Tag Archives: First World War

A Soldiers Tale

Posted on November 6, 2014 by odeboyz

My lovely old Grand-dad was all the more lovely – when after a few Guinness’ he would get nostalgic and regale us with some of the lighter moments he spent in the army. He joined the army as a boy … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, War | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Uncle Bert

Posted on August 5, 2014 by odeboyz

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

Posted on May 13, 2014 by odeboyz

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

Posted on May 8, 2014 by odeboyz

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 →

Posted in History, War | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments