Riding Britain's Railways

Host Dan Cruickshank follows the work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the brilliant engineer of great originality who designed the Great Western Railway and the first transatlantic steamer. The magnificent steam locomotives of the Great Western Railway were a combination of elegance and raw power.

In this episode, our story focuses on the railways on the frontline - moving troops to the front, rescuing them when they retreated, evacuating civilians, suffering nightly bombardment during the Blitz and playing a vital role in the build up to D-Day. Dan explores the work and heroism of the railway men and women as well as exploring the vital technology and engineering that kept the railways running during this turbulent historical period. Dan's journey starts on the line to Dover.