What was Michael inspiration to write private peaceful?

Michael Morpurgo was inspired to write Private Peaceful by a visit to the war graves of World War I soldiers in Ypres, Belgium. the author wanted to tell the story of the war from the perspective of a young soldier and show the human cost of the conflict. Morpurgo was also inspired by his grandfather, who served in the war, and by the stories he heard from him and other veterans.