# Isn't it Wonderful!

Category: Let's talk

## Post 1 by Goblin (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Thursday, 16-Nov-2006 7:51:19

Last Sunday channel 4 showed a very disturbing and moving drama documentary, on The Somme scene of some of the worst fighting of WW1. I was deeply moved by the courage and fear of these brave men, portraying soldiers who had fought and died on The Somme. When the time came for the big push at 7.30am the tension was palpable and I was sickened as 1 soldier remarked as I was going over a General said Isn't it wonderful...what on earth is wonderful about sending young healthy, intelligent, men, and 1 boy of 15, to their deaths. The effect of the fighting on these men from all sides, was too terrible to imagine.

## Post 2 by Perestroika (Her Swissness) on Thursday, 16-Nov-2006 19:07:03

it is hard to believe that back then most of the people who went to war actually chose to go there.
these days, the army is an almost luxury job.
I believe the amount of courage needed to fight in WWI would have been tremendous and that these men should be remembered in our hearts for all times.
Take a moment to think about that.
If you agree, simply repeat this short passage.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will Remember them.

## Post 3 by blbobby (Ooo you're gona like this!) on Thursday, 16-Nov-2006 22:02:09

Goblin, thanks for posting this question.
I wanted to respond, but, lest I appear ignorant (not the first time, I fear), and since indeed I didn't know about the somme, I googled "the somme" and came up with this link:
http://www.firstworldwar.com/diaries/ordinarywaronthesomme.htm
This was one of the most realistic descriptions I've ever read of soljers in battle, or at least how I think it would be. I know in my own mind that I would crack up were I ever to be in a life and death struggle. and I have a great respect for those who go through such struggles.
However, that being said, there are those who see war as something beautiful, this was probably the mind set of the general who said "isn't it wonderful" concerning a battle. These guys, I guess, are necessary: someone has to develop the strategy, the plan, so to speak. But, these guys are a necessary evil.
The soljers who actually fight the battles are the true heroes.
Thanks for posting this. Now I'm going to go back and read more war diaries.
Galileo, thanks for the words of inspiration too.
Bob

## Post 4 by Goblin (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Friday, 17-Nov-2006 9:10:29

No problem Bob it's been haunting me since last week and I have to agree with your sentiments regarding the soldiers. I wonder how the top brass managed to hold it together, and how many lost their senses to shell shock ect. Galileo how wrong can you be. The Army is most certainly NOT a luxury job.It is, most often, exploitation of brave men and women,who fight and die horribly and those who survive, many permanately disabled.Live with nightmares and flashbacks, that would turn the bravest marine commando into a quivering whimpering wreck.

## Post 5 by Perestroika (Her Swissness) on Saturday, 18-Nov-2006 20:47:01

well, the army here is no longer a luxurey job, i admit, but it used to be.
considering australia was not, thankfully involved in wars.
However, i do not think people should receive all the luxuries they receive in australian armed forces.
afterall, it is not compulsary to go and fight.
I think the american armed services are worse, as they exploit the poor.