The show features interviews shot by Steve Humphries and Richard van Emden in the early 1990s with many of the then surviving veterans who were, at that stage, well into their 90s. All of these veterans have subsequently died.
Harry Patch appeared in episodes 4 and 6, Henry Allingham appeared in episode 4. George Littlefair of the Durham Light Infantry appeared in episode 1.
The series was narrated by the actress Nimmy March.
The series was screened by Channel 4 in the UK daily from 2 November 2009.
The music for this series is called "Passage of Time" and was written by Terry Devine-King.
This is a very well produced and valuable program that honors and preserves the history and sacrifice of soldiers during World War One. Veterans, some well into 100+ years of age, were interviewed over a 15 year period. Harry Patch aged 111 and Henry Allingham aged 113 are featured as well as the Battles of the Somme, Arras and Ypres. The RFC/RNAS/RAF is nicely represented! The program has six episodes, slightly less than 4 hours of interviews, archival film footage and reenactments that complement the story. I particulary enjoyed watching and listening to how the veterans related their stories. This program is a must have for anyone with an interest in World War One!
The BBC taped these interviews in the late 90s, in anticipation of the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day (November 11, 1918). Time was running out for the survivors of the Great War - infantry soldiers (volunteers and conscripts), officers, sailors, pilots, nurses, medics, armament factory workers, wives and family members. Those interviewed are 'old parties' - in their late 90s, verging on 100. All died before final edit and release of the program. While there are a few London aristocrats, most speak with the broad accents of the north country. Before the war, they led modest lives: insurance clerk, shoe repairman, farm laborer or simply unemployed. For many, military service was an escape from a dead-end existence.