The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson (2016)
Hosted by actor and historian Sir Tony Robinson, this one-off special tells the powerful and moving story of five men, all members of a unique volunteer army – the Sheffield City battalion – as it recounts the soldiers’ last days, leaving their homes and loved ones to go and serve alongside their friends and neighbours, completely unaware of what lay ahead of them. Central to the programme is the story of Private Frank Meakin, who recorded his unique personal testimony of the war. Frank and his friends could never have anticipated what they would experience, but 100 years on we know in detail, thanks to his diary – an account that shouldn’t have existed, because keeping one was forbidden for servicemen on active duty on the Western Front. Frank’s diary, which was smuggled back from the Front, reveals the intimate details and dramatic stories of one battalion – and one British city – in the words of one man.
Cast
- Tony Robinson - Presenter
- Simon Ashland - Private Frank Meakin
- Carl Wharton - Captain William Folley
- Richard Thirlwall - Private Alf Casey
- Josef Dawes - Private Reg Glenn
- Jon M Coleman - Sergeant Will Streets
Screenplay
Keywords
world war i, historical
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson about?
- Hosted by actor and historian Sir Tony Robinson, this one-off special tells the powerful and moving story of five men, all members of a unique volunteer army – the Sheffield City battalion – as it recounts the soldiers’ last days, leaving their homes and loved ones to go and serve alongside their friends and neighbours, completely unaware of what lay ahead of them. Central to the programme is the story of Private Frank Meakin, who recorded his unique personal testimony of the war. Frank and his friends could never have anticipated what they would experience, but 100 years on we know in detail, thanks to his diary – an account that shouldn’t have existed, because keeping one was forbidden for servicemen on active duty on the Western Front. Frank’s diary, which was smuggled back from the Front, reveals the intimate details and dramatic stories of one battalion – and one British city – in the words of one man.
- Who directed The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson?
- The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson was directed by Jeremy Freeston.
- Who stars in The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson?
- The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson stars Tony Robinson, Simon Ashland, Carl Wharton, Richard Thirlwall, Josef Dawes, Jon M Coleman.
- How long is The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson?
- The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson has a runtime of 45m (45 minutes).
- What genre is The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson?
- The Somme: The First 24 Hours with Tony Robinson is a Documentary film.