Channel 5 Orders The Secret History of World War II from Woodcut Media

Woodcut Media has secured a commission for the documentary series The Secret History of World War II from Channel 5 in the U.K.

Filming is already underway on the six-part series, which unearths some incredible stories, homing in on key events that took place during World War II. It will cover the evacuation of Dunkirk, the devastating Exercise Tiger D-Day practice run, the heroics of U.S. sailors such as Dorie Miller, the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for his bravery during Pearl Harbor, the Germans who assumed fake British identities to fight against their own countrymen during Operation Market Garden and the pilots who flew for the RAF during the Battle of Britain. The doc will feature firsthand accounts, re-creations and expert interviews.

Distributed by Red Arrow Studios International, The Secret History of World War II has already been pre-sold to HISTOIRE TV in France.

Cherry Yeandle, senior manager for acquisitions and co-productions at Channel 5, said: “We know that World War II really resonates with our audience and I am very excited to be bringing some of the untold stories to screen.”

Kate Beal, CEO of Woodcut Media, said: “We are delighted to have secured our first Channel 5 commission. This exceptional series has really dug deep to find a selection of unique untold stories in order to provide viewers with a captivating and somewhat alternative way of documenting some of the unfolding events of World War II.”

Alex Fraser, executive VP of acquisitions and content investment at Red Arrow Studios International, added: “The Second World War represents an extraordinary period of conflict and it remains a source of never-ending fascination for viewers around the world. But just when you thought every tale had been told, Woodcut Media has uncovered a host of fascinating stories that until now have been hidden in the shadows.”