New Book Reviews
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Old Book Reviews
The Illustrated War Reports - Trench Warfare
Author: Bob Carruthers
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
Having enjoyed The German Army on Campaign 1914-1918 by the same author, I was delighted to have the opportunity to review a new collection of illustrations from the Great War. Running to 128 pages, this paperback book is packed with contemporary artists’ impressions of the conflict in the trenches. It's not explicitly stated, but it seems that the majority of the pictures in the book have been culled from the pages of The War Illustrated, a contemporary news magazine.
As the war raged on the continent, the appetite for news from the front drove a massive demand for pictures of the conflict. The demand for combat images could not be met by the unwieldy photographic equipment of the day and an army of artists stepped into the breach.
The key challenge facing the reader of a book of this nature is where the boundary between realism and artistry sits. The artists must have trod a fine line between satisfying their audiences' desire for excitement, the publisher's desire for sensational images and the, probably sketchy, unreliable, second hand and embellished, reports from the front. The focus is unashamedly on the Western Front and the British point of view and there is a wide range of artistic styles represented in the book, ranging from Boys' Own Paper style heroism to photo-realistic landscapes. One is immediately struck by the quality of the art; these are not quick sketches; each picture must represent hours of skilled work.
The reader is left with the challenge of determining where the boundary between propaganda and reportage, or fiction and fact, should be drawn. Some of the pictures are clearly dramatic representations, with clean-jawed British soldiers assaulting bald-headed beady-eyed Germans but many show real events and people and tally with the historical record. Often the emphasis is on individual acts of heroism, the kind of event that makes a good story, such as Michael O'Leary's Victoria Cross winning action. In another example, a picture shows an incident in which a lightly wounded British officer carries a wounded German soldier back to the German lines. This event appears, after a little light research, to be based on an incident from 1914.
Unlike the earlier book I reviewed, which was meticulous in its commentary, this book adopts a more simplistic approach to captioning. Captions are limited to a description of the picture and a reference to the event portrayed. Whilst generally stating where the picture is set, Carruthers doesn't attempt to interpret the pictures to the level he did in the previous book when he brought his obviously considerable knowledge to bear.
The introduction is excellent, comprising a general essay on notable war artists. However as Carruthers states that he wanted to focus on other less-well known artists, the artists mentioned in the introduction don't seem to appear in rest of the book as far as I can tell. Sadly, the artists' names are rarely given against the pictures and I cannot tell if this is by omission or because the names are simply not known. Given that this book is, by its nature, less about the soldiers and more about the artists, this is a shame.
The book is presented in a rough chronological order which helps to orient the reader, but more precise dates for events wouldn't have gone amiss and would have made for a richer reading experience and a springboard for further research.
When looking through a book of hundreds of pictures, it is easy for one to merge into another; I found the exception to these were those pictures that showed the quieter moments, such as a picture of soldiers using a water pump to fill their canteens. These images are particularly interesting, showing the reality of life at the front.
All in all, this is an interesting book that shines a light on the limitations of picture-reportage from the period and whets the appetite for anyone interested in the art of the period. There is enough variation in the images to keep the reader's interest and it does well to cover the entire war; choosing the images must have been quite a task! Repeatedly one is struck by the skill exhibited by the truly remarkable artists in conveying their subject matter.
However, the real value of this book is where it plays to the strengths of the artist over the photographer. It would have been impossible to have captured the images shown on film and therefore, this view of the war through the eyes and imagination of the artist, gives a truly different perspective. A perspective where emotion and visceral combat collides with mud and daily life in the trenches, as seen through the eyes of an army of talented and patriotic artists.
As the war raged on the continent, the appetite for news from the front drove a massive demand for pictures of the conflict. The demand for combat images could not be met by the unwieldy photographic equipment of the day and an army of artists stepped into the breach.
The key challenge facing the reader of a book of this nature is where the boundary between realism and artistry sits. The artists must have trod a fine line between satisfying their audiences' desire for excitement, the publisher's desire for sensational images and the, probably sketchy, unreliable, second hand and embellished, reports from the front. The focus is unashamedly on the Western Front and the British point of view and there is a wide range of artistic styles represented in the book, ranging from Boys' Own Paper style heroism to photo-realistic landscapes. One is immediately struck by the quality of the art; these are not quick sketches; each picture must represent hours of skilled work.
The reader is left with the challenge of determining where the boundary between propaganda and reportage, or fiction and fact, should be drawn. Some of the pictures are clearly dramatic representations, with clean-jawed British soldiers assaulting bald-headed beady-eyed Germans but many show real events and people and tally with the historical record. Often the emphasis is on individual acts of heroism, the kind of event that makes a good story, such as Michael O'Leary's Victoria Cross winning action. In another example, a picture shows an incident in which a lightly wounded British officer carries a wounded German soldier back to the German lines. This event appears, after a little light research, to be based on an incident from 1914.
Unlike the earlier book I reviewed, which was meticulous in its commentary, this book adopts a more simplistic approach to captioning. Captions are limited to a description of the picture and a reference to the event portrayed. Whilst generally stating where the picture is set, Carruthers doesn't attempt to interpret the pictures to the level he did in the previous book when he brought his obviously considerable knowledge to bear.
The introduction is excellent, comprising a general essay on notable war artists. However as Carruthers states that he wanted to focus on other less-well known artists, the artists mentioned in the introduction don't seem to appear in rest of the book as far as I can tell. Sadly, the artists' names are rarely given against the pictures and I cannot tell if this is by omission or because the names are simply not known. Given that this book is, by its nature, less about the soldiers and more about the artists, this is a shame.
The book is presented in a rough chronological order which helps to orient the reader, but more precise dates for events wouldn't have gone amiss and would have made for a richer reading experience and a springboard for further research.
When looking through a book of hundreds of pictures, it is easy for one to merge into another; I found the exception to these were those pictures that showed the quieter moments, such as a picture of soldiers using a water pump to fill their canteens. These images are particularly interesting, showing the reality of life at the front.
All in all, this is an interesting book that shines a light on the limitations of picture-reportage from the period and whets the appetite for anyone interested in the art of the period. There is enough variation in the images to keep the reader's interest and it does well to cover the entire war; choosing the images must have been quite a task! Repeatedly one is struck by the skill exhibited by the truly remarkable artists in conveying their subject matter.
However, the real value of this book is where it plays to the strengths of the artist over the photographer. It would have been impossible to have captured the images shown on film and therefore, this view of the war through the eyes and imagination of the artist, gives a truly different perspective. A perspective where emotion and visceral combat collides with mud and daily life in the trenches, as seen through the eyes of an army of talented and patriotic artists.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Ottoman Navy Warships 1914 - 1918
Author: Ryan K, Noppen
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Ottoman Navy Warships 1914 - 1918 from Osprey publishing is a part of the New Vanguard range which focuses on detailed analysis of specific weapons systems or the weapons used by particular armed forces throughout history. Billed as a resource for model makers, war gamers and military history enthusiasts, these short books combine detailed illustrations, historical photos and technical specifications with narrative history pertinent to the subject.
