1 00:00:04,087 --> 00:00:05,839 The great British countryside. 2 00:00:07,047 --> 00:00:10,483 The setting for one of the most pivotaI battIes of the Second WorId War. 3 00:00:17,367 --> 00:00:20,325 ChurchiII caIIed it the ''frontIine of freedom''. 4 00:00:21,567 --> 00:00:24,764 And it was fought by the farmers of Britain. 5 00:00:26,047 --> 00:00:27,400 Timber! 6 00:00:30,047 --> 00:00:33,960 When war broke out, the Nazis attacked British shipping, 7 00:00:34,007 --> 00:00:36,441 attempting to cut off food imports. 8 00:00:36,487 --> 00:00:40,924 The Government turned to farmers to doubIe home-grown food production. 9 00:00:40,967 --> 00:00:44,846 If they faiIed, Britain couId have been starved into surrender. 10 00:00:48,327 --> 00:00:50,682 Now, historian Ruth Goodman 11 00:00:51,727 --> 00:00:54,764 and archaeoIogists AIex LangIands and Peter Ginn 12 00:00:55,287 --> 00:00:59,565 are working Manor Farm in Hampshire as it wouId have been in the Second WorId War. 13 00:00:59,607 --> 00:01:00,596 Ohh! 14 00:01:08,927 --> 00:01:13,682 It's summer, and the team must bring in the wheat harvest - the cIimax of their farming year. 15 00:01:15,167 --> 00:01:17,237 But they face the conditions of 1 945, 16 00:01:17,287 --> 00:01:21,405 when despite AIIied victories, the Nazis were hitting back, 17 00:01:22,127 --> 00:01:25,517 creating growing uncertainty about when the war wouId end. 18 00:01:26,367 --> 00:01:29,962 Food production came under greater pressure than ever before. 19 00:01:31,167 --> 00:01:34,159 We've got to put some heart back in the land and this machine will do it. 20 00:01:34,967 --> 00:01:40,246 After six years of confIict, Britain's fieIds were exhausted and output was faIIing. 21 00:01:41,367 --> 00:01:45,076 So the team must restore fertiIity to their Iand 22 00:01:45,127 --> 00:01:48,358 and ensure that every Iast scrap of wheat is brought home. 23 00:01:48,407 --> 00:01:50,398 lt is the battle tor tood. 24 00:01:50,447 --> 00:01:52,403 And this is the tinal push to get this in. 25 00:01:54,047 --> 00:01:56,038 A new food crisis Iooms... 26 00:01:57,727 --> 00:01:59,718 ..on the Wartime Farm. 27 00:02:03,527 --> 00:02:05,518 (Air-raid siren) 28 00:02:15,967 --> 00:02:20,245 The team are hoping that in a few weeks, aII their work on the farm wiII pay off 29 00:02:20,287 --> 00:02:22,357 when they bring in the wheat harvest. 30 00:02:23,647 --> 00:02:25,638 ALEX: The joys ot summer, Peter. 31 00:02:25,687 --> 00:02:27,678 Good to see the sun on the wheat. 32 00:02:28,647 --> 00:02:32,276 Yeah, it's the tirst time this year, basically. 33 00:02:35,407 --> 00:02:37,796 It's been the wettest summer for a century. 34 00:02:38,167 --> 00:02:40,158 Their fIax crop has aIready faiIed. 35 00:02:41,647 --> 00:02:44,559 Everything now depends on the success of the wheat. 36 00:02:45,527 --> 00:02:47,279 Still pretty green, is it? 37 00:02:47,327 --> 00:02:49,079 Still pretty green. 38 00:02:49,647 --> 00:02:51,638 See, that's really wet. 39 00:02:51,687 --> 00:02:53,996 Yeah, isn't it? That's a long way off. 40 00:02:54,887 --> 00:02:58,197 We've got, what, another tew weeks on this? 41 00:02:58,247 --> 00:02:59,919 l would have said so. 42 00:02:59,967 --> 00:03:01,958 What are we gonna harvest this with? 43 00:03:02,007 --> 00:03:07,240 Well, l think we should go tor one ot the new-tangled machines ot the day, 44 00:03:07,287 --> 00:03:08,800 the combined harvester. 45 00:03:09,527 --> 00:03:13,361 Something that not only cuts it, it threshes it in the tield. 46 00:03:13,407 --> 00:03:16,524 lt will combine cutting and threshing. 47 00:03:20,527 --> 00:03:25,840 Using a combined harvester wiII be cruciaI to getting every Iast scrap of wheat from the fieId, 48 00:03:26,887 --> 00:03:30,323 a job that in 1 945 was more important than ever. 49 00:03:32,687 --> 00:03:35,565 AII through the war, wheat yieIds had been rising. 50 00:03:37,327 --> 00:03:39,318 But now they started to faII. 51 00:03:40,407 --> 00:03:45,117 After five years of record crops, the fertiIity of Britain's fieIds was in decIine. 52 00:03:46,927 --> 00:03:49,646 To compensate, imports wouId have to increase. 53 00:03:50,967 --> 00:03:53,083 But there was a new threat to shipping. 54 00:03:55,807 --> 00:03:59,800 EarIy in the war, U-boats Iike this destroyed shipping. 55 00:04:00,767 --> 00:04:04,646 But in 1 945, the Nazis Iaunched a high-speed version, 56 00:04:04,687 --> 00:04:07,247 posing a major new threat to imports. 57 00:04:10,247 --> 00:04:15,367 Braced for a crisis, the government ordered farmers to restore fertiIity to their fieIds. 58 00:04:21,607 --> 00:04:23,325 RUTH: There she is. 59 00:04:24,527 --> 00:04:26,040 Well, well! 60 00:04:26,087 --> 00:04:27,281 Hi, Ruth. 61 00:04:28,087 --> 00:04:30,078 The team are using a muck spreader. 62 00:04:30,127 --> 00:04:34,723 We've got to put some heart back in the land and this machine will enable us to do it. 63 00:04:34,767 --> 00:04:36,758 We'll load you up and send you off. 64 00:04:36,807 --> 00:04:38,206 marvellous. 65 00:04:43,287 --> 00:04:48,315 Muck, or animaI dung, is a cruciaI source of nutrition for the soiI. 66 00:04:49,127 --> 00:04:50,879 It improves soiI structure 67 00:04:50,927 --> 00:04:53,725 and adds organic substances to heIp pIants grow. 68 00:04:57,047 --> 00:04:59,038 lt's the wind! You're downwind! 69 00:04:59,087 --> 00:05:01,078 What can l do? 70 00:05:01,927 --> 00:05:03,406 mitigate against it. 71 00:05:14,567 --> 00:05:16,558 Vicious, isn't it? 72 00:05:17,927 --> 00:05:20,316 lt's giving a good even dressing, isn't it? 73 00:05:20,367 --> 00:05:21,800 Really chopping it up. 74 00:05:29,327 --> 00:05:31,397 AIthough it was desperateIy needed, 75 00:05:31,447 --> 00:05:35,725 the amount of manure avaiIabIe to farmers decIined sharpIy during the war. 76 00:05:39,327 --> 00:05:40,840 EarIy on in the confIict, 77 00:05:40,887 --> 00:05:45,244 the government had brought in a poIicy of sIaughtering Iivestock that couId not be fed. 78 00:05:46,367 --> 00:05:48,358 MiIIions were cuIIed, 79 00:05:48,407 --> 00:05:50,921 and the knock-on effects were now being feIt. 80 00:05:50,967 --> 00:05:54,642 Towards the end ot the war, many tarmers were beginning to ask 81 00:05:54,687 --> 00:05:58,600 whether it had been wise to lose so many animals trom British tarming. 82 00:05:59,247 --> 00:06:03,035 We'd seen so many sheep and so many beet cattle lost in agriculture. 83 00:06:03,087 --> 00:06:06,682 As a consequence, we'd lost their manure, we'd lost their dung, 84 00:06:06,727 --> 00:06:10,402 and that tor years, centuries, had been used to put heart back in the land. 85 00:06:12,567 --> 00:06:15,445 With the Iand exhausted and crop yieIds in danger, 86 00:06:15,487 --> 00:06:19,560 the government knew that record food production couIdn't be sustained 87 00:06:19,607 --> 00:06:21,598 through another year of war. 88 00:06:29,927 --> 00:06:34,557 Then, in the spring of 1 945, the Russians broke through into BerIin. 89 00:06:35,167 --> 00:06:38,523 It seemed IikeIy the Nazi regime wouId soon faII. 90 00:06:44,207 --> 00:06:45,640 (Cheering) 91 00:06:45,687 --> 00:06:50,761 On 7th May came the news Britain had been fighting for for so Iong. 92 00:06:53,447 --> 00:06:55,438 Germany surrendered. 93 00:07:08,887 --> 00:07:10,878 (Big Ben chimes) 94 00:07:11,967 --> 00:07:14,242 (Wireless) This is the BBC Home Service. 95 00:07:14,287 --> 00:07:18,200 We're interrupting programmes to make the tollowing announcement. 96 00:07:19,127 --> 00:07:23,518 lt is understood that in accordance with arrangement between the three Great Powers, 97 00:07:23,567 --> 00:07:27,037 tomorrow, Tuesday, will be treated as Victory in Europe Day, 98 00:07:27,847 --> 00:07:29,838 and will be regarded as a holiday. 99 00:07:30,967 --> 00:07:32,958 Well, beginning ot the end. 100 00:07:36,127 --> 00:07:39,437 Hard to think, really, ot the reliet people must have telt. 101 00:07:40,047 --> 00:07:45,883 To be told officially that, you know, victory was about to happen. 102 00:07:45,927 --> 00:07:47,804 The V word. 103 00:07:47,847 --> 00:07:49,838 That sort ot cessation ot danger. 104 00:07:49,887 --> 00:07:51,878 Yeah, the killing has stopped. 105 00:07:51,927 --> 00:07:53,883 - The killing has stopped. - ln Europe. 106 00:07:53,927 --> 00:07:55,406 Only in Europe, yeah. 107 00:07:55,447 --> 00:07:57,324 lt must have been strange tor them. 108 00:07:57,367 --> 00:08:02,646 Living in this world where you go out at night and there's not a single pinprick trom any house. 