Original subtitles

[MUSIC]

[CROWS CAWING]

[INTENSE MUSIC]

[THUDS]

Come on! We are going to battle!

[MUSIC]

Remember son, be brave and fight well for Belgium.

[MUSIC]

Your Majesty, this is the message that I need you to see.

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC BUILDS UP]

It’s 1914.

War is raging in Europe.

Early on in the conflict the King of Belgium, Albert I

refused to allow the Germans passage through the country

in order to attack France...

The Germans responded by invading Belgium.

The King stood shoulder to shoulder

with his men at the front.

Even his son, Prince Leopold,

enlisted at the age of 12 as a private to fight for Belgium.

When Albert took command of the Belgium forces

he held off the Germans

buying essential time for the French and the British...

But the price was severe.

Repeatedly pushed back, the remaining army are exhausted,

with minimal ammunition

and weapons that have seen better days.

Now, in October 1914,

the Belgians have lost 95% of their land

and are just hanging on to a tiny strip

near the North Sea near the Yser River.

Unable to dig in as the water level is so high,

the defenders are demoralised and pushed back from the river.

By the 26th of October,

the battered Belgians consider withdrawal.

But King Albert refuses.

He knows a fateful decision has to be made.

If the Belgian’s can't have this land, then no one can.

On me, men!

♪ We’re keeping the kingdom free ♪

♪ As an archduke falls ♪ ♪ and the battle horn calls ♪

♪ our lives would never ♪ ♪ be the same ♪

♪ We were looking down ♪ ♪ the barrel of a gun ♪

♪ Now the war has come ♪ ♪ and the battle’s begun ♪

♪ we are desperate and overrun ♪

♪ To the war drum we’ll be ♪ ♪ marching until it’s done ♪

♪ Lead the way, we will ♪ ♪ follow into the fray ♪

♪ We will hold the line ♪ ♪ we will not be led astray ♪

♪ For king and for country we, ♪ ♪ are flooding the river ♪

♪ Our stand at Yser will be, ♪ ♪ the end of the race to the sea ♪

♪ The last piece of Belgium’s ♪ ♪ free, we’re keeping a sliver ♪

♪ A cog in the war machine, ♪ ♪ October of 1914 ♪

♪ As our foe draws forth we ♪ ♪ are moving on north ♪

♪ we will never let ♪ ♪ them have it all ♪

♪ There’s a price for freedom ♪ ♪ paid by Belgium’s sons ♪

♪ They may take our towns, ♪ ♪ they may conquer our grounds ♪

♪ we’ll defend the nation ♪ ♪ and the crown ♪

♪ We’ll uphold our independence ♪ ♪ with our guns ♪

♪ All the way, on to triumph ♪ ♪ or to judgement day ♪

I’ve got you son, don’t worry.

♪ For king and for country we, ♪ ♪ are flooding the river ♪

♪ Our stand at Yser will be, ♪ ♪ the end of the race to the sea ♪

♪ The last piece of Belgium’s free, ♪ ♪ we’re keeping a sliver ♪

♪ A cog in the war machine, October of 1914 ♪

[MUSIC]

We are beaten!

Flood it all!

No, it’s a terrible idea.

Flood it all.

[MUSIC]

♪ See a king and a soldier, ♪

“Go on, man!”

“Yes, sir!”

♪ See a king and a soldier, ♪

♪ fighting shoulder to shoulder ♪

♪ He overruled his commanders, ♪

♪ he made a last stand in Flanders ♪

♪ We see our king and a soldier, ♪

♪ they’re fighting shoulder to shoulder ♪

♪ To keep the last piece ♪ ♪ of Belgium free ♪

♪ All the way, on to triumph ♪ ♪ or to judgement day ♪

♪ We will follow and we ♪ ♪ will not be led astray ♪

♪ For king and for country ♪ ♪ we are flooding the river ♪

♪ Our stand at Yser will be, ♪ ♪ the end of the race to the sea ♪

♪ The last piece of Belgium’s free, ♪ ♪ we’re keeping a sliver ♪

♪ A cog in the war machine, October of 1914 ♪

♪ For king and for country ♪ ♪ we are flooding the river ♪

♪ Our stand at Yser will be, ♪ ♪ the end of the race to the sea ♪

♪ We’re free ♪

♪ For king and for country ♪ ♪ we are flooding the river ♪

♪ No more of our country lost, the ♪ ♪ line will be held at all cost ♪

With the King's decision to flood the front lines,

they now sit under water over 2 km wide.

The Germans were forced to withdraw.

The fight to keep the last piece of Belgium free

was successful, but came at great cost,

but from now on,

the line along the Yser River is held by the Belgians.

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC]

[GUNSHOT]

[MISSLE FIRES]

[MISSILE FIRES]

[EXPLOSION]

[TRAIN HONKING]

In November 1914,

Austro-Hungarian troops invaded Serbia.