At 48 pages, including a detailed index and bibliography, this book takes the reader through a detailed look at the ships, their provenance and their ultimate fates. Split into three main parts, the book starts with a look at the pre-war situation, charting the political procurement process that failed to deliver a modern navy. The second part looks at naval operations in the Black Sea against the Russian navy, covering attempts to keep Constantinople supplied with coal. The final section looks at operations around the Dardanelles, both during the period of the Allied Gallipoli landings and later, when the emphasis shifted to air warfare.
Throughout the book, every page is illustrated with either archive photographs, artist's impressions or detailed schematics. The illustrations by Paul Wright are beautifully detailed showing the ships in both profile and aerial views, as they would have looked when they rolled down the slipway. The artist’s impressions of military action are evocative and painstakingly detailed. My only criticism is perhaps that the schematics would benefit from titles; there’s one page with two pictures and only a bit of detective work (look for the twin screws) will reveal which ship is which! Photographs are well-selected and annotated with informative captions and genuinely add to the narrative.
Noppen’s text is well-researched and tells the story competently. He is not afraid to give an opinion, being clear about the damage that naval underfunding and the use of procurement as a diplomatic tool had on the Ottoman fleet. He is also happy to state which actions were a success and which were a failure; often the latter! Occasionally his text requires a small leap, for example, he mentions that the ‘Yavuz’ is struck by a mine and then a third mine but does not mention the second, but this is a minor gripe and does not detract from the flow of the text.
It is perhaps notable that the greatest achievement of the war occurred on a single day and was caused by the Ottoman navy’s smallest ship. The mining of the Dardanelles Straights by the ‘Nusret’ successfully destroyed the French ship ‘Bouvet’, nearly sank ‘HMS Inflexible’, disabled ‘HMS Irresistible’ (so that she could be sunk by shore gunfire) and disabled and sank ‘HMS Ocean’. At the same time two other ships were damaged from shore batteries. This disastrous day, Noppen notes, ended attempts by the Allies to force the Narrows from the sea and condemned the Allies to months of fruitless attempts to break the deadlock on land.
Whilst of primary interest to a specialist audience, this book does provide the general reader with a real feel for the period, the ships and their operations. Noppen succeeds in showing how the Ottoman navy was essentially an extension of the German war effort but with limited and ever-dwindling resources, often hamstrung by bad decisions, poor training and low status.
His appreciation of the strategic situation facing Constantinople is clear and backed up by compelling statistics relating to the coal-supply. Throughout, he successfully places the Ottoman experience of the war in its wider context, stuck between the conflicting needs of supplying Constantinople, avoiding destruction of a few useful ships and needing to go on the offensive to bolster morale, all while being increasingly outclassed as new enemy ships entering the arena.
At 48 pages, including a detailed index and bibliography, this book takes the reader through a detailed look at the ships, their provenance and their ultimate fates. Split into three main parts, the book starts with a look at the pre-war situation, charting the political procurement process that failed to deliver a modern navy. The second part looks at naval operations in the Black Sea against the Russian navy, covering attempts to keep Constantinople supplied with coal. The final section looks at operations around the Dardanelles, both during the period of the Allied Gallipoli landings and later, when the emphasis shifted to air warfare.
Throughout the book, every page is illustrated with either archive photographs, artist's impressions or detailed schematics. The illustrations by Paul Wright are beautifully detailed showing the ships in both profile and aerial views, as they would have looked when they rolled down the slipway. The artist’s impressions of military action are evocative and painstakingly detailed. My only criticism is perhaps that the schematics would benefit from titles; there’s one page with two pictures and only a bit of detective work (look for the twin screws) will reveal which ship is which! Photographs are well-selected and annotated with informative captions and genuinely add to the narrative.
Noppen’s text is well-researched and tells the story competently. He is not afraid to give an opinion, being clear about the damage that naval underfunding and the use of procurement as a diplomatic tool had on the Ottoman fleet. He is also happy to state which actions were a success and which were a failure; often the latter! Occasionally his text requires a small leap, for example, he mentions that the ‘Yavuz’ is struck by a mine and then a third mine but does not mention the second, but this is a minor gripe and does not detract from the flow of the text.
It is perhaps notable that the greatest achievement of the war occurred on a single day and was caused by the Ottoman navy’s smallest ship. The mining of the Dardanelles Straights by the ‘Nusret’ successfully destroyed the French ship ‘Bouvet’, nearly sank ‘HMS Inflexible’, disabled ‘HMS Irresistible’ (so that she could be sunk by shore gunfire) and disabled and sank ‘HMS Ocean’. At the same time two other ships were damaged from shore batteries. This disastrous day, Noppen notes, ended attempts by the Allies to force the Narrows from the sea and condemned the Allies to months of fruitless attempts to break the deadlock on land.
Whilst of primary interest to a specialist audience, this book does provide the general reader with a real feel for the period, the ships and their operations. Noppen succeeds in showing how the Ottoman navy was essentially an extension of the German war effort but with limited and ever-dwindling resources, often hamstrung by bad decisions, poor training and low status.
His appreciation of the strategic situation facing Constantinople is clear and backed up by compelling statistics relating to the coal-supply. Throughout, he successfully places the Ottoman experience of the war in its wider context, stuck between the conflicting needs of supplying Constantinople, avoiding destruction of a few useful ships and needing to go on the offensive to bolster morale, all while being increasingly outclassed as new enemy ships entering the arena.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Fix Bayonets!
Author: John Norris
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
Fix Bayonets! is an exploration of the role of the bayonet throughout history. Norris, an ex-Grenadier Guardsman and historian, has researched the history of this most iconic of weapons and presents the story as a chronological journey that will interest students of the history of infantry tactics and weaponry.
Norris begins by charting the earliest use of the weapon as it gradually superseded the role of dedicated pikemen on the battlefield. Early firearms were slow to reload and left the soldier vulnerable to cavalry attack once their single shot had been discharged. He begins by exploring the development of “plug” bayonets that were slotted into the barrel of a musket, allowing the soldier to fire a gun and then use the weapon as a pike. He shows how the idea spread across the European armies and charts the development of formalised drills and the rise of the “cult of the bayonet” as the weapon reached its apogee in the pre-Napoleonic period.
Finally he marks the decline in the active use of the bayonet, observing how the increase in the number of combatants on the battlefield reduced the ability of a bayonet charge to turn a battle and how the increased killing power of small arms and artillery prevented soldiers from closing with an enemy over open ground.
The book starts strongly with a clear and interesting discussion of the early designs of the bayonets and their use in battle. Norris clearly has researched the area in some depth and provides plenty of first-hand accounts, quotes and excerpts from military treatises of the period. There are some wonderful facts scattered throughout this book; I never knew that Napoleon's only wound was caused by a British bayonet or that the Russians' propensity towards bayonet action in the early 1800s may have been driven by their inability to effectively supply ammunition to an army equipped with multiple calibre guns!
Norris discusses the evolution of the design of the bayonet, charting the fluctuations in length, how the issue of interference with the barrel was addressed and how different shapes were developed to reduce weight, prevent loss, increase tensile strength and inflict more grievous wounds. An interesting point here is the use of a blade with a cruciform profile (both light and strong) and how this formed part of the evidence that showed that the Katyn Forest massacre of the Polish officer corps had been perpetrated by the Russians.
