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BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

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Michael Portillo

John Comerford

Alison Kreps

Tom Richardson

Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo: Episode 2: Railways and Railwaymen Called to Action

Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo

Episode 2

Episode 2: Railways and Railwaymen Called to Action

Railways and Railwaymen Called to Action

BBC Two - Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo, Railways and Railwaymen Called to Action

Michael finds out about railworkers from north east England who died during World War I.

Michael Portillo examines the role of the railways in World War I. In England, he hears of the railwaymen who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

World War I was a railway war. Michael Portillo finds out how the railways helped to precipitate a mechanised war, shaped how it was fought, conveyed millions to the trenches and bore witness to its end. He takes to historic tracks to rediscover the locomotives and wagons of the war that was supposed to end all war and hears the stories of the gallant men and women who used them in life and in death.

Michael's journey begins in England's north east, where he finds out about the brave railwaymen who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Moving south to Oxfordshire, he learns how the manufacturing expertise of the railways turned a crisis into a victory. In Hampshire, Michael meets the proud son of a railwayman who, as a Royal Engineer, taught soldiers to be railwaymen and trained railwaymen to be soldiers. Finally, on the south coast he meets the big guns that turned the tide of war.

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Michael Portillo examines the role of the railways in World War I.

Michael Portillo examines the role of the railways in World War I and travels through Britain and Europe uncovering stories from the Great War.

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Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo

Episode 2: Railways and Railwaymen Called to Action

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