Documentary
War & Politics

Gladiators of World War II

In this BBC documentary series newly declassified documents are used to examine the strategic roles played in the war by thirteen of the world's regular and resistance land, sea and air forces.

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Created By

Status

Returning Series

Original Name

Gladiators of World War II

First Air Date

February 1, 2002

Last Air Date

April 26, 2002

Seasons

1

Episodes

13

Language

—

Production Companies

Networks

S01E13

Part 13: The Anzacs

The Australian and New Zealand forces built on the reputation they had earned during World War 1 for being among the finest fighting troops in the world. Australian troops earned the nickname the Rats of Tobruk for their defence of the Libyan port during Rommel's long but ultimately abortive siege of it. New Zealanders fought the length of North Africa and Italy. In the Far East, after suffering disaster in Malaya, Australians became the first Allied ground forces to drive back the Japanese during the grim battles on the Kokoda Trail in the mountainous jungle of New Guinea.

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