Not Forgotten is a British television documentary series made by Wall to Wall for Channel 4. The series examines the impact on British society of the First World War. It is written and presented by Ian Hislop. The series' tie-in website was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Interactivity in 2006. The original series comprised four episodes, broadcast in November and December 2005: ⁕Commemoration, examining the movement for war memorials following the First World War, and the continuation of this tradition for subsequent conflicts. ⁕Class, looking at the way the British class system was reflected and challenged by the creation of a mass army. ⁕Women, discussing how women's roles and expectations in society changed as a result of the war. ⁕Survivors, examining how society dealt with those who returned from the war injured and disabled. A tie-in book, Not Forgotten, written by Neil Oliver, was published by Hodder & Stoughton. Three additional episodes were subsequently produced: ⁕Shot at Dawn, examining the stories of men shot for desertion and cowardice. ⁕The Men Who Wouldn't Fight, challenging the stigma attached to conscientious objectors. This episode featured, amongst others, the story of Ronald Skirth, who became a conscientious objector while serving in the Royal Artillery.
Commemoration
Nov 20, 2005
Ian Hislop explores the history of soldiers listed on Britain's war memorials, talking to relatives of the deceased and considering the impact the conflicts had on society. He begins by travelling around the country to find out how - and why - so many monuments were erected, discovering that the lack of bodies to bury meant the bereaved needed a focus for their grief.
Class
Nov 27, 2005
Ian Hislop discovers the impact World War One had on the class system in Britain. The deaths of so many landed gentry left holes in the ranks of the officers, which were filled by middle-class men. However, the new recruits often had a difficult time in the officers' mess and were labelled 'temporary gentlemen' by their working-class colleagues.
Women
Dec 4, 2005
Ian Hislop finds out what effect World War One had on the lives of British women. Those serving as nurses, ambulance drivers and munitions workers came closer to the front line than ever before - and many died during the conflict. Back at home, bereaved mothers, wives, sisters and daughters were left behind by countless slaughtered soldiers.
Survivors
Dec 11, 2005
Ian Hislop explores events following Armistice Day, as Britain's five million surviving soldiers returned home after World War One. Although promised a land fit for heroes, they faced widespread unemployment and poverty, while physical disability and psychological trauma meant their lives would be changed for ever.
