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Aby Bevistein

A short film describing the impact of war on an underage soldier in the First World War. Aby Bevistein, an Γ©migrΓ© from eastern Europe, joined the Middlesex Regiment in September 1914 aged only16. Soon after being posted to northern France, his trench position exploded; a result of underground siege mining carried out by the Germans. As a result of injuries suffered during the explosion, Aby was sent home to England. However, by 1916 he was back on the front line. After an attack on his position, he was judged to be fit for duty and ordered back to his original position. However, suffering from shell shock, he ignored the order to return to his trench and was subsequently charged with desertion. Found guilty after a swift trial, he was sentenced to be shot by a firing squad.

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6 minutes

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