Tag Archives: First World War

Uncle Bert

Uncle Bert A grizzled old man Never laughed or smiled On the beach at Cliftonville with his knotted hanky hat He sat – and coughed and coughed all day. Aunt Lil told Mum of his time in France His adventure … Continue reading

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Futility

French fields, frenetic Absurd political inanity Trenches dug ever more… Towards, ‘The Line’ Paling boards holding back mud Latrines, where some cried Some prayed, each afraid Never to see home again. Now in hell where serendipity ruled Next to comrades … Continue reading

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Emotional Blackmail: British Women 1914- 15

European men were overjoyed when war broke out in August 1914. Jingoistic newspapers and politicians didn’t lie when they said that they thought that the war would be over by Christmas: they really believed it. As a consequence there was … Continue reading

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