The book is profusely illustrated with black and white photographs. These range from reproductions of period engravings, photographs of weapons and photographs of re-enactors in period uniforms. Whilst these pictures are generally complementary to the text, I can't help but feel that in the technical sections where Norris discusses shape, size and attachment mechanisms, more schematics or photos of the bayonets being discussed would have been useful. The pictures of re-enactors are generally good, but as they are focussed on the whole man, one is left with a feeling that once you've seen one picture of an indistinct bayonet on the end of the gun, you've seen them all.
The book suffers from some issues with repetition; for example, Norris is fond of mentioning that a bayonet doubles up as a general purpose tool and repeats this fact regularly. Whilst he never repeats himself verbatim, he comes perilously close on occasion, at one stage repeating in adjacent paragraphs that modern scabbards include the ability to turn a bayonet into wire-cutters. It sometimes feels that the book was written as a series of independent chapters that, once assembled, would have benefited from some work to identify areas of repetition – in most cases, simply dropping the superfluous paragraphs would have had no effect on the main structure and argument of the book.
Later, Norris spends some looking at the incidence of wounds inflicted by bayonets and, whilst he successfully makes the point that the bayonet has always been a marginal weapon, I feel that presenting his data in a tabular or graphic form might have made the point clearer. Some of the information on the medical viewpoint of bayonet wounds is particularly interesting and shows the breadth of his research.
An interesting addition to the book is the chapter on ceremonial use and the lengths various armies have gone to fix bayonets to other firearms; Norris is suitable scathing of the efficacy of these more unusual weapons. Whilst no advocate of the “cult of the bayonet”, he points out that although the bayonet passed its heyday in the late 1700s, it remains a part of the standard infantry equipment and in the final chapter he gives a whistle-stop tour of modern bayonets.
If you're interested in the history of this most essential of weapons, especially its use in battles through time, then this book will not disappoint. The book has its quirks, but as a solid and well-presented piece of research that brings together a 350 year long tale into a single volume, it is a useful addition to the literature.
Norris begins by charting the earliest use of the weapon as it gradually superseded the role of dedicated pikemen on the battlefield. Early firearms were slow to reload and left the soldier vulnerable to cavalry attack once their single shot had been discharged. He begins by exploring the development of “plug” bayonets that were slotted into the barrel of a musket, allowing the soldier to fire a gun and then use the weapon as a pike. He shows how the idea spread across the European armies and charts the development of formalised drills and the rise of the “cult of the bayonet” as the weapon reached its apogee in the pre-Napoleonic period.
Finally he marks the decline in the active use of the bayonet, observing how the increase in the number of combatants on the battlefield reduced the ability of a bayonet charge to turn a battle and how the increased killing power of small arms and artillery prevented soldiers from closing with an enemy over open ground.
The book starts strongly with a clear and interesting discussion of the early designs of the bayonets and their use in battle. Norris clearly has researched the area in some depth and provides plenty of first-hand accounts, quotes and excerpts from military treatises of the period. There are some wonderful facts scattered throughout this book; I never knew that Napoleon's only wound was caused by a British bayonet or that the Russians' propensity towards bayonet action in the early 1800s may have been driven by their inability to effectively supply ammunition to an army equipped with multiple calibre guns!
Norris discusses the evolution of the design of the bayonet, charting the fluctuations in length, how the issue of interference with the barrel was addressed and how different shapes were developed to reduce weight, prevent loss, increase tensile strength and inflict more grievous wounds. An interesting point here is the use of a blade with a cruciform profile (both light and strong) and how this formed part of the evidence that showed that the Katyn Forest massacre of the Polish officer corps had been perpetrated by the Russians.
The book is profusely illustrated with black and white photographs. These range from reproductions of period engravings, photographs of weapons and photographs of re-enactors in period uniforms. Whilst these pictures are generally complementary to the text, I can't help but feel that in the technical sections where Norris discusses shape, size and attachment mechanisms, more schematics or photos of the bayonets being discussed would have been useful. The pictures of re-enactors are generally good, but as they are focussed on the whole man, one is left with a feeling that once you've seen one picture of an indistinct bayonet on the end of the gun, you've seen them all.
The book suffers from some issues with repetition; for example, Norris is fond of mentioning that a bayonet doubles up as a general purpose tool and repeats this fact regularly. Whilst he never repeats himself verbatim, he comes perilously close on occasion, at one stage repeating in adjacent paragraphs that modern scabbards include the ability to turn a bayonet into wire-cutters. It sometimes feels that the book was written as a series of independent chapters that, once assembled, would have benefited from some work to identify areas of repetition – in most cases, simply dropping the superfluous paragraphs would have had no effect on the main structure and argument of the book.
Later, Norris spends some looking at the incidence of wounds inflicted by bayonets and, whilst he successfully makes the point that the bayonet has always been a marginal weapon, I feel that presenting his data in a tabular or graphic form might have made the point clearer. Some of the information on the medical viewpoint of bayonet wounds is particularly interesting and shows the breadth of his research.
An interesting addition to the book is the chapter on ceremonial use and the lengths various armies have gone to fix bayonets to other firearms; Norris is suitable scathing of the efficacy of these more unusual weapons. Whilst no advocate of the “cult of the bayonet”, he points out that although the bayonet passed its heyday in the late 1700s, it remains a part of the standard infantry equipment and in the final chapter he gives a whistle-stop tour of modern bayonets.
If you're interested in the history of this most essential of weapons, especially its use in battles through time, then this book will not disappoint. The book has its quirks, but as a solid and well-presented piece of research that brings together a 350 year long tale into a single volume, it is a useful addition to the literature.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Verdun - The Left Bank
Author: Christina Holstein
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
Part history and part battlefield tour book, Verdun - The Left Bank charts the events of the four months in 1916 when the Battle of Verdun raged on both sides of the River Meuse. Christina Holstein continues her work covering the battles she explored in Walking Verdun, Fort Douamont and Fort Vaux, by looking at the battles along the other side of the Meuse.
The book is structured in two sections; the first 128 pages provide a history of the operations on the left bank and the remaining pages detail three walking tours that cover the key battle fields. The book is generously illustrated with black and white photos showing both sides in action, contemporary pictures of the fortifications and modern photos of the ground as it appears now.
The history is well-written, lively and full of sympathy for the men caught up in the battles. In the events described here, success and failure and life and death, are clearly beyond the grasp of individual soldiers. Holstein's sensitivity to the human side of the struggle is palpable as she draws on regimental histories, eye-witness accounts, official histories and personal memoirs to describe the conflict. Once drawn into the maw of the battle, survival appears to have been largely a matter of chance, as the Bavarians who were exhorted by a General to “put aside all negative thoughts and anxiety” before an attack must have felt.
The left bank is a lesser known aspect of the Battle of Verdun and here we are dealing with the less famous features of Mort-Homme, Cote 304, Haucout, Cumières and Bethincourt than the famous Forts Vaux and Douamont. Holstein focuses on these smaller operations, avoiding discussion of the larger scale events on the other side of the Meuse that would otherwise tend to overshadow the engagements here.
