Our World War (2014)

Episode Overview

In August 1914, just two weeks after the outbreak of the First World War, 80,000 British soldiers have arrived in southern Belgium, awaiting their first engagement with the enemy. Among them are the 4th Battalion of The Royal Fusiliers, renowned for their exceptional marksmanship. Lieutenant Maurice Dease and his Australian counterpart, Lieutenant Fred Steele, lead two companies of riflemen and machine gunners, who are stationed for the night at Nimy Bridge, the northern end of the Mons-Conde canal. This canal, encircling Mons, boasts 18 bridges over its 20-mile stretch, and Private Sid Godley and his friend, Private William Holbrook, anticipate crossing them by morning. However, intelligence suggests the Germans might be nearer than expected, prompting the Royal Engineers, including Lance Corporal Charles Jarvis and his sapper, Private Neary, to begin preparations for demolishing the bridges. On Sunday, August 23, the soldiers' abilities, bravery,