World War II: Final Days

Network:Smithsonian Channel

History War

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S01E02 - "Part 2"

Aired on May 12, 2014, 4:00 PM

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Description

As the deadliest war in history draws to an end, the bloodshed is far from over. For ten soldiers and civilians caught in this theatre of war's final act, the last days of World War II would change their lives forever. Witness the stories of the courageous men and women whose sacrifice and survival, triumph and tragedy provide unique insight into some of the most terrifying days in history. Their firsthand accounts will take you into Hitler's Bunker, to the scene of Mussolini's capture and murder, and to the horrific discovery of the Nazi's most ghastly secret.

Details

Status: Ended
Language: English
Runtime: 60 min
Premiered: May 11, 2014
Ended: May 12, 2014
Schedule: Monday, Sunday at 12:00 AM

External Links

Episodes (1 Season · 2 Episodes)

Part 1

It's the waning days of World War II. Hitler, losing the war and his mind, has holed up in a bunker. Fifty feet above him, the Soviet Bear is at Berlin's door and knocking hard. While Allied forces crush Nazi Germany, the lives of ten people in Berlin, Holland, the Baltic and Italy are being forever shaped by the chaos and devastation around them. One will capture a city. One will hide for her life. One will try to bring relief to a starving nation. One will stumble upon the Third Reich's greatest atrocity. Hear all of their stories - firsthand.

May 11, 2014

60 min

Part 2

A battle-weary paratrooper stumbles upon a ghastly Nazi secret. An Australian Air Force Lt. goes on what is either a flight of mercy, or a suicide mission. A Canadian Officer sneaks past enemy lines to save thousands of starving people. It's the end of World War II. Mussolini and Hitler are dead, but the stakes are still high for 10 soldiers and civilians. Hear their stories firsthand and learn the political positioning that factored into Germany's surrender, and determined the shape of Europe for generations to come.

May 12, 2014

60 min