Michael Morpurgo: soldier faces first day of the Somme - a video for Remembrance Day

Michael Morpurgo reads a moving letter written by a young army officer to his family, on the eve of the Battle of the Somme. Michael's best-selling novels, such as 'Warhorse' and 'Private Peaceful', have given thousands of young readers an imaginative insight into the horrors of the First World War. His deep emotional sympathy with the suffering of the soldiers in the trenches of the Western Front comes through in this deeply felt reading of Eric Heaton's letter. Contrary to later perceptions of the war as futile, Captain Heaton is certain of the justice of the Allied cause, and prepared to die for his country. As indeed he did - one of over 19,000 British soldiers killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the bloodiest in the history of the British Army. Now poppies grow in the farmland around the small cemetery where Eric lies buried, his grave tended by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission - his name, and his sacrifice, remembered in perpetuity.

[@Chris-BognorRegis]

What a very sad and final letter to his parents, very moving. They were a different breed of people in those days. Hard working, fearless, loyal to their King and country, respectful of their parents and elders. The like of which we will never see again. Hard honest people in hard times. My grandfather served in the Buffs and his first battle was Loos, the precursor to the Somme. His regiment like many others were obliterated at Loos, more soldiers per regiment were lost at Loos compared to the Somme and yet the Somme is remembered and Loos is forgotten. Basically because more regiments were involved in the Somme and and less at Loos. Sad for many reasons. Somme might have been the bloodiest in history of the British Army but Loos was the bloodiest day in history for the British Army battalions. My grandfather was very badly wounded at Loos but recovered and went back to the front retiring as a sergeant, but his history after that is very vague. He fortunately survived the war but would never talk to my dad about it or to me. I have many lovely memories of my grandad. Love this channel for many reasons. Regards Chris

[@MrTBrearley]

The new study Iquitos has published

[@NEVILLEGROVE]

A poignant and personal tribute on this day of remembrance.