1 00:00:22,690 --> 00:00:24,039 This is it, boys! 2 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:26,330 We're in the war now! 3 00:00:28,370 --> 00:00:29,670 Get down, Sid! 4 00:00:32,479 --> 00:00:33,678 Come on! 5 00:00:35,280 --> 00:00:38,560 THE FIRST DAY. EPISODE 1 OF 3. 6 00:01:15,570 --> 00:01:17,290 Who the bloody hell is that? 7 00:01:19,010 --> 00:01:20,530 Godley. 8 00:01:25,810 --> 00:01:27,449 Godley? 9 00:01:27,450 --> 00:01:30,899 Keep that up I'm going to have to assume you're an enemy spy, 10 00:01:30,900 --> 00:01:34,429 actively announcing our presence to any Germans in the area. 11 00:01:34,430 --> 00:01:36,129 Sorry, sir. 12 00:01:36,130 --> 00:01:39,940 Further to that, I'd have to shoot you for treason, 13 00:01:40,250 --> 00:01:42,310 just to be on the safe side. 14 00:01:42,950 --> 00:01:45,349 - I'll stop whistling. - Would you? 15 00:01:45,350 --> 00:01:47,859 I thought you couldn't wait to meet the Germans. 16 00:01:47,860 --> 00:01:50,319 Just don't want to get popped on patrol because one of your private's 17 00:01:50,320 --> 00:01:53,080 got a spring in his step and a song in his heart. 18 00:01:57,130 --> 00:01:58,750 Jesus Christ, Godley. 19 00:01:59,090 --> 00:02:02,240 Well done, Sid. You found a watering hole. 20 00:02:03,690 --> 00:02:05,400 Bugger me. 21 00:02:05,970 --> 00:02:08,620 One of you boys go back and get the horses... 22 00:02:08,980 --> 00:02:11,030 Quiet! What's that? 23 00:02:19,810 --> 00:02:21,400 Halt! Who goes there? 24 00:02:23,130 --> 00:02:25,090 Step forward and be identified. 25 00:02:34,830 --> 00:02:36,270 Go get the light... 26 00:03:00,390 --> 00:03:01,690 On me. 27 00:03:18,330 --> 00:03:20,449 What are this lot doing out here? 28 00:03:20,450 --> 00:03:22,049 Refugees. 29 00:03:22,050 --> 00:03:25,139 What is it they say about rats and sinking ships, sir? 30 00:03:25,140 --> 00:03:27,290 They say you should always follow them. 31 00:03:40,290 --> 00:03:41,590 Merci. 32 00:03:42,290 --> 00:03:43,599 Merci... 33 00:03:43,600 --> 00:03:46,259 Roger, Evans, Downing, George. 34 00:03:46,260 --> 00:03:48,410 Get these people on their way. 35 00:03:51,610 --> 00:03:52,910 Merci. 36 00:03:57,570 --> 00:04:01,120 Well, boys, I think it may be possible 37 00:04:01,730 --> 00:04:04,859 that Lieutenant MJ Dease, C Company, 38 00:04:04,860 --> 00:04:07,879 4th Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers, 39 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:10,669 has just fired the very first British bullet 40 00:04:10,670 --> 00:04:13,250 of this entire bloody war! 41 00:04:14,610 --> 00:04:16,930 That's quite something, mate. 42 00:04:17,890 --> 00:04:20,110 Someone go and get the bloody horses. 43 00:05:13,810 --> 00:05:16,019 - That looks lovely. - C'est pour ma fille. 44 00:05:21,050 --> 00:05:22,369 HQ this way, boys? 45 00:05:22,370 --> 00:05:23,950 - Down there to the left. - Thanks. 46 00:05:28,810 --> 00:05:32,280 - Private Billy Holbrook. - Hi, Sid! 47 00:05:33,090 --> 00:05:34,599 You've got mud on your uniform! 48 00:05:34,600 --> 00:05:36,859 Nothing gets past this one, does it? 49 00:05:36,860 --> 00:05:38,349 - What happened? - Patrol. 50 00:05:38,350 --> 00:05:40,749 Lieutenant Dease liberated an orchard from some gypos. 51 00:05:40,750 --> 00:05:43,089 - It was very exciting. - Sorry, lads. 52 00:05:43,090 --> 00:05:45,969 Does anyone know Corporal Jarvis of the Royal Engineers? 53 00:05:45,970 --> 00:05:48,529 Great, the bloody engineers are lost now! 54 00:05:48,530 --> 00:05:51,480 I passed a load of your lot back that way. Sid. 55 00:05:51,940 --> 00:05:53,240 Thanks. 56 00:06:23,110 --> 00:06:25,660 Bridge! Over here, now! 57 00:06:42,510 --> 00:06:44,480 Someone was just here. 58 00:06:45,130 --> 00:06:47,010 Probably just one of the locals. 59 00:06:48,810 --> 00:06:50,110 Yeah. 60 00:06:52,250 --> 00:06:55,890 "Lieutenant Dease, requesting permission to panic". 61 00:07:00,290 --> 00:07:03,140 Remind me again why we let you in our army! 62 00:07:36,250 --> 00:07:37,550 Bonjour! 63 00:07:41,880 --> 00:07:43,549 Put your back into it, Clarky. 64 00:07:43,550 --> 00:07:45,410 Titsbrough, move your arse! 65 00:07:49,290 --> 00:07:50,590 All right, Frank? 66 00:07:59,610 --> 00:08:02,149 Sir, I've got orders from the Colonel, 67 00:08:02,150 --> 00:08:03,689 have you seen Captain Forster? 68 00:08:03,690 --> 00:08:05,549 He's in the town. What's the message? 69 00:08:05,550 --> 00:08:07,969 We're stopping in Mons, only as long as we need to. 70 00:08:07,970 --> 00:08:10,079 Be prepared to move on in the morning. 71 00:08:10,080 --> 00:08:12,459 Intelligence is unsure of the enemy position. 72 00:08:12,460 --> 00:08:15,949 C Company is to set up temporarily on our side of the canal. 73 00:08:15,950 --> 00:08:17,409 The forest is too exposed. 74 00:08:17,410 --> 00:08:19,999 The Colonel recognises that the position is vulnerable, 75 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:22,270 but the risk of enemy contact is low. 76 00:08:23,910 --> 00:08:25,210 Thank you, Holbrook. 