In a world first, Sky 3D will broadcast the only known existing 3D film and photographs of Nazi soldiers, Allied troops and civilians using recently discovered footage recorded during the Second World War. WW II in 3D will air on Sky 3D’s History channel next month.

The co-production for Sky 3D and History by Flight 33 was made possible by new discoveries, including a stereoscopic film found in the archives of the Imperial War Museum. The footage produced by the Nazis in 1943 of DIE FLAKSCHIESSLEHRE (Aircraft Firing Instructions) shows Nazi soldiers running, shouting and firing in 3D.

It is the only known 3D footage showing Nazis in live action. Alongside the 3D haul, a 2D film produced by the Nazis, explaining how to project in 3D, was also unearthed.

In addition to this landmark footage, a collection of colour 3D photographs secretly taken by a civilian in occupied France features in WWII in 3D, 3D Allied reconnaissance photos, and a selection of images taken by the Nazis that fully documents the rise and fall of the Reich.

The most up-to-date 3D technology has also been used to return to some historic sites in France, Austria and Germany, including the beaches of Normandy and the grounds of Mauthausen concentration camp.

“Combining never before seen 3D film recorded in Nazi Germany, with 3D photographs from the troops that fought on all sides, WWII in 3D paints a powerfully realistic vision of the conflict that redefined the 20th century, exploring the fascinating role that 3D technology played as a means of propaganda and a way to wage war,” says the broadcaster.

'This is truly a remarkable find – seeing the 3D footage made by the Nazis and the accompanying films on how to use them, is a compelling insight into how the medium was used during the war,” comments John Cassy, Director of 3D. “3D is often seen as a modern innovation, but this incredible footage reminds us that it's been around for decades.” Sky has been working with the Imperial War Museum to remaster the footage.

Story filed 10.04.11