Home Front

1 September 1916 - Dorothea Winwood

01 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Bertrand Russell received notice restricting his access to military areas, and Ralph Winwood returns home to a limited welcome.Wr...

31 August 1916 - Juliet Argent

31 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Battle of Verdun finally came to a close, and in Folkestone, Juliet Cavendish's marriage is on fragile ground. Written by Sha...

30 August 1916 - Esme Macknade

30 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Turkey declared war on Rumania and Russia, and a new arrival at the Grahams' fractures Esme's peace of mind.Written by Shaun McKe...

29 August 1916 - Alec Poole

29 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Paul von Hindenberg became German Chief of Staff, and in Folkestone, Alec Poole's loyalties are stretched.Written by Shaun McKenn...

26 August 1916 - Johnnie Marshall

26 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the British took 200 yards of German trenches near Bazentin-le-Petit, capturing a machine gun, and Johnnie Marshall has a plan.Wr...

25 August 1916 - Kitty Wilson

25 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, there were more air raids on the East Coast, with 29 casualties, and Kitty discovers that anyone communicating in secret code run...

24 August 1916 - Hilary Pearce

24 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, following zeppelin raids on the South East coast, Hilary Pearce is all set to go to war. Written by Katie Hims Directed by Jessi...

23 August 1916 - Alec Poole

23 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the British army gained 200 yards just south of Thiepval, and the Reverend Alec Poole has a complicated day.Written by Katie Hims...

22 August 1916 - Juliet Cavendish

22 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, 15,000 pilgrims gathered at Lourdes to pray for the safe return of their fathers from war, and Juliet is finding it hard to recon...

19 August 1916 - Norman Harris

19 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the papers reported a "Great British Day on the Somme", and in Folkestone, Norman Harris's life changes direction.Written by Kati...

18 August 1916 - Johnnie Marshall

18 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, a clergyman's daughter was fined for sending photographs of German POW's to a newspaper, and in Folkestone, rival British intelli...

17 August 1916 - Esme Macknade

17 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Romania pledged to join the allies at war, and in Folkestone, Esme Macknade steels herself to face her father.Written by Katie Hi...

16 August 1916 - Hugh Cavendish

16 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the French gained a mile of trenches at the Somme, and in Folkestone, Hugh Cavendish resists the incursions of Cecil Cameron.Writ...

15 August 1916 - Florrie Wilson

15 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the King praised the 'spirit of cheerful confidence' he found amongst the troops in France, while in Folkestone, optimism eludes ...

12 August 1916 - Alice Macknade

12 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, 'magical results' were reported at the provision of masks to conceal facial injuries, and Alice Macknade's life seems blessed.Wri...

11 August 1916 - Juliet Argent

11 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Italy drives Germany back nine miles from Gorizia with 32,000 losses, and Juliet Argent faces losing her husband.Written by Sarah...

10 August 1916 - Gabriel Graham

10 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, a letter from Lloyd George exhorted the nation to watch the new film 'The Battle of the Somme', and in Folkestone, the Grahams fa...

9 August 1916 - Edie Chadwick

09 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the 'spycatcher' Peter Wright was born, and Edie, thus far economical with the truth, is forced to open her heart. Written by Sar...

8 August 1916 - Sylvia Graham (Season 8 start)

08 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Daily Mirror reported 22 deaths from heatstroke on a hospital ship, and the Graham household is concerned for Gabriel's mind....

27 May 1916 - Kitty Lumley

27 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, President Wilson advocated the formation of an Association of Nations to ensure future peace, and at Halecot Farm, relations are ...

26 May 1916 - Adam Wilson

26 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Bishop of Liverpool told conscientious objectors that they should leave the country if they refused to fight, and the Wilsons...

25 May 1916 - Oswald Dyer

25 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Sir Neville Chamberlain opened the Royal commission on the Irish Rebellion in Dublin, and Oswald Dyer attends tribunal in Exeter....

24 May 1916 - Dieter Lippke

24 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Union Jack was to be flown from every public building for Empire Day, and Dieter feels increasingly isolated. Written by Rich...

23 May 1916 - Emily Colville

23 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Devon and Exeter Gazette advertised the training of women in the lighter branches of farm work. And Lord Colville takes his d...

20 May 1916 - Cyrus Colville

20 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, an air raid on Kent destroyed a public house, while in the County Tribunal in Exeter, Cyrus Colville is on fiery form. Written by...