77 00:08:27,330 --> 00:08:29,940 Sir, what do we do if the Germans show? 78 00:08:30,780 --> 00:08:32,080 Shoot them. 79 00:08:32,660 --> 00:08:35,260 That's generally the way these things work, isn't it? 80 00:09:06,730 --> 00:09:08,819 Bollocks. That's what this is. 81 00:09:08,820 --> 00:09:10,379 Classic Army bollocks. 82 00:09:10,380 --> 00:09:12,240 Every time we go out, same story. 83 00:09:13,010 --> 00:09:15,039 - Corporal Jarvis? - What? 84 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:17,249 Sapper Neary. They told me to report to you. 85 00:09:17,250 --> 00:09:19,059 Neary! I've got good news for you. 86 00:09:19,060 --> 00:09:20,419 You're going to die a hero. 87 00:09:20,420 --> 00:09:23,359 Valiantly trying to complete a tactical demolition 88 00:09:23,360 --> 00:09:25,069 - without an exploder. - There are exploders. 89 00:09:25,070 --> 00:09:26,819 - There are four. - So? 90 00:09:26,820 --> 00:09:29,219 So? Maths is so! 91 00:09:29,220 --> 00:09:32,389 I've got 18 bridges stretched across 20 miles of canal. 92 00:09:32,390 --> 00:09:35,779 And you have been ordered to demolish exactly none of them. 93 00:09:35,780 --> 00:09:37,649 You engineering boys are all the same, 94 00:09:37,650 --> 00:09:40,019 not happy unless you're blowing the shit out of something. 95 00:09:40,020 --> 00:09:42,979 Now, when you need a piece of kit you can come and find me. 96 00:09:42,980 --> 00:09:44,280 Till then... 97 00:09:45,610 --> 00:09:48,819 Isn't there a roadblock you should be putting up somewhere? 98 00:09:48,820 --> 00:09:51,409 By all means, smoke near the explosives, 99 00:09:51,410 --> 00:09:53,639 in your case, I actively encourage it, 100 00:09:53,640 --> 00:09:56,010 just wait for me to leave first, all right? 101 00:09:59,890 --> 00:10:01,889 He's got a point, sir. 102 00:10:01,890 --> 00:10:05,260 We're going to be walking over those bridges tomorrow. 103 00:10:06,770 --> 00:10:09,740 I think we should probably leave them alone. 104 00:10:11,050 --> 00:10:13,289 That's the problem with young men like you, Neary. 105 00:10:13,290 --> 00:10:14,699 You've never fought a war before 106 00:10:14,700 --> 00:10:17,009 and you forget there's another army fighting this one too. 107 00:10:17,010 --> 00:10:18,639 We won't always have things our own way. 108 00:10:18,640 --> 00:10:22,339 If we end up having to defend a town surrounded by bridges, 109 00:10:22,340 --> 00:10:23,669 we may just wish we weren't, 110 00:10:23,670 --> 00:10:26,329 and we may just wish we had a way of demolishing them, 111 00:10:26,330 --> 00:10:29,410 that doesn't involve waiting in line! 112 00:10:41,490 --> 00:10:43,790 Yes, sir. Right away, sir! 113 00:10:51,650 --> 00:10:53,250 Careful boys, 114 00:10:53,840 --> 00:10:56,819 the entire bloody war effort's relying on that thing. 115 00:10:56,820 --> 00:10:58,840 Till it overheats and breaks down! 116 00:11:03,850 --> 00:11:06,419 Let's give her a sighter. Who wants a go? 117 00:11:06,420 --> 00:11:08,570 I'm sure Godley could do with the practice. 118 00:11:10,770 --> 00:11:14,250 Yeah, all right. I'll show you tarts how it's done. 119 00:11:22,170 --> 00:11:23,840 Here's your Hun! 120 00:11:29,970 --> 00:11:31,270 I'm ready! 121 00:11:44,570 --> 00:11:46,540 Come on! 122 00:11:47,270 --> 00:11:49,200 All right, Sid. Let's stop it there. 123 00:11:50,210 --> 00:11:53,050 Give me a platoon of riflemen any day. 124 00:11:54,210 --> 00:11:57,129 37 rounds a minute, that's our record, right lads! 125 00:11:57,130 --> 00:11:58,439 Sir. 126 00:11:58,440 --> 00:12:01,399 Machine gun fires 600 rounds a minute. 127 00:12:01,400 --> 00:12:03,679 36,000 rounds an hour. 128 00:12:03,680 --> 00:12:05,949 It's got a range of 4,500 yards. 129 00:12:05,950 --> 00:12:07,959 You change the barrel on this thing once an hour, 130 00:12:07,960 --> 00:12:09,810 you can fire indefinitely. 131 00:12:11,470 --> 00:12:13,650 You'd bloody have to! 132 00:12:15,690 --> 00:12:17,290 D Company! 133 00:12:19,450 --> 00:12:21,610 Live rounds! Rapid... 134 00:12:22,610 --> 00:12:23,910 Fire! 135 00:12:38,350 --> 00:12:41,940 Well, if the Germans throw tin cans at us, we'll know who to call. 136 00:12:50,570 --> 00:12:52,389 That was embarrassing. 137 00:12:52,390 --> 00:12:55,889 How's about you try having a go on that bloody thing? 138 00:12:55,890 --> 00:13:00,280 This is the Royal Fusiliers, mate, we hit the target in this Battalion. 139 00:13:01,380 --> 00:13:02,680 Bit like that?! 140 00:13:08,920 --> 00:13:10,220 Out the bloody way. 141 00:13:10,560 --> 00:13:11,860 Enough! 142 00:13:12,470 --> 00:13:14,329 - Get off! - Come on! 143 00:13:14,330 --> 00:13:15,639 Enough! 144 00:13:15,640 --> 00:13:17,840 - Who started this? - I did. 145 00:13:18,210 --> 00:13:19,519 Just to be clear, 146 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:22,769 any more of this and you'll be on a boat home for a court martial 147 00:13:22,770 --> 00:13:26,340 and the most tremendous bollocking of your entire lives. 