Germany Under the British
A series of five programmes which looks at British rule in Germany after the Second World War.
Written by PATRICK O'DONOVAN Narrated by Leo McKern 1: Year Zero
Germany, 1945. The citizens of a modern, sophisticated nation are living like troglodytes in the ruins of their cities. Their country is a desolation. They cannot count their dead. The war is over.
Allied military government soon gives way to the civilian Control Commission. For the next few years the British Zone of Germany is to be run by a combination of first-class administrators and fortune-hunters out for the pickings. Getting the country physically to its feet is the first problem. The second, de-Nazification, is a more intractable one.
Unconditional surrender is a new concept in conquest. The conquerors have taken upon themselves a staggering moral responsibility. Victory is not the end of anything except fighting. Among those taking part: The Earl of Longford Sir Frank Roberts Lord Annan Major Gen Sir Alec Bishop Film editor
LARRY TOFT Producer
PATRICIA MEEHAN