Watch The Somme: Secret Tunnel Wars

The Somme: Secret Tunnel Wars is a gripping documentary film that sheds light on a little-known aspect of World War I. The film, which was released in 2013 and stars historian and archaeologist Peter Barton, explores the underground war waged beneath the battlefield during the historic Battle of the Somme. The documentary takes viewers on a journey through the labyrinthine network of tunnels and dugouts that were dug by soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Using cutting-edge technology, including 3D computer graphics, the film reconstructs the tunnels and trenches that formed a vital part of the battleground. The production team also conducted extensive excavations at the site, unearthing countless artifacts that provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the soldiers who fought in the trenches.

Throughout the film, Peter Barton guides viewers through the underground world of the Somme, recounting the stories of the brave soldiers who fought in the tunnels. He describes the grueling conditions they endured, such as living in darkness for weeks on end, suffering from extreme heat and cold, and enduring the constant threat of gas attacks.

The documentary also explores the role of the tunnelers, a specialized group of soldiers who were tasked with digging the tunnels and laying explosives beneath enemy positions. The tunnelers often worked in the most dangerous conditions imaginable, with the constant risk of cave-ins and enemy attack.

One of the most memorable segments of the film is when Barton takes viewers deep into a series of tunnels that were constructed by British soldiers during the war. The tunnels, which were dug beneath German trenches, allowed the British to lay a huge explosive charge that would blow up the enemy position. The footage of the massive explosion that resulted from this charge is both awe-inspiring and harrowing at the same time.

In addition to exploring the tunnels and trenches themselves, the film also examines the impact that this hidden war had on the soldiers who fought there. Through interviews with historians and the descendants of soldiers who fought in the Somme, the film paints a vivid picture of the psychological toll that the underground war took on those who fought in it. Many of the soldiers suffered from extreme trauma and PTSD as a result of their experiences in the tunnels.

Overall, The Somme: Secret Tunnel Wars is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on a little-known aspect of World War I. Through its use of cutting-edge technology and rich historical research, the film brings to life the stories of the soldiers who fought in the underground war of the Somme, and pays tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.