148 00:13:27,230 --> 00:13:29,139 I want sentries across the canal. 149 00:13:29,140 --> 00:13:31,599 Keep a 20-foot distance, and signal on your whistles 150 00:13:31,600 --> 00:13:34,969 if you sight anything. You, you and you. 151 00:13:34,970 --> 00:13:36,270 Now! 152 00:13:41,370 --> 00:13:43,040 The rest of you get on with it. 153 00:13:43,710 --> 00:13:45,550 Get those boxes moved down there. 154 00:13:50,010 --> 00:13:52,979 The ones in the khaki uniforms are on our side, Godley. 155 00:13:52,980 --> 00:13:54,749 You'd do well to remember that. 156 00:13:54,750 --> 00:13:56,220 Sorry, sir. 157 00:13:56,570 --> 00:13:58,979 We need some more sandbags down here. 158 00:13:58,980 --> 00:14:00,560 Go and make yourself useful. 159 00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:05,740 We fight for the man next to us, Sid. 160 00:14:06,250 --> 00:14:07,860 That's how we win. 161 00:14:11,210 --> 00:14:13,980 I keep telling you, you should get him transferred out. 162 00:14:15,630 --> 00:14:17,640 The sooner we move on the better. 163 00:14:18,890 --> 00:14:20,709 I want to go and check on the boys. 164 00:14:20,710 --> 00:14:22,480 Let us know if you see anything. 165 00:14:22,930 --> 00:14:25,980 Krauts are the ones with the pointy hats, right? 166 00:14:33,090 --> 00:14:35,819 Anyone can hit a target with a rifle. 167 00:14:35,820 --> 00:14:37,229 You don't need to get a head shot 168 00:14:37,230 --> 00:14:40,150 when you're firing 500 rounds a minute on a machine gun, do you?! 169 00:14:40,960 --> 00:14:43,669 When I'm done, he won't have a fucking head left. 170 00:14:43,670 --> 00:14:45,470 Or any arms or legs. 171 00:14:46,250 --> 00:14:48,020 Allemand, Allemand. 172 00:14:48,730 --> 00:14:51,390 Don't worry, mate, we'll sort all that out for you. 173 00:14:53,490 --> 00:14:55,710 Well, at least you get to shoot something. 174 00:14:56,020 --> 00:14:58,169 You still sulking about that? 175 00:14:58,170 --> 00:15:01,299 I'm going to go through this whole war without firing a shot. 176 00:15:01,300 --> 00:15:03,580 Yeah, well you ain't the only one. 177 00:15:04,850 --> 00:15:07,960 Came last in every firing drill, didn't I? 178 00:15:08,520 --> 00:15:10,840 They just let me load the flaming thing. 179 00:15:11,690 --> 00:15:14,149 Turns out maybe you do need accuracy or something. 180 00:15:14,150 --> 00:15:15,450 It's all bollocks. 181 00:15:53,770 --> 00:15:56,329 - Sir. - Anything to report? 182 00:15:56,330 --> 00:15:57,919 A couple of squirrels... 183 00:15:57,920 --> 00:15:59,509 ..a few birds... 184 00:15:59,510 --> 00:16:01,080 ..other than that, as was. 185 00:16:07,950 --> 00:16:09,250 Come on get him out, get him out. 186 00:16:09,660 --> 00:16:11,060 Get him out here. 187 00:16:11,770 --> 00:16:13,569 Does he speak English? English? 188 00:16:13,570 --> 00:16:15,720 Keep him down boys, keep him down! 189 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:23,750 - Speak English? What's your name? - Keep him down! 190 00:16:27,330 --> 00:16:28,690 What's your name? 191 00:16:29,120 --> 00:16:30,929 - Sir! - Jesus. 192 00:16:30,930 --> 00:16:32,959 - We got one! - Where did you find him? 193 00:16:32,960 --> 00:16:35,019 In the woods a small group of Fritz cavalry. 194 00:16:35,020 --> 00:16:37,839 The rest of them made it away but we shot this bastard off his horse. 195 00:16:37,840 --> 00:16:41,299 I say we throw him in the canal, sir! See if he floats. 196 00:16:41,300 --> 00:16:42,959 - Help him up. - Sir... 197 00:16:42,960 --> 00:16:44,560 Help him up for Christ's sake. 198 00:16:55,750 --> 00:16:58,840 Lieutenant Dease, Royal Fusiliers. 199 00:17:16,050 --> 00:17:17,470 You speak the King's? 200 00:17:19,470 --> 00:17:21,470 Sprechen sie Englisch? 201 00:17:23,370 --> 00:17:24,670 No? 202 00:17:30,210 --> 00:17:32,730 First week of the war and you take one in the leg. 203 00:17:33,890 --> 00:17:35,449 That's luck for you. 204 00:17:35,450 --> 00:17:37,590 Bloody hell was that a German, Sir? 205 00:17:37,940 --> 00:17:40,440 Thought they were miles away? 206 00:17:42,570 --> 00:17:45,650 Ask him if he's eaten any babies today, Sir! 207 00:17:46,970 --> 00:17:49,460 Most of your boys are conscripts, aren't they? 208 00:17:51,210 --> 00:17:53,270 I have to look after professionals... 209 00:17:54,280 --> 00:17:55,840 ..that's hard enough. 210 00:18:08,210 --> 00:18:09,840 They'll take you from here. 211 00:18:12,490 --> 00:18:14,540 I wish you luck, Lieutenant Dease. 212 00:18:19,450 --> 00:18:23,300 Thank you, but I don't believe in luck. 213 00:18:25,250 --> 00:18:27,300 Believe in luck, Lieutenant Dease, 214 00:18:28,300 --> 00:18:30,040 or believe in God. 215 00:18:31,650 --> 00:18:32,950 Because... 216 00:18:34,140 --> 00:18:36,840 you are not ready for what's coming here. 217 00:18:54,050 --> 00:18:55,489 Back at your station. 