109 00:08:02,687 --> 00:08:04,678 There's never been any tireworks, 110 00:08:04,727 --> 00:08:06,843 there's been relatively tew parties. 111 00:08:06,887 --> 00:08:10,004 All ot a sudden, the next couple ot days, it must have just erupted. 112 00:08:10,047 --> 00:08:11,321 Yeah. 113 00:08:11,367 --> 00:08:13,358 And as you say, the sheer reliet. 114 00:08:14,327 --> 00:08:16,921 maybe we should have some sort ot celebration. 115 00:08:16,967 --> 00:08:23,600 But perhaps try and bring in people who do have some memory ot Victory in Europe, 116 00:08:23,647 --> 00:08:28,163 and really see how they remember it, see what they think. 117 00:08:28,207 --> 00:08:30,118 Yeah, that's a very nice idea. 118 00:08:30,167 --> 00:08:31,885 You might need a scrub up, though. 119 00:08:31,927 --> 00:08:34,282 - l know. - And l need a new collar. 120 00:08:34,327 --> 00:08:36,318 Here's to Victory in Europe. 121 00:08:36,367 --> 00:08:38,358 To Victory in Europe. 122 00:08:49,287 --> 00:08:51,676 Though Britain was stiII at war with Japan, 123 00:08:51,727 --> 00:08:56,323 the end of the confIict with Germany meant the end of the threat of bombing at home. 124 00:08:57,727 --> 00:08:59,922 BIackout precautions couId come down. 125 00:09:00,527 --> 00:09:04,645 l imagine one ot the tirst things you must have done was take this tape off, 126 00:09:04,687 --> 00:09:06,803 let the sunlight back into your house. 127 00:09:09,687 --> 00:09:13,157 But in other areas of Iife, restrictions were stiII in pIace. 128 00:09:14,847 --> 00:09:18,522 In May 1 945, there was no immediate change to rationing. 129 00:09:18,567 --> 00:09:22,446 So anyone preparing to throw a party had to be ingenious. 130 00:09:27,167 --> 00:09:31,160 l got a copy ot the Home And Country magazine, which was the Wl magazine. 131 00:09:31,207 --> 00:09:34,165 There's some really interesting recipes in here. 132 00:09:34,207 --> 00:09:40,077 Particularly a series ot pastries that use next to no tat. 133 00:09:40,127 --> 00:09:42,800 l've got a wonderful one here tor baked potato pudding, 134 00:09:42,847 --> 00:09:45,361 which sounds really economical. 135 00:09:46,727 --> 00:09:48,479 Fat was heaviIy rationed. 136 00:09:48,527 --> 00:09:52,315 So this pastry usesjust one third of the amount normaIIy required. 137 00:09:53,887 --> 00:09:55,957 Just that much tat tor all that tlour. 138 00:09:56,007 --> 00:09:57,201 Wow. 139 00:10:00,207 --> 00:10:03,483 lnstead ot water, l've to put in golden syrup. 140 00:10:06,687 --> 00:10:08,962 l've never made pastry like this betore. 141 00:10:10,767 --> 00:10:14,555 The wheat crop is stiII a few weeks away from being ready to harvest. 142 00:10:15,807 --> 00:10:19,595 So AIex is working on restoring fertiIity to another of his fieIds, 143 00:10:22,567 --> 00:10:24,637 this time using the cows themseIves. 144 00:10:27,687 --> 00:10:31,885 There was a product that wartime farmers couId caII on to make this simpIe. 145 00:10:32,567 --> 00:10:34,558 This is the tield, Philip. 146 00:10:34,607 --> 00:10:36,598 lt looks nice pasture land in there. 147 00:10:37,847 --> 00:10:41,760 PhiIip Thornton-Evison is an expert in historic technoIogy. 148 00:10:41,807 --> 00:10:45,595 He has come to heIp AIex set up his very first eIectric fence. 149 00:10:48,167 --> 00:10:53,719 EIectric fences were first officiaIIy recommended by the Ministry of AgricuIture in 1 939. 150 00:10:56,007 --> 00:10:59,795 In the battIe to restore fertiIity, they were an important weapon, 151 00:10:59,847 --> 00:11:02,839 aIIowing farmers to divide their fieIds into strips. 152 00:11:04,727 --> 00:11:06,638 l do like nice straight lines on a tarm. 153 00:11:07,767 --> 00:11:10,884 This meant cows couId be pIaced in one section at a time, 154 00:11:10,927 --> 00:11:14,203 ensuring an even spread of manure across the whoIe fieId. 155 00:11:15,207 --> 00:11:19,678 l mean, you know, it l wanted to do this prior to this technology, 156 00:11:19,727 --> 00:11:21,445 would l lay a hedge? 157 00:11:21,487 --> 00:11:23,478 lt takes six years to grow. 158 00:11:23,527 --> 00:11:27,520 Dry stone walling, in a county which doesn't have any stone available. 159 00:11:28,367 --> 00:11:30,483 Build a tence - l'd need a lot ot timber. 160 00:11:30,527 --> 00:11:32,518 And manpower. 161 00:11:32,567 --> 00:11:37,083 And, ot course, manpower was something that actually after the war was lacking. 162 00:11:37,887 --> 00:11:40,765 So this really is opening my eyes. 163 00:11:40,807 --> 00:11:42,798 That'll do. 164 00:11:43,607 --> 00:11:47,282 A world without it is probably hard to imagine tor tarmers today. 165 00:11:48,847 --> 00:11:50,405 With the stakes in the ground, 166 00:11:50,447 --> 00:11:52,199 it's time to string up the wire... 167 00:11:53,367 --> 00:11:55,801 Keeping that tension on there all the time. 168 00:11:55,847 --> 00:11:59,920 ..before connecting it to the fencer unit which wiII provide the power. 169 00:11:59,967 --> 00:12:02,037 That's all. That'll hang there quite happily. 170 00:12:02,087 --> 00:12:04,078 ALEX: What does it say? 171 00:12:04,127 --> 00:12:06,118 ''Warning. Battery operated only.'' 172 00:12:06,167 --> 00:12:07,759 PHlLlP: ''Six volts.'' 173 00:12:09,447 --> 00:12:12,996 The eIectric fence was invented in the 1 9th century. 174 00:12:13,727 --> 00:12:17,037 But portabIe battery-powered units were reIativeIy new. 175 00:12:17,807 --> 00:12:22,005 EarIier designs had been powered by unwieIdy sources Iike steam engines. 176 00:12:22,687 --> 00:12:24,996 The new technoIogy was accessibIe to aII. 177 00:12:26,487 --> 00:12:29,797 - We've got a ticking sound. - The ticking sound is the unit operating. 178 00:12:29,847 --> 00:12:33,442 Tick, tick - it's sending pulses ot high voltage along the tence. 179 00:12:33,487 --> 00:12:35,523 When you or the animal touches the wire, 180 00:12:35,567 --> 00:12:39,480 you make the circuit between here and ground so you get the shock. 181 00:12:39,527 --> 00:12:41,518 How do l know that's working? 182 00:12:42,167 --> 00:12:45,284 The countryside way ot doing it is with a blade ot grass. 183 00:12:45,327 --> 00:12:48,080 All you need is a nice blade ot grass. 184 00:12:48,807 --> 00:12:52,686 Just rest the grass on the wire so you are now completing the circuit. 185 00:12:56,207 --> 00:12:57,879 - That's nasty. - lt is. 186 00:12:57,927 --> 00:12:59,360 A nasty little nip, that is. 187 00:12:59,407 --> 00:13:02,717 l don't think it would take many shocks tor a cow to think... 188 00:13:02,767 --> 00:13:04,166 lt wouldn't. 189 00:13:04,207 --> 00:13:06,437 That's great, really tantastic. 190 00:13:06,487 --> 00:13:09,479 - We'll be able to muck evenly the tield. - Exactly. 191 00:13:09,527 --> 00:13:12,599 And that's what wartime Britain desperately needed. 192 00:13:12,647 --> 00:13:14,956 lt needed that tertility back in the soil. 193 00:13:19,007 --> 00:13:21,726 Preparations for the VE Day party are underway. 194 00:13:22,647 --> 00:13:26,356 And Ruth's putting the finishing touches to her baked potato pie. 195 00:13:27,567 --> 00:13:32,118 The odd thing about this recipe is that it calls tor orange juice and orange zest. 196 00:13:32,167 --> 00:13:36,479 l don't know where l'd get an orange living in the countryside during the war. 197 00:13:36,527 --> 00:13:39,883 l had a scout around and have come up with a recipe tor mock orange juice, 198 00:13:39,927 --> 00:13:41,485 which l think will do the trick. 199 00:13:41,527 --> 00:13:44,803 lt's swede, really, that you peel and slice 200 00:13:44,847 --> 00:13:48,806 and then sprinkle a couple ot teaspoons ot sugar over and then leave overnight. 201 00:13:48,847 --> 00:13:50,838 The juice ot the swede comes out. 202 00:13:51,327 --> 00:13:55,445 That is supposed to taste slightly orangey. 203 00:13:57,007 --> 00:13:58,998 lt smells like swede. 204 00:14:00,567 --> 00:14:03,957 But there is a certain orangeyness about it. lt's quite amazing. 205 00:14:04,007 --> 00:14:06,282 l'm just going to put a splash in, l think. 206 00:14:13,407 --> 00:14:17,958 Right, l'm to spread jam and then my mixture on top. 207 00:14:21,087 --> 00:14:23,078 Hopetully, people will like it. 208 00:14:27,967 --> 00:14:30,640 With the fence up, it's time to bring in the cows. 209 00:14:31,647 --> 00:14:33,877 - Come on. - lt's not easy. 210 00:14:33,927 --> 00:14:35,918 There's better grass in the tield. 