A superb specially selected range of naval historical video's from leading video publishers. Subjects shown include aircraft carriers, submarines and great sea battles throughout history as well as dealing with specifics such as the Battle of Midway.

Grey Wolves - U-Boats 1939 - 1941.

For Kapitaen zur See and Fuehrer der U-boote Karl Doenitz the outbreak of war between Germany and the United Kingdom in September 1939 found the submarine arm of the Kriegsmarine unready for conflict. Nevertheless, Doenitzs Grey Wolves were still able to inflict substantial losses on vessels carrying Britains lifeblood. The conflict widened after the occupation of France and its ports gave the submarines direct access to the Atlantic shipping lanes, which in turn led later to a larger arena. This programme depicts the course of the U-boat war in its initial phase in vivid images captured primarily by German cameramen with much being presented to the viewer for the first time.

Grey Wolves - U-Boats 1942 - 1943.

The first six months of 1942 saw the war assume a truly global dimension with the entry of the United States into the conflict. For the U-boat arm, the heavy coastal traffic off the eastern seaboard of the U.S. provided such a fertile hunting ground that the high number of vessels sank led this period to be christened by the submarine crews as the second happy time. The belated introduction of convoy tactics by the US Navy saw U-boat victories off the U.S. coast sink to a low of just three in July 1942. Fuehrer der U-boote Doenitz now set out to exploit the gap in the mid-Atlantic where convoys were beyond the range and protection of allied aircraft. By 1943 the Wolf Packs were inflicting heavy losses on the convoys - the high point of the U-boat campaign in World War II. New footage helps us understand the on-going battle between hunter and hunted above and beneath the cold, grey waters of the North Atlantic - the most decisive theatre of World War II.

Grey Wolves - U-Boats 1943 - 1945.

With the defeat at Stalingrad, the belated need for total mobilization was accepted by Hitler and the slack in German productive capacity was taken up in an attempt to produce the equipment needed to service a wider and much longer war. A new programme for increased production was introduced - 27 Type VII boats a month by the end of 1943. However, it was already too late for the U-boat arm, for the allies had moved to close the gap. Large numbers of long-range aircraft, new radar, new weapons and new tactics served only to raise U-boat losses in the Atlantic after mid 1943. This final chapter of the Grey Wolves war is told with fascinating footage covering all aspects of this story. It ends with film of the one man Biber submarine, and the arrest of Doenitz in 1945 - Hitlers nominated successor and Germanys last Fuehrer!

Video run time 55 minutes. Order code PEG1150.   Price £7.50

U-Boat War

They were the only thing that really frightened me.  So said the usually steadfast Winston Churchill of the German Navys U-Boat fleet - the dreaded Wolf Pack, which stalked the Atlantic depths, bringing instant death to merchantmen and warship alike.  Together with a formidable surface fleet, the U-Boats challenged the Royal Navys traditional supremacy of the oceans, countering Britains strength in numbers with a reign of silent terror.  A decade of secret rebuilding had brought forth capital ships like the Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen - names to strike fear into any Allied seafarer.  However, it was from under the water that the biggest threat was to come.  Commanded by Admiral Karl Doenitz, the submarines laid waste to shipping, cutting supply lines and striking from within convoys where Allied escorts dare not use guns.  The U-Boat captains were the equivalent of Luftwaffe aces - ruthless, cunning and ice-cool under pressure.  Enduring harsh conditions for months on end and working in darkness with no chance of escape, this was truly a war of nerves.  There is no margin for error on a submarine, said one captain.  You are either alive or dead.  On May 4 1945, Doenitz issued orders to cease hostilities.  You have fought like lions, he said to his valiant survivors.  You are laying down your arms after a heroic fight which knows no equals.  The story of that fight is told here using rare archive footage, much of which has been unavailable in the West since World War II.

  Great Sea Battles of World War II

After the horrors of the Great War, an uneasy peace prevailed. Britannia ruled the waves but for how long? The mid 1930s saw Germany rebuilding her fleets, defying the Versailles Treaty as Hitler planned to encircle Britain with his Kriegsmarine. Within hours of wars declaration, a u-boat had claimed its first victim in an underwater reign of terror that struck the merchantman and warship alike. By April 1940, Germany had sunk one million tons of Allied shipping. The entrance to Mussolinis Italy shifted the balance of power in the Mediterranean. But the Allies changed the course of naval warfare in 1941 when torpedo bombers from HMS Illustrious decimated the Italian fleet at anchor in Taranto, crippling three of their battleships in the first Allied victory since the fall of France. Japan soon learned the lesson - to Americas cost. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 dwarfed Taranto, with 19 warships and 190 aircraft lost and 22,500 dead. Sea power proved crucial in the Pacific. The battle of Coral Sea was decisive in denying Japan a gateway to Australia and was a naval first - opposing forces launching air attacks 120 miles apart were never in sight of each other. After the US strike on Midway, there was no doubting the tide had turned. Leyte Gulf was the last and greatest sea battle of World War II, leaving the Imperial fleet all but destroyed. The era of the battleship was long gone; the aircraft carrier was now the undisputed master of naval warfare.

