Ray’s History Radio & TV Picks. No.40. 6 Nov 2015.

The Ballads of the Great War – 1915
BBC Radio 2: Sat 7 Nov 2015, 21.00 – 22.00. Episode 2 of 5
This lyrical documentary features stories told by men and women who took part in the conflict both at home and abroad. The stories are accompanied by original music written especially for the programme and was inspired by the stories told. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06nn8bg

The Somme
More4: Sat 7 Nov 2015, 18:50 – 21.00
Repeat of a docudrama recreating the events of July 1, 1916, when British soldiers launched an all-out attack on the German positions in France. More than 60,000 troops went `over the top’ on the first day of the offensive – which left almost 20,000 dead. The harrowing story is told through letters, diaries and official reports written at the time. http://www.tvguide.co.uk/m-detail/789560/112660817/the-somme#u7dlVWf7uifbTQ4z.99

Tony Robinson’s Wild West
Discovery: Sun 8 Nov 2015, 20.00 – 21.00
The former Time Team presenter heads to the USA for a new series that tells the story of iconic events, such as Custer’s last stand and the gunfight at the OK Corral. The series makes much use of atmospheric and rarely seen 3D stereoscopic prints from the era. http://www.discoveryuk.com/shows/tony-robinsons-wild-west/

The Invention of France
BBC Radio 4: Mon 9 Nov 2015, 11.00 – 11.30. 2 / 3 Maximilien Robespierre
In the second Invention of France, Misha Glenny explores the impact of the Revolution through the life of Robespierre a man who still troubles many French people: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06knkfs

The Last Post
BBC Radio 4: Wed 11 Nov 2015, 11.04 – 11.30
How did an 18th-century British Army bugle call come to be associated with death and remembrance? Writer Alwyn Turner tells a surprising story. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06nq1f6

Drama: Tommies
BBC Radio 4: Wed 11 Nov 2015, 14.15 – 15.00. 4 / 4: 11 November 1915.
This special story for Remembrance Day is set at La Gorgue on 11th November 1915. Second Lieutenant Mickey Bliss finds himself in two meetings; one which might change the whole war for the Signal Service, and one which is about to change his life forever. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06nq1fg

Restoring Britain’s Landmarks
Channel 4: Wed 11 Nov 2015, 20.00 – 21.00. Episode 5
The series charting the work of the Landmark Trust continues with an episode that charts work on the restoration of St Edward’s Presbytery, designed by Augustus Pugin. Elsewhere, a small army of craftspeople is toiling at Belmont House in Lyme Regis: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/restoring-britains-landmarks

The Last Kingdom
BBC Two: Thu 12 Nov 2015, 21.00 – 21.00. 4 /8
Uhtred’s relationship with Alfred hits a new low when the king invites Uhtred to peace talks, only to find he has been deceived and his life rests on a knife-edge. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06pmm53