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Duration 0:28

The Great War: Or you’ll get it shot off

This short extract sees Henry explaining that experienced soldiers were very wary of putting their heads, hands or anything else over the top of the trench. He concludes by explaining how frightening it was to go over the top in an attack.

Context

This clip is one of fourteen clips in which actor John Gregor recreates a Great War soldier called Henry Fairhurst of the Barnsley Pals. Here he talks about keeping under cover.

Interesting or important points about the film

In all of these clips of Henry Fairhurst it is important to be aware that the actor is reconstructing a character from the past. He is using original source material and other research to create what he thinks is a plausible reconstruction of the thoughts and views of a private in the Barnsley Pals. When watching each clip it is important that viewers consider whether they feel the information given is accurate, but much more importantly whether they feel the tone and emphasis the actor gives to particular issues is in line with their own reading of the evidence from the time.