Comments by "Stephen Cope" (@stephencope7178) on "The myth of the incompetent British generals of the First World War: ‘Lions led by Donkeys’" video.

  1. The Pals battalions was one of the worst tricks that were played on the youth living in the towns and villages. Subject to peer pressure, they joined up and were wiped out, along with the football teams etc that were hoodwinked into taking a part in this great 'adventure'.
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  2. Unless I'm mistaken, It was Haig who endorsed the deaths by firing squad of those branded as cowards etc and shot at dawn. . .many executions carried out by members of their own platoon, to instill 'discipline'. Many were not cowards, but suffered underlying mental problems due to the stresses they had been forced to endure!!
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  3. And behind a desk!!
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  4. A wonder, that knowing the BBC, all the cast weren't black!
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  5. The generals etc probably received demonstrations of the weapons becoming available at the turn of the century (i.e. the Maxim machine gun, modern artillery etc.) The volunteers were hoodwinked and knew nothing of the perils that faced them. It was all to be a great adventure. . .'join up now, or it will all be over by Christmas!)
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  6. Shell shock and desertion go hand in hand. It's easy to pass judgement whilst sitting at home in the armchair. We cannot comprehend what these guys suffered.
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  7. Mechanised slaughter. Young lads brainwashed into believing that it was an adventure! . . ."Join up now, or it will all be over before you have the chance".
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