Railways of the Great War (2014)

EndedDocumentary showWar, Travel, History

World War I was a railway war. Michael Portillo finds out how the railways helped to precipitate a mechanised war, shaped how it was fought, conveyed millions to the trenches and bore witness to its end. He takes to historic tracks to rediscover the locomotives and wagons of the war that was supposed to end all war and hears the stories of the gallant men and women who used them in life and in death.

Network

ScheduleMonday to Friday (daily) at 18:30 (30 min)

Last Episode

Season 1Episode 530 min

Railways and Remembrance

In this final episode, Michael explores the aftermath of this earth-shattering conflict. For four years, the railways had fed the front line with vast numbers of men, munitions and supplies. But even after the armistice had been signed in a railway carriage, the work of the railways was not done. As Britain continued to mourn its dead, the railways played an important part in their remembrance. Michael hears stories of railway war heroes and encounters a remarkable railway wagon used to honour them. He hears how the railways helped give birth to battlefield tourism, and in the cemeteries of Ypres he meets the great-grandchildren of some of the fallen.

Aug 8, 2014

Recent Episodes

Episode	Name	Airdate
S01E05	Railways and Remembrance	Aug 8, 2014
S01E04	On Track to Victory	Aug 7, 2014
S01E03	Keeping the War Moving	Aug 6, 2014
S01E02	Railways and Railwaymen Called to Action	Aug 5, 2014
S01E01	A Railway War Begins	Aug 4, 2014

View all episodes View all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions Warning: Spoilers

Railways of the Great War premiere?

The TV show 'Railways of the Great War' premiered on May 4, 2014.

Who narrated the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

Michael Portillo narrated the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'.

What was the main theme of the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

The main theme of the TV show 'Railways of the Great War' was the role of railways during the First World War.

How many episodes were in the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

There were five episodes in the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'.

What countries were involved in the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

The TV show 'Railways of the Great War' covered the railway systems and conflicts in Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria during the First World War.

What kind of railway systems were featured in the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

The TV show 'Railways of the Great War' featured a variety of railway systems, including narrow-gauge railways, light railways, and military railways.

How were the railways used during the First World War?

The railways were used to transport troops, supplies, and equipment during the First World War.

Who were some of the famous railway engineers featured in the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

Some of the famous railway engineers featured in the TV show 'Railways of the Great War' were James Stirling, John Aspinall, and Andr\u00e9 Chapelon.

What impact did railways have on the First World War?

Railways played a significant role in the outcome of the First World War. They helped to move troops and supplies more quickly and efficiently than ever before, providing a strategic advantage to those who controlled the railway systems.

Who produced the TV show 'Railways of the Great War'?

The TV show 'Railways of the Great War' was produced by Trans World International.

Cast

Michael Portillo

plays himself

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Characters

Presenter

played by Michael Portillo

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Also known as

Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo

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Railways of the Great War (2014)