Dig World War II

This three by one-hour series reveals the vital role Northern Ireland played in the Second World War – its strategic location protecting essential supply convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic to the tanks built by Harland & Wolff that would breach enemy lines and the bravery of its soldiers. Presenter Dan Snow travels to key sites across Europe where Northern Ireland’s influence played a role in the outcome of the war. Snow visits some of the wartime sites in Northern Ireland, many of which go unnoticed or are buried now, but were central to the defence of the UK and Europe. From the Spitfires and the Flying boats that patrolled the skies, the team dives to the bottom of the Atlantic to reveal the surreal image of Sherman tanks littering the seabed and to the wreck of a U-boat that was one of the most successful in the German fleet. Says series producer John Hayes Fisher, “What is extraordinary about Second World War history in Northern Ireland is how many sites still remain intact. With just a little digging, these historic places tell the story of the war in ways that history books never can, they bring history to life.”

Dig World War II is a 360Production and Yap Films for BBC Northern Ireland in association with Northern Ireland Screen.