308: Walking Through History: World War I Battlefields and the Legacy of War
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Guest
Iain McHenry was born in Belfast and, after leaving school, joined the British Army and had a career that took him all over the world. He was stationed in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, The Falkland Islands, and Belgium, and he has completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone.
He has always had a passion for WW1, and after leaving the army, he started his own business in Belgium, working as a WW1 researcher, battlefield guide, and published author.
Today, he splits his time between his home in Tallahassee, Florida, and the old battlefields of France and Belgium.
Aside from military history, he loves to fly light aircraft, travel and run.
Summary
Iain’s World War I tours go way beyond dates and statistics. They cater to diverse interests, from general historical context to specific family narratives. By visiting trenches, tunnels, and lesser-known sites, participants gain a unique perspective on the daily routines, living conditions, and struggles faced by the soldiers. The emotional impact of war is a recurring theme, with Iain sharing stories of families searching for the final resting places of loved ones and the poignant inscriptions found on gravestones.
“Here was Fleury”
Fleury was one of several villages in France completely destroyed and never rebuilt after the Battle of Verdun, which took place from February to December of 1916.
The episode doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of war. It explores the vast cemeteries holding the remains of thousands, the ongoing process of identifying soldiers through artifacts like ID disks, and the constant threat of unexploded ordnance that lingers in the ground. Yet, amidst the tragedy, there's a sense of connection to the past. Iain and I describe the energy one feels on these historical sites and the stories unearthed through excavations, like the discovery of a soldier's remains and the heartwarming reunion with his granddaughter.
Overall, the episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning about history. By studying World War I battlefields, we not only gain a deeper understanding of the conflict itself but also connect with the human stories of those who lived through it.
Social Media
Iain’s website - Bespoke Battlefield Tours
Referenced
Menin Gate - In the town of Ypres, Belgium, the memorial bears the names of more than 54,000 Commonwealth soldiers from World War I whose graves remain unknown.
Lochnagar Crater - The Lochnagar Crater lies south of the village of La Boisselle in the Somme area of France. It was the result of an underground explosive charge secretly planted by the British and set off on July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The crater is some 90 feet deep and 450 feet across at its widest point.
About Jeff
Jeff Ikler is the Director of Quetico Leadership and Career Coaching. “Quetico” (KWEH-teh-co). He works with leaders in all aspects of life to identify and overcome obstacles in their desired future. He came to the field of coaching after a 35-year career in educational publishing. Prior to his career in educational publishing, Jeff taught high school U.S. history and government.
Jeff has hosted the “Getting Unstuck—Cultivating Curiosity” podcast for 5 years. The guests and topics he explores are designed to help listeners think differently about the familiar and welcome the new as something to consider. He is also the co-host of the Cultivating Resilience – A Whole Community Approach to Alleviating Trauma in Schools, which promotes mental health and overall wellness.
Jeff co-authored Shifting: How School Leaders Can Create a Culture of Change. Shifting integrates leadership development and change mechanics in a three-part change framework to help guide school leaders and their teams toward productive change.
Show Credits
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