After the fall of France during the Second World War, Britain became an isolated nation - dependent on the strength of it's coastal forces to keep the Axis powers at bay. The task to protect the small island nation fell on 2000 small, wooden boats to fight back against the enemy no matter the weather. But how successful were these forces, and why did they earn the nickname the 'Spitfires of the Seas'?
In todays episode, James is joined by archaeologist and historian Stephen Fisher, to help shine a light on this often overlooked subject. Looking at the origins of these vital boats from both World Wars, through to their repurposed lives now - what do we know about the Spitfires of the Sea?
For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.
If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - enter promo code WARFARE for a free trial, plus 50% off your first three months' subscription
WW1 & The Rise of Ghosts
Irish Revolution
Inside the JFK White House
Conscientious Objection in WW2
Mussolini's Rise & Fall
Origins of WW1: Beyond the Archduke
WW2: Battle of El Alamein
Iranian Revolution
Tactical Nuclear Weapons
Blitzkrieg: How Britain Invented, Then Ignored It
Origins of Modern Iran
First Indochina War: Dien Bien Phu
Battle of Midway
Oil & War
Escape from Colditz with Ben Macintyre
Pirates of the American Revolution
WW2: The Moro Warriors
Patton: America's Greatest General?
War Crimes
WW2: The Forgotten Blitz
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dan Snow’s History Hit
The Ancients
How and Why History
Historical Fiction
Darius Arya Digs