211 00:14:38,567 --> 00:14:40,842 - There they go. - Straight to the tence. 212 00:14:40,887 --> 00:14:44,118 - Did she get a shock? - Steering clear ot the tence, aren't they? 213 00:14:44,167 --> 00:14:47,045 They are. Remarkable. Thank you very much. 214 00:14:47,087 --> 00:14:48,884 Thanks a lot, Philip. 215 00:15:01,367 --> 00:15:03,597 The VE Day ceIebrations have begun. 216 00:15:05,447 --> 00:15:07,438 That's the one! 217 00:15:08,047 --> 00:15:09,605 25! 218 00:15:11,447 --> 00:15:13,039 What is that? 219 00:15:13,087 --> 00:15:14,679 Baked potato pie. 220 00:15:14,727 --> 00:15:16,240 - Are you sure? - l am. 221 00:15:16,287 --> 00:15:18,278 Do you want a bit? 222 00:15:20,647 --> 00:15:22,717 l can't work out it that's good or not. 223 00:15:22,767 --> 00:15:24,325 (Ruth laughs) 224 00:15:29,807 --> 00:15:31,604 OK, everyone. 225 00:15:31,647 --> 00:15:33,478 Come and gather round. 226 00:15:33,527 --> 00:15:38,442 Up and down the country, peopIe joined together to pay tribute to Britain's war Ieader, 227 00:15:38,487 --> 00:15:40,284 Winston ChurchiII. 228 00:15:40,327 --> 00:15:42,841 (Wireless) And now, oh, what wonderful luck! 229 00:15:42,887 --> 00:15:44,878 At this moment, how wonderful. 230 00:15:44,927 --> 00:15:48,920 mr Churchill has come out onto the ministry ot Health balcony. 231 00:15:50,447 --> 00:15:55,965 He stands now in the tloodlight, and is giving the victory sign with all his might trom the balcony. 232 00:15:56,007 --> 00:15:57,998 Your victory. 233 00:15:58,687 --> 00:16:03,078 Victory ot the cause ot treedom. 234 00:16:04,087 --> 00:16:06,078 (Crowd cheering) 235 00:16:08,487 --> 00:16:12,275 Well, l think Winston Churchill deserves a rabble-rousing chorus 236 00:16:12,327 --> 00:16:14,318 ot For He's A Jolly Good Fellow. 237 00:16:14,367 --> 00:16:16,164 One, two, three... 238 00:16:16,207 --> 00:16:18,198 For he's a jolly good tellow 239 00:16:18,647 --> 00:16:20,558 For he's a jolly good tellow 240 00:16:20,767 --> 00:16:23,361 For he's a jolly good tellow 241 00:16:24,567 --> 00:16:26,876 And so say all ot us 242 00:16:26,927 --> 00:16:28,280 Hooray! 243 00:16:33,007 --> 00:16:37,842 The team have invited aIong guests with first-hand memories of VE Day - 244 00:16:37,887 --> 00:16:42,358 Mary Davey, Anne Stamper and John Curtis. 245 00:16:43,607 --> 00:16:45,757 What was it like in the countryside, VE Day? 246 00:16:45,807 --> 00:16:49,925 l've only ever seen it trom the perspective ot Tratalgar Square, London. 247 00:16:50,647 --> 00:16:52,638 lt was quite good tun in the country. 248 00:16:52,687 --> 00:16:57,761 All the little villages and towns had their celebrations in the streets and things. 249 00:16:58,607 --> 00:17:01,280 Dancing went on tor ages at night. 250 00:17:02,007 --> 00:17:03,520 Everybody was chuffed to bits. 251 00:17:04,647 --> 00:17:07,639 The big party was on the recreation ground 252 00:17:07,687 --> 00:17:09,678 with a tirework party. 253 00:17:10,527 --> 00:17:13,121 There was a set piece with tireworks going off. 254 00:17:13,167 --> 00:17:15,158 Oh, right, OK. 255 00:17:15,207 --> 00:17:18,483 That was really the tirst time l'd ever seen anything like that. 256 00:17:18,527 --> 00:17:20,802 And the thing l really remember about it, 257 00:17:20,847 --> 00:17:23,566 was that one ot these set pieces was an elephant. 258 00:17:24,767 --> 00:17:28,840 When it went off, the trunk moved and l think the tail moved. 259 00:17:28,887 --> 00:17:31,685 l can remember everybody laughing and clapping. 260 00:17:31,727 --> 00:17:36,926 l'd never seen anything like it and l just thought that was wonderful. Very clear memory still. 261 00:17:38,127 --> 00:17:42,325 Many peopIe on VE Day were Iooking forward to Ioved ones coming home. 262 00:17:42,367 --> 00:17:46,963 But for those with reIatives fighting in the Far East, the end was not yet in sight. 263 00:17:47,967 --> 00:17:50,925 Mary Davey's father had been sent to MaIaya. 264 00:17:51,727 --> 00:17:54,958 On VE Day, her mother had no idea where he was. 265 00:17:56,047 --> 00:18:00,359 She actually put an advert in a local paper talking about my dad. 266 00:18:01,367 --> 00:18:07,044 She said, ''lt anyone lately returned trom malaya can give any intormation, l will be most gratetul.'' 267 00:18:07,087 --> 00:18:09,078 With a photograph ot my dad. 268 00:18:09,807 --> 00:18:11,798 - A hearttelt plea, isn't it? - Yes. 269 00:18:12,567 --> 00:18:16,355 And trom that came a letter trom a Captain Pearce. 270 00:18:18,687 --> 00:18:22,316 He says, ''l was tor a time at the camp in Thailand. 271 00:18:23,047 --> 00:18:26,357 He died on 21 st September, 1 943.'' 272 00:18:27,407 --> 00:18:32,356 This was 1 946 by the time my mum had this intormation. 273 00:18:33,047 --> 00:18:36,562 So she was a long time not knowing. 274 00:18:37,447 --> 00:18:39,438 RUTH: ls this you at the time? 275 00:18:39,487 --> 00:18:42,559 Yes, this is my brother Jimmy and l and herselt. 276 00:18:42,607 --> 00:18:44,040 So, on VE Day, then, 277 00:18:44,087 --> 00:18:48,877 her husband's missing, she hasn't a clue what's going on, she's looking after two small children, 278 00:18:48,927 --> 00:18:51,202 and yet somehow, in the midst ot all that, 279 00:18:51,247 --> 00:18:54,557 she manages to tind reasons to be cheerful. 280 00:18:55,767 --> 00:18:58,565 mARY: She was helping to put on this street party. 281 00:18:58,607 --> 00:19:00,484 But tor her, it wasn't over. 282 00:19:00,527 --> 00:19:03,200 There's a certain strength there, isn't there? 283 00:19:08,087 --> 00:19:10,885 For farmers too, the battIe was far from finished. 284 00:19:12,887 --> 00:19:16,402 l tound this lovely bit ot editorial here trom Farmers Weekly. 285 00:19:16,447 --> 00:19:18,563 lt's 1 945. 286 00:19:18,607 --> 00:19:22,156 may 1 1th, so it's the tirst edition after VE Day. 287 00:19:22,207 --> 00:19:24,596 And, ot course, the headline is ''Victory''. 288 00:19:24,647 --> 00:19:29,038 But the key message in here is about the tact that the struggle still goes on. 289 00:19:29,087 --> 00:19:31,760 lt says here, ''The soldier returns trom battle! 290 00:19:31,807 --> 00:19:33,798 the tarmer's battle goes on. 291 00:19:34,287 --> 00:19:39,281 lt will be a very long time indeed betore his unending tight can see its own kind ot victory 292 00:19:39,327 --> 00:19:44,003 in a healthy, strong, well-ted population throughout the countries ot the world. 293 00:19:44,767 --> 00:19:46,644 Tomorrow we must tace a tuture, 294 00:19:46,687 --> 00:19:50,760 exacting and difficult as anything we have known in the last tive years. 295 00:19:50,807 --> 00:19:53,560 We know that and we do not propose to evade it.'' 296 00:20:00,047 --> 00:20:03,084 After VE Day, a new food crisis began. 297 00:20:06,447 --> 00:20:10,156 Across Europe, farmIand and infrastructure had been destroyed. 298 00:20:10,207 --> 00:20:13,722 And many war-torn nations couId no Ionger grow their own food. 299 00:20:15,807 --> 00:20:17,320 Mass starvation Ioomed. 300 00:20:21,327 --> 00:20:25,002 Britain's farmers were caIIed upon to intensify their efforts, 301 00:20:25,047 --> 00:20:29,643 as the nation suddenIy had to send thousands of tons of food abroad, 302 00:20:29,687 --> 00:20:33,396 incIuding, as an occupying force, to Germany. 303 00:20:34,687 --> 00:20:39,158 The wheat crop of 1 945 now became even more criticaI. 304 00:20:44,087 --> 00:20:46,681 Manor Farm's wheat is aImost ready to harvest. 305 00:20:47,887 --> 00:20:51,402 AIex and Peter are making pIans for the arrivaI of the combine. 306 00:20:51,447 --> 00:20:53,756 l carry my measuring stick with me, Peter, 307 00:20:53,807 --> 00:20:57,800 just in case we need to size up any problems that we are contronted with. 308 00:20:57,847 --> 00:20:59,838 So over 1 2 teet long. 309 00:21:00,367 --> 00:21:03,962 Which means we should be able to get it in here. 310 00:21:04,647 --> 00:21:07,559 We might just have to pin back some ot the shrubbery. 311 00:21:09,167 --> 00:21:13,558 Before they get the machine in the fieId, there's another probIem to address. 312 00:21:13,607 --> 00:21:15,837 UntiI the invention of the combine, 313 00:21:15,887 --> 00:21:20,005 harvesting machinery simpIy cut the wheat and Ieft it to dry in the fieId. 314 00:21:21,327 --> 00:21:23,716 OnIy after drying wouId it be threshed. 