In April 1975, communist forces were about to capture Saigon and end the Vietnam War, which had left two million dead, including 50,000 Americans. This conflict had dominated television news programs around the world for years. The terror of those last days and the humiliation of America’s withdrawal were captured in these films shown on British television.

Against orders, the BBC's Brian Barron stayed in Saigon and witnessed the arrival of the victorious communist forces with his cameraman, Eric Thirer. Forbidden by the country's new rulers to broadcast from Saigon, they waited until they left the country to produce a powerful documentary with remarkable images of what they had witnessed.

ITN's Sandy Gall also remained in Saigon. His report includes dramatic footage of the fighting for a strategic bridge on the edge of Saigon, the last battle of the Vietnam War. ITN’s Michael Nicholson, another veteran war correspondent, covered the panic gripping the streets as the communist forces closed in. His report is tinged with sadness and personal regret as he fights his way over the wall of the U.S. Embassy to scramble aboard one of the last American helicopters leaving the city.

First film: Sandy Gall, “The Battle of Newport Bridge (Cau Tan Cang), now called Saigon Bridge.” ©ITN.

Second film: Michael Nicholson, “The Fall of Saigon.” ©ITN.

Third film: Brian Barron, “Cut Stories on the Fall of Saigon.” ©BBC.

Fourth film: Brian Barron, “Documentary on the Fall of Saigon.” ©BBC.