*The last day of WW1

SBS TV
Friday 28th August 2009 at 8.30pm
“As It Happened: The last day of World War 1″

The BBC program description is:
Broadcaster Michael Palin tells the story of how the First World War ended on 11th November 1918 and reveals the shocking truth that soldiers continued to be killed in battle for many hours after the Armistice had been signed. Recounting the events of the days and hours leading up to that last morning, Palin tells the personal stories of the last soldiers to die as the minutes and seconds ticked away to the 11 o’clock ceasefire.

Photo: Presenter Michael Palin [BBC]

Series editor John Farren writes:
Michael Palin’s Great Uncle Harry died at the Somme. Like many families, his was scarred by the “war to end all wars”. We asked Michael to go on a journey through the last hours, and tell the sad and shocking stories of the last men to die, as the clock ticked down towards peace. It’s a personal journey and a film that I am very proud of.

Through the BBC and The Open University it is possible to explore the content of this program in greater detail. Topics covered include Flu and Field Hospitals – which explores medical conditions at the end of the Great War; Talking to the last – an audio discussion on the end of the First World War; No entrenched position – behind the scenes of the program; Death but a Disaster? and A well disguised victory? – a wider discussion on the Great War.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.