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"
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
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
Bravo BBC and was that you Paul I must say I found the POW line interesting....Until tonight I had always associated POW's with WW2 and never considered for some reason there was POW's in WW1. Roll on No. 3 !
Yes, 'fraid so. Glad you found it of interest; you are right about POWs, that was why I was very keen we told this story.
It turning into a who's who on here ....I feel like I'm rapidly getting out of my depth hehehe. To be honest WW1 was never my thing and its only in recent years I started reading the odd WW1 book after avoiding them for many years. Cheers
Good one mate, trying not to sound too sychophantic I genuinely enjoyed that. (I promise you, I'd say if I thought it was crap ) Nice balance between entertainment and remembrance for prime-time history, the deadly serious Kelly story and the lighter Tuffnel one came together to give a pleasing whole. I see it's getting some rather good notices, deserved so far I reckon.
Caught it on BBCi Tonight I was very touched by the story told my Matthew Kelly of his great uncle , it was an extremely moving and deeply personal journey , one which he stated athat he felt privileged to have been able to make and one which I felt equally privileged that he felt able to share it with me. I don't know if Matthew will read this but I feel that I just want to say thank you to him for allowing me to walk with him.
Excellent programme Paul!!! And my wife thought you were brilliant!!!! Like was said it was interesting to see the POW angle.
DO NOT FORGET TONIGHT !!!! 5 Nov 10.45-11.25pm BBC 1 Eamonn Holmes and Kate Silverton Been looking forward to this one!
DO NOT FORGET TONIGHT !!!! 5 Nov 10.45-11.25pm BBC 1 Eamonn Holmes and Kate Silverton Been looking forward to this one! I must say I'm looking forward to the Eamonn Holmes story myself.
Excellent programme Paul!!! And my wife thought you were brilliant!!!! Like was said it was interesting to see the POW angle. Thanks Ger - and thanks to your wife!
