The First Day of the Somme

Brian Cox narrates the story of the Scottish troops in nine short episodes

The mines have exploded. The whistles have blown. At 0730 the troops go over top. By 0745, there are serious problems.
0745 1st July, 1916
Joanna Wright and her brother Major David Wright tell the story of their great-grandfather
0845 1st July, 1916
The tiny army of Newfoundland - troops trained in Scotland - go over the top.
0945 1st July, 1916
The power of artillery determines whether your troops live or die.
1045 1st July, 1916
The troops who've managed to reach the enemy positions are grimly trying to hold on.
1145 1st July, 1916
How much do the generals know of the disaster which is unfolding?
1445 1st July, 1916
Reevel Alderson tells of his grandfather John James Rough of the Tyneside Scottish.
15:45 1st July, 1916 (Reevel's grandfather is second from right in the back row.)
Major (retd.) Malcolm Ross tells of his great uncle.
1645 1st July, 1916
The medical officer and the 17 year old private from Clydebank who lied about his age.
1745 1st July, 1916
Epitaph - The First Day of the Somme
Cathy Macdonald and Dr Ann Petrie recording our epitaph in Old St Pauls Episcopal Church