Stories of the Great War

St. Mihiel: America's First Independent Strike in the Great War

In this episode of Stories of the Great War, we journey to the rain-soaked fields of northeastern France in September 1918, where the American Expeditionary Forces launched their first independent offensive of the First World War. Led by General John J. Pershing, the St. Mihiel Offensive marked a turning point—not only in the war, but in the emergence of the U.S. as a major military power. Discover the strategic planning, the clash of Allied and American leadership, the bravery of the Doughboys in the trenches, and firsthand accounts from the men who endured the storm. This is the story of how a young army proved itself on the world stage.

I Died in Hell - They Called it Passchendaele

In this episode, we delve into one of World War I's most harrowing and iconic battles—the Battle of Passchendaele. Through vivid storytelling and poignant eyewitness accounts, we explore the strategic decisions, harsh battlefield conditions, and immense human cost endured by soldiers on both sides. Join us as we examine the courage, sacrifice, and tragedy of Passchendaele, providing a detailed narrative that honors the memory of those who fought and fell amidst the mud of Flanders.

Courage in the Argonne: The Lost Battalion

The Lost Battalion: Courage in the Argonne tells the gripping true story of more than 500 American soldiers who were cut off, surrounded, and left to fend for themselves in the dense Argonne Forest during the final weeks of World War I.
Led by Major Charles Whittlesey, these men of the 77th Division held their position under constant German attack, with no food, no water, and little ammunition — all while being mistakenly shelled by their own artillery. For six harrowing days, they refused to surrender.
In this episode, we explore:
The chaotic Meuse-Argonne offensive that led to their isolation
Personal accounts from trapped soldiers
The bravery of carrier pigeons like Cher Ami
How their endurance turned them into legends
The physical and emotional cost of their survival
This is a story of grit, brotherhood, and heroism in the face of impossible odds — a story too powerful to be lost to history.

Shot at Dawn: Executions in the Great War

Shot at Dawn: Executions in the Great War explores one of the most haunting and controversial aspects of World War I — the execution of over 300 British and Commonwealth soldiers by their own armies, often for desertion, cowardice, or falling asleep at their post.
In this sobering episode, we examine:
The brutal conditions that drove men to the breaking point
The court-martial process and the lack of proper defense
The stories of individuals who were executed How shell shock and trauma were misunderstood and punished
The legacy of these executions and modern efforts for pardons
Using personal letters, military records, and expert analysis, we bring to light the emotional and ethical weight of these forgotten stories — and reflect on how war tests not only nations, but the limits of human endurance.

Alvin York: From Reluctant Warrior to Hero of the Great War

In this emotional and gripping episode of Stories of the Great War, we follow the incredible true story of Alvin York—a humble farmer from Tennessee whose deep religious convictions initially led him to oppose fighting in the war. But when faced with battle in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, York displayed extraordinary bravery, capturing over a hundred enemy soldiers almost single-handedly. Through vivid accounts and personal reflections, we'll explore how York's courage, humility, and faith made him one of America's greatest war heroes, forever shaping his legacy in the history of World War I.

Pals Battalions and the Price of Loyalty: Accrington at the Somme

In this powerful episode, we uncover the tragic story of the Accrington Pals — a battalion of friends, neighbors, and co-workers who volunteered together to serve King and Country in World War I. As part of the British Army’s unique "Pals Battalions" initiative, the men of Accrington marched off to war side by side — and on July 1, 1916, many of them died side by side on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
We’ll explore: The origin and purpose of the Pals Battalions
The recruitment and training of the Accrington Pals
What happened when they went "over the top" at Serre
The devastating consequences for their town back home
Through historical analysis, personal letters, and eyewitness accounts, this video honors their memory while asking hard questions about sacrifice, loyalty, and the human cost of war.