Churchill's Secret Army

Churchill's Secret Army

From Dan Snow's History Hit by History Hit

April 20, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 1782

About this episode

Dan Snow investigates the secret resistance cells set up in Britain during World War II.

Trap doors under toilets, hidden radio rooms in the back of wardrobes, secret bases behind waterfalls....Dan investigates an extraordinary network of secret resistance cells set up during Britain's "darkest hour". In the summer of 1940, Britain and its empire stood alone as the Nazi war machine stormed through Europe. Prime Minister Winston Churchill created something extraordinary: secret factions of men and women trained to wreak havoc behind the lines of an invading army. Dan once again joins forces with Andy Chatterton from the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team, who are unearthing this incredible part of World War Two for another bunker hunt. What they find on this adventure is truly extraordinary. You can learn more about Britain's secret resistance in Andy's book 'Fortress Britain 1940: Britain's Unsung and Secret Defences on Land, Sea and in the Air'. With thanks to Chris Hale, Nina, Will and Martyn from CART, Andy Aust and Duncan Akers. Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Dougal Patmore. You can watch our video documentary on Churchill's Secret Army! Sign up here to watch: https://access.historyhit.com/videos/churchills-secret-army You can also email the podcast…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Snow

Guest: Andy Chatterton

Topics covered

  • World War II
  • secret resistance
  • Churchill
  • military history
  • British history
  • Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team

Keywords

  • Churchill's Secret Army
  • resistance cells
  • World War II
  • Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team
  • hidden bases
  • secret operations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team

Books & works: Fortress Britain 1940: Britain's Unsung and Secret Defences on Land, Sea and in the Air

More episodes of Dan Snow's History Hit

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Dan Snow's History Hit podcast page.