Western Approaches DVD

THE IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM OFFICIAL COLLECTION features rare and fascinating original films preserved in the Museum's vaults. Many have never been released on DVD before and are presented here, complete and uncut, for the very first time. These films are of great historical importance and are essential viewing for anyone interested in British Military history.

The merchant seamen who helped bring in vital supplies to a Britain under siege during World War Two performed one of the most daring and dangerous tasks of the war.

The battle of the Atlantic was merciless, and the Merchant Navy lost more men than any of the British armed forces.

In 1944, the Crown Film Unit set out to document the bravery of the merchant seamen and expose the harsh dangers faced by making 'Western Approaches'.

Generally regarded as one of the best British documentaries of the war, the film uses merchant seamen to re-enact their roles for the cameras and was shot in colour - unlike many films of the same era.

The storyline was both realistic and dramatic. Trying to run the gauntlet of U.Boat Wolf Packs on its way home from America to Britain, a merchant ship is torpedoed and sunk. The survivors take to a lifeboat and await rescue - unaware that the U-Boat which sank them is still lurking in the area, just waiting for the rescue boat to turn up...

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