315 00:21:25,327 --> 00:21:28,444 Now the combine wouId cut and thresh in one go 316 00:21:28,487 --> 00:21:30,762 and the drying stage wouId be missed out. 317 00:21:31,407 --> 00:21:34,604 This meant the grain couId be too wet to store away. 318 00:21:35,287 --> 00:21:37,278 Farmers had to find a soIution. 319 00:21:41,487 --> 00:21:44,957 We should be able to make quite an easy makeshift grain drier. 320 00:21:45,007 --> 00:21:46,759 Something quite simple. 321 00:21:46,807 --> 00:21:48,604 l think it'd be a good idea. 322 00:21:48,647 --> 00:21:51,639 lt we did bring the grain in moist and hadn't made a grain drier, 323 00:21:51,687 --> 00:21:55,475 the ministry ot Agriculture would be breathing down our necks asking us why. 324 00:22:00,447 --> 00:22:03,962 Making a grain drier wiII require some ingenuity. 325 00:22:05,527 --> 00:22:10,647 After VE Day, a huge rebuiIding programme got underway in Britain's bomb-damaged cities. 326 00:22:12,287 --> 00:22:16,360 ConventionaI buiIding materiaIs had been rationed throughout the war 327 00:22:16,407 --> 00:22:18,398 and were now even harder to come by. 328 00:22:19,487 --> 00:22:21,478 - Hi, Pete. - Hi, Colin, how are you? 329 00:22:22,007 --> 00:22:26,205 Conservation officer CoIin Richards has come to heIp the team improvise. 330 00:22:27,767 --> 00:22:31,476 These are the bits and pieces which should hopetully make the grain drier. 331 00:22:32,247 --> 00:22:35,364 l notice they're all irregular in shape and size. 332 00:22:35,407 --> 00:22:37,238 Sorry about that. 333 00:22:37,287 --> 00:22:41,166 We're going to have to scratch our heads as to how we can make this old gate 334 00:22:41,207 --> 00:22:43,198 our plattorm to dry the grain on. 335 00:22:44,727 --> 00:22:47,799 We've got to create a plattorm with a tire underneath, 336 00:22:47,847 --> 00:22:50,600 drive off the moisture, and that's our grain drier. 337 00:22:54,607 --> 00:22:57,326 The first job is to dig a hoIe for the fire to sit in. 338 00:23:00,687 --> 00:23:03,406 But before Iong, the rain arrives. 339 00:23:05,687 --> 00:23:07,678 This is why we need the grain drier. 340 00:23:09,527 --> 00:23:11,279 Almost there. 341 00:23:11,327 --> 00:23:14,000 All year, we've been battling with the weather. 342 00:23:14,047 --> 00:23:16,766 We've had so much rain this year. lt has not been tun. 343 00:23:16,807 --> 00:23:18,160 lt's a nightmare. 344 00:23:18,207 --> 00:23:21,005 lt's been the worst year on record tor weather. 345 00:23:21,047 --> 00:23:23,038 lt really has. 346 00:23:23,087 --> 00:23:30,084 And l can only hope those heroes ot wartime tarming are looking down on us now, Peter. 347 00:23:31,887 --> 00:23:33,878 And laughing. 348 00:23:37,287 --> 00:23:38,766 Last turf. 349 00:23:48,247 --> 00:23:52,035 The base of the grain-drying pIatform wiII be a Iayer of scrap iron. 350 00:23:52,687 --> 00:23:54,484 But it needs to be fIattened. 351 00:23:58,407 --> 00:23:59,965 l'll give you a rhythm. Come on. 352 00:24:00,007 --> 00:24:01,998 Know the lyrics to Camptown Races? 353 00:24:02,047 --> 00:24:03,605 (Laughs) 354 00:24:03,647 --> 00:24:05,205 Oh, doo-dah day 355 00:24:05,447 --> 00:24:07,244 Oh, doo-dah day 356 00:24:07,687 --> 00:24:09,643 Perfect. Look at that! 357 00:24:09,687 --> 00:24:12,076 - Flat enough tor you? - Brilliant, Peter. 358 00:24:12,127 --> 00:24:15,483 In 1 945, with the threat of German invasion gone, 359 00:24:15,527 --> 00:24:19,679 Iand defences were broken up, Ieaving behind handy debris. 360 00:24:19,727 --> 00:24:22,116 - That's perfect, isn't it? - Yeah. 361 00:24:22,167 --> 00:24:26,206 This is the type ot material that was round in 1 945, 362 00:24:26,247 --> 00:24:30,126 when they started to dismantle the roadblocks and the checkpoints. 363 00:24:31,207 --> 00:24:33,277 lt was a ready source ot material, 364 00:24:33,327 --> 00:24:34,919 it's recycling at its best. 365 00:24:34,967 --> 00:24:37,640 Well, we'll have some more ot this, then, Peter. 366 00:24:43,127 --> 00:24:45,516 The pIatform wiII be supported by piIIars. 367 00:24:56,327 --> 00:24:58,318 Takes me back to my scrum halt days. 368 00:24:58,367 --> 00:25:00,358 (Peter blows on hands) 369 00:25:00,407 --> 00:25:01,806 Number eight. 370 00:25:01,847 --> 00:25:02,916 Hurgh! 371 00:25:09,807 --> 00:25:12,924 What we're doing is separating the tire trom the grain. 372 00:25:12,967 --> 00:25:17,358 And the bricks act as a radiator, radiating that heat through the grain, 373 00:25:17,407 --> 00:25:21,923 drying it and allowing you to sort ot store it without it going mouldy. 374 00:25:28,927 --> 00:25:32,966 The drying surface must be perfectIy IeveI to ensure the crop is dried evenIy. 375 00:25:35,007 --> 00:25:36,998 You know he's cock-eyed, don't you? 376 00:25:40,047 --> 00:25:43,926 We tirst started out with a whole bunch ot scrap metal, 377 00:25:43,967 --> 00:25:45,958 blocks ot concrete, 378 00:25:46,007 --> 00:25:47,998 an old gate... 379 00:25:49,327 --> 00:25:52,683 and we're actually attempting to do a very technical thing 380 00:25:52,727 --> 00:25:54,683 in reducing the moisture level in grain. 381 00:25:54,727 --> 00:25:56,558 l was really sceptical. 382 00:25:56,607 --> 00:25:58,199 But now looking at this, 383 00:25:59,007 --> 00:26:03,319 l teel a bit more contident about getting this grain to the right standard 384 00:26:03,367 --> 00:26:05,597 tor the ministry ot Agriculture. 385 00:26:06,607 --> 00:26:08,598 When the grain drier's finished, 386 00:26:08,647 --> 00:26:11,241 the team wiII be prepared to harvest the wheat. 387 00:26:17,487 --> 00:26:23,403 By 1 945, farming had been controIIed by the government's War AgricuIturaI Executive 388 00:26:23,447 --> 00:26:24,960 for six years. 389 00:26:26,167 --> 00:26:28,840 They dictated aImost every aspect of farming, 390 00:26:28,887 --> 00:26:32,277 from where to grow crops to what to feed chickens. 391 00:26:33,367 --> 00:26:36,325 Then in JuIy, just a few weeks after VE Day, 392 00:26:36,367 --> 00:26:40,645 farmers were given the chance to shape future food production 393 00:26:40,687 --> 00:26:42,678 when a generaI eIection was heId. 394 00:26:43,127 --> 00:26:45,925 - Hello. - Hello, it must be Nick. 395 00:26:45,967 --> 00:26:49,277 Nice to meet you. Come on in, l think we've got the kettle on. 396 00:26:50,247 --> 00:26:53,239 Historian Nick MansfieId has studied the eIection. 397 00:26:53,287 --> 00:26:56,040 - Peter, Nick. - Pleased to meet you. 398 00:26:56,087 --> 00:26:58,317 - Cup ot tea? - Yes, please. 399 00:26:59,447 --> 00:27:01,915 Wartime Britain was governed by a coaIition 400 00:27:01,967 --> 00:27:05,357 Ied by the Conservative Prime Minister Winston ChurchiII. 401 00:27:05,767 --> 00:27:08,361 AgricuIture was centraI for both main parties 402 00:27:08,407 --> 00:27:10,796 and farmers were faced with a stark choice. 403 00:27:10,847 --> 00:27:16,479 So we've got mr Churchill's declaration to the electors, the Tory one. 404 00:27:16,527 --> 00:27:18,438 That's the Tory Party. 405 00:27:18,487 --> 00:27:23,515 The emphasis is on the Empire, which will bring in tood and so torth. 406 00:27:23,567 --> 00:27:25,319 They then went on to say, 407 00:27:25,367 --> 00:27:29,280 ''The wartime directions and controls will be progressively reduced 408 00:27:29,327 --> 00:27:31,318 as our tood situation improves.'' 409 00:27:31,367 --> 00:27:37,044 So the Tories, then, are proposing to sort ot be very hands-off and leave it to market torces? 410 00:27:37,087 --> 00:27:38,759 That's right. 411 00:27:40,167 --> 00:27:42,158 Whereas Labour are saying, 412 00:27:42,207 --> 00:27:45,882 ''ln war time, the County War Executive Committees 413 00:27:45,927 --> 00:27:48,395 have organised production in that way.'' 414 00:27:48,447 --> 00:27:51,757 As you know, they brought in mechanisation on a huge scale, 415 00:27:51,807 --> 00:27:54,799 tertilisation and so torth. 416 00:27:54,847 --> 00:27:59,637 Now, ''The Labour Party intends that their work shall continue in peacetime.'' 417 00:28:00,527 --> 00:28:03,997 Bearing in mind that we've got the Tory Party suggesting 418 00:28:04,047 --> 00:28:07,517 we should go entirely with market torces in the countryside, 419 00:28:07,567 --> 00:28:13,437 and the Labour Party suggesting that we should hang on to the government procedures 420 00:28:13,487 --> 00:28:15,762 that have been in place during the war... 421 00:28:15,807 --> 00:28:19,004 What do you think? ln 1 945, what would you have gone tor? 422 00:28:19,047 --> 00:28:21,038 lt is a very tough question. 