218 00:18:55,490 --> 00:18:57,399 Get this gun loaded and ready to fire. 219 00:18:57,400 --> 00:18:59,499 - Sir! - I'll report to HQ. 220 00:18:59,500 --> 00:19:01,750 If Lieutenant Steele makes a show, let me know. 221 00:19:03,030 --> 00:19:04,790 Bring the ammunition down to the barricade. 222 00:19:26,170 --> 00:19:28,649 - Sapper Neary. - Sir. 223 00:19:28,650 --> 00:19:30,029 Change of plan. 224 00:19:30,030 --> 00:19:32,239 They want us to prep the bridges for demolition. 225 00:19:32,240 --> 00:19:34,690 It'll take us all night to rig one up. 226 00:19:36,830 --> 00:19:39,590 Which is why we're starting right away. 227 00:20:01,410 --> 00:20:03,160 What did that Kraut say, Sir? 228 00:20:03,570 --> 00:20:06,470 He said if we hand you over they'll call off the war! 229 00:20:07,330 --> 00:20:09,285 Lieutenant Steele returned from the woods yet? 230 00:20:09,294 --> 00:20:10,099 No, Sir. 231 00:20:10,100 --> 00:20:12,959 I need volunteers to go and tell the Lieutenant to get back over here. 232 00:20:12,960 --> 00:20:14,260 I'll do it, Sir. 233 00:20:16,150 --> 00:20:18,380 - Thank you Private. - All right. 234 00:20:29,030 --> 00:20:30,330 No need. 235 00:20:32,630 --> 00:20:34,709 - You see anything out there? - Nothing. 236 00:20:34,710 --> 00:20:36,429 German scout party was spotted. 237 00:20:36,430 --> 00:20:38,549 - We caught one of them. - What did he tell you? 238 00:20:38,550 --> 00:20:41,400 He said we weren't ready for what's coming here. 239 00:20:42,460 --> 00:20:44,839 Well, did you tell him about Godley? 240 00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:47,129 He seemed confident, Fred. 241 00:20:47,130 --> 00:20:49,980 Even with a bullet in his leg, the smirking prick. 242 00:20:51,810 --> 00:20:53,999 Bunch of German conscripts. 243 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:55,740 He was smiling, Fred. 244 00:20:56,090 --> 00:20:59,040 He looked at our defences and he liked what he saw. 245 00:21:16,130 --> 00:21:18,049 So this is it? 246 00:21:18,050 --> 00:21:20,169 Jemappes Bridge. 247 00:21:20,170 --> 00:21:23,279 Shoddy build right here, you can tell we're in Europe. 248 00:21:23,280 --> 00:21:25,539 We're doing them a favour taking this thing down. 249 00:21:25,540 --> 00:21:28,639 It was tempting fate, Sir, your talk about the blowing the bridges. 250 00:21:28,640 --> 00:21:30,389 So how're you doing it, then? 251 00:21:30,390 --> 00:21:33,540 - I'm just here to assist. - Oh, no, come on. 252 00:21:33,860 --> 00:21:35,969 I've taken one in the leg. 253 00:21:35,970 --> 00:21:38,749 I'm bleeding all over the shop, yelling for my dear old ma. 254 00:21:38,750 --> 00:21:40,819 It's just you and a box of supplies. 255 00:21:40,820 --> 00:21:41,871 German army's coming. 256 00:21:41,880 --> 00:21:43,899 How are you going to neutralise this bridge? 257 00:21:43,900 --> 00:21:45,939 Affix the guncotton and tamp down with clay. 258 00:21:45,948 --> 00:21:47,736 - Where? - On the structure's weakest points. 259 00:21:47,745 --> 00:21:49,399 Your gonna make sure all those points go at once? 260 00:21:49,500 --> 00:21:50,062 Yes. 261 00:21:50,071 --> 00:21:51,309 If they don't this bridge might not come down. 262 00:21:51,310 --> 00:21:52,689 - I'll make sure. - How? 263 00:21:52,790 --> 00:21:54,499 I'll cut exact lengths of electric cable. 264 00:21:54,500 --> 00:21:55,859 - Any air bubbles in the clay? - No. 265 00:21:55,860 --> 00:21:57,169 - Guncotton dry? - Yes. 266 00:21:57,170 --> 00:21:58,592 So exact lengths of electric cable... 267 00:21:58,601 --> 00:22:00,349 Attach the cable to the electric detonators 268 00:22:00,450 --> 00:22:03,419 in the clay at one end and to the exploder on the other, 269 00:22:03,420 --> 00:22:06,280 push down on the exploder and... 270 00:22:06,690 --> 00:22:08,489 neutralise the bridge. 271 00:22:08,490 --> 00:22:10,549 You forgot about where you drag me to safety 272 00:22:10,550 --> 00:22:12,949 but, apart from that, very good. 273 00:22:12,950 --> 00:22:15,029 Yes, only, we don't have an exploder. 274 00:22:15,030 --> 00:22:16,769 No, we have four. Remember? 275 00:22:16,770 --> 00:22:18,070 Yes, Sir. 276 00:22:18,740 --> 00:22:20,390 Do we know where any of them are? 277 00:22:31,650 --> 00:22:32,950 Sir... 278 00:22:33,350 --> 00:22:35,340 I wrote a letter home. 279 00:22:35,870 --> 00:22:37,439 I thought it prudent to give it to you 280 00:22:37,440 --> 00:22:41,399 and likewise take your letter in case anything happened to us. 281 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:43,179 What I have to say to my wife 282 00:22:43,180 --> 00:22:46,080 has no business in the pocket of your tunic. 283 00:22:46,750 --> 00:22:48,050 No, of course. 284 00:23:05,970 --> 00:23:07,790 We'll need a boat. 285 00:24:09,210 --> 00:24:11,280 Bloody hell, Sid. 286 00:24:15,290 --> 00:24:16,599 What are you doing? 287 00:24:16,600 --> 00:24:18,849 It's the quickest route between here and HQ. 288 00:24:18,850 --> 00:24:20,190 I need to memorise it. 289 00:24:26,210 --> 00:24:27,740 How quick are you? 290 00:24:28,490 --> 00:24:30,749 They don't pick us for speed. 291 00:24:30,750 --> 00:24:33,309 It's the ability to relay messages, 292 00:24:33,310 --> 00:24:35,159 remember details. Efficiency... 293 00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:36,910 that's what makes a good runner. 294 00:24:40,650 --> 00:24:42,500 I'm really not that fast at all. 295 00:25:18,490 --> 00:25:19,790 Cheers, Gerry! 296 00:25:22,790 --> 00:25:24,290 How's it looking? 297 00:25:24,870 --> 00:25:26,540 - Getting there. - Good. 298 00:25:45,250 --> 00:25:48,289 Chances are if we cop it it'll be in a bloody great explosion 299 00:25:48,290 --> 00:25:51,979 and there won't be anything left of either of us to take home anyway. 300 00:25:51,980 --> 00:25:53,580 Yes, Sir. 301 00:25:55,530 --> 00:25:56,970 Get back to work. 302 00:26:23,030 --> 00:26:24,950 - Hello. - Bonjour 303 00:26:30,810 --> 00:26:32,690 What the fuck is this? 304 00:26:43,430 --> 00:26:44,890 It's not bad, that. 305 00:26:47,210 --> 00:26:49,290 Here you are, Sir, have a curly roll. 306 00:26:57,630 --> 00:26:59,030 ..war is hell. 307 00:27:00,630 --> 00:27:01,960 I should be getting back. 308 00:27:02,370 --> 00:27:04,119 Can you hold the line here? 309 00:27:04,120 --> 00:27:05,420 Sir. 310 00:27:07,180 --> 00:27:08,480 Sir! 311 00:27:12,370 --> 00:27:13,670 Is that a German? 312 00:27:14,370 --> 00:27:16,180 Yeah, I think it probably is. 313 00:27:16,910 --> 00:27:18,390 Should I shoot him? 314 00:27:19,330 --> 00:27:22,770 Yeah, I think you'd better had. 315 00:28:09,750 --> 00:28:12,039 Right, listen. You take your sister 316 00:28:12,040 --> 00:28:14,590 and go and find somewhere safe to hide, you understand? 317 00:28:15,300 --> 00:28:16,600 Sling your hook! 318 00:28:22,030 --> 00:28:24,780 Could be riding party... More scouts? 319 00:28:25,160 --> 00:28:26,460 Nah... 320 00:28:26,930 --> 00:28:28,560 ..something else. 321 00:28:29,770 --> 00:28:32,470 All right, lads, fall back to the bridge. 322 00:28:32,780 --> 00:28:34,840 This ain't no place for kids. Come on. 323 00:28:39,590 --> 00:28:41,050 Go on, shooo. 324 00:28:52,910 --> 00:28:54,659 - What's the pound? - 30. 325 00:28:54,660 --> 00:28:56,379 - 32, - 32! 326 00:28:56,380 --> 00:28:57,689 - Yes. - Are you sure? 327 00:28:57,690 --> 00:28:58,999 Yes. 328 00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:00,500 Did you tie these? 329 00:29:01,260 --> 00:29:02,560 Neary! 330 00:29:03,310 --> 00:29:04,910 Move... Move! 331 00:29:06,790 --> 00:29:09,339 You don't leave here until this job's done properly. 332 00:29:09,340 --> 00:29:11,480 - Have you got that? - Yes, Sir. 333 00:29:18,850 --> 00:29:20,180 Careful lads! 334 00:29:22,350 --> 00:29:24,330 - Have you seen Lieutenant Steele? - No! 335 00:29:31,240 --> 00:29:33,040 Have you seen Lieutenant Dease? 336 00:29:56,520 --> 00:29:58,779 Wiltshire, intelligence reports says... 337 00:29:58,780 --> 00:30:00,209 ..the Germans are here. 338 00:30:00,210 --> 00:30:01,940 - How many? - Fucking all of them. 339 00:30:02,700 --> 00:30:05,030 - Jesus Christ! - Come on! 340 00:30:06,490 --> 00:30:07,790 Let's go! 341 00:30:33,050 --> 00:30:34,720 Fire! 342 00:30:53,510 --> 00:30:55,160 Stop fire! 343 00:30:56,070 --> 00:30:58,220 That's the start of the fucking war right there! 344 00:30:58,730 --> 00:31:00,059 Come on! 345 00:31:00,060 --> 00:31:02,169 They just marched right into it. 346 00:31:02,170 --> 00:31:05,240 That's what happens when you've got civilians, instead of soldiers. 347 00:31:05,620 --> 00:31:08,499 Holbrook go and tell the Colonel we've engaged the enemy, 348 00:31:08,500 --> 00:31:10,539 - everything is under control. - Yes, Sir. 349 00:31:10,540 --> 00:31:12,579 Dease, you've had your fun. 350 00:31:12,580 --> 00:31:14,240 We need to command these men. 351 00:31:20,850 --> 00:31:22,289 Right boys! 352 00:31:22,290 --> 00:31:24,819 I want a big pile of spent cartridges this side 353 00:31:24,820 --> 00:31:27,599 and a big pile of dead Germans on that side! 354 00:31:27,600 --> 00:31:29,030 - Sir! - Yes, Sir! 355 00:31:38,410 --> 00:31:40,699 You all right there, Neville, darling? 356 00:31:40,700 --> 00:31:42,490 Apart from the mud, Sid! 357 00:31:44,370 --> 00:31:45,750 Apart from the fucking mud! 358 00:32:28,110 --> 00:32:29,580 Do you see anything? 359 00:32:31,100 --> 00:32:32,400 No. 360 00:32:49,610 --> 00:32:51,650 Wait, hang on. 361 00:32:54,130 --> 00:32:57,499 Yes, there! On the tree line! 362 00:32:57,500 --> 00:32:58,800 Got it! 363 00:33:02,370 --> 00:33:04,660 Company! Fire! 364 00:33:18,910 --> 00:33:20,490 That's it, boys! 365 00:33:25,290 --> 00:33:27,512 They're not coming in marching order any more! 366 00:33:27,521 --> 00:33:28,548 They're learning. 367 00:33:30,930 --> 00:33:33,480 Jesus! Stretcher! 368 00:33:33,850 --> 00:33:35,540 - Stretcher! - Stretcher bearers! 