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Video summary

Henry Williamson describes his reaction to being called up and early experiences of life in the trenches.

These experiences included feelings of tremendous comradeship including, at times, with the enemy.

He recounts an informal agreement for temporary ceasefire over Christmas 1914.

During this brief truce, Henry had an opportunity to discuss the purpose of the war with a German soldier.

This is from the series: I Was There: The Great War Interviews.

Contains scenes which may upset younger viewers and there are shots of people smoking.

Teacher review prior to use in class is recommended.

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Teacher Notes

This clip could be used to introduce an examination of life in the trenches, and attitudes towards the enemy.

This clip will be relevant for teaching History at KS3, KS4/GCSE, in England and Wales and Northern Ireland.

Also at Third Level, Fourth Level, National 4 and National 5 in Scotland.

This topic appears in OCR, Edexcel, AQA, WJEC, CCEA GCSE and SQA.

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Fighting in the trenches. video

Stefan Westmann presents two contrasting experiences of the war.

Fighting in the trenches

Death and survival. video

The experiences of a disillusioned soldier and the widow of a soldier killed in action

Death and survival

Going over the top. video

Infantrymen recall the tense hours in the trenches prior to an attack.

 Going over the top

Horace Leslie Birks interview. video

Tank commander Horace Birks describes the impact of the supposed miracle machines.

Horace Leslie Birks interview

Changes on the home front during WW1. video

Relatives left at home describe what it was like coping whilst the men were away at war.

Changes on the home front during WW1

John Willis Palmer interview. video

John found it difficult to cope with the violence and apparent pointlessness of the war.

John Willis Palmer interview

Respite. video

How men could relax and forget about life on the front line when behind the lines and get some respite from the war.

Respite

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