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
Winston Churchill: From Failures to Finest Hour
Rethinking the Second World War
The French in Vietnam
Germany & The USSR: Secret Interwar Allies
The British Way of War
200 Years of British-Russian Relations
Putin's Rise to Power
Who Are Boko Haram?
How the British Prepared for Nuclear War
Crisis in Ukraine: Urban Warfare
WW1: Airpower Over Gallipoli
Fighting For Another Country
The Guinea Pig Club: Plastic Surgery & WW2
Fighting With Pride: Lifting the Armed Forces' Gay Ban
Crisis in Ukraine: Putin & NATO
The Fall of the Soviet Union
The Boy Who Fought for the Nazis
Crisis in Ukraine: Reporting the 2014 Revolution
Hitler's Atlantic Wall
The Last Emperor of Mexico
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dan Snow’s History Hit
The Ancients
How and Why History
Historical Fiction
Darius Arya Digs