They have reached the Kolubara River.

The elite Serbian Iron Regiment are one of many

valiantly defending their homeland

from the foreign invaders.

The Iron Regiments assault

bomber squad of shock attack troops,

has a commander that’s tough,

battle-hardened and a fierce fighter.

Milunka Savić, a woman in a man's uniform

has proven again and again her bravery and determination.

Her expertise with grenades makes her a match for any man

and she is both feared and respected.

The Serbs are outnumbered and overwhelmed

and despite the pleas from her comrades

she decides to cross no man’s land.

Armed with a rifle and three bandoliers of grenades

she is determined to take the fight to the enemy.

[MUSIC]

♪ Who shall be remembered, ♪ ♪ In the ancient house of war? ♪

♪ All the medals, all those stories, ♪ ♪ In the alley of the greats ♪

♪ Celebrated hero, who has ♪ ♪ wandered through the dark ♪

♪ She stand before you, all ♪ ♪ that metal shining bright ♪

♪ Lost in time, ♪ ♪ returning to the light ♪

I got him! He’s down!

♪ this lady fights for life ♪

♪ So sister ♪

♪ Raise your hand, ♪

Grenade!

♪ Soldier with no will to kill, ♪ ♪ with a philanthropic heart ♪

♪ Forever break the norm, ♪ ♪ She’s the girl in uniform ♪

♪ Fighting side by side with men, ♪ ♪ she will fight until the end ♪

♪ Lied to be respected, and ♪ ♪ to change her brother’s fate ♪

♪ Took a bullet, earned her freedom, ♪ ♪ and a place among the stars ♪

♪ Served the Iron squadron, ♪ ♪ served the toughest of them all ♪

- Stay down!

♪ No fear of dying, ♪ ♪ for the frontline she was born ♪

♪ Sacrifice, she took ♪ ♪ her brother’s place ♪

♪ War to war, a place ♪ ♪ where she belongs... ♪

For Serbia!

♪ So brother ♪

♪ Raise your hand, ♪ ♪ For the lady of the dark ♪

♪ Soldier with no will to kill, ♪ ♪ with a philanthropic heart ♪

♪ Forever break the norm, ♪ ♪ She’s the girl in uniform ♪

♪ Fighting side by side with men, ♪ ♪ she will fight until the end ♪

[MUSIC]

♪ Don’t fear the reaper, ♪ ♪ don’t fear the war ♪

♪ She spared the life of brothers ♪

♪ She’ll fight for honour ♪

♪ She’ll fight for life ♪

♪ A lady goes to war ♪

For Serbia!

♪ Raise your hand, ♪ ♪ For the lady of the dark ♪

♪ Raise your hand, ♪ ♪ For the lady of the dark ♪

♪ Soldier with no will to kill, ♪ ♪ with a philanthropic heart ♪

♪ Forever break the norm, ♪ ♪ She’s the girl in uniform ♪

♪ Fighting side by side with men, ♪ ♪ she will fight until the end ♪

The Serbs drove the Austrians from their land.

For single-handedly taking an Austrian trench

and capturing 20 of the enemy,

as well as taking out multiple machine gun nests

from a great distance,

she was given the name “The Bomber of Kolubara”,

and awarded the Karađorđe Star with Swords,

the highest military honor of the Kingdom of Serbia.

After recovering from her injuries,

she continued her incredible military career

of which this was just the opening chapter.

Hm, what do we have here?

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

Here, take this to the front line!

Hey, this is from the Serbian front!

[MUSIC]

[EXPLOSION]

[GUNSHOTS]

Fire!

It's Christmas. -Yes, merry Christmas.

Silent night, holy night, everything is asleep...

Silent night, holy night...

I miss my wife.

♪ Silence ♪

♪ Oh, I remember the silence ♪

♪ On a cold winter day ♪

♪ After many months ♪ ♪ on the battlefield ♪

♪ And we were used to the violence ♪

♪ Then all the cannons went silent ♪

♪ And the snow fell ♪

♪ Voices sang to me ♪ ♪ from no man’s land ♪

♪ We are all, we are all, ♪ ♪ we are all, we are all friends ♪

♪ And today we’re all brothers ♪

Stop!