19 May 1916 - John Rossiter

19 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, unified Russian and British forces drove the Turks from the banks of the Tigris, while at Spittal End Farm, John Rossiter begins ...

18 May 1916 - Emily Colville

18 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916 seven members of the No Conscription Fellowship were sentenced to imprisonment, and in Ashburton, Emily Colville resists her duty....

17 May 1916 - Kitty Lumley

17 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Sir Roger Casement was sent to Brixton Prison to await trial for treason, and at Halecot Farm, old loyalties are strained.Written...

16 May 1916 - Alexander Gidley

16 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, three German steamers were torpedoed by Russian submarines, and in Staverton, Alexander Gidley is shaken by a letter from the War...

13 May 1916 - Alexander Gidley

13 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith visited Mountjoy prison in Dublin, where De Valera refused to shake his hand, and in Staverton...

12 May 1916 - Edwin Lloyd

12 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the papers reported food shortages in Germany at a dire level, and in Ashburton, Edwin Lloyd is well enough to start work again. ...

11 May 1916 - Isabel Graham

11 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, The Times reported that Sir Roger Casement was to be tried for High Treason, for his involvement in the Easter Rising, and Isabel...

10 May 1916 - Hetty Cox

10 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, for the first time 18 year olds could be called up for home service, and Hetty is in unforgiving mood.Written by Sarah Daniels Di...

9 May 1916 - Kitty Lumley

09 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Summer Time Bill was introduced to parliament, and Kitty and Dieter get to make hay, metaphorically. Written by Sarah Daniels...

6 May 1916 - Johnnie Marshall

06 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, two conscientious objectors were arrested in Newton Abbot, and Johnnie Marshall is in pursuit of information.Written by Shaun McK...

5 May 1916 - Cora Gidley

05 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Western Times reported the French were gaining ground at Verdun, while Cora Gidley is on the defensive.Written by Shaun McKen...

4 May 1916 - Alexander Gidley

04 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the papers reported the extension of conscription to include all men between the ages of 18 and 41, and Alexander Gidley continue...

29 April 1916 - Alexander Gidley

03 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, General Townshend surrendered, ending the Siege of Kut, and in Deanscombe Quarry, Alexander gets his first taste of being foreman...

3 May 1916 - Emily Colville

03 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, cheers met the announcement in Parliament that three Irish rebel leaders had been executed, and in Ashburton Emily Colville is on...

2 May 1916 - Adam Wilson

02 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, A Zeppelin raid on the north east and southern Scottish coasts killed 36, and a letter arrives for Lewis Cox.Written by Shaun McK...

28 April 1916 - Isaac Cox

28 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, all men between 33 and 41 who had attested were called to report for service, and in Ashburton, Isaac discovers Lewis hasn't been...

27 April 1916 - Johnnie Marshall

27 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Irish rebels stormed the town of Enniscorthy, and in Buckfast, Johnnie is a man on a mission. Written by Lucy Catherine Directed ...

26 April 1916 - Emily Colville

26 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916 the Conference of the Independent Labour Party resolved that 'socialists of all nations should refuse support to every war entered...

25 April 1916 - Adam Wilson

25 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, German cruisers bombarded Lowestoft, damaging 200 homes, and an unexpected visitor shatters the peace at Halecot Farm.Written by ...

22 April 1916 - William Fulford

22 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Emmeline Pankhurst condemned her daughter Sylvia's involvement in an anti-conscription rally, and in Ashburton, William Fulford t...

21 April 1916 - Tobias Holden

21 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, a British naval patrol intercepted Sir Roger Casement bringing munitions to Ireland, and Tobias Holden tries to mend bridges.Writ...

20 April 1916 - Elspeth Taverner

20 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, a cabinet crisis was narrowly averted when the Prime Minister agreed to extend conscription, but the rift widens between Halecot ...

19 April 1916 - Rose Fairweather

19 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Western Times announced that two British Officers had escaped from POW camp, and Rose Fairweather feels trapped on Blackfold ...

18 April 1916 - Emily Colville

18 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, dissent divided the cabinet over the extension of conscription, while in Ashburton Emily Colville faces unexpected hostility.Writ...

15 April 1916 - Tobias Holden

15 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the cabinet met in Downing street to discuss the problems of conscription and recruitment, and Tobias has a day of surprises. Cas...

14 April 1916 - Edwin Lloyd

14 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, British airmen who had bombarded Constantinople, all returned safely from the 300 mile round flight, and Edwin Lloyd feels a long...

