Video summary
Newsreel and commentary describe the British approach to recruitment through the formation of ‘Pals’ Battalions’ where friends and neighbours joined up together.
A dramatic monologue introduces Private Fred Prescott, who describes his initial training along with his mates in the ‘Barnsley Pals’.
Fred is nineteen years old. We follow him to the front line, where he is about to go into battle for the first time.
Contains potentially upsetting content; teacher review is recommended before use in class.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could discuss the advantages of Pals’ Battalions.
Why were friends, relatives and neighbours keen to enlist together? Can pupils think of any disadvantages? For example, how might a large number of casualties affect a single community?
Pupils could go on to improvise and script monologues for others in Fred Prescott’s life, such as his pals in the battalion or his family at home. How does each of these people feel about Fred joining up?
This short film is suitable for teaching history at Key Stage 2 / Second Level or above.
A is for Archduke Franz Ferdinand. video
Pictures and commentary explain the beginning of World War One in 1914, sparked by the assassination of Austria-Hungary’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
C is for Conscription. video
Newsreel and dramatic footage describe how Britain introduced conscription - compulsory army recruitment - in 1916.
D is for Diary. video
Pupils examine wartime diaries and discuss the value of first-hand accounts. In a monologue, a war widow reads from her husband’s diary.
