Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo

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

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo

First Air Date

August 4, 2014

Last Air Date

August 8, 2014

Seasons

1

Episodes

5

Language

English

Production Companies

BBC

Networks

BBC Two

S01E05

Railways and Remembrance

Michael travels through Britain and northern France uncovering railway stories from the Great War. In this final episode, Michael explores the aftermath of this earth-shattering conflict. For four years, the railways had fed the front line with vast numbers of men, munitions and supplies. But even after the Armistice had been signed in a railway carriage, the work of the railways was not done. As Britain continued to mourn its dead, the railways played an important part in their remembrance. Michael hears stories of railway war heroes and encounters a remarkable railway wagon used to honour them. He hears how the railways helped give birth to battlefield tourism and in the cemeteries of Ypres he meets the great grandchildren of some of the fallen.

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