423 00:28:21,087 --> 00:28:24,204 Because l can see the benetits ot getting rid ot the War Ag, 424 00:28:24,247 --> 00:28:29,321 but equally l can see how keeping the status quo was detinitely working. 425 00:28:29,807 --> 00:28:34,119 The government has put up a tramework in which tarming can operate. 426 00:28:34,767 --> 00:28:37,565 So maybe you're thinking, ''Actually, this is working.'' 427 00:28:37,607 --> 00:28:42,442 Well, the tirst line ot the Labour Party manitesto: 428 00:28:42,487 --> 00:28:45,559 ''Agriculture is not only a job tor the tarmers, 429 00:28:45,607 --> 00:28:48,519 it is also a way ot teeding the people.'' 430 00:28:48,567 --> 00:28:53,960 lt's still calling on that whole wartime ''We're all in it together'' sort ot a spirit. 431 00:28:54,007 --> 00:28:55,042 Yes. 432 00:28:55,087 --> 00:29:00,366 The Labour Party emerged victorious with one of the biggest IandsIides in eIection history. 433 00:29:01,887 --> 00:29:07,200 The party won more pureIy ruraI seats than it ever has before or since. 434 00:29:08,327 --> 00:29:13,242 The idea of government controI over farming in peacetime wouId now be enshrined in Iaw. 435 00:29:14,367 --> 00:29:16,358 NlCK: Nothing was ever the same again. 436 00:29:16,407 --> 00:29:20,923 When the Conservatives returned to power in 1 951 again, 437 00:29:21,807 --> 00:29:24,401 they accepted the Agricultural Bill entirely 438 00:29:24,447 --> 00:29:26,438 and the rest is history. 439 00:29:26,487 --> 00:29:32,198 lt's the basis ot post-war prosperity tor British agriculture. 440 00:29:33,927 --> 00:29:37,920 Many aspects of the 1 940s IegisIation are stiII in force today. 441 00:29:43,727 --> 00:29:47,402 The grain drier is buiIt and the wheat is aImost ready to bring in. 442 00:29:49,487 --> 00:29:53,799 But before they begin cutting, the team have one Iast job they want to tackIe - 443 00:29:54,367 --> 00:29:56,835 setting up a party to ceIebrate the harvest. 444 00:29:57,847 --> 00:30:00,884 There's a wartime scheme they're using for inspiration. 445 00:30:02,167 --> 00:30:08,037 HoIidays at Home was a government initiative to counter extreme wartime working conditions. 446 00:30:09,487 --> 00:30:12,081 With many factories operating 24 hours a day, 447 00:30:12,127 --> 00:30:14,925 empIoyees often worked seven days a week. 448 00:30:16,407 --> 00:30:20,480 Ministers knew peopIe wouId become exhausted without reguIar breaks. 449 00:30:21,167 --> 00:30:25,638 But they didn't want to encourage traveI as the roads were needed for troops and freight. 450 00:30:25,687 --> 00:30:27,678 The answer was HoIidays at Home. 451 00:30:28,567 --> 00:30:30,285 Anyone home? 452 00:30:30,327 --> 00:30:33,239 LocaI voIunteers were asked to put on festivities. 453 00:30:33,967 --> 00:30:35,958 You might have seen these around. 454 00:30:36,007 --> 00:30:37,998 RUTH: Oh, yes, Holidays at Home. 455 00:30:38,847 --> 00:30:41,122 Dog show - we can detinitely enter the dog show. 456 00:30:41,167 --> 00:30:42,680 You're in tor that, no problem? 457 00:30:46,647 --> 00:30:50,322 HoIidays at Home wiII be the perfect way to round off the harvest. 458 00:30:51,287 --> 00:30:53,562 And AIex wants the party to go with a bang. 459 00:30:55,007 --> 00:30:56,725 Hello, Steve. 460 00:30:56,767 --> 00:30:58,519 Thanks tor coming along. 461 00:30:59,367 --> 00:31:02,882 He's enIisted the heIp of pyrotechnics expert Steve AIIison, 462 00:31:02,927 --> 00:31:05,521 to put together a wartime fireworks dispIay, 463 00:31:05,567 --> 00:31:07,558 in the shape of an eIephant. 464 00:31:08,767 --> 00:31:11,884 l've heard about elephants being used tor exactly these purposes. 465 00:31:11,927 --> 00:31:15,158 l'm really intrigued to see how the whole thing works. 466 00:31:15,207 --> 00:31:18,040 STEVE: Yeah, it was quite a popular lancework, the elephant. 467 00:31:18,087 --> 00:31:20,885 - You say lancework? - Lancework, yes. 468 00:31:20,927 --> 00:31:24,317 Lancework is pictures in tire. 469 00:31:24,367 --> 00:31:25,436 OK. 470 00:31:27,647 --> 00:31:31,322 Got to bear in mind that tireworks weren't quite as spectacular, 471 00:31:31,367 --> 00:31:35,076 and this was the way ot getting a sort ot moving picture, as it were. 472 00:31:35,127 --> 00:31:37,118 So it's got moving parts, has it? 473 00:31:37,167 --> 00:31:40,477 lt has. Hopetully the trunk's going to be moving at the end. 474 00:31:40,527 --> 00:31:41,755 ALEX: Wonderful. 475 00:31:41,807 --> 00:31:45,482 So you're working trom a template that you've sketched out here? 476 00:31:45,527 --> 00:31:48,519 And then the tireworks will be placed on the outline. 477 00:31:48,567 --> 00:31:52,958 When they're lit, you'll see the pinpoints ot light and the picture outlined. 478 00:31:53,007 --> 00:31:56,602 ALEX: So the ears. We're going tor Atrican elephant or lndian? 479 00:31:56,647 --> 00:31:58,638 That ear size is just perfect. 480 00:31:58,687 --> 00:32:00,678 l think the Atrican elephant. 481 00:32:00,727 --> 00:32:03,036 The Atrican elephant? OK, tine by me. 482 00:32:03,087 --> 00:32:05,078 - Happy? - That's looking good. 483 00:32:06,687 --> 00:32:09,201 Fireworks were banned at the start of the war, 484 00:32:09,247 --> 00:32:12,523 and aII existing suppIies had to be handed over to poIice. 485 00:32:14,207 --> 00:32:17,802 Factories that made them were converted to produce munitions. 486 00:32:22,967 --> 00:32:25,879 The business end ot this structure - the tireworks. 487 00:32:25,927 --> 00:32:29,636 You've got some on display. Are these the ones we'll be attaching? 488 00:32:29,687 --> 00:32:32,406 l don't think so. The ones we're attaching are much plainer. 489 00:32:32,447 --> 00:32:36,565 These are pre-war that would have been in the shops, like a selection box. 490 00:32:36,607 --> 00:32:40,395 So these are the sort ot thing that had been banned by the time we get to 1 939-40? 491 00:32:40,447 --> 00:32:41,482 Absolutely. 492 00:32:41,527 --> 00:32:43,404 ''War in the air''. 493 00:32:43,447 --> 00:32:45,677 The shape ot things to come, untortunately. 494 00:32:45,727 --> 00:32:47,922 - Rather prophetic, actually. - Very much so. 495 00:32:47,967 --> 00:32:49,958 This is the Jumping Jack? 496 00:32:50,007 --> 00:32:52,999 You'd light that and it would chase you round the garden. 497 00:32:53,047 --> 00:32:56,596 But we're not going to use these tireworks to attach to our elephant? 498 00:32:56,647 --> 00:32:59,639 - No, we're going to go tor plain white. - Right, OK. 499 00:32:59,687 --> 00:33:01,723 That's your lance, like a cigarette. 500 00:33:01,767 --> 00:33:03,758 But l wouldn't smoke it. 501 00:33:05,647 --> 00:33:09,560 The Iances wiII be fastened to the treIIis with doubIe pointed naiIs, 502 00:33:09,607 --> 00:33:11,723 and Iinked together with quick match - 503 00:33:12,487 --> 00:33:14,796 cotton, covered with gunpowder mixture, 504 00:33:14,847 --> 00:33:16,838 covered in paper. 505 00:33:17,767 --> 00:33:19,758 This is all incredibly technical. 506 00:33:19,807 --> 00:33:22,685 Your worst-case scenario is you light one corner ot this, 507 00:33:22,727 --> 00:33:25,400 it gets halfway up the leg and then just goes out. 508 00:33:25,447 --> 00:33:26,596 Absolutely. 509 00:33:26,647 --> 00:33:30,162 You certainly wouldn't see an elephant. Bit ot a disaster, really. 510 00:33:31,167 --> 00:33:36,525 It'II take severaI hours and 1 80 Iances to compIete the firework eIephant. 511 00:33:46,647 --> 00:33:48,638 For three months after VE Day, 512 00:33:48,687 --> 00:33:51,485 Britain remained at war in the Far East. 513 00:33:53,087 --> 00:33:58,366 Then, on August 6th, a terrifying new weapon was unIeashed over Japan - 514 00:33:59,727 --> 00:34:01,718 the atomic bomb. 515 00:34:01,767 --> 00:34:03,758 Japan soon surrendered, 516 00:34:07,287 --> 00:34:09,482 marking the end of the Second WorId War. 517 00:34:14,647 --> 00:34:17,445 WiId ceIebrations erupted in the USA. 518 00:34:23,207 --> 00:34:26,597 But in Britain, a new set of chaIIenges emerged. 519 00:34:28,047 --> 00:34:33,246 Since 1 94 1, the government had been dependent on financiaI support from America 520 00:34:33,287 --> 00:34:35,278 and this was soon cut off. 521 00:34:36,287 --> 00:34:40,997 Britain was essentiaIIy bankrupt and unabIe to afford imported food. 522 00:34:41,047 --> 00:34:44,039 So the nation's farms, exhausted from the confIict, 523 00:34:44,087 --> 00:34:47,557 were caIIed on to step up production to even greater heights. 