60 Second Histories
Roses of No Man's Land
A recital of a popular WW1 song which explains why nurses became known as the "Roses of No Man's Land"
History Hit
Africa And War: African porters and carriers
The third art piece is a multimedia performance, aims to tell the story of the over a million African porters and carriers who served British, French, and German forces during the first world war. Also, learn the importance of each of...
60 Second Histories
WW1 - No Man's Land
A WW1 soldier explains what No Man's Land is and how it came by its name
Oxford Comma
Omen of Death. Reading, Summary, and Analysis of The Owl by Edward Thomas
In English literature, an owl usually indicates that death and tragedy are close at hand. As the world descended into The Great War, a freshly enlisted Edward Thomas drew upon this literary tradition to create "The Owl." In this video...
History Hit
The Fall of the Berlin Wall with Rory Maclean: Gorbachev's decision
Was there any hint that the was going to fall when Rory Maclean was there in the spring of 1989? How important was Moscow and the decision that Gorbachev made? The Fall of the Berlin Wall with Rory Maclean, Part 2
60 Second Histories
Life in the trenches - Part 5
This video describes how injured soldiers were taken care of both on the battlefield and in the trenches by their comrades and the medical officer. Part 5 of a 7 part series
History Hit
10 Steps to World War Two: The Nazi-Soviet pact and invasion of Poland
What did this pact mean for the two countries and how did this affect Poland? What did Hitler think of Britain and France? 10 Steps to World War Two, Part 5
60 Second Histories
WW1 - Shell shock
This video takes a look at shell shock and the effect it has on soldiers. It also highlights the treatments for shell shock and the way in which officers were treated differently to the ordinary soldier
History Hit
10 Steps to World War Two: Re-occupation of the Rhineland and Anschluss with Austria
Where is Rhineland and was it of military interest? Why did Hitler want Austria and how did Britain feel about this? 10 Steps to World War Two, Part 3
Amor Sciendi
Storm Troops and Mustard Gas
Here we discuss Storm Troops Advancing Under Gas by Otto Dix from Der Krieg (1924).
60 Second Histories
WW1 - Trench foot
A WW1 nurse gives a gruesome account of trench foot and frostbite together with the cause and treatment available to soldiers
60 Second Histories
British soldier's equipment 1916-18
A British WW1 soldier describes the equipment during 1916-18 and explains how it adapted to suit the changing way the war was being fought
60 Second Histories
Life in the trenches - Part 1
A description of the trenches that stretched from Belgium to Switzerland which were built after the war was bogged down in stalemate. Part 1 of a 7 part series
60 Second Histories
Lewis gunner - Part 2
A Lewis gunner explains how the Lewis gun was loaded and used in short bursts for the best effect and how it could even be taken into No Mans Land to support troops in an attack
60 Second Histories
Princess Mary's Christmas Gift
A description of the brass box given to every serving soldier; it explains why and what the different boxes contained.
60 Second Histories
Christmas Truce - 1914
A WW1 soldier describes the Christmas Truce 1914, he explains it was more an opportunity for burying their dead than playing football.
60 Second Histories
Lewis gunner - Part 1
A description of the Lewis gunner, the first machine gunner who could pick up his gun and take it with him even though it weighed over twelve kilos.
60 Second Histories
Life in the trenches - Part 2
A description of a trench; the traversing, loop holes and the use of trench periscopes to view the enemy. Part 2 of a 7 part series
60 Second Histories
WW1 - Gangrene dressing
A WW1 nurse talks about her first experience of dressing a gangrene wound and the limited pain relief available
60 Second Histories
WW1 Munitions worker - part 1
A munitionette describes how they worked, the explosives they came into contact with and the reason their skin turned yellow. Part 1 in a 4 part series
60 Second Histories
WW1 Weapons - hand grenade
A look at the development of hand grenades and the ingenuity of the soldiers who made their own.
60 Second Histories
Life in the trenches - Part 3
A description of the practicalities and problems the army faced in the trenches when it came to supplies and latrines. Part 3 of a 7 part series
60 Second Histories
WW1 - Bad news at home
A war widow explains how women were given the news of their loved one's death and shows that some war pensions were only temporary
60 Second Histories
Life in the trenches - Part 7
A description of going 'over the top'; the noise of the explosions, the vibration, the fear….. The last in a 7 part series