In fact, throughout this book, one is struck by the small scale of the operations and the limited area being fought over. The panoramic photographs included to show the ground over which the Germans attacked, reveal a landscape of low hills that only became significant as a part of their role in the multi-layered, overlapping, Verdun fortifications. For example, Holstein stresses how the relatively small Forges stream became a major obstacle once heavy artillery had churned the ground to form a mud-bound marsh.
The author combines the detail of which unit attacked where and when with a battlefield walker's eye for the terrain and its significance, drawing the modern reader's attention to what must have been painfully obvious to the men on the ground. The battlefield logic of Verdun's defences is explained deftly, showing the need to take the villages to unlock the approach hills and the hills to unlock the key observatory hills of Cote 304 and Mort-Homme.
In addition to the photographs, clearly annotated line-drawn maps and relief drawings show the lie of the land. A possible improvement would be to include a larger scale map of the overall zone of operations with the various smaller maps superimposed to help with the context. I found the larger scale maps tended to be of the wider Verdun front and, as a result, the area under discussion here tends to be relegated to the top-left of the maps! I assume this is because the large scale maps have been reused from other works rather than specifically created for this book.
The second section of the book contains walking guides for three battlefield tours. Each tour has a walking map showing the waypoints and GPS references of the various stages. Each tour starts with a stark warning of the dangers of handling munitions, exploring shell holes and falling into dugouts. These warning emphasise the devastation the area sustained; in fact the village of Cumières is actually regarded as having “died for France” and is officially regarded as destroyed.
The walking guides are more than just lists of directions; they are interspersed with notes and additional history about what can be seen at each stage and how it relates to the overall battle. Holstein poignantly includes pictures of personal memorials that lie about the landscape, often erected by grieving parents, which contrast sharply with the monumental official memorials.
Sadly, the Stand Easy Military Books expenses budget didn't run to a fact finding trip to Verdun to try out the tours so it is difficult to confirm that the directions are accurate in all cases. However, through the wonder of the internet, I can confirm that the GPS locations appear accurate and the road directions are easy to follow via on Google Street View, which bodes well for the actual visitor.
If you are interested in the Battle of Verdun and, especially if you plan to visit, this book provides a well-informed view of the Left Bank operations and the human cost expended over a few square kilometres of farmland.
The book is structured in two sections; the first 128 pages provide a history of the operations on the left bank and the remaining pages detail three walking tours that cover the key battle fields. The book is generously illustrated with black and white photos showing both sides in action, contemporary pictures of the fortifications and modern photos of the ground as it appears now.
The history is well-written, lively and full of sympathy for the men caught up in the battles. In the events described here, success and failure and life and death, are clearly beyond the grasp of individual soldiers. Holstein's sensitivity to the human side of the struggle is palpable as she draws on regimental histories, eye-witness accounts, official histories and personal memoirs to describe the conflict. Once drawn into the maw of the battle, survival appears to have been largely a matter of chance, as the Bavarians who were exhorted by a General to “put aside all negative thoughts and anxiety” before an attack must have felt.
The left bank is a lesser known aspect of the Battle of Verdun and here we are dealing with the less famous features of Mort-Homme, Cote 304, Haucout, Cumières and Bethincourt than the famous Forts Vaux and Douamont. Holstein focuses on these smaller operations, avoiding discussion of the larger scale events on the other side of the Meuse that would otherwise tend to overshadow the engagements here.
In fact, throughout this book, one is struck by the small scale of the operations and the limited area being fought over. The panoramic photographs included to show the ground over which the Germans attacked, reveal a landscape of low hills that only became significant as a part of their role in the multi-layered, overlapping, Verdun fortifications. For example, Holstein stresses how the relatively small Forges stream became a major obstacle once heavy artillery had churned the ground to form a mud-bound marsh.
The author combines the detail of which unit attacked where and when with a battlefield walker's eye for the terrain and its significance, drawing the modern reader's attention to what must have been painfully obvious to the men on the ground. The battlefield logic of Verdun's defences is explained deftly, showing the need to take the villages to unlock the approach hills and the hills to unlock the key observatory hills of Cote 304 and Mort-Homme.
In addition to the photographs, clearly annotated line-drawn maps and relief drawings show the lie of the land. A possible improvement would be to include a larger scale map of the overall zone of operations with the various smaller maps superimposed to help with the context. I found the larger scale maps tended to be of the wider Verdun front and, as a result, the area under discussion here tends to be relegated to the top-left of the maps! I assume this is because the large scale maps have been reused from other works rather than specifically created for this book.
The second section of the book contains walking guides for three battlefield tours. Each tour has a walking map showing the waypoints and GPS references of the various stages. Each tour starts with a stark warning of the dangers of handling munitions, exploring shell holes and falling into dugouts. These warning emphasise the devastation the area sustained; in fact the village of Cumières is actually regarded as having “died for France” and is officially regarded as destroyed.
The walking guides are more than just lists of directions; they are interspersed with notes and additional history about what can be seen at each stage and how it relates to the overall battle. Holstein poignantly includes pictures of personal memorials that lie about the landscape, often erected by grieving parents, which contrast sharply with the monumental official memorials.
Sadly, the Stand Easy Military Books expenses budget didn't run to a fact finding trip to Verdun to try out the tours so it is difficult to confirm that the directions are accurate in all cases. However, through the wonder of the internet, I can confirm that the GPS locations appear accurate and the road directions are easy to follow via on Google Street View, which bodes well for the actual visitor.
If you are interested in the Battle of Verdun and, especially if you plan to visit, this book provides a well-informed view of the Left Bank operations and the human cost expended over a few square kilometres of farmland.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Sailor in the Desert
Author: Phillip Gunn
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
Sailor in the Desert is an account of the naval involvement in the British campaign in Mesopotamia during the First World War as told through the experiences of a young sailor called Phillip Gunn. Whilst the advance on Baghdad and its ignominious failure before Kut is well travelled territory, the support role played by small naval vessels in ferrying troops, providing artillery support and providing logistical assistance is less known. The naval support was particularly valued for its ability to bring artillery power to bear upon the Turks without dragging guns overland.
The account is written by David Gunn, Phillip's son, and is based on a mixture of notes and conversations that took place many years after the events the book covers. There is no mention of original diaries in the text, however, it seems that David Gunn has pieced together the campaign from a number of sources (detailed in the bibliography) and then augmented the historical elements with conversations and his father's notes.
As a result this book is not a traditional history of a campaign and more a memoir, written from Able-Seaman Gunn's memories. This makes it readable for the general reader, but is potentially a limitation for the more serious historian. The book is 148 pages long and is comprised of short chapters, each comprising of two or three pages and each covering a particular incident or anecdote along the journey. Sometimes a chapter covers a significant military event, such as “Amara surrenders to nine men”, at other times, minor vignettes, such as “Phil meets the Arabs”. This lends the book a quirky charm and, as long as you are happy to enjoy them as a travelogue of a young lad in a strange country, you'll enjoy the narrative. My impression is that the book was written in short segments over a period of time as this would explain both repeating refrains and a few irrelevant sections that perhaps could have been edited down.