369 00:33:37,180 --> 00:33:38,480 Stretcher! 370 00:33:44,270 --> 00:33:45,790 Enemy! Fire! 371 00:33:46,620 --> 00:33:47,920 Fire! 372 00:33:51,590 --> 00:33:53,540 Damn it! Someone help that man! 373 00:33:53,900 --> 00:33:55,209 Come on, boys! 374 00:33:55,210 --> 00:33:56,910 Pick your targets! 375 00:34:01,030 --> 00:34:02,470 Come on, lads! 376 00:34:22,190 --> 00:34:23,499 Jesus! 377 00:34:23,500 --> 00:34:24,860 That's artillery! 378 00:34:25,270 --> 00:34:26,820 Where did that come from? 379 00:34:28,830 --> 00:34:31,750 Jesus, there's a whole battalion out there. Maybe more! 380 00:34:34,650 --> 00:34:36,159 We'll bottle neck them onto the bridge. 381 00:34:36,160 --> 00:34:37,589 Let 'em run into your gun. 382 00:34:37,590 --> 00:34:40,570 Yeah. Yeah, we've got about a bullet for each of them. 383 00:34:44,170 --> 00:34:46,610 - Shit, not now... - Stoppage! 384 00:34:50,110 --> 00:34:52,919 - Stoppage! - Fix that jam! 385 00:34:52,920 --> 00:34:55,180 Get that gun working, get it working! 386 00:35:02,370 --> 00:35:04,709 - I've got to get down there... - No, you bloody don't! 387 00:35:04,710 --> 00:35:08,539 Company! Covering fire! 15 rounds a minute! You know the order! 388 00:35:08,540 --> 00:35:10,780 Rapid Fire! Fire! 389 00:35:18,730 --> 00:35:20,540 Get down, Sir. Come on! 390 00:35:25,950 --> 00:35:28,050 Left flank, left flank! 391 00:35:28,660 --> 00:35:30,170 Yes, Sir. 392 00:35:32,360 --> 00:35:33,669 You're a bloody mad man! 393 00:35:33,670 --> 00:35:35,329 We cannot afford to lose that gun. 394 00:35:35,330 --> 00:35:37,120 And we can afford to lose you? 395 00:35:46,200 --> 00:35:48,309 Enemy numbers higher than expected. 396 00:35:48,310 --> 00:35:49,699 Most of them right here. 397 00:35:49,700 --> 00:35:51,539 Nimy Bridge the critical asset. 398 00:35:51,540 --> 00:35:53,040 Flanks to support 399 00:35:53,550 --> 00:35:55,609 and engineers primed to blow bridges 400 00:35:55,610 --> 00:35:57,199 in sequence along the canal. 401 00:35:57,200 --> 00:35:59,579 Orders to hold the bridge and repel the enemy, Sir. 402 00:35:59,580 --> 00:36:01,740 Best keep that gun running, then. 403 00:36:03,770 --> 00:36:05,819 Tell them that we may need support. 404 00:36:05,820 --> 00:36:07,120 Yes, Sir! 405 00:36:20,850 --> 00:36:22,659 Is this bridge ready to blow? 406 00:36:22,660 --> 00:36:24,499 - Not yet. - Get a bloody move on, mate, 407 00:36:24,500 --> 00:36:26,359 - the Germans are coming! - You think! 408 00:36:26,360 --> 00:36:28,399 Neary, Neary! Concentrate, 409 00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:29,700 give me the detonators. 410 00:36:30,350 --> 00:36:31,949 - Shit! - Sorry, Sir. 411 00:36:31,950 --> 00:36:35,089 Neary, don't think about them, don't think about the Germans, 412 00:36:35,090 --> 00:36:37,379 don't think about anything other than getting the job done. 413 00:36:37,380 --> 00:36:38,689 - OK? - Yes, Sir. 414 00:36:38,690 --> 00:36:40,599 There's more detonators on the bank, go and get them. 415 00:36:40,600 --> 00:36:41,909 - Yes, Sir. - And Neary, 416 00:36:41,910 --> 00:36:43,356 do be very quick about it, won't you? 417 00:36:43,365 --> 00:36:44,407 Yes, Sir. 418 00:37:07,240 --> 00:37:08,540 More ammo! 419 00:37:08,850 --> 00:37:10,229 More ammo! 420 00:37:10,230 --> 00:37:11,950 More ammo, quick! 421 00:37:16,970 --> 00:37:20,450 - We need a stretcher. - Keep the gun going! 422 00:37:21,360 --> 00:37:22,660 Come on! 423 00:37:24,130 --> 00:37:25,890 Wait! Give them a chance! 424 00:37:28,750 --> 00:37:30,480 - Dease, wait! - I'll be back! 425 00:37:33,140 --> 00:37:34,440 Dease! 426 00:37:35,250 --> 00:37:38,079 Concentrate fire on their machine guns! 427 00:37:38,080 --> 00:37:39,380 Which one? 428 00:37:41,110 --> 00:37:45,069 All of them, pick your targets! Take out the gunner! 429 00:37:45,070 --> 00:37:48,250 Aim for the gunners! Take out the gunners! 430 00:37:50,850 --> 00:37:52,440 He needs attention! 431 00:37:53,320 --> 00:37:54,620 Come on! 432 00:38:00,130 --> 00:38:01,430 Stretchers! 433 00:38:03,930 --> 00:38:05,230 Fire! 434 00:38:13,490 --> 00:38:14,799 Godley! 435 00:38:14,800 --> 00:38:18,640 Your responsibility is to this gun, do you understand? 436 00:38:19,700 --> 00:38:21,380 - Yes, Sir. - Right, come on! 437 00:38:24,210 --> 00:38:25,720 Sir, you've been hit. 438 00:38:27,250 --> 00:38:28,680 The gun, Godley. 439 00:38:57,790 --> 00:38:59,579 Keep firing! 440 00:38:59,580 --> 00:39:02,589 Sir, all units fully engaged along the canal, Sir. 441 00:39:02,590 --> 00:39:06,999 Take the right flank! Keep firing! 442 00:39:07,000 --> 00:39:08,300 This is for HQ. 443 00:39:08,710 --> 00:39:11,969 They've got multiple machine guns, heavy artillery within range 444 00:39:11,970 --> 00:39:14,380 and they're fucking us from three sides! 445 00:39:14,990 --> 00:39:16,739 If we don't get more men down here, 446 00:39:16,740 --> 00:39:19,289 that is going to be a Kraut bridge by sundown. 