How accurate is 1917? The truth of WW1 booby traps and black and Indian soldiers on the frontline - a podcast by 5 News

How accurate was the Academy Award winning film '1917'?

Leading historian Alan Wakefield works as the Museum Curator for the Imperial War Museum.

The film, 1917, directed by Sam Mendes has won three Academy Awards for the Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Visual Effects and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing.

But how accurate is the story that it tells?

Throughout the cinematic experience the film follows two soldiers who are trying desperately to deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men walking to their death in a trap laid by the enemy.

Critics of the film were quick to point out the appearance of black and Indian soldiers on the frontline, however, historical evidence shows that this would have been true.

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