West

It quickly turns out there's more than a passing connection between the two men.

While the modern day James Redmond has been an actor in a hospital drama, the First World War James Redmond worked on a hospital ship.

And there's a big Liverpool link as well.

Parallel lives

Actor James Redmond's grandfather was born in the Anfield area, just a stone's throw from the Everton birthplace of his namesake.

James travels up to Liverpool to discover that his namesake was a fireman on board the HMHS Anglia.

Reflecting on lost lives - James Redmond

Life on board would have been extremely challenging - it was hot, physical work, shovelling five tons of coal a day.

The ship was based at Holyhead in North Wales, and the town's maritime museum reveals that it was hit by a mine from a German U-boat on November 17th, 1915.

She went down in the English Channel, not far from Dover.

James travels to Trinity House in London to finally discover the fate of his namesake.

He's told that there were some survivors but more than 130 of the crew were lost in the tragedy, presumed drowned.

Peril on the sea

Confirmation that his namesake was one of those who perished comes on the wall of the Tower Hill Memorial, where he finds the name James Redmond listed among the casualties.

James says, "I think I’ll wear a poppy in a different way from now on. Not at a jaunty angle, but with a different feeling.

"As a child you’re told to wear it, told to remember those who have died. But it’s so hard to relate to.

"The fact someone with my name and background served and died puts it in perspective for me.

"I’m grateful to James but also to all those millions of people all over the world who put their lives in danger for a better future.

"I’ve always had respect for the poppy but now I’ve got a better understanding."