A soldier's letters gives an inside look at the horrors of the Great War

Brandon Marriott, a Canadian historian and author specializing in First World War history, shares the poignant story of Lester Harper, a farmer who faced the grim realities of war. Harper's heartfelt letters to his wife reveal his romanticized expectations of military life, quickly shattered by the mud, lice, and relentless shelling of the trenches. Marriott highlights the deep disillusionment Harper felt toward political leaders and describes his incredible act of bravery at Vimy Ridge. The discussion also touches on the long-term impacts of war on veterans today.