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Grey Partridge in No-Man's Land

Derek Niemann tells the story the grey partridge, which despite the conflict thrived in the area known as no-man's land.

Throughout the First World War, birds were protected across the Western Front and elsewhere, which resulted in some remarkable stories of soldiers ceasing fire in order to protect birds from being killed.

Writer Derek Niemann who worked for the RSPB for 25 years, has latterly turned his time to writing, including the book Birds in a Cage, an affectionate tale of British prisoner of war ornithologists. Derek recalls how one species, the grey partridge, thrived in the area that became known as no-mans land. Including one remarkable story involving a French Colonel who halted a planned artillery barrage to allow his sergeant to move a covey of grey partridge to safety.

Producer Andrew Dawes

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2 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Sun 11 Nov 2018 08:58
  • Wed 11 Nov 2020 05:58
  • Fri 11 Nov 2022 05:58

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