Stories of the Great War explores the deeply human side of World War I, sharing powerful and moving accounts of individuals whose lives were forever shaped by one of history’s most devastating conflicts. From brave soldiers in the trenches to courageous nurses and compassionate chaplains, each episode brings personal narratives vividly to life through detailed storytelling, historical accuracy, and emotional resonance. Join us as we honor their experiences, sacrifices, and legacies, ensuring their extraordinary stories are never forgotten. Hosted by historian Chris Mowery, best known for the Youtube Channels Vlogging Through History and Stories of the Great War.
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Stories of the Great War explores the deeply human side of World War I, sharing powerful and moving accounts of individuals whose lives were forever shaped by one of history’s most devastating conflicts. From brave soldiers in the trenches to courageous nurses and compassionate chaplains, each episode brings personal narratives vividly to life through detailed storytelling, historical accuracy, and emotional resonance. Join us as we honor their experiences, sacrifices, and legacies, ensuring their extraordinary stories are never forgotten. Hosted by historian Chris Mowery, best known for the Youtube Channels Vlogging Through History and Stories of the Great War.
Before Action: The Short, But Brilliant Life of Poet Lt. William Noel Hodgson
Stories of the Great War
34 minutes
3 months ago
Before Action: The Short, But Brilliant Life of Poet Lt. William Noel Hodgson
Join host Chris Mowery for a journey through the remarkable—and heartbreakingly brief—life of Lieutenant William Noel Hodgson. Nicknamed “Smiler” at school and praised for both athletic prowess and poetic talent, Hodgson left Oxford’s cloisters in 1914 to fight with the 9th Devonshire Regiment. From his baptism of fire at Loos to months of trench‑side writing beneath Mansell Copse, the episode traces how war reshaped his verse and spirit. At the center lies Hodgson’s haunting final poem, “Before Action,” published just two days before he fell on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Somme. Through vivid storytelling, original readings, and reflective commentary—delivered without sound effects or music—you’ll discover how one young man’s prayer for courage became an enduring voice of the Great War. Whether you’re new to WWI history or a seasoned listener, this episode brings the soldier‑poet’s legacy to life with clarity, empathy, and conversational warmth.
Stories of the Great War
Stories of the Great War explores the deeply human side of World War I, sharing powerful and moving accounts of individuals whose lives were forever shaped by one of history’s most devastating conflicts. From brave soldiers in the trenches to courageous nurses and compassionate chaplains, each episode brings personal narratives vividly to life through detailed storytelling, historical accuracy, and emotional resonance. Join us as we honor their experiences, sacrifices, and legacies, ensuring their extraordinary stories are never forgotten. Hosted by historian Chris Mowery, best known for the Youtube Channels Vlogging Through History and Stories of the Great War.
