The Somme 1916 - From Both Sides of the Wire (BBC)

An excellent book about one of the most horrendous battles ever and the bravery of these heroic young fearless soldiers

Have to say a very good dvd on the somme 1916,,i like history of war's.

Peter Barton brings a unique perspective. His research is meticulous and he is thoroughly engaging

Those of us struggling to comprehend the misery endured by the soldiers of both sides during the long years of battle on the western front owe a debt to Peter Barton and his historical consultant Jeremy Banning for a number of books head and shoulders above the rest in a crowded market and now this masterful example of how to make and present a television documentary. To stand map in hand on the hallowed ground of Flanders now recovered it is difficult to understand the trench alignments and directions of attack and defence.This documentary throws light and explanation without national bias and I can think of no greater tribute to those involved in the production. I wish such a superb programme had been made years ago but am grateful now. Peter Barton looks through the camera at the viewer and becomes a trusted companion explaining what is not always obvious on the ground.In a world infected with celebrity flashy presentation and CGI this in my opinion is the way it should be done. I tip my hat to all involved in the production and stand in awe at the useless sacrifice of so many illustrated along the Menim Road close to the Hooge Crater where it is upsetting to find a theme park.No respect for ground soaked in the blood of so many. An unreserved purchase recommendation for all with an interest.

This is an outstanding documentary on probably the best remembered (for all the wrong reasons) battle of World War One. Peter Barton has created a piece of work that will become the main reference work on the Battle of the Somme.His meticulous and articulate work looks at the battle from both sides of the conflict and for novices and experts alike brings the whole battle to life in an easy to understand narrative.The whole horror of the battle is examined, especially the deplorable first day. By the end of it you'll be asking yourself why wasn't the totally callous, arrogant and ultimately incompetent Haig hauled before a war crimes tribunal and thrown in prison for crimes against humanity for the total disregard for human life and for the suffering by the soldiers that served this imbecile.This is a documentary I would watch over and over again, and Peter Barton's presentation is the best I have seen. I've watched and heard many excellent narrations on World War One-Francois Arnaud's eloquent narration in Apocalypse World War One being a standout; but for overall presentation, Peter Barton's work on this documentary is in a league of its own.Memo to Queen Elizabeth: The next time you award knighthoods, please include Peter Barton the list.

We have visited the battlefields of the Somme and we have walked in many of the places where the video was shot. It was nice seeing them again, with some excellent drone footage. It was also fascinating to hear the other side of the story, the German side that we never hear, so busy are we in contemplating the Allied side, especially that terrible first day, described by one British authority as the biggest British military disaster since the Battle of Hastings. A fascinating, well-rounded, worthwhile watch.

This is a very interesting dvd. It mentioned that 57,400 british soldiers died on the first day. In a documentary a few years ago it said that Winston Churchill was told by his advisors not to send in the troops as it would be a massacre. There was no mention of this. What was it? A massacre as the german`s had dug themselves in on three sides and waited to welcome our troops. It also stated in the dvd that Germany knew how many soldiers would be there, how many guns and details of our shells, even down to the size ten weeks before the battle started. Why the hell didn`t Churchill listen to his advisors? This goes to prove that politicians never listen to anybody. Things haven`t changed much have they? Overall a very good dvd and well worth adding to your collection.

Item as described, arrived when said. Great dvd.