Just before dawn on the 7th June 1917 there was a calm prior to the Battle of Messines. A veteran recalls this moment as the quietest one he remembers during his First World War service and the unusual sound of a lark singing. He describes having to go over the top with shells exploding, massive mine explosions, and aircraft firing from above.

Later in the day they came upon a small group of terrified German soldiers who had been left behind to man the frontline.  

'The Irish Brigades In The First World War' was a two part documentary for radio. The programme examined the participation of the Irish Brigades in the Great War using personal accounts of the battles from surviving members.

The documentary was produced by Kieran Sheedy and presented by Tom McGurk. The clip used here was taken from part two and broadcast on 8 December 1974.

The photograph accompanying this clip shows German trenches churned by British shells.

Courtesy Library of Congress LC_B2_4341_9 

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