WW2 Luftwaffe Ace Flies RAF Spitfire For the First Time

How has the sniper rifle evolved over the last 100 years? It's time to find out! Luke Tomes returns to the Royal Armouries to fire some of the most iconic British sniper rifles of the last 100 years. As always, he is joined by Keeper of Firearms & Artillery, Jonathan Ferguson, who talks him through the history, design and development of each rifle, showcasing how British military sniping has evolved from the battlefields of the Second World War to the modern era. First up is the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I (T), the dedicated sniper variant of the British Lee-Enfield rifle developed during the Second World War. Chambered in .303 British, the No. 4 Mk. I (T) was selected for its accuracy and fitted with a telescopic sight, transforming the already proven Lee-Enfield into a specialist precision weapon. Used extensively by British and Commonwealth forces, it combined the fast, smooth action of the Lee-Enfield with the precision required for long-range shooting. It established a foundation for British military sniping that would influence specialist rifles for decades to come. Second is

Brutal Battles of WW1 & WW2 told by one German Solider. German Soldier’s letters and dairies reveal what life was really like for men fighting in the trenches on the frontline in the First World War. Published for the first time in this feature documentary, Wilhelm's letters and photos have been entrusted to History Hit by his family. Born in central Germany in 1888. Wilhelm studied to become a teacher, but like so many of his generation, was called to serve in the First World War. From 1914 to 1918 he saw action on the western front, where he experienced the horrors of trench warfare and endured the loss of some of his closest friends. Unlike many of his comrades, Wilhelm survived the war but returned to a defeated nation in the grips of political turmoil Wilhelm would play no part in the violent political battles of the early 1920s and instead would return to the classroom - but the coming of the great depression and the rise to power of the Nazis - would alter the course of his

Hero in war. Villain in peace? Historian Kevin Ruane answers your questions about Winston Churchill, the two-time Prime Minister celebrated for leading Britain through the Second World War, yet still one of the most controversial figures in modern British history. You can now become a History Hit member right here on the original video platform! Join for access to a new exclusive documentary every week, and access to over 160+ of our documentaries presented by world-renowned historians like Dan Snow, Eleanor Janega, Tristan Hughes, Mary Beard, Matt Lewis and more.

Ever wondered how we went from flying small wooden machines, to supersonic jets taking off vertically in the space of less than 70 years? Luke Tomes travels to Brooklands Museum in Surrey, one of Britain’s first operating aerodromes and home to one of the oldest and largest aircraft factories, to find out just how this evolution was possible. Luke explores the pioneers that were able to break the boundaries of what was imaginable, the ingenious designs they developed and implemented and what role this site played in the remarkable era of aviation. As well as seeing some twentieth-century defining aircraft along the way, he'll be given a private tour of one of the most spectacular planes to have ever graced the skies, Concorde, with former Chief pilot of British Airways' Concorde Fleet, Mike Bannister, before getting in the cockpit myself to see if he can cut it as a commercial pilot. Make sure to come and check out Brooklands Museum the home of British motorsport and aviation. They host many events and activities throughout the year to celebrate Brooklands incredible

This is an extraordinary story of the most disturbing witch trial in British history and the key role played in it by one nine-year-old girl. Jennet Device, a beggar-girl from Pendle in Lancashire, was the star witness in 1612 in the trial of her own mother, her brother, her sister and many of her neighbours; thanks to her chilling testimony, they were all hanged.

Experience the harrowing reality of a WW2 bombing mission over Germany with the crew of the "Memphis Belle." From tense take offs to fierce flak and fighter attacks, witness their courage and teamwork as they fight to reach their target and return home. This glimpse into the air war showcases the dedication and sacrifice of these brave airmen. War Stories is your one-stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts.