100 years ago on 1st July 20,000 British and Irish soldiers were killed in a few hours on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Over the next few months there were over a million casualties on both sides. No point to make, no desire to debate the rights or wrongs, no reasons to be sought. Simple remembrance and respect to the British, Irish, Australian, Bermudan, Canadian, Indian, Newfoundlander, South African, Southern Rhodesian, French and Germans who gave their lives and health.
Sometimes the numbers are incomprehensible. This provides the human touch, QPRs first England player. http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/com...ort-remembers-evelyn-henry-lintott-1883-1916/
The Last Post played in my mind as I read that piece. RIP. My gratitude for your courage goes out to every single one of you brave souls.
Mixed emotions. I have a son who is currently a serving officer in the Canadian Forces. I tried not to put myself in the place of parents 100 years ago, but when he headed out for most of last year it was hard..
Thank you - he is currently stationed in Canada but mentioned that he is apt to be deployed again either late this year or in 2017. I can wait for that to happen
A horrific and tragic blot in history. Such a waster of human life, human potential and dreams. RIP. I hope that Europe and the World has learned the harsh lessons of both WW1 and WW2, but I am not convinced. I hope that my we, our children and grandchildren never witness such events ever again.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
They used him as a reference on BBC News last night, and had the reporter sat in LR on his own, them panned out to show whole ground and how many died that day. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/video_and_audio/headlines/36670644#video-36670644 A devastating battle and war, with the continual slaughter of our troops by the German machine guns, whilst the officers forced them to go "over the top" of the trenches. RIP to all
Let's remember that the Germans were subjected to massive shelling before the attack and more of them died in the battle as a whole, and that the proportion of officers killed, especially junior officers, was far in excess of other ranks. They went over the top with their men.
Please do not think of this badly...it is in no way meant. At moments like this I always think of the last scene of Blackadder Goes Forth...of Blackadder and Baldrick going over the top admidst smoke and gun fire....and the scene fading to a sunny poppy field. I am not sure I have ever been so struck by a scene.....and understood its meaning in such depth.
Avatar changed. I have ancestors that fought in the battle, some of whom thankfully survived, others did not. Perfect moment for reflection and respect.
For all its wit and humour, that final scene in Blackadder Goes Forth was gut-wrenching to watch - sure that I read in interview with either Tony Robinson or Rowan Atkinson and they stated it was very emotional scene, and one of the hardest they had ever filmed.
True Stan, and I didn't mean to belittle the losses by either side - over 1 million during the battle, a devastating waste of life, for all classes and nationalities. I read that the French hardly acknowledge this battle, prefering to remember Verdun, even though they suffered over 200,000 casualties at the Somme.
A superb and mindblowing finale to what was one of the greatest comedies of all time. To switch from comedy to such poignancy in an instant was a masterclass from the writers and actors !
I have to say I remember watching that when first broadcast and was shocked at the effect that simple fade out ending had on me, I really think that was one of the finest pieces I've seen on TV. A fitting and poignant tribute to all those on both sides who lost their lives so needlessly. RIP every one of you... For those who may not have seen it...