The colour illustrations in the centre section are a gem. Painted by Phillip Gunn, who retired to become a landscape painter, they stylistically portray various episodes from Gunn's campaign. However, once again, one must be careful not to conclude that these are true representations of what happened. There is no mention of Gunn painting or sketching whilst in the field and one of the pictures portrays the destruction of the launch he had been commanding; an event that happened whilst Phillip Gunn was incapacitated with malaria and many miles away. In this particular case, one must draw the conclusion that it is an artist's impression drawn some time after the events they portray.
This is a recurring theme in the text. For example, Gunn repeatedly mentions that Phillip wonders whether the medical provision will be enough at various stages in the campaign. Given we are dealing with memories collated after the event, it is hard to say whether this actually was apparent or whether this is a constructed memory either added by the author or Phillip as he mulled over his experiences after the event. Certainly this is not what historians would refer to as a primary source.
The author has fleshed out the account with some useful contextual passages, such as the progress of the campaign as seen from parliament, the discussions of the general staff and the wider strategic position. These sections provide the reader with details that our protagonist must have been completely unaware as an Ordinary (later Able Seaman) in an Army-led campaign. Quotations drawn from parliamentary proceedings and, occasionally, the memoirs of other people involved are used intelligently and I cannot help but wish that more of Phillip Gunn's own words had been used. All of Phillip's experiences are relayed in the third person and I feel that the text would have benefited if direct quotations had been included.
Read this accessible book for its intimate account of a young man thrown into an extraordinary situation. Read it for its ordinary seaman's view of life in an unusual part of the navy. Enjoy the pictures and the tales of life in the desert but don't expect a detailed account of the campaign. Treat it as a memoir and you won't be disappointed.
The account is written by David Gunn, Phillip's son, and is based on a mixture of notes and conversations that took place many years after the events the book covers. There is no mention of original diaries in the text, however, it seems that David Gunn has pieced together the campaign from a number of sources (detailed in the bibliography) and then augmented the historical elements with conversations and his father's notes.
As a result this book is not a traditional history of a campaign and more a memoir, written from Able-Seaman Gunn's memories. This makes it readable for the general reader, but is potentially a limitation for the more serious historian. The book is 148 pages long and is comprised of short chapters, each comprising of two or three pages and each covering a particular incident or anecdote along the journey. Sometimes a chapter covers a significant military event, such as “Amara surrenders to nine men”, at other times, minor vignettes, such as “Phil meets the Arabs”. This lends the book a quirky charm and, as long as you are happy to enjoy them as a travelogue of a young lad in a strange country, you'll enjoy the narrative. My impression is that the book was written in short segments over a period of time as this would explain both repeating refrains and a few irrelevant sections that perhaps could have been edited down.
The colour illustrations in the centre section are a gem. Painted by Phillip Gunn, who retired to become a landscape painter, they stylistically portray various episodes from Gunn's campaign. However, once again, one must be careful not to conclude that these are true representations of what happened. There is no mention of Gunn painting or sketching whilst in the field and one of the pictures portrays the destruction of the launch he had been commanding; an event that happened whilst Phillip Gunn was incapacitated with malaria and many miles away. In this particular case, one must draw the conclusion that it is an artist's impression drawn some time after the events they portray.
This is a recurring theme in the text. For example, Gunn repeatedly mentions that Phillip wonders whether the medical provision will be enough at various stages in the campaign. Given we are dealing with memories collated after the event, it is hard to say whether this actually was apparent or whether this is a constructed memory either added by the author or Phillip as he mulled over his experiences after the event. Certainly this is not what historians would refer to as a primary source.
The author has fleshed out the account with some useful contextual passages, such as the progress of the campaign as seen from parliament, the discussions of the general staff and the wider strategic position. These sections provide the reader with details that our protagonist must have been completely unaware as an Ordinary (later Able Seaman) in an Army-led campaign. Quotations drawn from parliamentary proceedings and, occasionally, the memoirs of other people involved are used intelligently and I cannot help but wish that more of Phillip Gunn's own words had been used. All of Phillip's experiences are relayed in the third person and I feel that the text would have benefited if direct quotations had been included.
Read this accessible book for its intimate account of a young man thrown into an extraordinary situation. Read it for its ordinary seaman's view of life in an unusual part of the navy. Enjoy the pictures and the tales of life in the desert but don't expect a detailed account of the campaign. Treat it as a memoir and you won't be disappointed.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Jutland 1916: The Archaeology of a Naval Battlefield
Author: Innes McCartney
Publisher: Conway
Only now, on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland, is the North Sea ready to give up some of her deepest secrets. Dr Innes McCartney is no stranger to the shipwrecks of Jutland. For this book, Jutland 1916: The Archaeology of a Naval Battlefield, Innes draws on his vast experience of marine archaeology and more than a casual ability to tell a great sea story. Skilfully revealing the fates that befell all but 2 of the 25 Jutland wrecks, how they were discovered and ultimately identified.
It is clear from reading the preface, that the idea for this mammoth project had been floating around the mind of the author for the past 17 years. It was surely destined to become a book. Innes teamed up with a man who has a lifelong knowledge of the Jutland shipwrecks and also owns the largest underwater contractor company in Denmark, Gert Normann Andersen. The project they embarked on, charting and accurately identifying the Jutland wrecks, was a clear case of old school forensic research, meets cutting edge multibeam sonar technology. Inness and Gert had been sharing information about possible Jutland wreck sites since 2001. In 2015 they embarked on what would become the most comprehensive survey of the Jutland conflict archaeology ever undertaken.
Throughout this book, new theories are compared with the historical text. Old theories are often debunked and history re-written. When researching possible wreck sites, Innes delved deep into related files at the National Archives and cross referenced eyewitness testimonies with official Admiralty accounts - from both warring sides. During his research Innes referred closely to the Harper record. In 1919 Captain J.E.T. Harper was tasked by the Admiralty to produce a chronological and geographical record of the battle. Historical survey records held at the UK Hydrographic Office were studied and collated with local knowledge of the Jutland area. Historically, many shipwrecks around the world have been discovered by fishermen snagging their nets. A good example was the discovery of the early British submarine Resurgam, snagged in nets of a Colwyn Bay trawler in 1995.
It becomes apparent to the Jutland layman that this great sea battle was no timely affair. Innes breaks the 16 hour battle down into four component parts and highlights three distinct actions: Battlecruiser Action, Fleet Action and Night Action. The forth part provides the reader with an overview of Jutland 100 years on. Here Innes discusses the ‘Archaeology of a Naval Battlefield’. There is a fantastic table in which Innes compares the distances between the actual Jutland shipwrecks with Harpers estimated positions. Each part of this book is complemented with concise references. The 272 glossy pages of this hardback book are packed full of underwater colour images and archived black and white photographs.The book concludes with a chapter predicting the possible future of the wreck sites. Here, Innes very rightly highlights the monumental damage being by inflicted by unauthorised, for profit, salvage.
