Watch Britain's Poppies: The First World War Remembered

Britain’s Poppies: The First World War Remembered is a three-part documentary series that explores the history and significance of poppies as a symbol of remembrance for the British soldiers who fought and died in the First World War. The series is produced and hosted by television presenter and historian Jeremy Paxman, and was first broadcast on BBC One in 2013 to mark the centenary of the start of the war.

The first episode, entitled ‘The First Poppies’, traces the origins of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance to the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Canadian soldier John McCrae, who wrote it in May 1915 after witnessing the death of a fellow soldier in Ypres. The poem’s haunting imagery of red poppies growing on the graves of fallen soldiers struck a chord with the public and soon spread throughout the Allied countries. The episode also explores the work of Moina Michael, an American who first conceived of using the poppy as a fundraiser for veterans’ causes, and the efforts of the Royal British Legion to establish the poppy as a national emblem of remembrance.

The second episode, ‘The Poppy in War’, examines the role of the poppy during the war itself, as soldiers wrote poems and songs about the flowers and used them to mark the graves of their fallen comrades. The episode also looks at the poppy’s use as a propaganda tool and the controversies that surrounded it, particularly in the early years after the war when pacifists and conscientious objectors challenged the narrative of heroic sacrifice that the poppy represented.

The final episode, ‘The Legacy of the Poppy’, explores the lasting impact of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and its evolving meanings over the years. The episode features interviews with veterans, family members, and others who have been touched by the poppy, as well as discussions of the controversies and debates that have surrounded its use.

Throughout the series, Paxman provides historical context and commentary, drawing on his own extensive knowledge of British history to shed light on the events and personalities that shaped the poppy’s journey from a simple flower to a powerful symbol of national remembrance. The series also features archival footage and stills, as well as interviews with experts in the fields of history, art, and sociology.

Overall, Britain’s Poppies: The First World War Remembered is a moving and informative tribute to the sacrifices made by British soldiers during the First World War and to the power of a simple symbol to evoke the memories and emotions of a nation. The series offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Britain as well as the enduring legacy of a war that changed the world forever.