Video summary
Newsreel and commentary illustrate the working of the field kitchens that supplied the British trenches in World War One.
The impact of food shortages and rationing is considered.
A dramatic monologue introduces Private Arthur Biggs, a company cook, who shows us his field kitchen and describes his daily duties.
The men grumble about the food but are grateful for it, all the same.
This clip is from the series WW1 A to Z.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could find out more about the diet in the trenches, from books and websites.
They could try a recipe from the war years, or weigh out items of a soldier’s daily ration.
They could improvise a scene in which soldiers complain about the meal they receive, with increasingly unflattering descriptions of its contents.
This short film is suitable for teaching history at Key Stage 2 / Second Level or above.
E is for Empire. video
Newsreel and commentary explain how the British Empire helped in WW1. An Indian soldier describes his brave actions in battle in a monologue based on a true story.
G is for Gas. video
School pupils handle a British gas mask from WW1. Newsreels of the period show soldiers using gas masks in training and at the front.
H is for 鶹Լ Front. video
Newsreel and a dramatic monologue illustrate life on the 鶹Լ Front in Britain during WW1.
