"They do not always reach the same conclusions.

In this case they do."

And the fact that the establishment would dearly love to use the upcoming centenary as an opportunity for hysterical jingoistic self praise would never have influenced such upright pillars of society, nor of course would the prospect of inclusion in the next honours list.

It is, as has been said here, largely interpretation and opinion, but it is ridiculous to suggest that examination of just 25% of war diaries is sufficient for the level of certainty expressed, even if no selectivity were involved in choosing that number.

Nor is it reasonable to dismiss out of hand the diaries and writings of such erudite, informed, articulate and intelligent men as Owen and Sassoon, when their writings were based on personal experience of the trenches.

The rank and file were filled up with the propaganda hammered into them by everyone from the government down to their own wives and children.