My great uncle died by gas in June 1918, aged 18 years and 6 months after a mere 6 or so weeks in France. I’ve read letters from his unit describing his experience and it horrifies me to imagine what he went through in the hours between his inhalation of the chemical and eventual death. Wilfred Owen’s poem moves me to tears every time I hear it and I thank you Ben for that jolt of reality.
The war poets were very much part of the curricu;um back in the day and I remember them well... Perhaps a push to pacifism after such horror..., Are they on the curriculum now?
that ice cream van gave the whole reading a curious taint
right!
A short but powerful broadcast! Or rather, perhaps, the brevity provided the power.
thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it
Great stuff Ben, thanks.
Us and the elites then and now separated in time, space and purpose.
My great uncle died by gas in June 1918, aged 18 years and 6 months after a mere 6 or so weeks in France. I’ve read letters from his unit describing his experience and it horrifies me to imagine what he went through in the hours between his inhalation of the chemical and eventual death. Wilfred Owen’s poem moves me to tears every time I hear it and I thank you Ben for that jolt of reality.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori; 'It is sweet and fitting to die for ones country.' Who in the UK today would agree with that sentiment?
The war poets were very much part of the curricu;um back in the day and I remember them well... Perhaps a push to pacifism after such horror..., Are they on the curriculum now?
i thought you were posting interview with Brian this eve!
but Seigfried is poignant