Paul Reed
@sommecourt.bsky.social
Military Historian, author and Battlefield Guide. Occasional wargamer. Host of the Old Front Line #WW1 #podcast.
www.oldfrontline.co.uk
www.oldfrontline.co.uk
Pinned
Questions and Answers Episode 41
In this episode, we unpack the meaning and origins of the term Downland, and explore how this distinctive landscape helps us better understand the geography and terrain of the First World…
oldfrontline.co.uk
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore what “Downland” really means in #WW1 history & landscape, how the Lewis Gun & its sections worked, the influence of the Franco-Prussian War, and the differences in British & Commonwealth WW1 medals.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/29/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/29/q...
The fighting at Cambrai was reaching a peak #OTD in 1917, especially around the village of Gouzeaucourt. Discovered more on the @oldfrontline.bsky.social Channel:
youtu.be/D_RrLJ4uirA
youtu.be/D_RrLJ4uirA
Cambrai 1917: Gouzeaucourt Battlefields
YouTube video by Old Front Line
youtu.be
December 1, 2025 at 7:51 PM
The fighting at Cambrai was reaching a peak #OTD in 1917, especially around the village of Gouzeaucourt. Discovered more on the @oldfrontline.bsky.social Channel:
youtu.be/D_RrLJ4uirA
youtu.be/D_RrLJ4uirA
With Advent upon us it’s that time of year I begin my watch of the wonderful Box of Delights! The Wolves Are Running!
November 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
With Advent upon us it’s that time of year I begin my watch of the wonderful Box of Delights! The Wolves Are Running!
It’s that time of month where I go into town for a decent coffee and a copy of @wssmagazine.bsky.social - always the sign of a good weekend!
November 29, 2025 at 1:42 PM
It’s that time of month where I go into town for a decent coffee and a copy of @wssmagazine.bsky.social - always the sign of a good weekend!
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore what “Downland” really means in #WW1 history & landscape, how the Lewis Gun & its sections worked, the influence of the Franco-Prussian War, and the differences in British & Commonwealth WW1 medals.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/29/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/29/q...
Questions and Answers Episode 41
In this episode, we unpack the meaning and origins of the term Downland, and explore how this distinctive landscape helps us better understand the geography and terrain of the First World…
oldfrontline.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 10:03 AM
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore what “Downland” really means in #WW1 history & landscape, how the Lewis Gun & its sections worked, the influence of the Franco-Prussian War, and the differences in British & Commonwealth WW1 medals.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/29/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/29/q...
Reposted by Paul Reed
In a special @oldfrontline.bsky.social Jon Gedling of the CWGC joins us to discuss the care of #WW1 cemeteries in France & Belgium: the “black spot” issue, evolving maintenance, recent findings & how visitors can help.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
Caring For The Silent Cities
In this special edition, we’re joined by Jon Gedling, Director of Estates for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to discuss the challenges and responsibilities involved in caring for…
oldfrontline.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
In a special @oldfrontline.bsky.social Jon Gedling of the CWGC joins us to discuss the care of #WW1 cemeteries in France & Belgium: the “black spot” issue, evolving maintenance, recent findings & how visitors can help.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
Thanks to all who joined me for an @oldfrontline.bsky.social Podcast Supporters Evening tonight where we looked at Official Photos of the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.
November 28, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Thanks to all who joined me for an @oldfrontline.bsky.social Podcast Supporters Evening tonight where we looked at Official Photos of the Battle of Cambrai in 1917.
In a special @oldfrontline.bsky.social Jon Gedling of the CWGC joins us to discuss the care of #WW1 cemeteries in France & Belgium: the “black spot” issue, evolving maintenance, recent findings & how visitors can help.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
Caring For The Silent Cities
In this special edition, we’re joined by Jon Gedling, Director of Estates for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, to discuss the challenges and responsibilities involved in caring for…
oldfrontline.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
In a special @oldfrontline.bsky.social Jon Gedling of the CWGC joins us to discuss the care of #WW1 cemeteries in France & Belgium: the “black spot” issue, evolving maintenance, recent findings & how visitors can help.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/22/c...
Reposted by Paul Reed
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore some lesser known battlefields on the Western Front, what happened to captured trenches, the rise of AI in military history of #WW1 & whether Great War generals were butchers or brilliant.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
Questions and Answers Episode 40
In this 40th Questions and Answers episode, we explore some of the lesser-known battlefields of the Western Front, uncovering places where traces of the First World War fig…
oldfrontline.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 8:26 AM
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore some lesser known battlefields on the Western Front, what happened to captured trenches, the rise of AI in military history of #WW1 & whether Great War generals were butchers or brilliant.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
Fantastic to see The Old Front Line featured and reviewed in this weeks Radio Times!
November 21, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Fantastic to see The Old Front Line featured and reviewed in this weeks Radio Times!
Worth a listen, and we really must do something about Blackadder for @oldfrontline.bsky.social at some point. Good to hear academics saying it is a useful teaching tool and not just dismiss it.
