D-Day’s secret hero: the true story behind Pressure

Watch this live podcast, which has HistoryExtra's Charlotte Vosper in conversation with David Haig, writer of WW2 film Pressure, and Catherine Ross, the Met Office’s archive and library manager, who helped advise on the film

Published: November 2, 2026 at 12:10 PM

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What comes to mind when you think D-Day? Perhaps it’s the tactical brilliance of the commanders, or the brutal combat fought by the troops. But what about meteorologist James Stagg? He’s the subject of the new Second World War thriller Pressure.

To find out more about his contribution to the war, and how you go about turning a Second World War story into a blockbuster, Charlotte Vosper spoke to the writer of the film, David Haig, and Catherine Ross, the Met Office’s archive and library manager, who helped advise on the film.

This episode was recorded live at the Royal Society of Arts, in partnership with STUDIOCANAL. Pressure is now available to buy and rent from digital platforms, and will be available to own on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD from 30 November.

Watch now, or listen below:

STUDIOCANAL. PRESSURE is available to buy or rent now.