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Part 1 Shows the call to arms, the first union of the ANZACS in Albany WA; details of the first-ever Anzac Day, sailing to the Middle East, the Gallipoli shambles, moving on to France. The early battles in France are introduced here - followed by the reasons that brought the opposing sides to war. Also covered is an explanation why the USA would remain neutral for three years. This Part concludes with the active participation of indigenous soldiers from NZ & OZ. 19 mins Part 2 The Make-up of an Army. Showing the commanders from the smallest section to the largest unit. Also made known is the load an infantryman had to carry; then how a battle was conducted. The roles of the infantry and artillery in battle are dealt with so that the viewer can understand what went right and wrong in the many now famous battles. Also covers the role of the medical services including the unbelievable Front Line Angels – the nurses, stretcher bearers, doctors. 20 mins Part 3 - Off to War. The ridiculous relations between Royalty, on both sides, who were related to each other through Queen Victoria; then the tragedy of trench warfare - and all its problems associated with this degraded form of life. Displays the murderous weapons that were used by both sides to kill each other. This was the first war of machinery, artillery and machine guns that dominated the battles. Then came several types of poisonous gas, and when the soldiers thought that was the finish - along came flamethrowers - then tanks and aeroplanes. 20 mins However, the artillery and machine guns were the two that took the great percentage of lives. The high pitched sound of the everlasting bombardments were horrifying and accounted for the disastrous number of missing who were blown to pieces – and caused thousands of cases of “shell shock” that many would live with until their death. Barbed wire was a continuous killer and combined with the horror of winter mud and machine guns took the lives of thousands. Trench foot was a common illness and cost many soldiers their lower limbs. Also covers the stupidity of Fromelles and Australia’s greatest tragedy when 2,000 young diggers are killed in one night. Adolph Hitler makes his debut here. 20 mins |