♪ Tonight we’re all friends ♪

♪ A moment of peace in ♪ ♪ a war that never ends ♪

♪ Today we’re all brothers ♪

♪ We drink and unite ♪

♪ Now Christmas has arrived and ♪ ♪ the snow turns the ground white ♪

♪ Hear carols from the trenches, ♪ ♪ we sing O holy night ♪

♪ Our guns laid to rest ♪ ♪ among snowflakes ♪

♪ A Christmas in the trenches, ♪

♪ a Christmas on the ♪ ♪ front far from home ♪

♪ Madness ♪

♪ Oh I remember the sadness ♪

♪ We were hiding our tears ♪

♪ In a foreign land where ♪ ♪ we faced our fears ♪

♪ We were soldiers ♪

♪ Carried the war on our shoulders ♪

♪ For our nations ♪

♪ Is that why we bury our friends? ♪

♪ We were all, we were all, ♪ ♪ we were all, we were all friends ♪

♪ And today we’re all brothers ♪

♪ Tonight we’re all friends ♪

♪ A moment of peace in ♪ ♪ a war that never ends ♪

♪ Today we’re all brothers ♪

♪ We drink and unite ♪

♪ Now Christmas has arrived and ♪ ♪ the snow turns the ground white ♪

♪ Hear carols from the trenches, ♪ ♪ we sing O holy night ♪

♪ Our guns laid to rest ♪ ♪ among snowflakes ♪

♪ A Christmas in the trenches, ♪

♪ a Christmas on the front far from home ♪

[MUSIC]

Cheers mate! Don’t mind if I do.

Adolph!

[MUSIC]

Sir! Sir! The men, they're fraternising with the enemy!

♪ We are all, we are all, ♪ ♪ we are all, we are all friends ♪

♪ And today we’re all brothers ♪

♪ Tonight we’re all friends ♪

♪ A moment of peace in a ♪ ♪ war that never ends ♪

Hey, we’ve got to capture this moment!

♪ and the snow turns ♪ ♪ the ground white ♪

♪ A Christmas on the frontline, ♪

♪ we walk among our friends, ♪ ♪ we don’t think ♪

♪ about tomorrow, ♪ ♪ the battle will commence ♪

♪ When we celebrated Christmas, ♪

♪ we thought about ♪ ♪ our friends, those who ♪

♪ never made it home, ♪ ♪ when the battle had commenced ♪

[MUSIC FADES]

Fire!

Fire!

[EXPLOSION]

[EXPLOSIONS]

[EXPLOSIONS]

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

[MUSIC FADES]

The truce quickly ended never to be repeated

and the war continued on with ferocity never seen before.

As winter turned to spring,

the memories of the Christmas truce melted along with the snow.

With the arrival of March 1915

came new battles that were fought using

the old tactics of war.

Long lines of men going over the top

and making their way across no man's land...

Only to be cut down by the devastating

fire of weapons of the modern age.

The old generals know something isn't working

but still they persist with the "traditional ways".

The tried and tested ways versus industrial warfare

on a level never seen before...

The price of this mismatch of tactics

versus technology is the lives of the men they command.

Isn't there a better way than the slow lumbering

cannon fodder that they have become?

Some German officers and NCOs start experimenting.

Modern tactics against modern weapons.

Small groups of men well-trained in close range weapons.

Men that could open holes in the enemy's defences

and surge through.

Fast men.

Tough men.

That would strike shock and fear

into the hearts of the defenders.

The name of the unit?

Sturmabteilung.

But they would become known by a far more feared name.

Sturmtruppen.

Stormtroopers.

[MUSIC]

♪ Now there’s a standstill ♪ ♪ in the war, ♪

♪ repeating what’s been done before ♪

♪ It must come to an end, ♪ ♪ a few will transcend ♪

♪ They were under twenty five, ♪

♪ and under fire they would thrive ♪

♪ The Sturmmann is born, ♪ ♪ their enemies scorn ♪

♪ A glimpse of the future, ♪ ♪ new tactics in war ♪

♪ New doctrine in combat explored ♪

♪ As fast as lightning, ♪ ♪ there’s no time to mourn ♪

♪ A glimpse of the future ♪ ♪ and Blitzkrieg is born ♪

♪ Strike at zero hour ♪

♪ With overwhelming firepower ♪

♪ They’re fueled by the fear ♪ ♪ in their enemies’ eyes ♪

♪ It’s a Shock Troop infiltration ♪

♪ A fast and violent escalation ♪

♪ Out of the trenches ♪ ♪ the stormtroopers rise ♪

♪ Jägers led the way, the pioneers ♪ ♪ would join the fray ♪

♪ Initiative gained, ♪ ♪ advancement sustained ♪

♪ Lead through direct command, ♪

♪ as they’re advancing ♪ ♪ through the land ♪

♪ Encircling their flanks, ♪ ♪ and ravage their ranks ♪

♪ Expose their reinforcements, ♪ ♪ destroying their lines ♪

♪ New doctrine in combat aligns ♪

♪ Infantry attacks, ♪ ♪ exposing the cracks ♪

♪ New combat ideals, on ♪ ♪ the Kaiserschlacht’s fields ♪

♪ Strike at zero hour ♪

♪ With overwhelming firepower ♪

♪ They’re fueled by the fear ♪ ♪ in their enemies’ eyes ♪

♪ It’s a Shock Troop infiltration ♪

♪ A fast and violent escalation ♪

♪ Out of the trenches ♪ ♪ the stormtroopers rise ♪

[MUSIC FADES]

[GUNSHOTS]

[MUSIC]

[EXPLOSION]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

♪ A glimpse of the future, ♪ ♪ new tactics in war ♪

♪ New doctrine in combat explored ♪

♪ As fast as lightning, ♪ ♪ there’s no time to mourn ♪

♪ A glimpse of the future ♪ ♪ and Blitzkrieg is born ♪

♪ Strike at zero hour ♪

♪ With overwhelming firepower ♪

♪ They’re fueled by the fear ♪ ♪ in their enemies’ eyes ♪

♪ It’s a Shock Troop infiltration ♪

♪ A fast and violent escalation ♪

♪ Out of the trenches ♪ ♪ the stormtroopers rise ♪

♪ Strike at zero hour ♪

♪ With overwhelming firepower ♪

♪ They’re fueled by the fear ♪ ♪ in their enemies’ eyes ♪

♪ It’s a Shock Troop infiltration ♪

♪ A fast and violent escalation ♪

♪ Out of the trenches ♪ ♪ the stormtroopers rise ♪

[MUSIC FADES]

[DRAMATIC MUSIC STARTS]

The industrial and technological prowess

of the early 20th century has been directed in an arms race.

A race that has resulted in a war machine

of unprecedented size and armament.

Built to lay waste and destruction,

these floating leviathans

are given a name to match their presence

and intent, and to show that all other ships are beneath them.

Dreadnought.

Both the Germans and the British have them.

And in the Battle of Jutland,

these monsters of steel and steam

are pitted against each other.

Who would come out on top?

The HMS Black Prince has been separated from the British fleet.

On the night of May the 31st, 1916,

she is searching in the darkness,

desperately hoping to find friends in the black of the night.

There is hope when out of the gloom she spots a line of ships.

[MUSIC STARTS]

It’s the Germans!

We’ve got to fight them.

Full steam ahead!

♪ A shadow moves across ♪ ♪ the water in pursuit ♪

♪ It splits the waves, ♪ ♪ commands the sea ♪

It’s the fight we can’t win.

Fire!

♪ among its prey, ♪ ♪ feels nought for itself ♪

♪ Ahead the sea lies calm ♪ ♪ awaiting the storm ♪

♪ Displace the water ♪ ♪ in its path ♪

♪ Reveal the cannons, align ♪ ♪ the guns, unleash their wrath ♪

♪ Unopposed under crimson skies ♪

♪ Immortalized, over time ♪ ♪ their legend will rise ♪

♪ And their foes can’t ♪ ♪ believe their eyes, ♪

♪ believe their size, as they fall ♪

♪ And the Dreadnoughts ♪ ♪ dread nothing at all ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

Hard a-starboard!

♪ A hull of steel and all big ♪ ♪ guns to serve the fleet ♪

♪ Unrivalled firepower ♪ ♪ riding the waves to war ♪

♪ A devastating blow will ♪ ♪ send their foes down below ♪

♪ Fearless armada now ♪ ♪ bombarding their shore ♪

♪ Light up the night ♪ ♪ when cannons roar ♪

♪ In fear of nothing, they ♪ ♪ lead the navy into war ♪

♪ Unopposed under crimson skies ♪

♪ Immortalized, over time ♪ ♪ their legend will rise ♪

♪ And their foes can’t ♪ ♪ believe their eyes, ♪

♪ believe their size, as they fall ♪

♪ And the Dreadnoughts ♪ ♪ dread nothing at all ♪

[MUSIC]

[EXPLOSION]

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

Please, help!

Give me your hand!

No!

[EXPLOSION]

♪ The North Sea has ♪ ♪ drawn them near ♪

♪ The Fleet of the ♪ ♪ High Seas approach ♪

♪ A contest of titans commence ♪

♪ These days will ♪ ♪ dictate their fate ♪

♪ The Grand Fleet ♪ ♪ prepares their guns ♪

♪ Unleashed as the ♪ ♪ Dreadnoughts clash at last ♪

♪ Unopposed under crimson skies ♪

♪ Immortalized, over time ♪ ♪ their legend will rise ♪

♪ And their foes can’t believe their eyes, ♪

♪ believe their size, as they fall ♪

♪ And the Dreadnoughts ♪ ♪ dread nothing at all ♪

[EXPLOSIONS]

[EXPLOSIONS]

[MUSIC FADES]

HMS Black Prince went down with all 857 of her crew lost.

The titanic clash of the Dreadnoughts continued at Jutland.

Both the British and the Germans claimed victory,

but ultimately, the high cost of the battle was paid

in the lives of the young men who were claimed by the sea.

[MUSIC FADES]

What a devil is this?

Come on Ben, we’ve got to get to the Somme!

What? Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.

It’s July 1916

and the Battle of the Somme is in the early stages.

The 8th Gloucesters have a new commander -

Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Carton de Wiart.

It may be a new command but he is an old soldier.

Having previously seen action, he's not escaped injury,

losing one hand earlier in the Great War.

He’s been hit multiple times.

He has lost an eye and even part of his ear.

To his men though,

he’s known simply as "The Man They Couldn’t Kill”.

He cuts a dashing figure,

and with one eye patch he's likened to a gentleman pirate.

A legendary figure.

Hello Dear, with a new command is a new manservant

Holmes.

He is a delightful scoundrel

and provides me with endless amusement.

[MUSIC]

What the hell are you doing man? Making an infernal noise!

Sorry sir, couldn't resist having a go.

Give me that!

From now on, you shall only be armed

with my primus stove and blanket!

Don't look so glum man,

I only ever carry a stick into battle.

Really sir? Why is that?

Well, I somewhat lose my temper in the heat of the fight,

and I fear I might shoot one of our own! Ha-ha-ha.

We'll make a fine couple marching into battle,

don't you worry!

Yes, sir!

We have good men with good spirit.

We'll win the day!

What say you men?

Hoorah!

After me!

♪ Into the fire through trenches and mud ♪

♪ Son of Belgium and Ireland ♪ ♪ with war in his blood ♪

♪ Leading the charge ♪ ♪ into hostile barrage ♪

♪ By design, he was made for the frontline ♪

♪ Studied law, with a thirst for war ♪

♪ Fought in Africa, wanted more ♪

♪ Back in Europe then straight to France ♪

♪ He’s joining the allied advance ♪

♪ Through the Somme and the Devil’s Wood ♪

♪ All the battles that he withstood ♪

♪ Born a soldier enjoyed the war ♪

♪ He always kept coming for more ♪

♪ Never die, shot through the eye ♪

♪ Never surrender however they try ♪

♪ How they try, shot through the eye ♪

♪ He’ll never die ♪

♪ At the edge of madness, ♪ ♪ in a time of sadness ♪

♪ An immortal soldier, finds his home ♪

♪ Proven under fire, over trench and wire ♪

♪ No fear of death he’s unshakeable ♪

♪ In the battles, when he was shot ♪

♪ Kept on fighting, and never stopped ♪

♪ In Arras, Cambrai, Passchendaele ♪

♪ Ignoring his wounds he prevailed ♪

♪ Save the day, he’ll never stray ♪

♪ Facing the foes that are coming his way ♪

♪ Come his way, he’ll never stray ♪

♪ Saving the day ♪

♪ At the edge of madness, ♪ ♪ in a time of sadness ♪

♪ An immortal soldier, finds his home ♪

♪ Proven under fire, over trench and wire ♪

♪ Forged for the war he’s unbreakable ♪

♪ At the edge of madness, ♪ ♪ he will show no sadness ♪

♪ Never broken, he’ll be back for more ♪

♪ Proven under fire, ♪ ♪ over trench and wire ♪

♪ No fear of death he’s unshakeable ♪

He's amazing!

[MUSIC]

Forward!

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

♪ Into the fire through ♪ ♪ trenches and mud ♪

♪ Son of Belgium and Ireland ♪ ♪ with war in his blood ♪

♪ Leading the charge ♪ ♪ into hostile barrage ♪

♪ By design, he was ♪ ♪ made for the frontline ♪

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

♪ Never die, shot through the eye ♪

♪ Never surrender however they try ♪

♪ How they try, ♪ ♪ shot through the eye ♪

♪ He’ll never die ♪

♪ At the edge of madness, ♪ ♪ in a time of sadness ♪

♪ An immortal soldier, ♪

♪ edge of madness, ♪

♪ At the edge of madness, ♪ ♪ in a time of sadness ♪

♪ An immortal soldier, ♪ ♪ finds his home ♪

♪ Proven under fire, ♪ ♪ over trench and wire ♪

♪ Forged for the war ♪ ♪ he’s unbreakable ♪

♪ At the edge of madness, ♪ ♪ in a time of sadness ♪

♪ Never broken, he’ll ♪ ♪ be back for more ♪

♪ Proven under fire, ♪ ♪ over trench and wire ♪

♪ No fear of death, ♪ ♪ he is forged for the war, ♪

♪ he will always be ♪ ♪ coming for more ♪

[MUSIC FADES]

For his actions on that day,

Lieutenant-Colonel Adrian Carton de Wiart

was awarded the Victoria Cross.

His gallantry was inspiring to all.

Frankly, I had enjoyed the war.

Sir, sir! Take a look at this!

Something I have found, it was in a bottle.

Let me take a look at that.

Hm, seems like a vital part is missing.

Anyway, it seems important.

Holmes! Deal with it, man.

Yes, sir!

Here you go, take it to high command.

[PLANE ENGINE ROARS]

[PLANE ENGINE ROARS]

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

24 hours earlier

[WIND WHISTLING]

It’s winter 1916 in the mountains on the Italian front.

On the other side, the Austro-Hungarians.

Each side has been pushing their troops

further up the mountains to gain the high ground advantage.

A deadly game that has no winners.

The men are pushed to the limits in this harsh environment

that would become known as “The White War”.

The snowfall is the heaviest in memory,

piling up to 12 metres deep on the summit of mount Marmolada.

321 mountain infantry and Bosnian troops

are crowded into wooden barracks on the mountain side.

And now, ominously, there’s a thaw.

[DOOR SHUTS]

[PLANE ENGINE ROARS]

[FAN RUSTLING]

[SCREAMS]

[CRASHES]

Over there, come on!

Meat's back on the menu, boys!

Don’t spook him, don’t spook him!

Get him!

Shoot him!

[GUNSHOT]

[MUSIC]

♪ I won’t be coming home ♪

♪ I won’t be going anywhere ♪

♪ I will guard this post forever ♪

♪ Here on the alpine slope ♪

♪ where I did my final ♪ ♪ stand I shall remain ♪

♪ Among the ice and snow that ♪ ♪ binds me to this mountain ♪

Avalanche! Avalanche! Is coming!

♪ sent from above ♪

♪ Where spirits lead the way, ♪ ♪ the winds will never fade ♪

♪ White Friday, I’ll take the ♪

♪ Stairway to heaven ♪

♪ I’m sky high, when I die ♪

♪ I’ll be immortal ♪

♪ Forever, I never ♪

♪ I won´t return to ♪

♪ Blood Mountain, I am the ♪

♪ Soldier of heaven ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

Bloody hell!

♪ I saw the end of war ♪

♪ I watched the soldiers ♪ ♪ come and go ♪

Avalanche! Avalanche!

♪ So many brave men ♪ ♪ fell in the battles ♪

♪ That were raging down below ♪

♪ I have seen it all but none ♪ ♪ will hear my story ♪

♪ All of these years I have ♪ ♪ been frozen in time ♪

♪ I cried for spring to come ♪ ♪ but here, winter remain ♪

♪ White Friday, I’ll take the ♪

♪ Stairway to heaven ♪

♪ I’m sky high, when I die ♪

♪ I’ll be immortal ♪

♪ Forever, I never ♪

♪ I won´t return to ♪

♪ Blood Mountain, I am the ♪

♪ Soldier of heaven ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[SCREAMS]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

♪ I always dreamed that I ♪ ♪ would, serve high above ♪

♪ Where spirits lead the way, ♪ ♪ the winds will never fade ♪

♪ White Friday, I’ll take the ♪

♪ Stairway to heaven ♪

♪ I’m sky high, when I die ♪

♪ I’ll be immortal ♪

♪ Forever, I never ♪

♪ I won´t return to ♪

♪ Blood Mountain, ♪

I got you brother.

♪ Soldier of heaven ♪

♪ White Friday, I’ll take the ♪

♪ Stairway to heaven ♪

♪ I’m sky high, when I die ♪

♪ I’ll be immortal ♪

♪ Forever, I never ♪

♪ I won´t return to ♪

♪ Blood Mountain, I am the ♪

♪ Soldier of heaven ♪

[MUSIC FADES]

There were many avalanches on and around that day.

"White Friday", as the tragedy would become known,

caused in total over 10 thousands deaths on both sides.

Taken by the mountain,

many soldiers guard their posts forever,

bound to the mountain by ice and snow.

[MUSIC]

[RAIL COOING]

Spring 1917 and the British under command of

Lieutenant General George Francis Milne

are preparing to break through the Macedonian front.

With 3 divisions, they consist of over 40,000 men

and 160 guns.

They are more than ready to face their enemy.

The Bulgarian defenders are outnumbered with just 30,000 men

but are commanded by the military strategist,

Colonel Vladimir Vazov.

He's been preparing for months and under his command

the Bulgarians have constructed a system of trenches

that are 2 metres deep and linked with passages.

In front of the trenches is a system of wire entanglements

And in between, are machine gun nests and watch points.

Then, behind these defences are concrete galleries

with firing positions for artillery

and platforms for ammunition.

The Bulgarians were ready for whatever

the British would throw at them.

For 4 days the British rained down artillery

on the Bulgarian positions, firing over 100,000 shells.

And on the night of the 24th of April, the British advanced.

The Battle of Doiran would last many days and nights.

A battle that the British would come to call “The Valley of Death”.

- Incoming!

[EXPLOSIONS] [MUSIC]

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

- Get ready! - Yes, sir!

♪ Dug in deep, equipped for attack ♪

♪ Outnumbered, determined to win ♪

♪ Double trench lines ♪ ♪ that won’t give in ♪

♪ They’re prepared let ♪ ♪ the battle begin ♪

♪ Here again they’ve ♪ ♪ done this before ♪

♪ A lesson that they should ♪ ♪ have learned by now ♪

♪ Reinforced with new ♪ ♪ men and guns ♪

♪ Who are ready for ♪ ♪ death when it comes ♪

♪ United they’re strong, ♪ ♪ united they’re holding the line ♪

♪ The Valley of Death, ♪

♪ awaiting the British as ♪ ♪ they come their way ♪

♪ Their attack is coming ♪ ♪ fight them back ♪

♪ Bulgarians holding the line ♪

♪ Facing wave after wave, ♪ ♪ will never surrender ♪

♪ Again, again, again, again ♪

♪ They attack, Bulgaria ♪ ♪ held them back ♪

♪ Unleash their counter barrage ♪

♪ Let it rain artillery ♪ ♪ pounding the trenches ♪

♪ No surrender, fight them till the end ♪

♪ Fortified, and made to defy ♪

♪ Protected by wires and guns ♪

♪ Troops as far as the eye can see ♪

♪ They advance under ♪ ♪ Vazov’s command ♪

♪ Row on row, as they ♪ ♪ come from below ♪

♪ Twice they attack, ♪ ♪ twice they’re beaten back ♪

♪ Every time they try, ♪ ♪ they will die ♪

♪ Their line of defence ♪ ♪ is still intact ♪

♪ For white, green and red ♪

♪ For the nation they’re fighting for ♪

♪ The British are done ♪

♪ Three times the defence ♪ ♪ of Doiran has been won ♪

Advance!

♪ Their attack is coming ♪ ♪ fight them back ♪

♪ Bulgarians holding ♪

Hold the line!

♪ wave, will never surrender ♪

♪ Again, again, again, again ♪

♪ They attack, Bulgaria ♪ ♪ held them back ♪

♪ Unleash their counter barrage ♪

♪ Let it rain artillery ♪ ♪ pounding the trenches ♪

♪ No surrender, fight ♪ ♪ them till the end ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

♪ For white, green and red ♪

♪ for the nation they’re ♪ ♪ fighting for ♪

♪ The British are done ♪

♪ three times the defence ♪ ♪ of Doiran has been won ♪

♪ Their attack is coming ♪

Hold the line!

♪ Bulgarians holding the line ♪

♪ Facing wave after wave, ♪ ♪ will never surrender ♪

♪ Again, again, again, again ♪

♪ They attack, Bulgaria ♪ ♪ held them back ♪

♪ Unleash their counter barrage ♪

♪ Let it rain artillery ♪ ♪ pounding the trenches ♪

♪ No surrender, fight ♪ ♪ them till the end ♪

♪ fight them till the end ♪

Vazov became a hero to the Bulgarians,

and despite inflicting a crushing defeat

upon the British, they too respected him.

Milne later said of the Bulgarians:

Even though we were enemies, you - like us -

fought not only like brave men, but also like gentlemen.

I did what I had to do for my country.

[MUSIC]

Pesky bird!

May the 15th,1918,

and the 369th Infantry Regiment are near the Argonne Forest.

This American outfit is under command of the French

with French helmets and equipment.

They are made up of black and Puerto Rican Americans

from the tough streets of Harlem.

Many white American soldiers were unwilling

to fight alongside the black regiments

and so, they were handed to the French to command.

The French soon came to respect these young men

and called them “Homme de Bronze”.

“The Men of Bronze”.

To the Germans they were known by a far more

menacing name - Höllenkämpfer.

Hellfighters.

I need two men to stand watch. You, Anry Johnson

Henry, sir.

Anry, Henry. Do your job.

Take Roberts with you and take watch. Over there.

Crazy...

We'll tackle the job, sir.

Now it is midnight. You will be relieved in 4 hours. Now go.

Why are they sending us out here?

We got less training than them others and you Henry,

you are only 5 foot 4 in your army boots.

What we gonna do, man?

Don't worry Needham.

Foolish as this is,

we tougher than any one of 'em and you know it.

If those Germans start coming,

we don't let them take either one of us.

- Deal? - Deal.

