Ep 1. 1. Reg, Alan, James and Dorothy

World War One: The People's Story is a gripping historical documentary series that explores one of the deadliest wars in human history that had a profound impact on the world. Season 1 episode 1 titled "Reg, Alan, James and Dorothy" introduces us to the personal stories of four ordinary people whose lives were forever changed by the war.

The episode begins with Reg, a 20-year-old apprentice blacksmith from Lancashire, who eagerly enlists in the army, hoping to serve his country and see the world. He goes through the rigorous training and is soon shipped to the front lines in France, where he witnesses the horrors of trench warfare and faces the reality of fighting and killing his enemies. Reg's story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by millions of young men who laid down their lives for their countries.

The documentary then shifts its focus to Alan, a young doctor from Wales who volunteers to serve in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He is assigned to a field hospital where he is tasked with treating wounded soldiers. Alan's story is a heart-warming account of the courage and compassion displayed by medical personnel who risked their own lives to save others.

Next, we meet James, a Scottish miner who is conscripted into the army against his will. He is sent to fight in the Battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest battles in the war. James' story highlights the grim reality of life as a soldier on the front lines, where death and injury were constant companions and soldiers had to rely on their wits and their comrades to survive.

Finally, we meet Dorothy, an ambulance driver from London who volunteers to serve at the front. She travels to France where she drives ambulances on dangerous missions, often under heavy enemy fire. Dorothy's story sheds light on the vital role played by women in the war effort and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated world.

Through the personal stories of these four individuals, "Reg, Alan, James and Dorothy" provides a powerful insight into the human cost of war, the heroism displayed by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and the profound impact the war had on the people who lived through it.

Overall, the show World War One: The People's Story season 1 episode 1 is a compelling and informative documentary that sheds light on the personal stories of those who fought and lived through one of the darkest periods in human history. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the human side of the Great War.