1 July 1916

[Chanty Wrassler]

Horrific!

200,000 Scots were killed in WW 1 10% of the male population at that time
A similar number were permanently disabled.
No Nation lost so many of there young men in conflict.

New Zealand (another small country that punched well above its weight) was comparable, something like 10% of the entire population mobilised for overseas service, including 42% of the male population of military service age.

 

[2130martin]

My "aunt" Marie (so old everyone lost track, it was a generic title) told me when she was 99 about traveling from trench to trench in Eastern France looking for her brother's body. This was because of some medievalist nonsense about maps and what language people in Alsace should speak. No suggestion from Marie that it was about some great glorious sacrifice for France or Germany. She never even mentioned what side he was drafted into, it's not relevant. So when I see the resurgence of nationalist rhetoric, it scares the hell out of me.

Yes, don't forget. But be clear on what it is that you're remembering.

Shameful that,something your uncle felt strongly enough to pay the ultimate price for,you feel as not relevant!?!?

 

[Pine Marten]

It's not that it's irrelevant. He never had a choice.