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Wednesday 24 Sep 2014

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The Battle Of Britain Season – introduction

First Light

To mark the 70th anniversary of The Battle of Britain and to bring the nation together in a moment of remembrance, the 91Èȱ¬ is airing a landmark pan 91Èȱ¬ season of programmes, The Battle Of Britain Season.

From memorial events, to fascinating documentaries and thought-provoking drama, this 91Èȱ¬ season will shine a light on this dramatic turning point in the history of the Second World War and a defining moment in World history.

Martin Davidson, Commissioning Editor, History and Business, says: "There are few occasions in history when the actions of a few changed the destiny – not just of a country – but of the world. The Battle of Britain is one of those moments and this season will hopefully unite us all in a moment of important remembrance.

"From Ewan and Colin's experiences in the Real Battle of Britain, to the 91Èȱ¬ Two drama First Light and a wide range of thought-provoking documentaries and multiplatform content, the season offers viewers a fascinating and accessible insight into the World War Two air campaign. With something for everyone, I hope the season will bring the Battle of Britain to life for a modern audience."

The season launches on 91Èȱ¬ Two with First Light, an intimate drama-documentary that tells the extraordinary story of nineteen year-old Geoffrey Wellum – one of the youngest pilots to participate in the battle. Now aged 89, the film is based on Geoffrey's personal and deeply moving memoirs and delivers a compelling testimony of his wartime experiences.

On 91Èȱ¬ One, Ewan McGregor and his RAF pilot brother, Colin McGregor, embark on a personal journey to find out what it was like to live and fight through the most significant air battle in British history. The one-off documentary, The Battle Of Britain, will see the brothers flying across the skies of England, exploring the technology, tactics and strategy that led to victory.

Other programmes include: Battle Of Britain: The Real Story – writer and historian James Holland presents a striking new analysis of the battle – and a Culture Show special explores the extraordinary and diverse works of art that came out of the darkness of the Second World War.

Meanwhile, Spitfire Women and Wellington Bomber reveal untold stories and personal testimonies from the courageous men and women, on the ground and in the air, who fought to protect the nation.

91Èȱ¬ online also takes audiences back to the time that has become known as Britain's finest hour. The Battle Of Britain Season online heralds a renewed focus for the 91Èȱ¬ History site, which will feature a wealth of content with exclusive clips from the 91Èȱ¬ television and radio archive, specially commissioned features, engaging insights from well-known historians and incredible photographs from the time.

The Battle of Britain online collection is available now on the site.

History on 91Èȱ¬ Television

The 91Èȱ¬ is committed to providing a broad range of compelling history content across all channels and platforms. 91Èȱ¬ history programmes are known for their thought-provoking themes, meticulous research and expert contributors. Recent successes like The Normans and History Cold Case demonstrate the 91Èȱ¬'s continued investment in developing the genre. Audiences can continue their journey with 91Èȱ¬ history by visiting bbc.co.uk/history.

CD4

Information for viewers

More content about the Battle Of Britain Season will be published, as transmission approaches, on:

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