In the early hours of June 6th 1944 allied troops landed on the coast of northern France. Located directly opposite the Normandy beaches, Hampshire would become the main springboard for Operation Overlord, the code name for the invasion of occupied Europe. But in telling the story of Hampshire at War, this fascinating DVD goes right back to the start of hostilities, on a geographical journey around many locations throughout the county, all of which played a key role towards ultimate victory. As the biggest cities in the county, Southampton and Portsmouth are featured in great depth, not least because their strategic importance led to them being heavily bombed during the Blitz. The crucial industries of the area are given particular attention, especially shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing; Hampshire was very much the home of the Spitfire. You will also see how Gosport provided the Royal Navy with everything it needed from food to ammunition; visit some of the defences that were built in 1940 to protect the country from invasion; the part played by numerous airfields in the New Forest; the important contribution of Middle Wallop during the Battle of Britain and how Farnborough kept our aircraft technology ahead of the game. Written and presented by best-selling social historian Henry Buckton, the story is enhanced by superb archive photographs, film excerpts, maps and stunning modern location film. It benefits greatly from a diverse collection of interviewees, including Lt. Col. Alan Norman, who was wounded on Gold Beach as a young officer on D-Day. This is the compelling story of a county, and a country, fighting for survival. Running Time: 106 minutes Region: Region 2