524 00:34:57,767 --> 00:35:00,201 At the farm, the crop is ready to cut. 525 00:35:01,567 --> 00:35:04,081 The Wartime combined harvester has arrived. 526 00:35:08,127 --> 00:35:09,719 lt's gonna be tight. 527 00:35:15,367 --> 00:35:18,120 Look at that! Ooh-ho-ho! 528 00:35:18,167 --> 00:35:20,442 We are talking about halt an inch, there. 529 00:35:20,487 --> 00:35:22,478 Halt an inch, but we're in. 530 00:35:22,527 --> 00:35:24,836 You are through. 531 00:35:24,887 --> 00:35:29,677 The AIIis-ChaImers AII-Crop 60 was manufactured throughout the 1 940s. 532 00:35:30,847 --> 00:35:33,281 Its owner is IocaI farmer Lou HazeI. 533 00:35:34,287 --> 00:35:37,484 So this is the combined harvester? 534 00:35:37,527 --> 00:35:42,317 This is the thing that's combining not only the cutting but the threshing ot the crop? 535 00:35:42,367 --> 00:35:43,516 Correct. 536 00:35:43,567 --> 00:35:45,558 You're gonna show me how this works? 537 00:35:45,607 --> 00:35:47,359 Quite simple. 538 00:35:48,007 --> 00:35:51,477 The knite there goes backwards and torwards, cuts the grain. 539 00:35:52,327 --> 00:35:56,240 - The reel goes round and round... - Sort ot knocking it into the blade? 540 00:35:56,287 --> 00:35:59,563 As soon as it's cut, it talls back onto the canvas, 541 00:35:59,607 --> 00:36:01,677 which conveys it up to the top. 542 00:36:01,727 --> 00:36:04,002 And it goes into the threshing cylinder. 543 00:36:04,887 --> 00:36:08,800 The threshing cyIinder removes the grain from the ears of wheat. 544 00:36:08,847 --> 00:36:12,044 - So that cylinder goes round... - Oh, l'm with you. 545 00:36:12,687 --> 00:36:14,996 It contains iron bars coated with rubber. 546 00:36:15,687 --> 00:36:18,963 The rubber covering there gives the seed a gentle thrash. 547 00:36:19,007 --> 00:36:23,558 So it's not making aggressive action to it to crack the kernel. 548 00:36:23,607 --> 00:36:25,598 lt doesn't bruise or break the seed? 549 00:36:25,647 --> 00:36:27,046 Correct. 550 00:36:27,087 --> 00:36:29,078 Once the grain has been knocked out, 551 00:36:29,127 --> 00:36:30,719 it's separated from the straw 552 00:36:30,767 --> 00:36:34,123 by sIatted conveyors moving towards the other side of the combine. 553 00:36:35,407 --> 00:36:40,765 FinaIIy, the grain encounters a series of sieves, which get rid of any remaining straw. 554 00:36:41,607 --> 00:36:46,965 All ot those processes that had once all been done back in the threshing barn, 555 00:36:47,007 --> 00:36:49,965 are all being done here on the back ot the harvester. 556 00:36:50,007 --> 00:36:51,998 ''Does it work?'' is the question. 557 00:36:52,047 --> 00:36:54,038 - Oh, yes. - OK. 558 00:36:54,487 --> 00:36:58,116 They claim it will thresh over 1 00 different crops. 559 00:36:58,167 --> 00:36:59,998 OK. 560 00:37:00,047 --> 00:37:05,041 lt's got about 1 00 different plants out there to thresh through, what with all the weeds. 561 00:37:05,087 --> 00:37:07,555 Let's hope we just get some grain in the bags. 562 00:37:07,607 --> 00:37:09,723 All right, well, let's see it started. 563 00:37:10,647 --> 00:37:13,445 Modern combined harvesters are seIf-propeIIed. 564 00:37:13,487 --> 00:37:15,478 But this one is puIIed by a tractor, 565 00:37:15,527 --> 00:37:17,916 which means there are two engines to start. 566 00:37:19,527 --> 00:37:21,518 (Engine starts then cuts out) 567 00:37:21,567 --> 00:37:22,556 Close. 568 00:37:22,607 --> 00:37:26,919 lt l never see another crank handle as long as l live, Lou, l'll die a happy man. 569 00:37:29,447 --> 00:37:31,438 (Engine starts up) 570 00:37:32,847 --> 00:37:35,156 Two or three minutes tor the engine to warm up. 571 00:37:35,207 --> 00:37:36,765 Then we can start cutting. 572 00:37:38,647 --> 00:37:40,638 Put it on that one. 573 00:37:43,447 --> 00:37:45,642 As is always the case with these things, 574 00:37:45,687 --> 00:37:47,882 incredibly tense tor Peter and myselt. 575 00:37:48,567 --> 00:37:51,240 This is a whole year building up to this harvest. 576 00:37:52,247 --> 00:37:56,365 And the thing is, you're working with kit and equipment which is over 70 years old. 577 00:37:58,767 --> 00:38:00,758 But here we go. 578 00:38:12,647 --> 00:38:14,638 The combine is off to a good start. 579 00:38:15,567 --> 00:38:19,845 We've made some progress but there's so much green material in the bottom there. 580 00:38:23,327 --> 00:38:25,841 But the weeds in the crop couId cause troubIe. 581 00:38:29,967 --> 00:38:31,525 Something's burning. 582 00:38:31,567 --> 00:38:35,037 - Something is burning. - lt's the belt. That belt is burning. 583 00:38:36,367 --> 00:38:38,835 Damp grass is all jammed in under the reel. 584 00:38:41,367 --> 00:38:45,724 We had a jam and the problem is there's so much tilth. 585 00:38:45,767 --> 00:38:48,235 There's so much weed in the base ot this crop, 586 00:38:48,887 --> 00:38:51,242 that the cutter's struggling to get through it. 587 00:38:51,287 --> 00:38:53,278 Wet grass, losing traction. 588 00:38:53,927 --> 00:38:55,519 - lt's not going well. - No. 589 00:38:58,407 --> 00:39:01,683 Weed-ridden wheat was a symptom of the wartime directive 590 00:39:01,727 --> 00:39:05,242 to pIough up Iand that had never been used to grow crops before. 591 00:39:10,127 --> 00:39:14,405 This is the type ot land you wouldn't dream ot putting a crop in outside ot wartime. 592 00:39:15,047 --> 00:39:17,038 PETER: lt is the battle tor tood. 593 00:39:17,087 --> 00:39:19,078 This is the tinal push to get this in. 594 00:39:19,127 --> 00:39:23,120 And it's gonna take a Herculean and heroic effort to get it in, isn't it? 595 00:39:25,727 --> 00:39:26,955 How's it looking? 596 00:39:27,007 --> 00:39:28,679 - Terrible. - Terrible? 597 00:39:28,727 --> 00:39:31,639 - That's not the word we like to hear. - At least he's honest. 598 00:39:33,087 --> 00:39:35,203 If they can't get the combine working, 599 00:39:35,247 --> 00:39:37,841 the team wiII have to harvest the fieId by hand, 600 00:39:39,407 --> 00:39:42,638 taking around four days to cut and two to thresh. 601 00:39:44,007 --> 00:39:47,477 The combine is capabIe of doing both jobs in Iess than one day. 602 00:40:01,727 --> 00:40:04,195 Ruth's setting up the harvest ceIebration. 603 00:40:04,247 --> 00:40:06,238 HoIidays at Home. 604 00:40:10,727 --> 00:40:15,323 The government issued guideIines on how to get the most out of time off. 605 00:40:16,927 --> 00:40:20,397 Have you seen this menu leatlet suggested tor Holidays at Home? 606 00:40:21,087 --> 00:40:23,282 lt's quite incredible. l like this bit. 607 00:40:24,367 --> 00:40:28,155 ''What about mother? Too often she has to spend long hours in a hot kitchen, 608 00:40:28,207 --> 00:40:32,485 trying to cope with the tremendous appetites ot the tamily. This is all wrong. 609 00:40:33,047 --> 00:40:35,242 mother needs a change trom the kitchen, 610 00:40:35,287 --> 00:40:38,802 just as much as Father needs one trom the office or the children trom school.'' 611 00:40:38,847 --> 00:40:42,522 But how can this be managed? By caretul menu planning. 612 00:40:42,567 --> 00:40:47,402 Basically, you've got to spend the week betore your holiday...doing extra work. 613 00:40:47,447 --> 00:40:49,438 mmm, some holiday. 614 00:40:50,567 --> 00:40:53,957 l thought we'd have a go at monday's sandwiches suggestion. 615 00:40:55,367 --> 00:40:58,200 ''Sandwiches made with pilchard and cabbage spread.'' 616 00:40:58,247 --> 00:41:00,203 Oh, that sounds horrible! 617 00:41:01,407 --> 00:41:03,796 The recipe caIIs for piIchard, cabbage... 618 00:41:05,367 --> 00:41:08,803 .. vinegar, saIt and mustard. 619 00:41:11,647 --> 00:41:13,922 That looks less appetising, doesn't it? 620 00:41:15,767 --> 00:41:17,678 l should be brave and taste a little bit. 621 00:41:17,727 --> 00:41:19,718 Here goes. 622 00:41:22,967 --> 00:41:24,923 Actually, it's all right. 623 00:41:24,967 --> 00:41:26,958 Genuinely, that's all right. 624 00:41:27,567 --> 00:41:29,558 lt is, actually, it's very good. 625 00:41:30,287 --> 00:41:31,800 l might try making that. 626 00:41:33,967 --> 00:41:35,958 Are we ready to go or what? 627 00:41:37,047 --> 00:41:39,925 An hour of adjustments have uncIogged the combine 628 00:41:39,967 --> 00:41:41,958 and the harvest can continue. 629 00:41:56,607 --> 00:41:57,801 Whoo. 630 00:42:03,647 --> 00:42:05,239 Our tirst bag. 631 00:42:05,287 --> 00:42:06,481 This is it. 632 00:42:08,447 --> 00:42:11,359 You just put your hand in, you can teel the moisture. 