“Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color” Coming Soon To Hulu & Disney+
National Geographic has announced a brand-new four-part documentary series called “Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color”, which weaves a blend of historical dramatizations with curated archival footage, bridging the past with the present to highlight new perspectives on established histories. The series showcases the personal narratives of soldiers through their never-before-aired oral testimonies and journal writings, along with powerful accounts from their descendants — stories passed down the generations. These gripping and emotional testimonies transport viewers back in time to witness bravery unfold in WW2’s iconic theatres of war.
This new series has been produced by October Films and Elba’s 22Summers, “Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color”, uncovers the long-lost legacies of soldiers of color during World War II. This landmark series sheds light on the immense contributions of over eight million individuals who fought heroically for the Allied forces and whose stories have largely gone untold.
All four episodes will be released on the National Geographic channel on Monday 3rd June 2024 at 9/8c, with all four episodes being available the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
Check out the “Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color” trailer:
Each episode focuses on at least three extraordinary heroes, from a 16-year-old New Yorker to an aristocrat from India.
Here are some details on each episode:
“PEARL HARBOR”
Premieres June 3 at 9/8c on Nat Geo
This episode tells the story of three Black sailors who not only miraculously survived the attack on Pearl Harbor but also saved countless lives. Working as messmen below deck on segregated ships, hundreds of Black sailors fought for their lives as Japanese bombs hit, with some performing incredible acts of heroism. It took years before many of these men were properly honored after their return.
“D-DAY”
Premieres June 3 at 10/9c on Nat Geo
In this episode, we unearth the hidden heroes of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion who helped liberate Europe. These American soldiers were the only all-Black combat unit to fight on the D-Day beaches. After valiantly serving their country, they returned home, hoping for the Civil Rights Movement to secure change, only to find a country where their heroics in France were quickly forgotten.
“DUNKIRK”
Premieres June 10 at 9/8c on Nat Geo
This episode reveals the gripping story of Force K6, a little-known Indian regiment of mule handlers in WW2, with one unit destined to be pivotal in evacuating Allied forces at Dunkirk. Other units who were stranded or captured in Nazi-occupied France had to find ways to escape to safety. Later, their wartime experiences fed the fight to end nearly 200 years of colonial rule in India.
“BATTLE OF THE BULGE”
Premieres June 10 at 10/9c on Nat Geo
This episode explores the untold story of the Black Panthers, an elite African American tank battalion. Unseen diaries and rare interviews chart the unit’s action through France, Belgium and Germany, including in the bloodiest American battle of WW2: the Battle of the Bulge. Their experiences inspired not just the fight for civil rights in the U.S. but also battles for freedom worldwide.
Looking beyond the battlefield, “Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color” reveals the profound link between the soldiers’ wartime struggles and the rise of post-war-inspired movements for freedom that swept the globe. Both shows are a poignant testament to the soldiers’ courage, a tribute to their sacrifices, and a powerful reminder that the fight for equality and recognition continues to this day.
“Erased: WW2’s Heroes Of Color” is produced by October Films and 22Summers. For October Films, Johanna Woolford Gibbon, Jos Cushing, Matt Robins, and Chris Muckle are executive producers. Sam Pollard is consulting exec producer; Annabel Hobley is co-executive producer. For 22Summers, Idris Elba, Jamilla Dumbuya and Khaled Gad are executive producers. For National Geographic, Sean D. Johnson and Simon Raikes are executive producers. Charlie Parsons is senior vice president, Development, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president, Global Factual and Unscripted Content.
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