Video run time 55 minutes. Order code PEG1178.   Price £7.50

DVD available, serial number DVD1006.  Price £12.99

Battleships at War

The battleship reigned supreme in naval warfare from the start of the last century to 1945 and, though only the Dardanelles and Jutland provided action in World War One, German rearmament ensured the heavily armed queen of the seas would play a major part in the second conflict.  The Royal Navy won early successes: the mighty Graf Spee was scuttled off South America, while half of Raeders fleet was destroyed at Narvik.  U-Boats and air power posed a real threat to battleship superiority, as proved by British torpedo bombers at Taranto, but Britain had to destroy Frances capital ships off North Africa to prevent them falling into enemy hands.  Admiral Cunninghams fleet, led by HMS Warspite, ensued the Royal Navys mastery of the Mediterranean, crushing Italy at Cape Matapan.  Battleships later played a leading role in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and the D-Day landings as floating weapons platforms pounding shore-based enemy positions.  The US Navy proved all-powerful in the Pacific, Leyte Gulf leaving the Japanese with only one surviving battleship.  Fittingly, the final act of the war took place on USS Missouri as Japan signed the surrender.  The Allies had secured ultimate victory - a triumph in which the battleship had played its part. 

DVD available, serial number DVD1041.  Price £12.99

When Japan declared war on the United States in 1941, Japans opening gambit - Admiral Nagumos air strike on Pearl Harbor - established the aircraft carrier as the ultimate weapon of naval warfare. In a daring revenge mission, Americas James Doolittle hit back at the heart of Tokyo with a handful of carrier-based bombers before Nagumo met his match in US commander Chester Nimitz at Midway. The carriers development is traced from World War 2 through Korea and Vietnam to the Falklands, where a combination of vertical take-off strike planes, helicopters and missile systems proved the modern carrier still reigned supreme.

Video run time 55 minutes. Order code PEG1078.   Price £7.50

Great German Battleships of World War Two

This Fascinating volume, using archive footage, stills and interviews with German ex-Naval officers and seamen, concentrates on the exploits of the famous Bismarck.  This is followed by an in depth portrait of the mightiest and most famous German warships of World War Two, including the big sea battles they encountered.

Video run time 55 minutes. Order code PEG1260.   Price £7.50

DVD Available.  Order Code DVD1061.  Price £13.99.

The Battle of Midway

A ferocious battle fought between the Japanese and United States Carrier Fleets, which proved to be one of the most decisive victories and a major turning point for America in the war in the Pacific.  The Japanese lost four of their powerful carriers and from that point on, no longer able to risk a major fleet versus fleet action, went on the defensive.  By the time they had recovered enough to rebuild their fleet, American power had mobilized into the unstoppable force that Japan had so feared.r powerful carriers and from that point on, no longer able to risk a major fleet versus fleet action, went on the defensive.  By the time they had recovered enough to rebuild their fleet, American power had mobilized into the unstoppable force that Japan had so feared.

Video run time 55 minutes. Order code PEG1222.   Price £7.50

DVD available.  Order Code DVD1074.  Price £13.99

The War in the Pacific

From the moment it failed to achieve a crushing and total victory at Pearl Harbor, defeat was inevitable for Japan.  But turning that into reality was to take a heavy toll in human lives, for the Japanese were tenacious fighters.  At sea, battles raged between the carrier fleets in the Coral Sea, Midway and the Marianas, until the Japanese were driven to the last desperate resort of a nation staring defeat in the face - suicide attacks.  But Banzai charges and Kamikaze raids could not stave off the inevitable Allied advance on Japan.

Video run time 58 minutes. Order code PEG1232.   Price £7.50

DVD available.  Order code DVD1077.  Price £13.99.

Carrier Battles of World War Two

An account of all the major fleet versus fleet actions during the conflict, when the worlds largest navies sent their flagship aircraft carriers and their carrier borne aircraft into battle with one another.  Most of these battles were fought with neither side ever coming into visual contact with each other.  Battles fought between the allied British and American carriers against the Japanese Imperial Fleet.  Battles such as the Coral Sea, Midway and the Marianas Turkey Shoot.   Also included are the battles fought by the British carriers against the German battleship Bismarck along with the Japanese Kamikaze attacks on British and American carriers.

The War at Sea - Surface Raiders and Underwater Killers.

55 minutes.

Order Code DVD1174.

Price £13.99.

Pearl Harbour

The surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941 shocked the world and drew the United States forces into the war.  Did the British intelligence and Britains prime minister, Winston Churchill, know in advance of the Japanese plans to attack but fail to warn the American military of this impending assault?

55 mins.  

Order Code DVD1080.  

