Henry explains how the order comes and the whistle blows and he has to go over the top. He describes the fear and also the shell and bullet fire coming at the advancing soldiers. He explains how soldiers took their time, kept low, used all cover and tried to stay together.
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. In this extract he describes what it was like to go over the top.
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.