A double bill this week in the rerun of the landmark series about the Second World War, narrated by Laurence Olivier.

Japan. Japan had entered the war confident that superior strength and discipline would prevail. By 1944 though they were fighting for survival, crippled by shortages of food, metals and fuel. The situation worsened after massive defeats at Saipan, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, combined with a continuous campaign of Allied bombing. (R) (S)

8.05 Pacific. Ferocious fighting characterises the Allied offensive in the Pacific. The Japanese are fanatical in defence and severe casualties are incurred by the Americans as they embark on a two-pronged attack. (R) (S)
Website: [web address removed]
BBC History Magazine: available monthly, price £2.95