For those with an interest in WW1 / Somme.

Obviously lots of the film work out there is of an early Charlie Chaplin quality - understandable given the technology of the day and the conditions in Northern France.

I saw this recent 16 minute Somme clip that has been coloured and enhanced by AI to get rid of the jitter. It makes it more of a WW2-like viewing experience and makes the whole thing seem even more chilling and real-life than the original clips. Staggering how many men, even in the midst of the worst conflict ever, are excited to see a man with a camera. The look of fear on some of the young faces is tangible.

I look forward to sitting and watching the 75 minute version when I can find time.

 

Stunning film and I will watch the whole piece sometime as well. Very sad watching things like that though. Nothing "Great" about that war.

 

Just up my street, I’ll watch it

 

Another interesting angle on some old WW1 footage. A forensic lip reading expert was brought in to analyse speech.

 

One of the first books I ever read as an adult. Battle of the Somme. Cannon fodder. Orders from the back sending the poor souls to certain death in effect. A very distressing conflict. To read about.

Casualties topped 1 million, including the deaths of more than 300,000. British troops sustained 420,000 casualties—including 125,000 deaths—during the Battle of the Somme. The casualties also included 200,000 French troops and 500,000 German soldiers.

Certainly give it a watch mate, Thanks.

 

Great Grandfather Joined up aged 17 in August 1914 one of only 300k to receive the 14/15 Monstar sounds alot but 10m personal served the Empire.
Involved in Ypres 1915 gas attacks
Fought close to Albert on the 1916 somme offensive.
Fought at the Battle of Passchendaele 1917
Finally wounded April 1918 at Lys, lost middle fingers on both hands as machine gun fire hit down the his gun shaft (incredible piece of luck) and took a bullet through the knee, spent 24 hours in a shell hole.
Unbelievable story managed to survive came back to Barnsley got married and regularly played the pubs and clubs of Barnsley as a comedy act know as the singing policeman.
One of the very lucky ones, seldom spoke of what happened.