447 00:39:19,290 --> 00:39:21,149 You can pretty that up for them if you want 448 00:39:21,150 --> 00:39:23,930 - but get us more men! - Yes, Sir. 449 00:39:46,030 --> 00:39:48,389 - The Germans are coming! - Aye, they're coming. 450 00:39:48,390 --> 00:39:50,899 Did they not tell you war might be dangerous, Neary 451 00:39:50,900 --> 00:39:54,369 - We need to blow this bridge. - When it's ready and not before! 452 00:39:54,370 --> 00:39:57,939 Yes, Sir, only we still don't have that exploder, do we? 453 00:39:57,940 --> 00:40:02,229 Neary, I'm going to wait right here for you, son. 454 00:40:02,230 --> 00:40:04,219 You get that exploder back for me. 455 00:40:04,220 --> 00:40:05,930 - Bring it home. - Yes, Sir. 456 00:41:11,650 --> 00:41:15,340 Man down! 457 00:41:18,440 --> 00:41:21,640 To the left! 458 00:41:24,450 --> 00:41:27,050 They're bringing up the left flank. 459 00:41:29,310 --> 00:41:30,990 To the left flank! 460 00:41:32,870 --> 00:41:34,210 To the left! 461 00:41:35,530 --> 00:41:37,970 Shoot the pricks on the left, Frank! 462 00:41:49,330 --> 00:41:51,289 What do we do, Sir? 463 00:41:51,290 --> 00:41:52,819 They won't stop coming. 464 00:41:52,820 --> 00:41:54,990 - How's the ammo? - Low. 465 00:42:09,170 --> 00:42:10,470 Frank! 466 00:42:12,250 --> 00:42:14,069 Frank's down, Sir! 467 00:42:14,070 --> 00:42:17,010 We need a stretcher, he needs attention, Sir! 468 00:42:21,530 --> 00:42:23,300 Frank... Frank! 469 00:42:25,410 --> 00:42:27,750 Godley, he's gone! He's gone, Godley, come on. 470 00:42:28,560 --> 00:42:29,860 Godley! 471 00:42:30,380 --> 00:42:31,680 Come on! 472 00:42:34,410 --> 00:42:36,279 - Sir! - Down! 473 00:42:36,280 --> 00:42:37,580 Across! 474 00:42:54,850 --> 00:42:56,410 Where are the reinforcements?! 475 00:42:56,820 --> 00:42:58,209 Delayed, Sir. 476 00:42:58,210 --> 00:43:01,219 Captain Forster's dead. Lieutenant Mead also dead. 477 00:43:01,220 --> 00:43:03,969 Captain Ashburner's injured, Sir! 478 00:43:03,970 --> 00:43:07,279 The others are taking casualties all along the canal. 479 00:43:07,280 --> 00:43:09,339 Enemy artillery and machine gun fire 480 00:43:09,340 --> 00:43:10,899 is greater than expected, Sir. 481 00:43:10,900 --> 00:43:14,149 Just try and hold the bridge, Sir. They said, try and hold the bridge. 482 00:43:14,150 --> 00:43:16,359 Go and find out where our heavy guns are 483 00:43:16,360 --> 00:43:19,060 and why they're not blowing the fuck out of the enemy. 484 00:43:22,700 --> 00:43:24,000 Now! 485 00:43:41,970 --> 00:43:43,270 Yeah. 486 00:43:49,290 --> 00:43:52,310 Come on, Neary, where the hell are you? 487 00:44:12,180 --> 00:44:13,939 - Holbrook! Are you going to HQ? - Yeah. 488 00:44:13,940 --> 00:44:16,340 You need to hurry up, there's not many of 'em left! 489 00:45:08,030 --> 00:45:11,919 Our line's broken to the east, our artillery's being pulled back. 490 00:45:11,920 --> 00:45:14,959 There'll be no heavy guns, and no reinforcements. 491 00:45:14,960 --> 00:45:16,639 They said it's a retreat 492 00:45:16,640 --> 00:45:18,050 It's not a retreat. 493 00:45:18,890 --> 00:45:20,709 It's a tactical withdrawal. 494 00:45:20,710 --> 00:45:22,509 - We're not going? - Not yet. 495 00:45:22,510 --> 00:45:25,769 If they are withdrawing, that makes us the last men. 496 00:45:25,770 --> 00:45:27,629 We hold this bridge long enough 497 00:45:27,630 --> 00:45:29,789 for the rest of the army to get out of Mons. 498 00:45:29,790 --> 00:45:30,882 Then we go. 499 00:45:30,891 --> 00:45:32,749 Do you need me to send a message back, sir? 500 00:45:32,750 --> 00:45:34,559 I don't need a runner now, Holbrook. 501 00:45:34,560 --> 00:45:37,439 I need you to get in there and grab a rifle and fight alongside your mates. 502 00:45:37,440 --> 00:45:39,559 See the job done. 503 00:45:39,560 --> 00:45:41,940 - Go on! - Yes, sir! 504 00:46:07,810 --> 00:46:09,430 Sir! Sir! 505 00:46:14,850 --> 00:46:16,150 You're good, sir. 506 00:46:17,530 --> 00:46:18,830 Yeah? 507 00:46:20,770 --> 00:46:23,070 Must be more fucked than we thought, sir. 508 00:46:23,700 --> 00:46:25,370 Billy's got a rifle. 509 00:46:30,770 --> 00:46:32,070 Keep fighting. 510 00:46:37,090 --> 00:46:40,259 Reinforcements will be on their way. Just keep fighting. 511 00:46:40,260 --> 00:46:41,560 Yes, sir! 512 00:46:59,410 --> 00:47:00,710 Godley... 513 00:47:02,490 --> 00:47:03,799 No! 514 00:47:03,800 --> 00:47:05,100 Sir! 515 00:47:07,710 --> 00:47:09,629 We need that machine gun! 516 00:47:09,630 --> 00:47:11,189 Get your heads up, boys! 517 00:47:11,190 --> 00:47:12,499 Get your heads up. 518 00:47:12,500 --> 00:47:14,870 Stand fire and get your heads up. 519 00:47:15,610 --> 00:47:17,640 Fuck! Fuck! 520 00:47:57,810 --> 00:47:59,380 We're going to lose the gun. 521 00:48:07,570 --> 00:48:09,190 We're going to lose the gun. 522 00:48:09,760 --> 00:48:11,410 Prepare to withdraw. 