Join historian Alex Mayhew, an expert on the First World War, as he reveals the resilience of English infantrymen amidst the chaos of the Western Front. He explores how soldiers navigated their harrowing experiences, crafting meaningful narratives while enduring unprecedented hardships. Delve into the significance of morale, class distinctions, and the interplay between military culture and soldier perception. Discover how nostalgia for home and evolving ideas of duty shaped their identities during one of history's darkest chapters.

Alex Mayhew, a historian specializing in the First World War, uncovers the intricate lives of soldiers on the Western Front. He discusses how English infantrymen navigated immense crises, crafting meaningful narratives to survive the horrors of war. The conversation delves into the interplay of regional identities and morale, alongside the influence of military hierarchy on soldier experiences. Mayhew also reveals soldiers’ coping mechanisms, like using memories of home to maintain hope and how perspectives on duty evolved amidst relentless combat.

Alex Mayhew, a historian specializing in the First World War, dives into the grim realities faced by soldiers on the Western Front. He discusses how English infantrymen navigated unimaginable hardships, often crafting meaningful narratives about their experiences. Mayhew explores the role of regional identities in bolstering morale and contrasts perceptions of duty shaped by class distinctions. He also reveals how soldiers found psychological refuge by reminiscing about home, providing insights into their experiences and mental resilience during a brutal conflict.