Battle of Britain Double DVD Box Set – Containing First Light (BBC1) and The Battle of Britain (BBC1 Ewan McGregor) DVD – Jordan Bernarde , Paul Tinto

Double bill of programmes about the Battle of Britain. Documentary ‘The Battle of Britain’ (2010) is presented by Ewan McGregor and his brother, Colin. The brothers fly vintage planes, meet the few veterans still alive today and discover the strategies of the battle which took place in 1940. Made-for-TV documentary drama ‘First Light’ (2010) is based on the life of British fighter pilot Geoffrey Wellum (Sam Heughan). As a teenager, Geoffrey became a member of the RAF’s No. 92 Squadron and piloted a Spitfire, despite the fact he had had no previous flying experience. He was awarded a medal for his role in the fight against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain but later suffered from a breakdown, caused by the loss of so many of his friends. Overcoming his depression, he survived through the trials of war and lived to tell his tale. The film includes footage of the real Geoffrey Wellum giving a first-hand account of his experiences.

The Battle Of Britain: There are few occasions in history when we can say that the actions of a few changed the destiny – not just of a country – but of the world. The Battle of Britain is one of those moments. To mark the Anniversary of the Battle of Britain arguably the most important event in modern British history brothers Colin and Ewan McGregor present a ninety minute special for BBC1 leading us through the timeline of events during the height of the Battle. Colin is an R.A.F veteran of twenty years’ service – Ewan a hero of the big screen and fledgling pilot himself. Together they take us on a journey to honour the heroes of 1940 both on the ground and in the air bringing the story of the Battle of Britain to a new generation. They will take to the skies over Southern England as Spitfires and Hurricanes once again fly over the White Cliffs of Dover. They discover the legacy of the Battle and reveal the inspiring personal stories of the few who were there and those still with us today. Using great aerial footage mixed with impressive historical archive film material this is truly the definitive programme on the Battle of Britain. First Light: Thrown into the crucible of the most violent air war ever seen a boy barely out of school is determined to fight for survival… Seventy years later that same boy is still yearning to be free. At the age of nineteen Geoffrey ‘Boy’ Wellum was the youngest Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain. This is the dramatic story of the teenager who went to war with the Nazis and with the fear that threatened to engulf him… Combining Geoffrey Wellum’s compelling first person testimony with intensely evocative action on the ground and in the air First Light is a powerful drama that documents the universal stark horror experienced by those involved in battle.