Innes very modestly says ‘...this study is not definitive, but it has reached a point where the results have become extensive enough to form a springboard for further research’.
I was genuinely overwhelmed by the amount information packed into this fantastic book. Innes McCartney and everyone involved with this project should be congratulated for producing such a well informed archaeological study of the largest sea battle to take place in World War One.
A sea battle which the Admiralty of the time would rather you didn’t know about.
It is clear from reading the preface, that the idea for this mammoth project had been floating around the mind of the author for the past 17 years. It was surely destined to become a book. Innes teamed up with a man who has a lifelong knowledge of the Jutland shipwrecks and also owns the largest underwater contractor company in Denmark, Gert Normann Andersen. The project they embarked on, charting and accurately identifying the Jutland wrecks, was a clear case of old school forensic research, meets cutting edge multibeam sonar technology. Inness and Gert had been sharing information about possible Jutland wreck sites since 2001. In 2015 they embarked on what would become the most comprehensive survey of the Jutland conflict archaeology ever undertaken.
Throughout this book, new theories are compared with the historical text. Old theories are often debunked and history re-written. When researching possible wreck sites, Innes delved deep into related files at the National Archives and cross referenced eyewitness testimonies with official Admiralty accounts - from both warring sides. During his research Innes referred closely to the Harper record. In 1919 Captain J.E.T. Harper was tasked by the Admiralty to produce a chronological and geographical record of the battle. Historical survey records held at the UK Hydrographic Office were studied and collated with local knowledge of the Jutland area. Historically, many shipwrecks around the world have been discovered by fishermen snagging their nets. A good example was the discovery of the early British submarine Resurgam, snagged in nets of a Colwyn Bay trawler in 1995.
It becomes apparent to the Jutland layman that this great sea battle was no timely affair. Innes breaks the 16 hour battle down into four component parts and highlights three distinct actions: Battlecruiser Action, Fleet Action and Night Action. The forth part provides the reader with an overview of Jutland 100 years on. Here Innes discusses the ‘Archaeology of a Naval Battlefield’. There is a fantastic table in which Innes compares the distances between the actual Jutland shipwrecks with Harpers estimated positions. Each part of this book is complemented with concise references. The 272 glossy pages of this hardback book are packed full of underwater colour images and archived black and white photographs.The book concludes with a chapter predicting the possible future of the wreck sites. Here, Innes very rightly highlights the monumental damage being by inflicted by unauthorised, for profit, salvage.
Innes very modestly says ‘...this study is not definitive, but it has reached a point where the results have become extensive enough to form a springboard for further research’.
I was genuinely overwhelmed by the amount information packed into this fantastic book. Innes McCartney and everyone involved with this project should be congratulated for producing such a well informed archaeological study of the largest sea battle to take place in World War One.
A sea battle which the Admiralty of the time would rather you didn’t know about.
Reviewed by David J.B. Smith
Follow Dave on Twitter @NavalAuthor
Follow Dave on Twitter @NavalAuthor
The German Army on Campaign 1914 - 1918
Author: Bob Carruthers
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
The German Army on Campaign 1914-1918 is one of the growing “Images of War” series published by Pen and Sword Books. A series of photo books comprised of historical pictures that follow a theme. The series claims to use rarely seen archive pictures, with one or two exceptions, where well-known pictures appear, Bob Carruthers has done just that.
Running to 128 pages, with one or two pictures on each page, The German Army on Campaign is essentially a pictorial history of the Great War from a German perspective, covering the pre-war months of 1914 to the end of 1918. Whilst the emphasis of the book is primarily on the Western Front, there are smatterings of informative pictures from the Eastern Front and behind the lines.
The author has collated an exceptional selection of images in this book. Whilst many are formal portrait “school photos” of particular units, there are many candid and front line images. Throughout the book, the quality of the pictures is remarkable. Speaking as a photographer, I can only marvel at the skill of photographers who have captured striking images in, obviously, difficult circumstances. A battlefield shot of a soldier lobbing a stick grenade over a mound of barbed wire, where individual strands of wire can be distinguished, is testament to the photographer's skill. To complement the photos, the production quality of the book is excellent, allowing the reader to appreciate the selection properly.
Each picture is accompanied by a caption that explains the circumstances, the subject and pertinent facts. The images have been selected to tell a story, whether this is the optimistic picture of a soldier off to the front in 1914 with his wife helping to carry his pack or ranks of German prisoners from late 1918, each tells part of the history of the conflict.
The captioning is strong throughout, referencing units, locations and type’s weaponry where these facts are known. Not afraid to state where things are unclear or unknown, the author is authoritative on the things that he does know. For example, I hadn't realised that the scarcity of steel helmets in 1916 meant that they were often handed from unit to unit as “trench stores” as men rotated through the trenches. The evolution of uniform, personal protection and trench systems is palpable as you read this book; pointed leather helmets becomes steel (later armour plated), weaponry becomes heavier and simple ditches become elaborate dugouts and bunkers.
Some of the pictures selected are incredibly powerful. Wounded despatch dogs being treated for wounds sustained on the battlefield, German soldiers trying to stop a French soldier from drowning in a shell hole, gas preparations and ranks of dead men slumped over their weapons; these are the images that contrast with the optimism of the formal portraits and help you understand a little of the experiences of these men. If you are interested in the First World War from the German perspective especially, that of the rank and file soldier, this book will give you insights that a traditional history book cannot do.
They say that a picture speaks a thousand words; I cannot vouch for this, but I do know that these pictures draw you in, making you study them in detail and as you do, they reveal more of the men grappling with the first industrialised war.
For a chance to win a copy, see our 'Competition Page'.
Running to 128 pages, with one or two pictures on each page, The German Army on Campaign is essentially a pictorial history of the Great War from a German perspective, covering the pre-war months of 1914 to the end of 1918. Whilst the emphasis of the book is primarily on the Western Front, there are smatterings of informative pictures from the Eastern Front and behind the lines.
The author has collated an exceptional selection of images in this book. Whilst many are formal portrait “school photos” of particular units, there are many candid and front line images. Throughout the book, the quality of the pictures is remarkable. Speaking as a photographer, I can only marvel at the skill of photographers who have captured striking images in, obviously, difficult circumstances. A battlefield shot of a soldier lobbing a stick grenade over a mound of barbed wire, where individual strands of wire can be distinguished, is testament to the photographer's skill. To complement the photos, the production quality of the book is excellent, allowing the reader to appreciate the selection properly.
Each picture is accompanied by a caption that explains the circumstances, the subject and pertinent facts. The images have been selected to tell a story, whether this is the optimistic picture of a soldier off to the front in 1914 with his wife helping to carry his pack or ranks of German prisoners from late 1918, each tells part of the history of the conflict.
The captioning is strong throughout, referencing units, locations and type’s weaponry where these facts are known. Not afraid to state where things are unclear or unknown, the author is authoritative on the things that he does know. For example, I hadn't realised that the scarcity of steel helmets in 1916 meant that they were often handed from unit to unit as “trench stores” as men rotated through the trenches. The evolution of uniform, personal protection and trench systems is palpable as you read this book; pointed leather helmets becomes steel (later armour plated), weaponry becomes heavier and simple ditches become elaborate dugouts and bunkers.
