Ep 5. Episode 5

Wartime Farm is a British historical documentary TV show that aired in 2012 on BBC Two. The show deals with the experiences of those who lived in Britain during World War II. In the show, historians Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands, and Peter Ginn take viewers on a journey through the challenges faced by farmers during the war, as they try to keep the country fed while under threat of invasion from Germany.

In season 1, episode 5, the hosts explore the important role that pigs played in helping to feed the country during wartime. With meat rationing in place, and a shortage of other types of protein, pigs provided a vital source of food for people across Britain. The team set out to breed and raise their own pigs, using traditional methods to simulate the conditions of wartime farming.

The episode begins with the hosts learning how to breed pigs, starting with the mating process. They explain how important it was to choose the right boar and sow, as this would have a significant impact on the health and quality of the piglets. They then move on to the topic of feeding and care, discussing how wartime farmers had to make do with what they had and often had to feed their pigs leftovers and scraps.

The team also looks at the role that pigs played in the war effort. Pigs were used to provide meat for the troops, and their fat was used to make explosives. The hosts show how pigs were transported to abattoirs, as well as the process of slaughtering and gutting them. They explain how every part of the pig was used, from the meat to the bones and the skin.

The episode also explores the issue of black market meat. With rationing in place, some people turned to illegal sources for their meat supply. The hosts talk about how this was a risky business, as people could end up getting sick from eating unregulated meat.

As always, the hosts of the show bring history to life through practical demonstrations. They show how to make pig’s head brawn, a popular wartime dish made from the cheeks, ears, and snout of the pig. They also show viewers how to make saltpetre, a key ingredient in making gunpowder, using pig manure.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide insightful commentary about the hardships faced by wartime farmers and the importance of their role in keeping the country fed. They explain how farmers had to adapt to changing circumstances, learning to make do with what they had and finding innovative ways to feed their animals.

Overall, season 1, episode 5 of Wartime Farm is an engaging and informative look at the role of pigs in wartime Britain. It provides a fascinating insight into the challenges faced by farmers during WWII, and their vital contribution to the war effort. The hosts are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, bringing history to life through their practical demonstrations and engaging storytelling.