90th Anniversary of the Somme

[sprior]

July 1st is the 90th anniversary of the 1st day of the Somme. Here's the beeb's link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5135878.stm

And just in case here's a link to Middlebrook's excellent book

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/014017 ... 29?ie=UTF8

Those rows and rows of headstones never fail to move me.

[wodin]

Looking forward to it.

[Bossy573]

Martin Gilbert has a new book out about this battle as well. This forum has lit the fire of interest so I'll probably go pick it up today.

90 years ago so you might assume there may be one or two participants still alive that just aren't known by the authorities.

[Skeleton]

I believe it was Keegan's description of this battle in his book about WW1 that really got me interested in the entire war period. The utter bravery and will of those men who fought in that war and in that battle in particular is almost incomprehensible. Too often WW1 is over shadowed (at least here in the states) by WW2 but for whatever reason, that battle captured my imagination and has never let go. I do not know what is more difficult to grasp, the thought of German machine gunners vomitting from the carnage or the will of the English to keep climbing out of their trenches only to be mowed down. Cheers and thanks for the reminder about the anniversary.

[Bossy573]

I don't know who here gets The Military Channel but they have an hour program on the Somme tonight.

[wodin]

Wasnt that impressed with the BBC programme.

The only thing I ve seen that somehow gives the atmosphere of WW1 was Regeneration.

You need a big budget to recreate the Somme battle. Otherwise it just isnt worth it.

[Skeleton]

Since we are on the subject, I am going to be picking up a couple of DVD's this week one of which is a four disk set about WW1 titled, The First World War-Complete Series directed by Marcus Kiggell. Anyone know how good this is?

[Bossy573]

If it is the same one The Military Channel has been running it is absolutely outstanding. Those guys are also running a 2 hour program on the battle of Jutland on July 14.

[TheBlackhorse]

Since we are on the subject, I am going to be picking up a couple of DVD's this week one of which is a four disk set about WW1 titled, The First World War-Complete Series directed by Marcus Kiggell. Anyone know how good this is?

It's a very good series.

[Skeleton]

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it. I do not get the Military channel for whatever reason, so I am unsure as to if the program you mentioned Bossy573 is the same. Why does the History Channel no longer show this stuff??? Thanks to you as well Blackhorse06 for the recommendation.

[Bossy573]

ORIGINAL: Marcus the leper

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it. I do not get the Military channel for whatever reason, so I am unsure as to if the program you mentioned Bossy573 is the same. Why does the History Channel no longer show this stuff??? Thanks to as well Blackhorse06 for the recommendation.

I don't know if it is the same director. The next time it is on (7/5), I'll check it out and let you know.

The History Channel has kinda become "History Light." It is very rare they have anything on anymore worth watching, IMHO of course. TMC is on the digital tier of my cable line-up. Seems that is where all the good channels are so I pony up the extra $$.

[Skeleton]

History light is even to kind, how about the Davinci channel? Or the the End of the World according to the Bible Channel? The discovery channel and in the wee small hours of the night the History Channel's International Channel are about my only hope. I recently bundled my cable with phone and internet, and I have been kicking myself ever since. Thanks for the head's up and do indeed touch base and let me know if the program is indeed the one I am going to be purchasing. Again, thanks.

[YohanTM2]

They would have to be at least 105 even if they were drummer boys...

[wodin]

At the Somme on July 1st the last englishman thats still alive who fought on the Somme was there. He was 110!

[Bossy573]

That's incredible. Living through something like that and tacking another 90 years onto his life. The guy should be knighted.

[Bossy573]

ORIGINAL: Marcus the leper

Since we are on the subject, I am going to be picking up a couple of DVD's this week one of which is a four disk set about WW1 titled, The First World War-Complete Series directed by Marcus Kiggell. Anyone know how good this is?

The one on TMC does not appear to be the same. Different director, based on a book by Hugh Strachen.
In that case, let me know if you get the other one and whether it is any good.[:)]

[TheBlackhorse]

Marcus Kiggel directed the Hew Strachan based documentary. It is very good and well worth getting.
 
The one to avoid is this one: http://www.shoppbs.org/sm-pbs-the-great-war-3pk-dvd--pi-2231906.html It has the WORST narration ever. It is, quite unfortunately, painful to watch.

[sol_invictus]

I picked up Trenches: Battleground WWI at Best Buy last week on sale. I am going to start it tonight. Hopefully it is good. Anyone watched this?

[Skeleton]

Yes, the one I am getting is directed by Marcus Kiggel. I will be ordering it this weekend along with World At War. I will indeed let you know what I think of it. I have heard nothing but praise for it so far. It can be found at Amazon, for those who want to know. Arinvald, let us know what you think of the DVD you picked up, I am most interested and would like to know if it is also worth getting. Amazing how little is ever on televison regarding WW1. http://shopping.discovery.com/product-59483.html

[Bossy573]

ORIGINAL: Blackhorse06

Marcus Kiggel directed the Hew Strachan based documentary. It is very good and well worth getting.

Sorry 'bout the spelling Hew. [;)]

The series is excellent is can be purchased on DVD thru Discovery Channel here (as can the Trenches program Arinvald references) http://shopping.search.discovery.com/Di ... x=0&go.y=0.

Sorry MTL, I saw another name I thought was the director. Enjoy!