Some of the pictures selected are incredibly powerful. Wounded despatch dogs being treated for wounds sustained on the battlefield, German soldiers trying to stop a French soldier from drowning in a shell hole, gas preparations and ranks of dead men slumped over their weapons; these are the images that contrast with the optimism of the formal portraits and help you understand a little of the experiences of these men. If you are interested in the First World War from the German perspective especially, that of the rank and file soldier, this book will give you insights that a traditional history book cannot do.
They say that a picture speaks a thousand words; I cannot vouch for this, but I do know that these pictures draw you in, making you study them in detail and as you do, they reveal more of the men grappling with the first industrialised war.
For a chance to win a copy, see our 'Competition Page'.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Challenge of Battle: The British Army’s Baptism of Fire in the First World War
Author: Adrian Gilbert
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Adrian Gilbert's book, Challenge of Battle, examines the critical battles of the opening months of the First World War, looking at the British military's baptism of fire as a mainly colonial army met the German onslaught. Starting from the premise that much of what has been written about this period has been coloured by the long shadow of the British Official History, written in the 1920s, it attempts to reappraise the performance of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) using both primary and secondary sources to weave an account of the events of 1914.
Gilbert has woven his sources with detailed analysis to create a new view of the efficacy of the army, drawing out examples of success and failure, cowardice, bravery and inspiration. Over the course of 300 pages, he charts the BEF's journey through the initial encounters of Mons, the shock of defeat at Le Cateau, the stagnation and establishment of trench warfare on the Marne and Aisne and finally to the defence of the Ypres salient. This journey shows the development of an army struggling in the face of inexperience and a new reality to play its part in the alliance with the French.
Gilbert is strong on his analysis of the German Army, showing that, rather than the mindless automatons of legend, the average infantry soldier was probably in better condition and more tactically aware than his British counterpart. He is complimentary of the doctrine of auftragtaktik; that of mission-oriented command, which allowed operational flexibility within the overall command framework. He contrasts this to the closer control exercised by officers in the BEF, which extended to checking their men were washing properly. He strikingly observes that the British private soldier was often the “below average”, often unhealthy, man who could not compete in civvy street and was drawn to the army for financial reasons. In contrast, the German soldier, conscripted though he was, was drawn from the population as a whole and, therefore, contained many of the educated classes and healthy men from the farms of the nation.
A nice addition would have been to have extended some of his analysis to include a comparison with the French army, drawn from the mainland European military tradition, and engaged in the same battles as the BEF. The French role is limited to providing or requiring reinforcements as a part of the BEF's story and, whilst this is understandable given the scope of the book, an opportunity may have been missed here.
The narrative is linear, clearly charting the BEF's role battle by battle and week by week. Whilst always well written, a minority of sections can sometimes feel as if they are lists of unit movements, lacking the spark of the parts where he draws on personal diaries. Thankfully, Gilbert has used quotations liberally, obviously taking great care over his selections, to bring the experience of the men to life. As is often the case, a well-chosen quote from a primary source can illustrate the reality better than any number of statistics; the account of a high explosive shell landing on a group of men in Ypres is particularly harrowing.
Having expressed his main thesis that the official histories do not always give the whole story, it is perhaps unsurprising that Gilbert is at his most engaging he compares firsthand accounts against official accounts. Here he identifies cases of embellishment and benign cover up as shortcomings are glossed over and minor achievements are inflated beyond their tactical importance. More seriously, he detects evasiveness in various officers’ accounts of the defeat at Le Cateau, as career soldiers seek to distance themselves from uncomfortable truths. He also identifies cases of an heroic action being emphasised as a distraction to the, partially self-inflicted, chaos of defeat. In another, more understandable, instance of a cover up, the suicide of a staff officer is tactfully glossed over, with only the primary source diaries telling the truth.
When Gilbert departs from his linear narrative to look at particular issues in the BEF, for example, that of personal leadership or the shortcomings of the artillery, his account is particularly strong, skilfully using anecdote and diaries to illustrate his points. He compares the performance and composition of the BEF against their adversary, contrasting the key differences and often finding something new to say. For example, even when covering well-trodden ground, such as the over-reliance and inefficacy of British shrapnel shells, he emphasises his point by quoting a German soldier saying that they found shrapnel fire preferable to rain!
In this thoroughly readable book, one is left with an impression of a military organisation dealing with a war for which it was not prepared, against an enemy they under-estimated and with the expectation that the war would not last long. The inclination of officers to lead from the front drove high casualty rates, robbing the BEF of the very leaders that would be so crucial in the coming years. The lack of initiative expected from the other ranks meant there was no backbone of NCOs capable of taking up the mantle once the precious pre-war leadership had fallen. The consequence of this was to fall heavily on the new recruits of Kitchener's army, as offensive plans, such as the Somme, were made with an assumption that little initiative or tactical thinking could be expected from inexperienced officers and infantry.
Gilbert has done a fine job in piecing the various elements of the 1914 campaign together, presenting an unvarnished view of the BEF in all it’s “warts and all” detail whilst remaining sympathetic and understanding of the pressure it faced.
Gilbert has woven his sources with detailed analysis to create a new view of the efficacy of the army, drawing out examples of success and failure, cowardice, bravery and inspiration. Over the course of 300 pages, he charts the BEF's journey through the initial encounters of Mons, the shock of defeat at Le Cateau, the stagnation and establishment of trench warfare on the Marne and Aisne and finally to the defence of the Ypres salient. This journey shows the development of an army struggling in the face of inexperience and a new reality to play its part in the alliance with the French.
Gilbert is strong on his analysis of the German Army, showing that, rather than the mindless automatons of legend, the average infantry soldier was probably in better condition and more tactically aware than his British counterpart. He is complimentary of the doctrine of auftragtaktik; that of mission-oriented command, which allowed operational flexibility within the overall command framework. He contrasts this to the closer control exercised by officers in the BEF, which extended to checking their men were washing properly. He strikingly observes that the British private soldier was often the “below average”, often unhealthy, man who could not compete in civvy street and was drawn to the army for financial reasons. In contrast, the German soldier, conscripted though he was, was drawn from the population as a whole and, therefore, contained many of the educated classes and healthy men from the farms of the nation.
A nice addition would have been to have extended some of his analysis to include a comparison with the French army, drawn from the mainland European military tradition, and engaged in the same battles as the BEF. The French role is limited to providing or requiring reinforcements as a part of the BEF's story and, whilst this is understandable given the scope of the book, an opportunity may have been missed here.
The narrative is linear, clearly charting the BEF's role battle by battle and week by week. Whilst always well written, a minority of sections can sometimes feel as if they are lists of unit movements, lacking the spark of the parts where he draws on personal diaries. Thankfully, Gilbert has used quotations liberally, obviously taking great care over his selections, to bring the experience of the men to life. As is often the case, a well-chosen quote from a primary source can illustrate the reality better than any number of statistics; the account of a high explosive shell landing on a group of men in Ypres is particularly harrowing.
