Countdown to War

War is imminent. Hitler's Nazi forces are mobilizing. Britain could soon be under attack. How will the British public react as the Second World War looms? BBC Select presents this innovative history documentary which looks at the days before war was officially declared. Panic sets in as Britain faces a conflict it is ill-prepared for. How could the country ready itself for war with the Nazis?

Hitler's forces have been in Poland for more than 24 hours. War is now unavoidable and anxiety builds for politicians, the military, and civilians across Britain. Hospitals are emptied of patients, vehicles are requisitioned and, of course, Britain's precious tea supplies are moved to a safe location.

The clock is ticking. An ultimatum has been made. If Hitler does not respond, war will be declared. Almost immediately, air-raid sirens wailed and the soon the first British casualties were recorded. Ordinary Brits realized that a long, brutal conflict was upon them.