633 00:42:11,407 --> 00:42:13,204 lt teels damp. 634 00:42:13,247 --> 00:42:15,761 We'll have to get this dried pretty smartish. 635 00:42:15,807 --> 00:42:17,525 But, having said that, 636 00:42:17,567 --> 00:42:20,957 this was beyond our wildest expectations about a month ago. 637 00:42:21,007 --> 00:42:22,998 lt really is. This is tantastic. 638 00:42:26,527 --> 00:42:28,085 There we go. Blimey. 639 00:42:28,127 --> 00:42:30,118 To the grain drier. 640 00:42:38,367 --> 00:42:41,564 CoIin's on hand to get the grain drier up to temperature. 641 00:42:43,527 --> 00:42:45,518 l like this, Alex. This is you? 642 00:42:45,567 --> 00:42:49,082 Yeah, a little message there, thought it was quite pertinent. 643 00:42:50,367 --> 00:42:53,484 The fire needs to die down before the grain can be dried. 644 00:42:54,487 --> 00:42:56,443 RUTH: Blinking heck! 645 00:42:56,487 --> 00:43:00,275 When you said a grain-drying kiln, it's not quite what l had in mind. 646 00:43:00,327 --> 00:43:02,318 No, it's incredibly makeshift. 647 00:43:03,367 --> 00:43:06,040 Ruth's brought aIong a batch of the piIchard sandwiches. 648 00:43:06,087 --> 00:43:07,725 l'm starving. Wow. 649 00:43:07,767 --> 00:43:13,239 This is detinitely one ot those recipes l was really worried about but it seems all right. 650 00:43:13,287 --> 00:43:14,800 Unusual. 651 00:43:14,847 --> 00:43:16,644 - Delicious. - Good, aren't they? 652 00:43:16,687 --> 00:43:18,678 Taste the sea. 653 00:43:21,807 --> 00:43:26,005 - We're gonna have a lovely Holidays at Home? - We will it the weather holds. 654 00:43:26,047 --> 00:43:28,242 We've got tireworks as well. 655 00:43:28,287 --> 00:43:30,278 But we've got a lot ot hard work ahead ot us. 656 00:43:30,327 --> 00:43:33,399 - They didn't last long, did they? - That was delicious. 657 00:43:38,087 --> 00:43:39,725 The fire's under controI 658 00:43:39,767 --> 00:43:41,758 and the drying surface hot. 659 00:43:41,807 --> 00:43:44,162 But before the team can dry any grain, 660 00:43:44,207 --> 00:43:46,801 there's one finaI caIcuIation they must make. 661 00:43:47,647 --> 00:43:53,165 The wartime target was to store grain with a moisture content of around 1 4 per cent. 662 00:43:54,007 --> 00:43:57,920 Any more than that, and there was a risk it wouId go mouIdy over winter. 663 00:43:59,087 --> 00:44:00,486 - You got it? - Yeah. 664 00:44:00,527 --> 00:44:03,599 The team need to know how wet the crop is to start with. 665 00:44:05,927 --> 00:44:09,522 Historian John Martin has come to heIp with this cruciaI stage. 666 00:44:10,767 --> 00:44:14,282 - Hello, John. How are you, all right? - Yeah, not too bad. 667 00:44:14,327 --> 00:44:16,636 lt's not the prettiest grain you'll ever see. 668 00:44:16,687 --> 00:44:22,045 That's typical ot lots ot the grains that were cut in the war, weeds were really quite common. 669 00:44:22,087 --> 00:44:25,682 - So as a wartime crop, it's not looking too bad? - lt looks reasonably good. 670 00:44:25,727 --> 00:44:29,003 John's pIan is to measure out three pounds of the grain... 671 00:44:29,047 --> 00:44:31,038 - That's better. - On the nail. 672 00:44:32,407 --> 00:44:34,398 ..dry it and then reweigh it. 673 00:44:35,047 --> 00:44:40,201 The amount of weight that's been Iost wiII be the amount of moisture in the originaI grain. 674 00:44:40,247 --> 00:44:42,238 We've just got a set ot scales here, 675 00:44:42,647 --> 00:44:44,638 and we're doing a very arbitrary test. 676 00:44:44,687 --> 00:44:47,963 Surely the ministry would have had much more hi-tech equipment? 677 00:44:48,007 --> 00:44:52,956 They would, but because it was in short supply, it wouldn't have been available tor all tarmers. 678 00:44:53,007 --> 00:44:56,204 They've got to kind ot, in the war, improvise as best they can. 679 00:45:03,407 --> 00:45:06,524 You can teel the heat in that. That is really drying quite quickly. 680 00:45:06,567 --> 00:45:08,603 The grain's beginning to teel different. 681 00:45:08,647 --> 00:45:10,205 Can you teel it? 682 00:45:20,047 --> 00:45:24,165 The team are about to find out how much moisture is in their precious crop. 683 00:45:25,487 --> 00:45:28,923 We have got here two pounds and tour ounces. 684 00:45:30,167 --> 00:45:33,477 The grain has Iost around a quarter of its originaI weight, 685 00:45:33,527 --> 00:45:36,599 meaning it had a moisture content of 25 per cent. 686 00:45:36,647 --> 00:45:39,480 This wouId have been too high for the Ministry of AgricuIture, 687 00:45:39,527 --> 00:45:42,405 who were Iooking for it to be around 1 4 per cent. 688 00:45:42,447 --> 00:45:45,962 OK, so we know what we've got to do now in terms ot drying on here. 689 00:45:46,007 --> 00:45:48,726 We know the thickness ot the bed ot grain we need, 690 00:45:48,767 --> 00:45:51,042 we know how long we need to cook it on here, 691 00:45:51,087 --> 00:45:53,362 and what type ot heat we need to keep up. 692 00:45:53,407 --> 00:45:55,443 We've got a lot ot sacks to get through. 693 00:45:55,487 --> 00:45:58,081 So l think we should start by getting on with it. 694 00:46:01,047 --> 00:46:03,242 With the makeshift drier working, 695 00:46:03,287 --> 00:46:08,441 the farmers are on course to bring in the crop at a standard the Ministry wouId have accepted. 696 00:46:08,487 --> 00:46:10,682 Back in the day when men were men, Peter. 697 00:46:11,727 --> 00:46:13,399 Right, Peter. 698 00:46:13,447 --> 00:46:15,438 Hold tast, man. 699 00:46:17,047 --> 00:46:19,038 On it goes. 700 00:46:19,087 --> 00:46:21,078 That's good. We're getting there. 701 00:46:23,367 --> 00:46:25,437 There's another dozen ot them sacks. 702 00:46:25,487 --> 00:46:26,840 (Laughter) 703 00:46:29,607 --> 00:46:31,484 How are you teeling about this, Colin? 704 00:46:31,527 --> 00:46:34,041 lt we do this tor sort ot halt an hour or an hour, 705 00:46:34,087 --> 00:46:36,476 then l think we'll actually dry this batch. 706 00:46:36,527 --> 00:46:38,040 That's good news. 707 00:46:38,087 --> 00:46:39,440 Let's get drying. 708 00:46:39,487 --> 00:46:41,478 Know what this calls tor? 709 00:46:41,527 --> 00:46:43,324 - A beer. - A beer? 710 00:46:43,367 --> 00:46:44,959 Oh, my word. 711 00:46:53,287 --> 00:46:55,164 Thank you. 712 00:46:56,207 --> 00:47:01,076 The success of the food production campaign went far beyond officiaIs'pre-war pIans. 713 00:47:02,847 --> 00:47:07,637 Never before had output increased so rapidIy in such a short period of time. 714 00:47:09,247 --> 00:47:13,559 John Martin is one of the country's Ieading authorities on wartime farming. 715 00:47:14,567 --> 00:47:16,046 Let's get this straight. 716 00:47:16,087 --> 00:47:20,956 lt we were to try and rank the battle tor tood and the battle tor harvests, as you call it, 717 00:47:21,007 --> 00:47:25,205 up against things like the Battle ot Britain, Dunkirk or D-day, 718 00:47:25,247 --> 00:47:28,603 we can see it as a success, a victory won. 719 00:47:28,647 --> 00:47:30,638 l think it was a clear victory. 720 00:47:32,847 --> 00:47:35,919 lt saved us trom malnutrition and really starvation. 721 00:47:35,967 --> 00:47:37,559 lt's a crowning achievement - 722 00:47:37,607 --> 00:47:41,395 Britain entered the war with two-thirds ot its population being ted on imported tood. 723 00:47:41,447 --> 00:47:45,440 As much as it must have been hard, it must have given so many people a purpose. 724 00:47:45,487 --> 00:47:47,000 l think that's very true. 725 00:47:47,047 --> 00:47:52,724 lt's a neglected story that people committed themselves to a war effort 726 00:47:52,767 --> 00:47:55,998 and the countryside committed itselt to winning the war. 727 00:47:56,047 --> 00:47:59,357 Well, l think we are sitting on the brink ot our own victory. 728 00:47:59,407 --> 00:48:01,477 Everything seems to be going to plan. 729 00:48:01,527 --> 00:48:03,518 - So, cheers. - Fingers crossed. 730 00:48:03,567 --> 00:48:06,127 Here's to the heroes ot wartime tarming. 731 00:48:06,167 --> 00:48:08,158 - Cheers. - All ot 'em. 732 00:48:13,607 --> 00:48:18,727 By the end of the war, the fieIds of Britain were producing doubIe what they had in the 1 930s. 733 00:48:20,207 --> 00:48:22,516 It was an unprecedented accompIishment. 734 00:48:23,847 --> 00:48:27,317 But it created a Iegacy which has never Ieft the countryside. 735 00:48:32,767 --> 00:48:37,841 Tractors enabIed 6.5 miIIion acres of grassIand to be pIoughed up 736 00:48:37,887 --> 00:48:40,685 in areas often now protected by Iaw. 737 00:48:43,167 --> 00:48:45,886 The use of chemicaI fertiIisers nearIy tripIed. 