1 Masters of the Air

Telling the story of the 100^th Bomb Group – a United States Air Force unit stationed in the UK – this Apple TV series is a gripping peek into the world of bomber crews during World War Two. Executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, Masters of the Air is an epic in every sense and stars some of the most popular actors working today, including Austin Butler (Elvis), Callum Turner (The Crown) and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn). It’s easy to see why these often nerve-wracking and exhilarating episodes have been met with such positive reviews.

On Apple TV

 

2 Our World War

First released in 2014 to mark 100 years since the First World War began, this three-part series remains a must watch. Telling real stories of troops sent to serve on the front line during the war, Our World War is both gripping and quietly devastating. The mini-series covers all four years of the war and, even if you watched it first time round, is well worth a revisit.

On BBC iPlayer

 

3 Winkle: The Extraordinary Life of Britain’s Greatest Pilot

This fascinating biography by Paul Beaver charts the life and career of Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, perhaps Britain’s best-ever pilot. From the dogfights of the Battle of Britain to a record-setting tenure as a test pilot, Brown flew more types of aircraft than any other pilot in history. There are some riveting details about his time throughout the war, including the horrors of liberating Belsen, and what came after.

Hardback out now, paperback released in 2025

 

4 The Zone of Interest

Written and directed by Jonathan Glazer, this subtitled German language film offers a look at the life of Rudolf Höss, the Nazi commandant of Auschwitz, and his family. By focusing firmly on the everyday life of the Höss household rather than on the horrors occurring just metres away in the concentration camp, the film compels audiences to contemplate the way that a blind eye is too often turned to atrocities past and present. The Zone of Interest recently won Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards.

In cinemas now

 

5 Witness History: World War Two

This podcast, produced by BBC News and the BBC World Service, covers a variety of historical topics, always told by people who witnessed or were involved in the events being discussed. Stories of World War Two are regularly included, and as such there is a specific playlist of all episodes related to this conflict. Recent instalments feature child evacuees in France, a traitorous American who broadcast propaganda for the Nazis, and the events leading up to Japan’s surrender to China.

Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts

 

6 Finding Alfie: A D-Day Story

If you have young people in your life, you may be interested in the latest work of fiction from Michael Morpurgo (author of War Horse and Private Peaceful, among others). Released to coincide with the D-Day anniversary, Finding Alfie tells of a boy, Michael, who wants to discover why his Aunty Iris has always loved a particular painting of a boat. He learns that the painting’s creator, Alfie, had been involved in World War Two, and so Michael charts a similar journey to France to find out more about service and the power of memory.

Available for pre-order. Released on 9 May