Great Railway Adventures with Dan Cruickshank

Released: 2010-08-10

Runtime: 60 minutes

Episode Overview

Decades after their invention, trains played a vital role in the great conflicts of the 20th century. In this first episode, Dan travels by rail to the frontlines of both the First and Second World Wars, and explores how trains were used for moving men, evacuees and supplies during the desperate struggles that engulfed Europe. Following in the footsteps of thousands of WWI British soldiers, Dan looks at how the railways helped topple Hitler by allowing the build-up of men and machines in the run up to D-Day.

Series Overview

Climb up on the footplate and join historian and host Dan Cruickshank for a railway adventure like no other as he investigates how trains helped shape modern Britain. This three-part series resurrects an exhilarating age and kicks off by focusing on the railways' role in defeating Hitler, before unearthing the incredible engineering achievements of Isambard Brunel and embarking on a trip on the earliest steam engines.