13 April 1916 - Cora Gidley

13 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, the Mexican government requested a withdrawal of American troops from their territory, and in Staverton, Cora Gidley has a domest...

12 April 1916 - Adam Wilson

12 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Glasgow revolutionary John Maclean was imprisoned for breaches of the Defence of the Realm Act, and Adam Wilson finally meets up ...

11 April 1916 - Dieter Lippke

11 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, as reports came in of the German army crossing into the French trenches at Verdun, Dieter's position at Buckfast Abbey is threate...

8 April 1916 - Alexander Gidley

08 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, an escaped German POW was re-captured, and Alexander Gidley is shaken by an encounter with a young war hero.Written by Sebastian ...

7 April 1916 - Elspeth Taverner

07 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, newspapers reported the discovery in Chicago of an anarchist plot to assassinate the rulers of Europe, while at Halecot Farm, mor...

6 April 1916 - Sylvia Graham

06 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, Britain intercepted £56,000 of Swedish herring on its way to Germany, while at Staverley Court Sylvia Graham wants to enjoy an E...

5 April 1916 - John Rossiter

05 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, a Zeppelin raid dropped bombs on the North East coast, while at Spittal End Farm conscription appears on the horizon. Written by ...

4 April 1916 - Isaac Cox (Season 7 start)

04 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1916, strikers returned to work at the Clyde shipyards, and at Halecot Farm the future of Isaac Cox's family hangs in the balance.Writt...

12 February 1916 - Hilary Pearce

16 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day a secret meeting of the Non-Conscription fellowship was held in Kentish town, while in Folkestone it's a day of celebrations.Written by Sh...

11 February 1916 - Kitty Lumley

16 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day nurse and women's rights campaigner Emma Golden was arrested in New York, and the Wilson family struggle with their secrets.Written by Sha...

10 February 1916 - Victor Lumley

10 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day conscription came into effect, and Victor Lumley is desperate to return to his men in France. Written by Shaun McKenna Directed by Allegr...

9 February 1916 - Norman Harris

09 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day four bombs were dropped near a girls' school in Kent causing 3 casualties, while Norman Harris receives wonderful news.Written by Shaun Mc...

8 February 1916 - Isabel Graham

08 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the siege of Kut al Amara entered its 63rd day, and Isabel finally finds a solution for the persistent young Cristine.Written by Shaun McK...

5 February 1916 - Florrie Wilson

05 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, it was proposed that munitions workers be exempted from the conscription bill, and tiredness and grief give Florrie Wilson a very short f...

4 February 1916 - Olive Hargreaves

04 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, Harrods Stores was fined £5 for selling morphine without keeping a register, and Sister Hargreaves has a particularly bad day.Written by...

3 February 1916 - Hilary Pearce

03 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, a wrecked zeppelin was spotted in the North Sea by a British trawler, and Hilary Pearce sets out to catch a very particular fish.Written ...

2 February 1916 - Isabel Graham

02 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, the Board of Agriculture issued a notice advising that convalescent soldiers could be used for farm work, and Isabel tries hard to find s...

1 February 1916 - Nell Kingsley

01 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, Britain woke up to news of a terrible series of zeppelin attacks on the East coast, leaving 59 dead, and Nell Kingsley looks set to lose ...

29 January 1916 - Olive Hargreaves

29 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day a Canadian soldier was badly injured by a bus in Folkestone, and at the Bevan hospital Sister Hargreaves clashes with Dorothea.Written by ...

28 January 1916 - Hilary Pearce

28 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day President Wilson declared "The world is on fire, and sparks are likely to drop anywhere", and in Folkestone Hilary is moved by Ruby Tulliv...

27 January 1916 - Adeline Lumley

27 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the Military Service Act was passed making conscription legal, and in Folkestone Adeline and Phyllis do their best for Victor.Written by C...

22 January 1916 - Isabel Graham

26 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, the Dublin police raided several houses, seizing arms and a printing press, and Isabel is unhappy witness to a raid on the Belgian restau...

26 January 1916 - Kitty Lumley

26 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the pacifist Women's Freedom League declared that there would soon be a revival of suffragist activity, and at the Bevan Victor is finding...

25 January 1916 - Bob Capeling

25 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day a conference on shell shock began at the Royal Society of Medicine, and Bob Capeling finds himself in difficulties at the Bevan. Written b...

21 January 1916 - Marion Wardle

21 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, the Prime Minister stated that more women workers would be needed to supply enough munitions to the war, and former factory workers Mario...

