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Private Notes
In July 1914, German forces marched across their borders into Belgium. A shocked British government gave them an ultimatum: to withdraw or face the consequences. The Germans marched on, and when the ultimatum expired Britain declared war. We hear of the patriotic fervour that swept through the British public by those who signed up to serve their country or those who watched their brothers prepare for war. Many believed it would 'all be over by Christmas', but it soon became clear that the glorious adventure they had expected would be very different to the reality of battle and life in the trenches.
Veterans and stretcher-bearers recount incredible stories of bravery amongst horrific carnage as they recall the Battle of the Somme.
An examination of the home front during WWI, charting the experiences of loss, along with the fighting spirit that emerged in Britain and the women who took on the opportunities to work in place of men.
Examining the battles of Arras and Passchendaele, with interview footage of late veterans Harry Patch and Henry Allingham.
During the Spring of 1918, thousands of half-trained 18-year-old British conscripts were sent to France to counter a massive German offensive. Lots of them were captured and endured months of hardship as POWs, but Germany's rapid advance also left their own troops exposed and tired.
