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A Legacy from the Great War. (WW1)

A Legacy from the Great War.  (WW1)

(I first posted this on the 11th of the 11th, Remembrance day. But as today is Armed forces day and the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme I thought it justifiable to give it a further outing)


   
   I was watching a television trailer, regarding a forthcoming documentary, examining life of those who lived and fought from the trenches. I was struck by the number of film clips that were taken at the front line. That so many have survived for the past one hundred years is quite amazing considering the ease of degradation of the materials used. I had not previously considered such an archive of moving images existed, considering movie making was in its infancy at that time.

   Seeing these short monochrome (mostly although a few colour films were produced) films of men going about their daily lives on the front line, brought the characters of those captured on cellulose to life in a way I did not think possible. In conjunction with this footage was often clear and exceptional commentary.

    A number of factors emerged which I was unaware of; such as staging football tournaments between various regiments, and the front line horticultural competitions for growing vegetables and flowers. These were passionately contested.

     I came to the conclusion, of which I am certain I was aware, but not given conscious thought. It is…….this was the first time we have a recorded and documented history on such a massive scale, yet with meticulous and comprehensive detail covering every aspect of human life during the events.


   Further to this is the fact, this information was collected and collated by individuals as well as all the various states and nations involved, giving us the data we need to conclude a balanced and unbiased account of the true circumstances and conditions of life during the conflict, whether at sea, in the air, or indeed on the Western front.


   Never before have we had so much indisputable evidence of an historic event, even one of this magnitude. Furthermore, this is the first time we, the general public, can see, hear, even feel (to some extent), the character of the ordinary people entangled in the War.


    The events of this War are now ‘beyond living memory’. All those who participated have died. Which means we must learn and teach our young, from the footage, the photography and the written and recorded archives that exist.



    Hopefully this information will, one day, be part of the lesson that shall teach us all...that war has no victors and no winners, ever.


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