My Family At War

[James S]

Having just watched the programme I could sense that poor Dan Snow was going to say sorry , certainly a very thought provoking and well presented piece of history.
Likewise - when Natalie disovered that today people doing the same job her grandfather did are still being killed by World War one munitions which have lain undisturbed for 90 years.
Suddenly that 90 years seems much less distant and much more tangible.
Perhaps it is time to read again Martin Middlebrook's "First day on the Somme"

[Drew5233]

I too really enjoyed the first episode last night.

I quite like Dan Snow and it was strange to see his mood change as he found out more and more about his Great Grandfather. (I thought he would have already known about him being a historian). It must have been a big bitter pill for him to swallow when the historian said there's my relatives name on the memorial and its partly because of your Great Grandfather.

A really good watch and thanks for recommending it....I can't wait for tonights episode

ps Was the chap called Soren the Soren on here by any chance

[James S]

Yes Drew , I saw the same change in the poor man - I wondered what he would think when he went home and saw his Greatgandfather's painting - would the old mans unchanging face look the same to him ?
Talking to historians / researchers who had lost relatives in the Battle of the Somme under his command certainly made poor Dan seem slightly akward and I think any of us in the same position would have felt the same way.

As the youngman said , not an easy journey to make , but it would seem that the lack of understanding was not his granfdfather's alone.
The first war would seem to have been a war none of the senior officers were able to comprehend , what had worked before was worthless to them both in terms of planning and expereince.

[Paul Reed]

Thanks for your comments, chaps. Nice to see some reasoned responses!

Dan did, of course, know who General Snow was but he had no idea about the diaries and letters we used. The Great War is actually not his specialist subject (his thesis was on the Seven Years War), but he is hugely and genuinely enthusiastic about military history. That we have a broadcaster like that in the BBC is something we should all celebrate.

And yes, that was the same Soren here.

[Drew5233]

Originally Posted by Paul Reed

Thanks for your comments, chaps. Nice to see some reasoned responses!

Dan did, of course, know who General Snow was but he had no idea about the diaries and letters we used. The Great War is actually not his specialist subject (his thesis was on the Seven Years War), but he is hugely and genuinely enthusiastic about military history. That we have a broadcaster like that in the BBC is something we should all celebrate.

And yes, that was the same Soren here.

And you work for the BBC Paul?

James I like to think the very hard lessons learned during WW1 went on to shape the Army of today. So albeit some very costly mistakes and errors like the Somme but if that never happened would they have been learned at the expense of those in WW2 I wonder.

Looking forward to tonights episode and if its half as good as last nights I'll be a happy chappy.

[von Poop]

Irritated I missed it last night but caught the repeat by sheer chance just now on BBC4 - Good Television.
I'm with James that when the Eastender's girl was talking to the bomb disposal chap something quite powerful went on; particularly when she asked "do people still get killed doing this?" and he shrugged and said "yesterday", followed by "someone's got to do it".
A strong incidence of history coming home to one not normally into it, which must be a general aim for such high profile history programmes.

Any chance you can wangle a WW1 programme with anne Widdecombe & Soren?
Just so we can all see the look on his face in her presence...

[Paul Reed]

Originally Posted by von Poop

Any chance you can wangle a WW1 programme with anne Widdecombe & Soren?
Just so we can all see the look on his face in her presence...

[James S]

Paul R.
That we have a broadcaster like that in the BBC is something we should all celebrate.

Completely agree Dan Snow communicates very well , it is as if he is talking to you the individual watching and listening.

Drew5233
James I like to think the very hard lessons learned during WW1 went on to shape the Army of today. So albeit some very costly mistakes and errors like the Somme but if that never happened would they have been learned at the expense of those in WW2 I wonder.

Looking forward to tonights episode and if its half as good as last nights I'll be a happy chappy.

WW1 is a subject I really should read more about in this I must be honest - the poetry which came from that bloody conflict is amongest the very best which has been written , it is quite unique.

This is more for you gents who are more at home with WW1 questions - I have heard it said that the American civil war gave an insight into what future wars might be like - the big guns and introduction of trench warfare.
Is this a fair arguement ?

When the initial movement was lost and "lines" became set the generals were up against it and the political pressure on them must have been quite intense ?

The lessons of WW1 , in part some were lost - at sea the "Big Gun" still ruled and the convoy defence lessons were largely neglected.
Gas certainly left its impression and the great fixed defence systems built by the French failed to function as it was meant to.
Bombing of the enemy homeland certainly left a lasting impression.

In relation to the nature of what the BBC do at this time of year - they just seem to "get it right" , the balance and respect is what I feel it should be , like yourself Drew I am looking forward to tonight programme.

[Paul Reed]

In some respects the ACW was the first 'Great War'... now there's an idea for a programme...

[Owen]

Tonight's was bloody brilliant.
Good work , Paul.