91热爆

KS4 / GCSE History: Audio recording from Mall Singh - a colonial soldier captured in World War One

Video summary

David Olusoga explores the story of Mall Singh, one of thousands of Indian soldiers who fought for the Allied Powers in World War One.

Singh was taken prisoner by the German army, which made audio recordings of captured Indian soldiers as part of their study into ethnic differences.

While this recording was made for sinister purposes, it has become a valuable piece of historical evidence for making sense of the contribution of Empire troops to World War One.

This clip is from the series The World's War.

Back to top

Teacher Notes

This clip could be used to illustrate the differences between 'source purpose' and 'source utility': explore why the Germans recorded these voices, and contrast that with its usefulness to historians beyond that intended purpose.

Students could be encouraged to discuss why the experiences of Empire soldiers are so seldom recorded in writing, and suggest other alternatives to researching their perspectives.

These films are suitable for teaching History at GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and at National 5 in Scotland.

Back to top

Different cultural cooperation in World War One. video

David Olusoga explores the experiences of Indian soldiers in World War One.

Different cultural cooperation in World War One

Indian deserters caught up in a Wartime strategic mission. video

The incredible journey of Jemadar Mir Mast, the British-Indian soldier who risked everything to get home.

Indian deserters caught up in a Wartime strategic mission

Multi-cultural Troops. video

David Olusoga explores diary evidence on the diversity of soldiers on the Western Front.

Multi-cultural Troops

Overcoming racial stereotypes in World War One. video

Historian and film-maker, David Olusoga, explores how negative racial attitudes were challenged in France during World War One as new friendships were forged.

Overcoming racial stereotypes in World War One

The Chinese Labour Corps in World War One. video

David Olusoga investigates the contribution of the least acknowledged group from the Empire - Chinese labourers.

The Chinese Labour Corps in World War One

The experience of African American soldiers in Europe in WW1. video

Historian David Olusoga examines the racial prejudice experienced by African Americans in the US Army.

The experience of African American soldiers in Europe in WW1

The Indian Royal Flying Corps fighter Ace. video

David Olusoga explores the racial barrier-breaking service of an Indian fighter pilot in the Royal Flying Corps.

The Indian Royal Flying Corps fighter Ace

The Imperial scope of a European War. video

David Olusoga visits Africa to explore the global scope of the World War One.

The Imperial scope of a European War
Back to top