Ep 4. Hitler Strikes East

In World War II In Colour season 1 episode 4, titled Hitler Strikes East, viewers are taken on a journey through the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's massive invasion of the Soviet Union. This episode begins with a recap of the previous three parts of the series, setting the stage for what is to come.

The episode opens with footage of German soldiers preparing for the invasion, showcasing the sheer scale of the operation. We see tanks and artillery being assembled, troops being loaded onto trains, and aircraft taking off from airfields across Germany. As the invasion gets underway, the German army quickly advances into Soviet territory, encountering little resistance at first.

However, as the Germans push further into the vast Soviet Union, they begin to encounter harsh weather conditions and stiff resistance from the Soviet army. This leads to some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including the brutal siege of Leningrad, which lasted for more than 900 days.

Despite the initial successes, Hitler's invasion of the USSR ultimately proved to be a disastrous miscalculation. The Germans were slowed by the harsh weather and stubborn resistance, and soon found themselves fighting a two-front war as the United States entered the conflict following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As the war dragged on, Hitler's decision to invade the Soviet Union would prove to be a major turning point in the conflict and would ultimately lead to his downfall.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a wealth of archival footage, much of which has been restored and colorized to provide a vivid and immersive look at the events in question. We see breathtaking shots of tanks and artillery in action, as well as harrowing footage of soldiers engaged in brutal urban warfare. The colorization gives a new level of depth and realism to these images, allowing viewers to experience the war in a way that has never been possible before.

In addition to the archival footage, the episode also features interviews with historians and veterans, providing valuable context and insight into the events in question. These interviews offer a human perspective on the war, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought and died on both sides of the conflict.

Overall, Hitler Strikes East is a powerful and engrossing episode, offering a fascinating look at one of the most pivotal moments in World War II history. The combination of meticulously restored footage and expert analysis makes for a truly compelling viewing experience, one that is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in the history of the Second World War.