Intelligence is the backbone of military success. Knowing the enemy’s next move — while keeping your own a secret — can be the difference between victory and defeat. Discover how codes and ciphers have been used for thousands of years, from light and sound to secret writing and visual tricks. Cryptography leapt forward in the lead-up to the Second World War, and its role in the conflict cannot be overstated. Can you break the code?

Behind enemy lines, the best option is not to get caught — but that’s easier said than done. Stranded in hostile territory, what training, or kit would keep you alive and give you the best chance of getting home? And if you are captured, is that the end? For some, duty, boredom, or desperation drove them to attempt daring escapes. Being a prisoner of war didn’t always mean total isolation — sometimes secret supplies arrived hidden in letters from home. Could you survive, escape and evade?

“They say an army marches on its stomach” — but in wartime, food was scarce for everyone. With U-boats trying to cut Britain’s supply lines, the country had to dig for victory. From the Land Army to allotments, every citizen was called upon to help. Nothing could be wasted, and rationing became part of daily life. It wasn’t only food — clothes, fuel, and everyday goods were rationed too. Some items required coupons, others points, and rules changed week by week. Could you survive on rations?