World War One At Home: The five brothers lost in battle

As part of the World War One At Home project carried out in partnership between the BBC and Imperial War Museums, Jonathan Swingler explores the story of a Barnard Castle family who lost five sons in the conflict.

Mr and Mrs Smith's six sons left Bridgegate in 1916 to fight for their country in WW1, but only one returned.

Between 1916 and 1918, Robert, George, Fredrick, John and Alfred were killed.

The one remaining son Wilfred remained in France, but after an appeal from the local vicar's wife was sent to the Queen, she forwarded the letter to the war office and he was sent home.