Stories from the Somme

A short film telling one man's story of his experiences of the Battle of the Somme through a dramatised account of his letters sent back home to his wife in Barnsley



Project Title: Stories from the Somme
Applicant: Barnsley Museums
Grant Awarded: £2000
Project Summary:

The project created a new short film to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, during which 320 men from Barnsley and the Dearne Valley lost their lives on the first day of the battle, rising to 800 by the end of the battle in November.

The film specifically focused on soldiers who joined up to the Barnsley Pals from Houghton Main Colliery which stood between Darfield and Grimethorpe.

The project utilised original first-hand accounts from letters in Barnsley Archives and the history of the Barnsley Pals battalion, in order to bring the heritage of the area to life.

The film involved actors ‘becoming’ the men from the Dearne Valley who were involved in the Battle of the Somme in order to re-tell their stories and make them accessible to a wider audience.

Project Status:        Complete

This film marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme through the story of one man’s experience of World War 1. John Glynn lived in St George’s Square in Barnsley and worked at Barrow Colliery in the Dearne Valley before leaving to fight. This is his story and an insight into the experiences of the Battle of the Somme, through the re-enactment of through a dramatised account of his letters sent back home to his wife in Barnsley.

The wife of Private John Glynn, 2nd Barnsley Battalion, would gladly welcome any news concerning her husband. She resides at St George’s Square, off George Street, Barnsley. A friend of Private Glynn has written saying that he has not seen or heard of him since July 1st