Introduction

Documentary examining Operation Barbarossa, Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.

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Outline

In the spring of 1942, Hitler launched a two-pronged attack in what he believed would be his last offensive in the East. One set of troops headed towards Baku, the other towards Stalingrad and the Volga.

But after more than a year of bitter defeats, the exhausted and demoralised Soviet army changed tack. Soviet generals no longer instructed their soldiers to stand their ground at all costs instead they told them to simply avoid capture and continue fighting.

This fighting retreat put a huge strain on the Germans supply lines. For the Germans, victory was in sight. …

War of the Century Series

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Production & Filming Details

• Narrator(s): Samuel West.
• Director(s): Laurence Rees.
• Writer(s): Laurence Rees.
• Producer(s): Laurence Rees, Martina Balazova, Tom Lasica, Detlef Siebert, and Alexandra Umminger.
• Music: Brian Biffin.
• Cinematography: Martin Patmore, Stefan Thissen, and Jens Tukiendorf.
• Editor(s): Alan Lygo and Volkers Zielke.
• Production: BBC and Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR).
• Distributor(s): BBC (original airing).
• Original Network: BBC Two.
• Release Date: 19 October 1999.
• Running Time: 200 minutes (total running time).
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7jpOLytiZg