A BROADCASTER, journalist and historian has re-told the story of what he calls the “greatest naval struggle in history” at the York Literature Festival.

Jonathan Dimbleby told an audience of more than 300 people at St Peter’s School about the decisions that led to British victory in the Atlantic, covering everything from the disagreements in high command, to the deciphering of the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park.

Using contemporary diary entries, letters and correspondence from those involved, Dimbleby illustrated the humanity and horror endured by combatants and civilians on both sides of the conflict.

Dimbleby, who hosts Any Questions and World Questions on BBC Radio 4, also discussed with the audience the levels of American involvement in the battle, the role of Yorkshire’s very own ‘Little Polar Bears’ Regiment in Iceland, and the parallels between the military decision making of the Second World War and modern warfare.

Ben Fuller, who hosted the evening, said: "His insight into the corridors of power was especially fascinating, and demonstrated just how important it was to have strong leadership in those trying times."