Dig WW2 - BBC NI Version

Discussion in 'Books, Films, TV, Radio' started by Paul Reed, May 7, 2012.

  1. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    Watched part of it last night - really good and informative stuff. Thus far, Dan has visited RAF Limavady and also a bog in Donegal where the remains of a Spitfire have been unearthed. Havent finished watching it but really looking forward to seeing the rest of it.
     
  2. Goodygixxer

    Goodygixxer Senior Member

    Starting now on 'yesterday' channel, will be shown on yesterday +1 at 9pm as well
     
  3. TomTAS

    TomTAS Very Senior Member

    Hi Paul,

    Just watched the first one what a great show that is, always like War TV with Dan Snow...
     
  4. Jeanh

    Jeanh Junior Member

    I believe that a "Canadianised" version of the series is going out in Canada later this year. While doing the book I met the son of a Canadian featured in the 'Northern Ireland' version, and and as a result of documents that I sent him from the Nat Archives over here, I was contacted by a Canadian TV company wanting all the background on the father as prep for an interview with the son. The rumour was that the series would go out in the autumn. If I can find out any more about this version i will post it.

    Gerry

    any chance of a copy to be played in Canada ....? if so - can you arrange a copy for me ..?....let me know about costs etc

    Cheers
    Tom
     
  5. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Yes there will be a Canadian version, but it is still in the edit and no transmission date has been announced as yet.
     
  6. geoff501

    geoff501 Achtung Feind hört mit

    Just watched the first episode on iplayer. Excellent program.

    (overseas folk may be able to use expatshield.com to view)
     
  7. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    It is a few years since I have been to Limavady airfield, it was then largely intact and much as it had been left.
    Industry was creeping on to the site and the T Shed ( 15 years ago) was full of junk and rusting metal. A fuel bowser was parked beside it , much neglected but one which could have been worked on , probably gone now.
    The Ops building was flooded in it its lower levels but was still worth visiting, the done trainer was as seen and in anearby building some acrtoon work could still be seen on the walls, a MkIII Gremlin ( which got into anything which didn't work) and a winged flying boot.

    I pondered the preservation order on the dome which is a good thing and reflected how a farmer in Fermanagh acted to destroy the defense structures around St. Angelo before a similar order could be placed on them.

    The dig in Donegal was amazing and all credit to the folks who took part. :)
    Looking forward to Monday night for part II.
     
  8. ww2ni

    ww2ni Senior Member

    Regarding the Winged Flying Boot - It has the lettering "RAFF" but what does this mean?? I guess it is Royal Air Force Fitters but I am not sure.
     
  9. RJL

    RJL Senior Member

    Regarding the Winged Flying Boot - It has the lettering "RAFF" but what does this mean?? I guess it is Royal Air Force Fitters but I am not sure.

    Don't know ww2ni. Here's another guess. One time I was up in Limavady taking photos in Drumachose CoI Church yard. One of the casualties was Captain FA Matson. Royal Air Force Ferry Command of Milwaukee USA. Ok, so it's RAFFC but might still connect?

    CWGC - Casualty Details
     
  10. Swiper

    Swiper Resident Sospan

    Just been watching it (still not finished it) great footage of 5th Div chaps using (I believe) 25mm Hotchkiss anti-tank guns? Its '46' unit, so not sure what that is as I've misplaced my numbering reference sheet...
     
  11. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Final Episode tonight at 21.00.

    This includes a Juno Beach and Brecourt Manor dig, as well as NI related material.
     
  12. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    Just watched the last episode. Great programme. Well done to everyone.
    (especially Dan Snow;))

    Lesley
     
  13. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    Yes , enjoyed that last one and was delighted to see my late father's old friend and "shipmate" Tex Basely.
    We were over the Foyle bridge yesterday and a look down stream towards Lisahally and the old decaying piers is almost a step back in time.
     
  14. ww2ni

    ww2ni Senior Member

    Excellent series.
     
  15. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    I thought that the series is/was excellent - each episode had such a varied set of stories, so kept a steady pace, and focussed on each strand until the segment ended. A lesson for other productions that flit between the stories as though our attention span is less than 2-3 minutes.

    Clearly it helps to have 3 hours to play with - good work, and thanks to all those who were involved.
     
    James S likes this.
  16. James S

    James S Very Senior Member

    The programme gives a good insight into one region, the same activity was duplicated all over the UK .
    Yesterday in the Cof I church yard I was talking to a gent who was a major ( Second in Command) of the 5th battalion before they were disbanded in 2000 - he showed me some memorials which had been relocated to the Churchyard when the base closed, and in the course of conversation WW2 Dig was mentioned and another gent joined in the conversation saying that much that was said about the airfield at Limavady he did not know.eg the dome trainer.
    The location of a "Decoy airfield was made known and the loss of several Wellingtons on the high ground which overlooked the field.

    That morning I had no plans to be in Ballykelly, and the meeting and conversations which resulted are a good example of how information becomes known and is shared , a good start to weeks leave. ( Having done a few emails and telephone calls earlier in the morning .)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  17. RJL

    RJL Senior Member

    I really enjoyed the series. A big well done to everyone who helped pull it all together.
     
  18. martinedwards

    martinedwards Member

    Hi folks tagging on the back of this.....

    if any of you good folks have the programme on DVD (or have incredible memories of course) I'd love to contact the navy Bloke who sailed out of Derry on either Corvettes or destroyers.....

    He's from Newtownards where I grew up.

    I'm researching my Grandfather and his part in the War in Corvettes & Depot ships so speaking to someone who was (a) there and (b) still alive and lucid would be a great help to get the atmosphere of the time.

    I'm not asking for a phone number, just a name.... though if anyone HAD the number........

    Thanks!
     
  19. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    Martin, to ease finding the story again, can you remember what episode? Thanks
     
  20. martinedwards

    martinedwards Member

    it was early.

    I THINK it was the first episode.

    though it might have been the second.

    nearly sure it wasn't the third.....

    although, now you mention it........

    no, I THINK I'm nearly sure it was probably the first.
     

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