World War II

Touring World War II landmarks in Britain

A collection of terrific visits that illuminate and inspire, and bring World War II to us today.

The World War II codebreakers of Bletchley Park

The teams of men and women at Eastcote, Britain’s code-breaking center, who were vital in saving Western civilization during WWI.

A World War II survivor recalls the London Blitz

Joan McKenzie, a survivor, recalls World War II's Hitler's V-weapon offensive during the Blitz.

Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill's unlikely friendship

The pair who ruled during World War II enjoyed a deep and enduring friendship despite their differences.

On This Day: Winston Church became Prime Minister in 1940

On May 10, 1940, Winston Churchill, the British leader who guided Great Britain through the crisis of World War II, became Prime Minister.

What you need to know about VE Day

Victory in Europe Day (known as VE Day), May 8, celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces.

King George VI's historic and moving VE Day speech

On May 8, 1945, King George VI delivered a victory speech celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in World War II.

Winston Churchill's VE Day speech

Have you seen this amazing clip?

WATCH: "Queen at War" shows how World War II shaped Queen Elizabeth II

A PBS documentary show's how the people and Queen Elizabeth lived through World War II.

The night 76 allied soldiers escaped from a German POW camp during WWII

Sadly only three of the men survived, however, the group of British and Allied airmen's story of bravery and ingenuity is unparalleled.

The hunt for World War II's Bismarck

Germans abandoning their mission to attack British shipping were intercepted, and a showdown began between the British Home Fleet and Bismarck, the German navy's most powerful warship.

Time travel with a visit at William Straw's house

Mr. Straw's House, 7 Blyth Grove, in Worksop, a treasure chest of fascinating 1920s objects, fashions, and memories from inter-war Britain.

On This Day: Dame Vera Lynn was born in 1917, in London

The beloved singer, Dame Vera Lynn, was best known for her work during World War II, when she kept spirits high with her wistful songs.

Great British heroes: Vera Lynn - "The Forces Sweetheart"

In the bleak years of World War II, Vera Lynn’s songs captured the spirit of their times and charged the morale of British servicemen everywhere.

The day Buckingham Palace was bombed during WWII

Friday 13th, a day that sends shivers down everyone's spine, and is known for bringing bad luck. Even to the Royal Family and never more so than during World War II, in 1940.

World War II British spy centre's rare 11-minute home movie

Bletchley Park, the British Spy Center of the Second World War, released rare silent footage of the MI6 staff members from the code-breaking facility.

Winston Churchill gives his famous speech "The Few" in the House of Commons

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."

Roosevelt and Churchill's 1941 Christmas speech during WWII

When Winston Churchill went to Washington following Pearl Harbour, the world took notice.

Last surviving pilot of Battle of Britain against Nazis honored at Irish Veterans Day celebrations

The Irish Air Corps celebrated a special centenary Veterans Day in Dublin and paid tribute to Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of France and Battle of Britain pilot.