Danger UXB (TV Series) Seventeen Seconds to Glory (1979) User Reviews

Based on a True Event

[couchman-13045 · 10/10 · 25 July 2019]

This episode has its origins in a real life event where Lt Hugh Syme RANVR had to render a mine safe that was in exactly the same position and he rigged up a long cable and system of pulleys to twist the mine so he had access to the fuse and detonator. Syme was one a group of Australians working for the Royal Navy RMS section (Rendering Mines Safe) John Stuart Mould was another. The group were awarded several George Crosses, George Medals and other bravery awards for their outstanding work. There is a book "Softly Tread the Brave" by Ian Southall that documents some of their deeds. It is long out of print but copies can be found in good second hand book stores. This episode is particularly tense and seventeen seconds has never seemed so short.

Sheer quality viewing.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 15 June 2021]

Ash and Susan plan their future, but a nasty turn of events awaits the pair. Ash assists an Australian Naval Officer when a mine causes a major problem.

A terrific episode once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this one again, I felt like I was entertained, and felt like I'd learned something also, for example I knew that unexploded bombs fell, I was unaware that the Navy were required to seal with mines.

It's always a fascinating story whenever you get someone brought in who is what's technically called a Conscientious objector. Brinckley was a great character, it was obvious he was going to clash with the fiery Welshman.

The story was terrific, the characters on point, but it's poor Brian's personal tragedy that's perhaps the most interesting bit, is that the end of Susan?

Excellent, 9/10.

New ground

[Leofwine_draca · 6/10 · 4 July 2022]

Some new ground here which works very well and the naval angle is a breath of fresh air. I did like the twist ending even though it's very sentimental to the point of being melodramatic.