20 January 1916 - Kitty Lumley

20 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, the first men from the Derby Scheme were mobilised for service, and Kitty has a moment of hope for her missing brother. Written by Sarah ...

19 January 1916 - Alec Poole

19 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, negotiations between Montenegro and Austria were broken off, and it appears to parallel events in the Winwood household. Written by Sarah...

18 January 1916 - Ralph Winwood

18 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, the battle of Sheik Sa'ad represented the first of several efforts to relieve the Siege of Kut, and Ralph Winwood has a mission of his ow...

15 January 1916 - Norman Harris

15 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day Emmeline Pankhurst was detained in New York after arriving for a tour of North America, and in Folkestone there are new arrivals at the Po...

14 January 1916 - Isabel Graham

14 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day four Germans were recaptured after attempting to escape a Prisoner of War Camp, and Isabel discovers Belgian refugees in Folkestone.Writte...

13 January 1916 - Hilary Pearce

13 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day shares in the Pleasure Gardens Theatre were auctioned, and Hilary Pearce is disappointed.Written by Sarah Daniels Directed by Allegra McIl...

12 January 1916 - Sylvia Graham

12 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the South Wales Miners voted to oppose conscription, and in Folkestone Sylvia Graham has a change of heart.Written by Sarah Daniels Direct...

11 January 1916 - Dorothea Winwood

11 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the Allies occupied the Kaiser's villa on Corfu, and Nell is shocked by news of a patient close to her heart.Written by Sarah Daniels Dire...

8 January 1916 - Ruth Billings

08 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This day marked the ending of the Dardanelles campaign, as the last troops evacuated Gallipoli, and finds Ruth Billings cold and hungry, and unsure ho...

7 January 1916 - Victor Lumley

07 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, Lord Selbourne made an appeal for more game to be donated to hospitals, before the end of the shooting season, and Victor feels more hunt...

6 January 1916 - Hilary Pearce

06 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, General Aylmer led the first relief attempt in the Siege of Kut, and Hilary is caught up in the arrangements for celebrating the Derby Sc...

5 January 1916 - Adeline Lumley

05 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, parliament had its first reading of the Compulsory Military Service Bill, and Adeline brings her son home.Written by Mike Walker Directed...

4 January 1916 - Dorothea Winwood

04 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, Lord Derby published a report that over 650,000 fit single men hadn't offered themselves for service, and Dorothea Winwood is getting int...

1 January 1916 - Hilary Pearce

01 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the Home Secretary resigned as the first draft of the Compulsory Military Service Bill was considered by the Cabinet, and in Folkestone Hi...

31 December 1915 - Alec Poole

31 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day a man was sentenced to three months hard labour for buying a soldier a bottle of whisky, and at the Bevan Hospital patients prepare for Ne...

30 December 1915 - Nell Kingsley

30 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day a British P&O liner was torpedoed killing 334, including women and children, and at the Bevan Hospital an injured soldier avoids retur...

29 December 1915 - Isabel Graham

29 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day France gifted the land holding British war cemeteries to Great Britain, and the Grahams discover where Adeline and Phyllis have gone.Writt...

28 December 1915 - Ruth Billings

28 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day the Evening Herald reported the return of 800 wounded soldiers to Plymouth, and Ruth Billings's temper gets her into trouble.Written by Ri...

Christmas Day 1915 - Adeline Lumley

25 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, J M Barrie presented the Peter Pan cup to a 13 year old who swam the Serpentine, and Adeline Lumley makes a Christmas wish.Written by Ric...

24 December 1915 - Marion Wardle

24 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, the Turkish attacked the British Indian garrison at Kut al Amara, and Marion meets a charming soldier.Written by Richard Monks Directed b...

23 December 1915 - Albert Wilson

23 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this day, Vera Brittain's fiancé, Roland Leighton, died in France, and in Folkestone, Albert tries to lift the curse on the house of Wilson.Writte...

22 December 1915 - Dorothea Winwood

22 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Minister of munitions, David Lloyd George made an official visit to armaments factories in Newcastle, and it is Dorothea's first day at the Bevan Hosp...

30 October 1915 - Kitty Lumley

30 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

The Dardanelles Committee of the British Cabinet decide to wind down the Gallipoli campaign, and in the last episode of Season 5 Kitty Lumley feels li...

29 October 1915 - Nancy Parker

29 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Folkestone is almost washed away by the rain.Written by Richard Monks Directed by Jessica Dromgoole Sound: Martha Littlehailes