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Bullets & Billets

Bullets & Billets

Written by: Bruce Bairnsfather
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 Step into the trenches of the Western Front during the tumultuous years of 1914-1915 through the eyes of Lieutenant (later Captain) Bruce Bairnsfather, a gifted cartoonist. His iconic characters, Alf, Bert, and Old Bill, paved the way for the likes of Bill Mauldin and his Willie and Joe in World War II. This engaging narrative chronicles Bairnsfathers journey as a machine gun officer, capturing the harrowing realities of warfare—from the relentless shelling to the mud and misery of battle. With a mix of wry, ironic humor, he recounts the absurdities and horrors faced by soldiers, including his participation in the unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914, which nearly led to court-martial. Experience the poignant and often darkly comedic insights of a soldier who has seen it all. (Summary by Dr. P. Gould)Copyright Plays and Dramas
Episodes
  • 032 - Ch 31 Slowly Recovering

    032 - Ch 31 Slowly Recovering
    Jan 10 2026
    Step into the trenches of the Western Front during the tumultuous years of 1914-1915 through the eyes of Lieutenant (later Captain) Bruce Bairnsfather, a gifted cartoonist. His iconic characters, Alf, Bert, and Old Bill, paved the way for the likes of Bill Mauldin and his Willie and Joe in World War II. This engaging narrative chronicles Bairnsfathers journey as a machine gun officer, capturing the harrowing realities of warfare—from the relentless shelling to the mud and misery of battle. With a mix of wry, ironic humor, he recounts the absurdities and horrors faced by soldiers, including his participation in the unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914, which nearly led to court-martial. Experience the poignant and often darkly comedic insights of a soldier who has seen it all. (Summary by Dr. P. Gould)
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    2 mins
  • 031 - Ch 30 Rain and Mud

    031 - Ch 30 Rain and Mud
    Jan 9 2026
    Step into the trenches of the Western Front during the tumultuous years of 1914-1915 through the eyes of Lieutenant (later Captain) Bruce Bairnsfather, a gifted cartoonist. His iconic characters, Alf, Bert, and Old Bill, paved the way for the likes of Bill Mauldin and his Willie and Joe in World War II. This engaging narrative chronicles Bairnsfathers journey as a machine gun officer, capturing the harrowing realities of warfare—from the relentless shelling to the mud and misery of battle. With a mix of wry, ironic humor, he recounts the absurdities and horrors faced by soldiers, including his participation in the unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914, which nearly led to court-martial. Experience the poignant and often darkly comedic insights of a soldier who has seen it all. (Summary by Dr. P. Gould)
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    15 mins
  • 030 - Ch 29 Getting Nearer

    030 - Ch 29 Getting Nearer
    Jan 8 2026
    Step into the trenches of the Western Front during the tumultuous years of 1914-1915 through the eyes of Lieutenant (later Captain) Bruce Bairnsfather, a gifted cartoonist. His iconic characters, Alf, Bert, and Old Bill, paved the way for the likes of Bill Mauldin and his Willie and Joe in World War II. This engaging narrative chronicles Bairnsfathers journey as a machine gun officer, capturing the harrowing realities of warfare—from the relentless shelling to the mud and misery of battle. With a mix of wry, ironic humor, he recounts the absurdities and horrors faced by soldiers, including his participation in the unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914, which nearly led to court-martial. Experience the poignant and often darkly comedic insights of a soldier who has seen it all. (Summary by Dr. P. Gould)
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    8 mins
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