Kippenberger - Letters from a soldier.

A programme by Jim Henderson called "Kippenberger - Letters From A Soldier". It consists largely of excerpts of letters written by Major-General Sir Howard Kippenberger, sent throughout his life to a friend he served with in France during World War I.

The programme begins with actuality of Captain Charles Upham VC, who describes what Sir Howard was like as a person and in appearance, during the years of World War II. In the Middle East, Kippenberger liked to walk over the battlefields of World War I and even earlier conflicts. He didn't suffer fools gladly, and was impatient with such people. His men thought he was the best man for the job, a strict disciplinarian who spoke softly and was quiet and methodical.

At eighteen he enlisted in the Canterbury Regiment and served on the Somme, where he was wounded in November 1916. An excerpt is read from a letter he wrote home in October. He describes the lack of water and heavy losses among his friends. He was made a sniper but was wounded in the hand and arm in November. Another letter sent from a hospital in London is read.

The programme then moves on to World War II, and excerpts of letters written by 'Kip' during training at Maadi, Alamein, Tripoli and Italy are read.

On 2 March 1944 Kippenberger was wounded and lost both his feet. The final letter read was written from his hospital bed in England.