[CLOUDS THUNDERING]

[MUSIC]

♪ From a land across the ocean, ♪

♪ to the western front ♪ ♪ where they served ♪

♪ Fought with courage and ♪ ♪ devotion, preconceptions turned ♪

♪ As the spring offensive ♪ ♪ kept churning, ♪

♪ where the men would ♪ ♪ earn their name ♪

♪ See the tides of battle turning, ♪

♪ and their foes ♪ ♪ ignite their flame ♪

♪ Hear the toll of the bell, ♪

♪ kept fighting for ♪ ♪ six months in hell ♪

♪ As the war rages on, they fight ♪ ♪ at the edge of the Argonne ♪

♪ Hear the toll of the bell, ♪ ♪ over six months in hell ♪

♪ Out of the trenches they came ♪

♪ As the war rages on, at the ♪ ♪ edge of the Argonne ♪

♪ Hellfighters earning their name ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[EXPLOSION]

♪ They would have no ♪ ♪ prisoners taken, ♪

♪ and they never lost any ground ♪

♪ Earned the cross of war ♪ ♪ unshaken, never turned around ♪

♪ As the armistice is drawing ♪ ♪ closer, the 369th ♪

♪ Kept on fighting until it was over, ♪

♪ and they were first to ♪ ♪ reach the Rhine ♪

♪ Hear the toll of the bell, kept ♪ ♪ fighting for six months in hell ♪

♪ As the war rages on, they fight ♪ ♪ at the edge of the Argonne ♪

♪ Hear the toll of the bell, ♪ ♪ over six months in hell ♪

♪ Out of the trenches they came ♪

♪ As the war rages on, at ♪ ♪ the edge of the Argonne ♪

♪ Hellfighters earning their name ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

♪ Hear the toll of the bell, ♪ ♪ over six months in hell ♪

♪ Out of the trenches they came ♪

♪ As the war rages on, at ♪ ♪ the edge of the Argonne ♪

♪ Hellfighters earning their name ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[THUNDER]

- Henry, Henry! You are a fine man.

You are death, black death. The Black Death.

There wasn’t anything so fine about it.

Just fought for my life. A rabbit would have done that.

Having saved his friend from capture and interrogation,

Henry passed out just as reinforcements arrived.

As dawn rose,

the aftermath of Henry and Needham’s

epic battle became evident.

It was estimated that Henry had killed

or wounded around 20 Germans in hand to hand combat.

Halting the enemy from busting

through the lines he had given his all

and had received 21 wounds in the process.

He was awarded France’s highest military honor

for his extraordinary valour.

[MUSIC FADES]

[CLAPS]

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

Brussels, Belgium Present Day

[DOORBELL RINGS]

Hello! - Hi, Mr. Brodén?

Yes, it’s me.

I’ve got a message for you.

Oh, really? What is it?

Well, you will see when you open it, sir.

Cool! Thank you very much, man.

Thank you, have a nice day.

[DOOR SHUTS]

[MUSIC]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

[MUSIC FADES]

Please tell everyone this must be the war to end all wars!

The war to end all wars ended at 11AM on 11.11.1918

Henry Johnson passed away in poverty in 1929

He was posthumously awarded the medal of honor

by President Obama in 2015

No next of kin were found to receive the medal

Milunka Savić continued to fight in the Great War,

with incredible feats of bravery

In WW2 she was imprisoned in a concentration camp by the Germans

Surviving both wars, she died in 1973 aged 85

After the war ended, Milne and Vazov became friends

The British still consider Vazov one of their

most brave and worthy opponents

Soldiers still remain in the mountains

Buried under the snow, they guard their posts forever in time

♪ Signed a treaty to ♪ ♪ change the world ♪

♪ Tensions fall and a ♪ ♪ peace is unfurled ♪

♪ Nothing like what ♪ ♪ had come before ♪

♪ It’s the deal, it’s the treaty ♪ ♪ that will end the war! ♪

♪ Signed a treaty to ♪ ♪ change the world ♪

♪ Tensions fall and a ♪ ♪ peace is unfurled ♪

♪ Nothing like what ♪ ♪ had come before ♪

♪ It’s the deal, it’s the treaty ♪ ♪ that will end the war! ♪

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

♪ From a shot that would ♪ ♪ change the world ♪

♪ Tensions rise and ♪ ♪ a war is unfurled ♪

♪ Nothing like what ♪ ♪ had come before ♪

♪ It’s the war that ♪ ♪ will end all war! ♪

♪ From a shot that would ♪ ♪ change the world ♪

♪ Tensions rise and ♪ ♪ a war is unfurled ♪

♪ Nothing like what ♪ ♪ had come before ♪

♪ It’s the war that ♪ ♪ will end all war! ♪

♪ Will this war really ♪ ♪ end all wars? ♪

♪ Can a war really end all war? ♪

♪ Will this war bring another war? ♪

♪ It’s the war that will ♪ ♪ end all wars! ♪

♪ Will this war really ♪ ♪ end all wars? ♪

♪ Can a war really ♪ ♪ end all war? ♪

♪ Will this war bring ♪ ♪ another war? ♪

♪ It’s the war that ♪ ♪ will end all wars! ♪

♪ Will this war really ♪ ♪ end all wars? ♪

♪ Can a war really ♪ ♪ end all war? ♪

♪ Will this war bring ♪ ♪ another war? ♪

♪ It’s the war that will ♪ ♪ end all wars! ♪

[SOUNDTRACK FADING]