14 Tagebücher des Ersten Weltkriegs
Dramdocumentary based on letters and journals, many of which have never been published before, this tells the story of 1914-18 solely through the eyes of those who lived through it. Bringing together 25 broadcasters from around the world, this is television's global event for the centennial of World War I.In 1914, most people's knowledge of war comes from schoolbooks and newspapers. But when the heir to the Austrian throne is killed in Sarajevo, the system of alliances runs its inevitable course. Featuring the stories of a Scottish auxiliary nurse who accompanies the British army to Belgium as a matter of national Honor, a young Cossack girl who follows her father into battle, a German mother who endures the untimely death of her only son, a French schoolboy who witnesses his country under occupation, a German schoolgirl who is forbidden to use French words in class, and an English journalist whose age is held against him. Their diaries focus on what archive and historical analysis cannot reveal: personal tragedy, love, happiness, pain and grief. Through glorious dramatic reconstruction viewers experience the greatest war mankind had ever seen, not from the perspective of what it was, but of what it was like from within. Great War Diaries reveals the simple human experience of 1914-18, unsullied by historical interpretation.
- 2014-2014
- 1 season
- Documentary, Drama, Action & Adventure
Dramdocumentary based on letters and journals, many of which have never been published before, this tells the story of 1914-18 solely through the eyes of those who lived through it. Bringing together 25 broadcasters from around the world, this is television's global event for the centennial of World War I.In 1914, most people's knowledge of war comes from schoolbooks and newspapers. But when the heir to the Austrian throne is killed in Sarajevo, the system of alliances runs its inevitable course. Featuring the stories of a Scottish auxiliary nurse who accompanies the British army to Belgium as a matter of national Honor, a young Cossack girl who follows her father into battle, a German mother who endures the untimely death of her only son, a French schoolboy who witnesses his country under occupation, a German schoolgirl who is forbidden to use French words in class, and an English journalist whose age is held against him. Their diaries focus on what archive and historical analysis cannot reveal: personal tragedy, love, happiness, pain and grief. Through glorious dramatic reconstruction viewers experience the greatest war mankind had ever seen, not from the perspective of what it was, but of what it was like from within. Great War Diaries reveals the simple human experience of 1914-18, unsullied by historical interpretation.
Season 1 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2014
Episode 1
Der Abgrund
55 mins
Europe in 1914 is a tense and extremely well armed continent. Each of the protagonists experiences the start of the war in summer 1914 in different ways: 14-year old Marina Yurlowa follows her father, Cossack Colonel Yurlov, in a train to the front. Artist Käthe Kollwitz and her husband Karl watch on as their 17-year old son, full of hope and excitement, volunteers to join up. Austrian Karl Kasser is sent to the front, despite an injury for which he had initially been rejected as unfit. 10-year old Yves Congar from Sedan believes that there will be a quick victory for France. He feels safe with his family until German troops arrive at his door. 12-year old Elfriede Kuhr experiences the start of the war in Schneidemühl on the border with Russia.
Episode 2
Der Angriff
60 mins
A European Conflict becomes a World War. Charles Edward Montague is a pacifist, but he sees the war as a battle between German Barbarism and Western Civilisation. Marina Yurlowa meets the Cossack Kosjol, who takes her into his troop. Louis Barthas must leave his wife and child behind, when he is drafted to the Franco-German front. Ernst Jünger volunteers for the war in order to get out of school.
Episode 3
Die Verwundung
55 mins
The battle songs of the war's beginnings have given away to screams of pain. Sarah McNaughtan moves to the front to support the British army. In April 1915, the first poison gas attack in history is perpetrated in Belgium. Marina Yurlowa has become a child soldier in a unit of Cossacks. Louis Barthas experiences at first hand the flame throwers in the trenches. Vincenzo d'Aquila volunteers to serve his home country Italy.
Episode 4
Die Sehnsucht
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 50 mins
Millions of women are forced to endure years of separation from their sons and husbands. Berlin-based artist Käthe Kollwitz has lost her son Peter. He died only a few days after the start of the war. 24-year old Marie Pireaud pines for her husband Paul. His letters are her only consolation.
Episode 5
Die Vernichtung
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 55 mins
1916 becomes the year of the most gruesome battles. C.E. Montague's unit sent to the Somme. But the men are refusing to follow the 50 year old. Sarah McNaughtan witnesses the genocide of the Armenians. Ernst Jünger, now a lieutenant, experiences the Battle of the Somme.
Episode 6
Die Heimat
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 60 mins
Australian piano teacher Ethel Cooper has lived in Leipzig for many years. Now, she is no longer wanted here. Karl Kasser is taken prisoner by the Russians. Gabrielle West finds herself forced by the war to earn her own keep. Yves Congar experiences everyday life under German Occupation.
Episode 7
Der Aufstand
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 55 mins
The war itself is now the enemy. In March 1917, Marina Yurlowa is serving as an adjutant. 20-year old Gabrielle West volunteers for a female police unit. Vincenzo d'Aquila becomes a victim of gruesome "treatments" conducted in a mental hospital in Udine. Louis Barthas has survived the battles of Verdun and the Somme.
Episode 8
Die Entscheidung
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 65 mins
Yves Congar's father is brought to Germany as a forced laborer. Ernst Jünger has led his unit through countless battles. Now the men surrender, completely exhausted. C. E. Montague is now driving American photographers to a photo session with German prisoners. Marina Yurlowa spends her 18th birthday in a Red Army prison. On November 11, 1918 at 11 o'clock, the bells begin to ring again across Europe. The weapons at the front fall silent. The Great War is over.