Was Blackadder Goes Forth the most powerful portrayal of the #FWW ever put on television?
This month we take a look at the show's enduring legacy & discuss how it evolved, historical realities behind its humour, & why the final scene still resonates. 🗃️
ohwhatalovelypodcast.co.uk/podcast/blac...
This month we take a look at the show's enduring legacy & discuss how it evolved, historical realities behind its humour, & why the final scene still resonates. 🗃️
ohwhatalovelypodcast.co.uk/podcast/blac...
Blackadder
Was Blackadder Goes Forth the most powerful portrayal of the First World War ever put on television?
In this episode of Oh! What a Lovely Podcast, Jessica, Chris and Angus take a look at...
ohwhatalovelypodcast.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Worth a listen, and we really must do something about Blackadder for @oldfrontline.bsky.social at some point. Good to hear academics saying it is a useful teaching tool and not just dismiss it.
Officially the battle of the Somme came to an end #OTD in 1916. British units attacked on the Ancre & beyond the Bapaume Road, Canadians fought in the snow at Desire Trench near Courcelette: I took this there a few years ago: dappled snow echoing the shell-smashed ground of 1916.
November 18, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Officially the battle of the Somme came to an end #OTD in 1916. British units attacked on the Ancre & beyond the Bapaume Road, Canadians fought in the snow at Desire Trench near Courcelette: I took this there a few years ago: dappled snow echoing the shell-smashed ground of 1916.
The Old Front Line #YouTube Channel is only a small one but I was pleased to see it pass 8K subscribers last night. Looking for some #WW1 content then do have a look: youtube.com/@oldfrontlin...
November 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The Old Front Line #YouTube Channel is only a small one but I was pleased to see it pass 8K subscribers last night. Looking for some #WW1 content then do have a look: youtube.com/@oldfrontlin...
Reposted by Paul Reed
The Death of WW1 Poet Wilfred Owen - the latest video on the Old Front Line YouTube Channel:
youtu.be/7MtStuNE4Zc?...
youtu.be/7MtStuNE4Zc?...
WW1 War Poet Wilfred Owen: where he fell in November 1918
YouTube video by Old Front Line
youtu.be
November 16, 2025 at 10:34 PM
The Death of WW1 Poet Wilfred Owen - the latest video on the Old Front Line YouTube Channel:
youtu.be/7MtStuNE4Zc?...
youtu.be/7MtStuNE4Zc?...
Reposted by Paul Reed
Right folks, we’re into mid-November so here’s your latest monthly reminder for #FestiveTankChallenge2025.
It’s the Sherman - any variant or scale.
Get those kits stashed and ready for December!
#FestiveTankChallenge #Wargaming
It’s the Sherman - any variant or scale.
Get those kits stashed and ready for December!
#FestiveTankChallenge #Wargaming
🚨 #FestiveTankChallenge2025 🚨
Warning Order!
Folks, 2025 #FestiveTankChallenge is the Allied Sherman.
Any scale & variant - completed between 21st-31st Dec 2025. Here’s my kit - 1/56 Rubicon M4A4 Firefly VC.
Hope you get involved - so get those kits stashed!
#Wargaming #ScaleModels #Nerdlings
Warning Order!
Folks, 2025 #FestiveTankChallenge is the Allied Sherman.
Any scale & variant - completed between 21st-31st Dec 2025. Here’s my kit - 1/56 Rubicon M4A4 Firefly VC.
Hope you get involved - so get those kits stashed!
#Wargaming #ScaleModels #Nerdlings
November 16, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Right folks, we’re into mid-November so here’s your latest monthly reminder for #FestiveTankChallenge2025.
It’s the Sherman - any variant or scale.
Get those kits stashed and ready for December!
#FestiveTankChallenge #Wargaming
It’s the Sherman - any variant or scale.
Get those kits stashed and ready for December!
#FestiveTankChallenge #Wargaming
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore some lesser known battlefields on the Western Front, what happened to captured trenches, the rise of AI in military history of #WW1 & whether Great War generals were butchers or brilliant.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
Questions and Answers Episode 40
In this 40th Questions and Answers episode, we explore some of the lesser-known battlefields of the Western Front, uncovering places where traces of the First World War fig…
oldfrontline.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 8:26 AM
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we explore some lesser known battlefields on the Western Front, what happened to captured trenches, the rise of AI in military history of #WW1 & whether Great War generals were butchers or brilliant.
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/15/q...
The Battle of the Ancre took place #OTD in 1916. Among those killed was Leonard Hasman of the Anson Battalion, an 18 year old from Barrow Hill. He’d enlisted at 17 and joined the unit France being killed in his first battle. I rescued his Memorial Plaque some time ago.
November 13, 2025 at 9:40 AM
The Battle of the Ancre took place #OTD in 1916. Among those killed was Leonard Hasman of the Anson Battalion, an 18 year old from Barrow Hill. He’d enlisted at 17 and joined the unit France being killed in his first battle. I rescued his Memorial Plaque some time ago.
