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.

août 8, 2014

Recent Episodes

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

View all cast

Characters

Presenter

played by Michael Portillo

View all characters

Also known as

Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.

Running

The Librarians: The Next Chapter

The Librarians: The Next Chapter centers on Vikram Chamberlain, a "Librarian" from the past who time traveled from 1847 and now finds himself stuck in the present. When Vikram returns to his castle in Belgrade, Serbia and discovers that it is now a museum, he inadvertently releases magic across the continent. With the help of a new team of eclectic heroes, including a savant in world history, a scientific genius, and a highly skilled Guardian, Vikram has only six months to clean up the mess he made.

GenreAdventure, Fantasy

Upcoming

Washington Black

Washington Black follows George Washington "Wash" Black, an 11-year-old boy who must flee a life of slavery on a Barbados sugar plantation. The gregarious, larger-than-life Medwin Harris, who traveled the world after a traumatic childhood as a Black refugee in Nova Scotia, is the de facto Mayor of Black Halifax that prioritizes the community over everything except Washington Black, his young protégé. Meeting Wash sends him down a challenging path of self-discovery. And as the barricades around his heart start to fall, Medwin will learn to dream again.

GenreDrama

Running

LEGO Masters

Based on the hit British reality-competition series of the same name, LEGO Masters brings imagination, design and creativity to life when teams of LEGO enthusiasts go head-to-head, with infinite possibilities and an unlimited supply of LEGO bricks. Teams of two will compete against each other in ambitious brick-building challenges to be crowned the country's most talented amateur LEGO builders. In each episode, the competing pairs who most impress the judges will progress to the next round, until the finale, during which the top teams will face off for a cash prize, the ultimate LEGO trophy and the grand title of LEGO Masters.

* This is an affiliate link. If you click and purchase, we will receive a commission from the provider. This will not incur any additional costs for you and you will support our project. We thank you for your support!

Railways of the Great War (2014)