Introduction

A six-part documentary series about the First World War which uses recorded figures to outline the full extent of the conflict.

This series tells the complete story of World War I – from outbreak to conclusion – and the fragile peace that followed. The Great War was a conflict driven by quantity and numbers, fought by calculating generals for who no cost was too high. For the first time in history, everything was recorded in exacting detail and this documentary reveals the startling facts behind the staggering scale of the war to end all wars.

Outline of Episode 3

By January 1916 the war had become a stalemate. Millions had died and yet no side had achieved a decisive breakthrough. Austria-Hungary tripled the size of its armies to five million men. Germany doubled its forces to seven million. And in Britain men were volunteering to fight at the rate of up to 33,000 a day. 1916’s Descent into Hell began at the French fortress city of Verdun. Entire villages were wiped off the map and both sides suffered over 300,000 casualties. At sea the British and German fleets fought the greatest naval battle in history, off the Jutland …

The Great War in Numbers Series

• Episode 01: The March to War.
• Episode 02: Weapons of War.
• Episode 03: Descent in Hell.
• Episode 04: The Home Front.
• Episode 05: Total War.
• Episode 06: Endgame.

Production & Filming Details

• Narrator: John Heffernan.
• Released Date: 18 October 2017 (UK).
• Running time: 270 minutes (total running time).
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link