Price £13.99.

Seapower : The First Warships

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Seapower : The Tudor Navy

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Seapower : Nelsons Victory.

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Seapower : The First Ironclads.

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Seapower : U-Boat 534.

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Seapower : The Ghost Ships of Truk Lagoon.

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Seapower : Series Boxed Set (6 Videos)

Seapower is the fascinating saga of the development of battleships from the days of Ancient Greece to the twenty-first century.  Seapower uses the very latest computer generated animation techniques to recreate the galleys of the ancient world, the wooden man-o-wars of Nelsons day and the very first ironclads.  This unique video collection features many full scale replicas of Viking longships, Elizabethan privateers, a Greek trireme and an eighteenth century brig in a fast moving survey of the vessels which shaped maritime history.

Scorched Earth : Kreigsmarine.

Fascinating archive footage from German and Allied sources forms the basis of the Scorched Earth series, complemented by magnificent animation sequences, maps and graphics, new footage of surviving relics from around the world and interviews with the worlds foremost military historians.

Scorched Earth : The Atlantic Convoys.

Fascinating archive footage from German and Allied sources forms the basis of the Scorched Earth series, complemented by magnificent animation sequences, maps and graphics, new footage of surviving relics from around the world and interviews with the worlds foremost military historians.

Scorched Earth : Submarine Warfare.

Fascinating archive footage from German and Allied sources forms the basis of the Scorched Earth series, complemented by magnificent animation sequences, maps and graphics, new footage of surviving relics from around the world and interviews with the worlds foremost military historians.

Scorched Earth : Carrier Warfare.

Fascinating archive footage from German and Allied sources forms the basis of the Scorched Earth series, complemented by magnificent animation sequences, maps and graphics, new footage of surviving relics from around the world and interviews with the worlds foremost military historians.

Scorched Earth : The U-Boats.

Fascinating archive footage from German and Allied sources forms the basis of the Scorched Earth series, complemented by magnificent animation sequences, maps and graphics, new footage of surviving relics from around the world and interviews with the worlds foremost military historians.

Voices From Hitlers Army : U-Boats - Iron Coffins.

Voices from Hitlers Army is a remarkable personal record of Germanys rise and fall from the inside.  Watch how Hitler sent his armies to conquer only to see them crushed as the world united against Germany; learn of men who were seduced by the siren call of Hitler, only to pay a very heavy price.  Featuring rare archive footage from the veterans of the people and places they describe.

The History of Warfare : The Armada.

Featuring stunning battle reconstructions and re-enactments, dramatised eye-witness accounts from primary sources, state of the art computer graphics, surviving contemporary images, and analysis by Dr David G Chandler - the worlds foremost military historian. The History of Warfare is an exciting visual encyclopedia of the conflicts and battles which shaped the history of the world.

The History of Warfare : The North Atlantic Battles.

Featuring stunning battle reconstructions and re-enactments, dramatised eye-witness accounts from primary sources, state of the art computer graphics, surviving contemporary images, and analysis by Dr David G Chandler - the worlds foremost military historian. The History of Warfare is an exciting visual encyclopedia of the conflicts and battles which shaped the history of the world.

The History of Warfare : Trafalgar.

Featuring stunning battle reconstructions and re-enactments, dramatised eye-witness accounts from primary sources, state of the art computer graphics, surviving contemporary images, and analysis by Dr David G Chandler - the worlds foremost military historian. The History of Warfare is an exciting visual encyclopedia of the conflicts and battles which shaped the history of the world.

The History Makers : Horatio Nelson.

These are the stories of some of the remarkable people who have written their names into the pages of history.  Some had greatness thrust upon them; others were determined to seize their opportunity to influence the course of history.  All have fascinating stories to tell. The History Makers breathes new life into these dramatic tales.

The US Marine Corps.

The History of the Submarine.

Century of Navy.

The turn of the century saw a race for naval supremacy, leaving the Victorian era behind and ushering in the age of the massive battleship, the Dreadnought. Since then, through two world wars and numerous naval engagements, the Royal Navy has maintained its place as one of the worlds major maritime powers. The era of the battleship has now passed but the aircraft carriers, frigates and destroyers have kept the tradition of the Royal Navy as strong as ever, as have the men and women who serve on those ships. Century of Navy combines rare and unseen archive film with newly shot footage and expert opinion to tell the story of those momentous years. See the Dreadnoughts as they steam out for the Battle of Jutland, the biggest naval battle of the First World War; watch the great engagements of the Second World War - the Channel dash, the sinking of Force Z, the hunt for the Bismarck and that vital fight for Britains survival, the Battle of the Atlantic. Newly-found colour footage of carrier operations off the coast of Japan and NATO exercises bring the story into peacetime. And see how the modern Royal Navy maintains its place as the protector of the high seas.

Race to the Line by Rod Organ.

On The Bone by Frank Wright

Furling the Flag by Brookes. (B)