Sad, so very sad

I have, as the family knows to their endless boredom, watched Channel 4's Time Team for many years. History and "remote access" archaeology has always been of interest, even when they got to the Skulls and bones of those who died hundreds of years ago. Sad to say, in that kind of situation that the recovered buckles and broaches are of more interest, in some way, than the remains of those people that used them.

That interest has now been transferred to Channel 5's latest history show - "WWII, Battlefield Recovery". The three episodes of the series so far, have been centred on various of the Eastern Front, with tonight's dig centred on a pit to the rear of a Polish Village Grave Yard.

And, because it is a TV "entertainment" show, the investigation of the battlefield, the materials used and the recovery of the remains of the Military combatants involved is interesting, and, although slightly sad, it is what it is.

But then, at the bottom of this improvised pit, the digging team then found who turned out to be a German female factory worker.

Apparently shot, at close range, between the eyes.

The episode is getting darker, but that was kind of understandable. As the investigation had established that this part of the WWII timeline is concentrated on those final weeks, and days when the Red Army was close to finally pushing a retreating Wermacht back over the German border in 1944/45. It was also becoming the story of the attacking Russians, and the native Poles, having their revenge for the horrors inflicted on them by those occupying Germans. The darker side of human nature rearing its ugly head yet again. Never what is wanted. Expected. But nor was it an isolated event. 

But, as the episode came to its scheduled end, you knew something was amiss. Hardened diggers, in tears, standing at the edge of the pit. 

The camera focused in on the artefacts that were being dug up. 

Initially it looked like a woollen shawl. Maybe a cardigan? 

And then you realised it was too small.

Then small shoes/socks and a rubber nappy cover.

Then they weren't the only ones with tears in their eyes.