523 00:48:30,170 --> 00:48:33,179 Get on the gun. Get on the gun! 524 00:48:33,180 --> 00:48:34,480 The gun! 525 00:48:36,930 --> 00:48:40,049 All right. All right. That's it. 526 00:48:40,050 --> 00:48:41,980 Look at me. All right? 527 00:48:43,150 --> 00:48:44,770 Stay on the gun. 528 00:48:45,080 --> 00:48:46,389 The gun! 529 00:48:46,390 --> 00:48:48,680 Godley's got it. He's looking after it. 530 00:48:49,030 --> 00:48:51,230 You did a bloody good job, Lieutenant. 531 00:48:51,540 --> 00:48:53,340 Nothing else you could have done. 532 00:48:57,050 --> 00:48:59,280 Right. Hold on, mate. Just hold on. 533 00:49:03,930 --> 00:49:06,240 Short, controlled bursts. 534 00:49:06,650 --> 00:49:09,149 I need to get these men off this line, Godley. 535 00:49:09,150 --> 00:49:12,159 I can't do that without machine gun cover here. 536 00:49:12,160 --> 00:49:13,940 I can do it, sir. 537 00:49:14,600 --> 00:49:18,369 - You take the men away. - You know what I'm asking you? 538 00:49:18,370 --> 00:49:20,780 Someone's got to stay to the end, sir. 539 00:49:22,320 --> 00:49:23,620 Thank you, Sid. 540 00:49:27,330 --> 00:49:28,900 I'm sorry, mate. 541 00:49:31,170 --> 00:49:32,470 Come on. 542 00:49:41,410 --> 00:49:42,920 I'll look in on everyone. 543 00:49:43,710 --> 00:49:46,960 I'll let them know you had my back the whole time. 544 00:49:48,010 --> 00:49:51,510 I'll let the boys' families know you did everything you could. 545 00:49:52,610 --> 00:49:54,510 Come on, then! 546 00:50:08,490 --> 00:50:10,850 Get your men back now, Lieutenant. 547 00:50:23,130 --> 00:50:26,070 And make sure Billy gets back safe, sir. 548 00:50:29,690 --> 00:50:31,810 Come on, then! 549 00:50:35,050 --> 00:50:37,510 Withdraw. Company, withdraw! 550 00:50:40,590 --> 00:50:43,589 Draw back. Draw back. 551 00:50:43,590 --> 00:50:45,940 - Draw back! - What about Sid, sir? 552 00:50:46,510 --> 00:50:48,930 No, sir. We can't leave him. 553 00:50:51,330 --> 00:50:52,650 Go on! 554 00:50:54,010 --> 00:50:55,909 Holbrook! Come on! 555 00:50:55,910 --> 00:50:57,510 - No, sir! - It's over. 556 00:50:57,820 --> 00:50:59,170 It's over. 557 00:51:00,770 --> 00:51:02,390 Come on, Sid! 558 00:51:02,740 --> 00:51:04,040 Sid! 559 00:51:39,130 --> 00:51:40,430 Corporal Jarvis. 560 00:51:43,100 --> 00:51:45,109 The lad who gave you this, is he dead? 561 00:51:45,110 --> 00:51:47,249 Not when I left him, sir. Hurt pretty bad, though. 562 00:51:47,250 --> 00:51:49,359 - Where did you leave him? - Just off the main road, 563 00:51:49,360 --> 00:51:50,990 - half a mile west. - All right. 564 00:51:52,300 --> 00:51:54,610 You want to put your hands over your ears now. 565 00:53:54,210 --> 00:53:56,280 Captain Forster went early. 566 00:53:57,140 --> 00:53:58,570 Mead fell. 567 00:54:00,410 --> 00:54:01,710 Newbury. 568 00:54:02,710 --> 00:54:04,490 Tyler, Clark... 569 00:54:06,610 --> 00:54:07,910 Lieutenant Dease. 570 00:54:17,450 --> 00:54:19,580 Sid's not going to make it back either... 571 00:54:21,150 --> 00:54:22,450 ..is he? 572 00:54:24,410 --> 00:54:25,710 No. 573 00:54:47,690 --> 00:54:49,990 There'll be medals, sir. 574 00:54:51,830 --> 00:54:54,350 They'll remember the 4th Fusiliers... 575 00:54:54,860 --> 00:54:56,170 and Mons. 576 00:54:57,770 --> 00:54:59,910 They'll remember we retreated. 577 00:55:01,550 --> 00:55:03,650 They had too many guns for us. 578 00:55:05,410 --> 00:55:08,070 How are you meant to defend yourself against that? 579 00:56:57,860 --> 00:56:59,719 CITATION WHICH EARNED LIEUT. MAURICE DEASE 580 00:56:59,720 --> 00:57:01,479 THE VICTORIA CROSS IN AUGUST 1914, 581 00:57:01,480 --> 00:57:04,289 FIRST TO BE AWARDED DURING THE GREAT WAR 1914-18 582 00:57:04,290 --> 00:57:08,390 During the action, we lost Lieutenant Maurice Dease, 583 00:57:09,000 --> 00:57:11,550 who also received the VC, Sid Godley speaking in 1954 584 00:57:11,930 --> 00:57:15,649 and I came under the command of Lieutenant Steele, 585 00:57:15,650 --> 00:57:20,629 who then gave orders to remain and hold the position, 586 00:57:20,630 --> 00:57:22,510 which I did do... 587 00:57:23,050 --> 00:57:27,219 ..although I was very badly wounded several times. 588 00:57:27,220 --> 00:57:29,840 But when it was time for me to get away, 589 00:57:30,270 --> 00:57:33,790 I smashed the machine gun up, threw it in the canal 590 00:57:34,280 --> 00:57:37,809 and then crawled back on to the main road, 591 00:57:37,810 --> 00:57:43,100 where I was picked up by two Germans and taken to hospital. 592 00:57:47,210 --> 00:57:50,099 Every soldier thinks about running away. 593 00:57:50,100 --> 00:57:52,590 There is no greater betrayal. 594 00:57:53,460 --> 00:57:54,969 You could be here instead of there. 595 00:57:54,970 --> 00:57:56,279 - No-one... - I can't. 596 00:57:56,280 --> 00:57:58,589 You and your pals knew what you were signing up for. 597 00:57:58,590 --> 00:58:01,649 I didn't sign up to be part of a firing squad. 598 00:58:01,650 --> 00:58:04,551 Subtitles by Red Bee Media. Ltd Sync: Marocas62. 599 00:58:04,560 --> 00:58:06,838 Improved by Clog.