738 00:48:47,687 --> 00:48:50,201 They've remained part of agricuIture ever since. 739 00:48:50,847 --> 00:48:52,838 But despite increasing yieIds, 740 00:48:52,887 --> 00:48:58,086 some peopIe feeI the chemicaIs have caused irreparabIe damage to the farming Iandscape. 741 00:48:59,727 --> 00:49:03,800 These are all implements that actually do allow you to grow crops 742 00:49:03,847 --> 00:49:06,964 in areas that you probably wouldn't normally have grown crops. 743 00:49:07,847 --> 00:49:11,760 lt's almost as it you've become absolute master over that landscape. 744 00:49:11,807 --> 00:49:13,684 That's trightening. 745 00:49:16,407 --> 00:49:21,606 The poIicy of sIaughtering animaIs that couIdn't be fed caused Iivestock numbers to pIummet. 746 00:49:24,047 --> 00:49:29,997 Many Iivestock now cIassified as rare breeds became rare because of the wartime cuII. 747 00:49:30,927 --> 00:49:36,320 The tocus has been not upon the tarmyard and the tarm stock, but out in the tields. 748 00:49:36,367 --> 00:49:38,358 That's telt quite different. 749 00:49:39,007 --> 00:49:43,080 A yard that's empty ot animals, empty ot that routine... 750 00:49:44,567 --> 00:49:46,637 ..a very quiet tarmyard in some ways. 751 00:49:49,647 --> 00:49:54,357 The war forged a Iink between government and farmers that was cIoser than ever before. 752 00:49:57,487 --> 00:49:59,955 Governmental control at this sort ot level, 753 00:50:00,007 --> 00:50:01,998 it was a necessity. 754 00:50:02,047 --> 00:50:05,244 And to be brutally honest, it worked. 755 00:50:06,127 --> 00:50:11,599 What it did ensure is that we did have enough tood to teed every single person on this island. 756 00:50:13,367 --> 00:50:16,279 As a resuIt of the wartime agricuIturaI revoIution, 757 00:50:17,087 --> 00:50:21,046 farmers in Britain found themseIves on a technoIogicaI treadmiII, 758 00:50:22,087 --> 00:50:24,362 constantIy seeking to maximise output. 759 00:50:28,007 --> 00:50:33,081 EventuaIIy the revoIution became the basis of agricuIture as we know it today. 760 00:50:41,047 --> 00:50:45,438 With the combine making quick work of the fieId and the grain drying going weII, 761 00:50:46,607 --> 00:50:49,201 the team's work on the farm is coming to an end. 762 00:51:06,087 --> 00:51:08,157 The harvest ceIebration is underway. 763 00:51:08,207 --> 00:51:10,118 HoIidays at Home. 764 00:51:12,047 --> 00:51:14,038 PETER: Wow! ALEX: Whoa, look at that. 765 00:51:14,087 --> 00:51:16,078 RUTH: That's quite a sight. 766 00:51:16,127 --> 00:51:18,641 Weather like this, l'd have a holiday at home. 767 00:51:23,487 --> 00:51:25,478 Decent location tor our tireworks. 768 00:51:26,007 --> 00:51:28,282 What have we got, though, tor tireworks? 769 00:51:28,327 --> 00:51:30,841 You'll have to wait and see, won't you, Peter? 770 00:51:30,887 --> 00:51:33,401 - l'll have to wait and see. - lt's a surprise. 771 00:51:40,727 --> 00:51:43,844 The HoIidays at Home harvest ceIebration is underway. 772 00:51:46,047 --> 00:51:47,924 As weII as transforming agricuIture, 773 00:51:47,967 --> 00:51:51,084 the war caused sociaI upheavaI across Britain. 774 00:51:51,807 --> 00:51:55,402 That summer saw the first wave of peopIe reIeased from war work. 775 00:51:56,287 --> 00:52:00,075 Among them were some of the two miIIion women who'd been mobiIised, 776 00:52:00,127 --> 00:52:02,516 often into jobs traditionaIIy done by men. 777 00:52:03,647 --> 00:52:06,844 RUTH: Women's lives were so turned upside down during the war. 778 00:52:06,887 --> 00:52:10,277 l know immediately after the war things seemed, tor a while, 779 00:52:10,327 --> 00:52:12,636 to go back to exactly the same way they had. 780 00:52:12,687 --> 00:52:17,203 But they didn't really, because inside people's heads, something had changed. 781 00:52:17,247 --> 00:52:19,158 lt could never completely go back. 782 00:52:27,527 --> 00:52:30,644 But there was no Iet-up in shortages of everyday items. 783 00:52:33,847 --> 00:52:37,556 Food rationing wouId continue untiI 1 954. 784 00:52:38,247 --> 00:52:41,842 Other commodities, Iike cIothes, aIso went on being rationed. 785 00:52:42,687 --> 00:52:46,999 The wartime mentaIity wouId have to endure Iong after the confIict was over. 786 00:52:49,847 --> 00:52:54,045 l think the thing l've enjoyed most about the year is the resourcetulness. 787 00:52:54,087 --> 00:52:55,486 There's no doubt about it. 788 00:52:55,527 --> 00:52:58,041 Come on, then, winners! Come get your prizes. 789 00:52:59,087 --> 00:53:02,204 There just didn't exist a concept ot throwing things away. 790 00:53:02,247 --> 00:53:07,275 And that, tor me, is probably the biggest lesson that l can take away trom that period. 791 00:53:22,327 --> 00:53:24,318 - Have your dogs go down. - Down. 792 00:53:24,367 --> 00:53:26,323 Good boy! 793 00:53:27,887 --> 00:53:30,481 l hope he's not giving marks tor handler's appearance. 794 00:53:30,527 --> 00:53:32,518 And the winner is... 795 00:53:32,567 --> 00:53:34,239 Henry. 796 00:53:34,287 --> 00:53:36,278 (Cheering and applause) 797 00:53:36,967 --> 00:53:41,961 PETER: We've torgotten the austere measures that people had to take during this period. 798 00:53:42,007 --> 00:53:45,682 They had to sacritice things, they had to make do and mend. 799 00:53:45,727 --> 00:53:48,525 lt's not just a mindset that was in the individual. 800 00:53:48,567 --> 00:53:50,603 lt was a mindset ot the nation. 801 00:53:52,847 --> 00:53:55,725 There was a collective ''Let's just do it''. 802 00:54:10,487 --> 00:54:14,446 As night faIIs, it's time to reveaI the firework eIephant. 803 00:54:16,927 --> 00:54:18,724 Are we ready? 804 00:54:21,527 --> 00:54:23,518 (Gasps ot delight) 805 00:54:25,887 --> 00:54:27,878 (Cheering and applause) 806 00:54:35,807 --> 00:54:37,604 Oh, yes! 807 00:54:38,567 --> 00:54:40,558 That is brilliant! 808 00:54:42,607 --> 00:54:46,759 lt is brilliant and what a tantastic way to end our year. 809 00:54:47,407 --> 00:54:50,922 You know, after six years ot war, seeing something so magical. 810 00:54:52,247 --> 00:54:53,680 Bravo! 811 00:55:05,767 --> 00:55:08,884 PETER: You can read about the Second World War in books. 812 00:55:08,927 --> 00:55:12,044 But to actually come out here, to actually try and walk, 813 00:55:12,087 --> 00:55:15,318 even just tor a tew tootsteps in their shoes, 814 00:55:16,407 --> 00:55:21,765 to really understand what it must have been like to be in this country, to be up against it... 815 00:55:23,207 --> 00:55:25,198 ..it does change you. 816 00:55:28,287 --> 00:55:30,278 RUTH: lt teels like being demobbed. 817 00:55:30,327 --> 00:55:33,524 - lt is a bit like that, isn't it? - Back into civvy street. 818 00:55:36,367 --> 00:55:39,359 l should have worn my spare pair ot clothes, you know. 819 00:55:39,887 --> 00:55:41,878 Look a bit smart, tinally. 820 00:55:44,807 --> 00:55:48,686 RUTH: l think the thing that has had the biggest impact on me this year 821 00:55:48,727 --> 00:55:53,005 has been that talking, that connecting, with people who were really there. 822 00:55:56,767 --> 00:56:00,043 l don't think l'd ever really truly done that. 823 00:56:01,167 --> 00:56:06,560 l just teel a sense ot connection with that generation that l never thought l would. 824 00:56:11,207 --> 00:56:13,198 lt's been a great year. 825 00:56:14,247 --> 00:56:15,839 Enjoyed yourselt? 826 00:56:15,887 --> 00:56:17,878 Yeah, l'm really sad to go. 827 00:56:19,287 --> 00:56:22,723 Ot course, it's a countryside that will never be the same again. 828 00:56:22,767 --> 00:56:23,882 Changed torever. 829 00:56:24,807 --> 00:56:26,798 lt's so basic, isn't it, tood? 830 00:56:27,647 --> 00:56:29,638 lt underpins everything. 831 00:56:35,767 --> 00:56:38,122 RUTH: ls that it? ALEX: That looks like our ride. 832 00:56:43,607 --> 00:56:49,557 ALEX: l've really tound myselt admiring the teats ot the people that worked on the land - 833 00:56:50,967 --> 00:56:55,995 the tarmers, the War Ag, the land girls... everyone who contributed. 834 00:56:57,767 --> 00:57:02,045 l lift my hat to those people, they really did win the battle tor tood. 835 00:57:08,807 --> 00:57:10,525 Ding, ding! 836 00:57:16,127 --> 00:57:18,118 PETER: Where to next? 837 00:57:18,167 --> 00:57:20,158 ALEX: l think the seaside. 838 00:57:20,207 --> 00:57:23,916 - Seaside, Ruth? You tancy that? RUTH: (Chuckles) That'd be good.