BBC ALBA

Na Laoich

Documentaries

Factual: History

10/11/2008

BBC ALBA - Na Laoich

A look at the Battle of Festubert and its sad links with the history of Skye.

Blar Festubert agus a bhuaidh air an t-Eilean Sgitheanach. A look at the Battle of Festubert and its sad links with the history of Skye.

Charting a visit made in July 2004 by a party of island ex-servicemen, family members and friends to the war graves and battlefields of France and Belgium. 

Among the areas visited were the Normandy Beaches, the cemeteries at Ranville, Le Touret and Langemark as well as war sites in Festubert and Ypres. 

The Battle of Festubert was one of the saddest episodes in the history of Skye and the Memorial in Portree Square was erected in memory of the many island men who lost their lives in the battle. 

The programme followed veterans as they travelled to France, visited battle sites and war graves and participated in a special Gaelic service in the town of Festubert. Also features six World War II veterans for whom, as a result of ill-health, the journey was not possible. As they reflected on their own experiences and the futility of war, the veterans also considered the current day conflicts and the inability of the world's nations to live in peace.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Na Laoich

Genres

Formats

BBC ALBA

About BBC ALBA