in today.

The cinematography is excellent, and the use of archival footage and re-enactments is impressive. The series is well-researched and offers new insights into the intelligence agencies involved in the war. The series features interviews with historians and former spies, providing real-life accounts of their experiences.

Overall, The Silent War is a fascinating and absorbing documentary that offers an in-depth look into the world of espionage and surveillance during World War II. It offers a fresh perspective on the war and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the twentieth century.