In our latest episode we visit a group of cemeteries that were attached to the Casualty Clearing Stations and discover the stories of some of the men and women who lie buried within them.
Our journey begins at Dozinghem, Bandaghem, and Mendinghem cemeteries in Belgium, where we hear the personal recollections of an American surgeon, and meet a VC winner who was a Lt. Col aged only in his mid-twenties. We hear the remarkable story behind the award of what is possibly the world's rarest gallantry award, and hear the sad story of the death of the son of one of England's finest surgeons.
At Lijssenthoek, we hear about an act of subterfuge that led to an illegal burial, and discovers the terrible reality behind the bland phrase "died of wounds". Our journey concludes at Godeswaersvelde Cemetery where we talk about the unusual grave of a New Zealand nurse and reflect on the sometimes difficult relationship between civilians and the military, which culminated in a terrifying encounter between a British officer and knife-wielding French woman.
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