A WW2 documentary that has been named as one of the top war documentaries is available on two streaming platforms. 13 Hours That Saved Britain covers the Battle of Britain – and is a moving tribute to the formidable might and ingenuity of the British Royal Air Force and its neighboring allies, as well as the civillians it affected.
The documentary’s synopsis reads: “This film explores the events of September 15th, 1940 – the day Churchill described as the ‘crux of the battle’. On a day now celebrated as Battle of Britain Day, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi war planes fought the British Royal Air Force. Dramatic color film footage of aerial combat combined with contemporary interviews show how events in World War 2, 70 years ago resonate through the generations.”
The war documentary was directed by Stephen Saunders and released in 2010. The cast includes Raymond Binks, Vera Lynn, Nicholas Parsons and Brian Sewell
The film features a lot of stunning archived footage and cinematic recreations, as well as interviews with dozens of eyewitness and pilots who fought on the frontline. The story is one of exceptional bravery and determination in the face of assured annihilation.
One reviewer was left in tears, with documentary buff Martin Hedington writing: “Absolutely fantastic, truly moving. Dampened my eyes a few times.”
Top Documentary Film said: “Perhaps the most revealing testimonies come from the witnesses – most of whom were young children during the war – who stood below and watched the events unfold with awe-stricken wonder. They might have observed the war through the detached lens of adolescence, but their memories are filtered through an adult understanding of horror and sacrifice.”
One IMDb reviewer wrote: “Short, to the point and effective. Very informative and involving, but feels slightly one-dimensional without at least some German interviewees.”
Another reviewer on Letterbox added: “Very interesting would definitely recommend if you like wartime history!!”
13 Hours That Saved Britain is available to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime.