The one thing we don't know or understand is how people thought then. Watching old newsreels of the pals regiments being formed the patriotism the people had we can't start to understand. The belief that the viscous Hun was about to arrive on our shores drove people on to protect their families. Some people saw it as a great adventure. People still join the forces today arguably more informed that our ancestors and still suffer the ravages of war and conflicts. No matter how you view it, how you discuss it, still a sad loss of life.
Keith