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Soldier, Soldier

Episode 3 of 20

Melvyn Bragg reveals footage telling the history of modern Britain. He looks back to World War I at the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum and Barracks in Preston.

Melvyn Bragg, accompanied by a vintage mobile cinema, travels across the country, to show incredible footage preserved by the British Film Institute and other national and regional film archives, to tell the history of modern Britain.

At the Queen's Lancashire Regiment Museum and Barracks in Preston, Melvyn looks back to the First World War, when British men answered the call to fight for king and country. Rita Humphrey shares the remarkable story of her uncle, Walter Tull, who overcame great prejudice to become the first black officer in the British Army. Richard Bell talks about his great-uncle Donald who received the highest award for valour during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. And Accrington man Les Bond gives his verdict on the sacrifice made by the men of his home town's pals battalion, including his uncle Harry, who died at the Battle of the Somme.

28 minutes

Music Played

  • Central Band of the Royal British Legion

    It's A Long Way To Tipperary

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Melvyn Bragg
Series Producer Dympna Jackson
Executive Producer Ruth Pitt

Broadcasts