Reposted by Paul Reed
On the cusp of WWII, in 1938, my grandfather Charles W. Bridgen shot a colour film of his journey to revisit the Northern Front. It documents a Europe on the brink of war, still scattered with the fragments of the last. The full film is on Youtube here: youtube.com/watch?v=esA9...
And in the Sky the Larks: 1930s Colour Footage of the Western Front & Northern France. WWI.
YouTube video by Flash of Splendour
youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:15 PM
On the cusp of WWII, in 1938, my grandfather Charles W. Bridgen shot a colour film of his journey to revisit the Northern Front. It documents a Europe on the brink of war, still scattered with the fragments of the last. The full film is on Youtube here: youtube.com/watch?v=esA9...
Today in 1918 the Guns Fell Silent on the Western Front, and more than a century later on Armistice Day we continue to reflect on the meaning of the Great War, and all those ordinary men and women in extraordinary times.
November 11, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Today in 1918 the Guns Fell Silent on the Western Front, and more than a century later on Armistice Day we continue to reflect on the meaning of the Great War, and all those ordinary men and women in extraordinary times.
A daughter’s hand places a cross against her father’s name on the Cassino Memorial to the Missing. #RemembranceDay #RemembranceSunday
November 9, 2025 at 9:51 AM
A daughter’s hand places a cross against her father’s name on the Cassino Memorial to the Missing. #RemembranceDay #RemembranceSunday
We Will Remember Them - sunset on the Somme at Courcelette British Cemetery. #RemembranceDay #RemembranceSunday
November 9, 2025 at 8:11 AM
We Will Remember Them - sunset on the Somme at Courcelette British Cemetery. #RemembranceDay #RemembranceSunday
Reposted by Paul Reed
During War people had no humour... wrong
Just a standard group photo of WW1 soldiers?
Something in this picture is very curious...
No caption on the photo, just my educated guesses:
▶️103e Régiment d’Infanterie
📅Likely Winter 1915/16
📍Ville-Sur-Tourbe to Melzicourt area
Just a standard group photo of WW1 soldiers?
Something in this picture is very curious...
No caption on the photo, just my educated guesses:
▶️103e Régiment d’Infanterie
📅Likely Winter 1915/16
📍Ville-Sur-Tourbe to Melzicourt area
November 7, 2025 at 10:44 AM
During War people had no humour... wrong
Just a standard group photo of WW1 soldiers?
Something in this picture is very curious...
No caption on the photo, just my educated guesses:
▶️103e Régiment d’Infanterie
📅Likely Winter 1915/16
📍Ville-Sur-Tourbe to Melzicourt area
Just a standard group photo of WW1 soldiers?
Something in this picture is very curious...
No caption on the photo, just my educated guesses:
▶️103e Régiment d’Infanterie
📅Likely Winter 1915/16
📍Ville-Sur-Tourbe to Melzicourt area
Forgotten Battlefield is about to start on BBC4 - a few photos from the filming in 2001. One of the more incredible experiences I’ve had on The Old Front Line.
November 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Forgotten Battlefield is about to start on BBC4 - a few photos from the filming in 2001. One of the more incredible experiences I’ve had on The Old Front Line.
Forgotten Battlefield returns tonight at 19.30 on BBC4 looking at the groundbreaking work of The Diggers to recover the archaeology and the dead of Ypres. Made in 2001, it was the first BBC film I worked on.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
BBC Two - Meet the Ancestors, Series 5, The Forgotten Battlefield
Life on the World War I front line near Ypres is pieced together by archaeologists.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Forgotten Battlefield returns tonight at 19.30 on BBC4 looking at the groundbreaking work of The Diggers to recover the archaeology and the dead of Ypres. Made in 2001, it was the first BBC film I worked on.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we discuss:
- How big is the 'Zone Rouge' today?
- Was morphine use in the trenches ever misused?
- When did British and Canadian troops first get steel helmets?
- Which #WW1 slang terms are still in use today?
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/01/q...
- How big is the 'Zone Rouge' today?
- Was morphine use in the trenches ever misused?
- When did British and Canadian troops first get steel helmets?
- Which #WW1 slang terms are still in use today?
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/01/q...
Questions and Answers Episode 39
In this episode we ask what is the current size of the ‘Zone Rouge’ and are there plans to clear it? We then look at the use of morphine to treat pain and was this misused? We then look…
oldfrontline.co.uk
November 1, 2025 at 4:20 PM
In the latest @oldfrontline.bsky.social we discuss:
- How big is the 'Zone Rouge' today?
- Was morphine use in the trenches ever misused?
- When did British and Canadian troops first get steel helmets?
- Which #WW1 slang terms are still in use today?
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/01/q...
- How big is the 'Zone Rouge' today?
- Was morphine use in the trenches ever misused?
- When did British and Canadian troops first get steel helmets?
- Which #WW1 slang terms are still in use today?
oldfrontline.co.uk/2025/11/01/q...