Having expressed his main thesis that the official histories do not always give the whole story, it is perhaps unsurprising that Gilbert is at his most engaging he compares firsthand accounts against official accounts. Here he identifies cases of embellishment and benign cover up as shortcomings are glossed over and minor achievements are inflated beyond their tactical importance. More seriously, he detects evasiveness in various officers’ accounts of the defeat at Le Cateau, as career soldiers seek to distance themselves from uncomfortable truths. He also identifies cases of an heroic action being emphasised as a distraction to the, partially self-inflicted, chaos of defeat. In another, more understandable, instance of a cover up, the suicide of a staff officer is tactfully glossed over, with only the primary source diaries telling the truth.
When Gilbert departs from his linear narrative to look at particular issues in the BEF, for example, that of personal leadership or the shortcomings of the artillery, his account is particularly strong, skilfully using anecdote and diaries to illustrate his points. He compares the performance and composition of the BEF against their adversary, contrasting the key differences and often finding something new to say. For example, even when covering well-trodden ground, such as the over-reliance and inefficacy of British shrapnel shells, he emphasises his point by quoting a German soldier saying that they found shrapnel fire preferable to rain!
In this thoroughly readable book, one is left with an impression of a military organisation dealing with a war for which it was not prepared, against an enemy they under-estimated and with the expectation that the war would not last long. The inclination of officers to lead from the front drove high casualty rates, robbing the BEF of the very leaders that would be so crucial in the coming years. The lack of initiative expected from the other ranks meant there was no backbone of NCOs capable of taking up the mantle once the precious pre-war leadership had fallen. The consequence of this was to fall heavily on the new recruits of Kitchener's army, as offensive plans, such as the Somme, were made with an assumption that little initiative or tactical thinking could be expected from inexperienced officers and infantry.
Gilbert has done a fine job in piecing the various elements of the 1914 campaign together, presenting an unvarnished view of the BEF in all it’s “warts and all” detail whilst remaining sympathetic and understanding of the pressure it faced.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Haig's Medical Officer, The Papers of Eugene "Micky Ryan"
Edited by Eugene P. Ryan
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
Haig's Medical Officer charts the career of Eugene “Micky” Ryan, focussing on his experiences during the First World War. The papers consist primarily of diary entries and longer, more vivid, letters to his wife. The editor has also included various other bits of ephemera to flesh out the story.
Whilst the papers of any high ranking medical officer in the First World War would be of interest to historians, the editor is conscious that Ryan, because of his close relationship with Douglas Haig, will be of much more note than they otherwise would be. As such, these papers have a dual role, that of recording the role of a high ranking medical officer and as an insight into the character of Haig; a subject that remains an active topic for historical investigation.
Ryan's diaries are written short-form and refer to people, places and events without much in the way of background information. His letters are, naturally, more expressive and often provide insight into the man himself.
Eugene P Ryan, the editor, has clearly approached the task of presenting his grandfather's papers with a realistic view of their readability and the amount of material available, providing historical, contextual and biographical notes, often from primary sources that allow the general reader to place the detail in the course of wider events. Haig himself, in his diaries, writes in a longer style and is quoted extensively in this book, as are other Headquarters staff, cross-referencing and giving context to Ryan's papers. Occasionally reiterating the same point, but always informative, the editor weaves a detailed narrative that is clearly the result of extensive research and personal interest.
The book charts Ryan's early career focussing heavily on the First World War years before completing with his post war service. I was surprised how little Ryan mentions his actual medical duties, commenting instead on places and military events, although the editor has included excerpts from Ryan’s official hospital diaries to fill this gap. Of particular interest is the turmoil of the early part of the war where the frenetic nature of the British deployment and subsequent retreat are brought into sharp relief, coupled with Ryan's obvious shock of losing comrades. The section on the Battle of Loos is informative and makes for compelling reading as Ryan's command handles unprecedented numbers of casualties. However, whilst Ryan mentions the Somme offensive, his role commanding Lapugnoy (near Ypres) Casualty Clearing Station away from the main effort means his actual involvement is limited and one is left wondering what he would have thought of the casualty levels. The post-war tour of the battlefields with a group of headquarters staff, including Haig, gives an insight into the way in which those involved sought to understand what had happened over the war years.
Throughout, the editor has taken pains to draw out every reference to Ryan's relationship with Haig, which encompasses looking after his wife, children and “bullying” Haig into taking rest breaks during the height of the war. One is left with an impression of a friendship that was based on absolute trust and faith in each other's professional abilities.
Eugene P Ryan has made a useful contribution to the canon of works relating to senior officers in the war and has provided more material for those particularly interested in Haig. As an insight into the management Royal Army Medical Corps, it provides a tantalising glimpse into an under-researched area. He has navigated skilfully the twin demands of presenting and interpreting a primary historical source whilst interpreting it for the reader, all the while retaining the integrity of the original materials.
Whilst the papers of any high ranking medical officer in the First World War would be of interest to historians, the editor is conscious that Ryan, because of his close relationship with Douglas Haig, will be of much more note than they otherwise would be. As such, these papers have a dual role, that of recording the role of a high ranking medical officer and as an insight into the character of Haig; a subject that remains an active topic for historical investigation.
Ryan's diaries are written short-form and refer to people, places and events without much in the way of background information. His letters are, naturally, more expressive and often provide insight into the man himself.
Eugene P Ryan, the editor, has clearly approached the task of presenting his grandfather's papers with a realistic view of their readability and the amount of material available, providing historical, contextual and biographical notes, often from primary sources that allow the general reader to place the detail in the course of wider events. Haig himself, in his diaries, writes in a longer style and is quoted extensively in this book, as are other Headquarters staff, cross-referencing and giving context to Ryan's papers. Occasionally reiterating the same point, but always informative, the editor weaves a detailed narrative that is clearly the result of extensive research and personal interest.
The book charts Ryan's early career focussing heavily on the First World War years before completing with his post war service. I was surprised how little Ryan mentions his actual medical duties, commenting instead on places and military events, although the editor has included excerpts from Ryan’s official hospital diaries to fill this gap. Of particular interest is the turmoil of the early part of the war where the frenetic nature of the British deployment and subsequent retreat are brought into sharp relief, coupled with Ryan's obvious shock of losing comrades. The section on the Battle of Loos is informative and makes for compelling reading as Ryan's command handles unprecedented numbers of casualties. However, whilst Ryan mentions the Somme offensive, his role commanding Lapugnoy (near Ypres) Casualty Clearing Station away from the main effort means his actual involvement is limited and one is left wondering what he would have thought of the casualty levels. The post-war tour of the battlefields with a group of headquarters staff, including Haig, gives an insight into the way in which those involved sought to understand what had happened over the war years.
Throughout, the editor has taken pains to draw out every reference to Ryan's relationship with Haig, which encompasses looking after his wife, children and “bullying” Haig into taking rest breaks during the height of the war. One is left with an impression of a friendship that was based on absolute trust and faith in each other's professional abilities.
Eugene P Ryan has made a useful contribution to the canon of works relating to senior officers in the war and has provided more material for those particularly interested in Haig. As an insight into the management Royal Army Medical Corps, it provides a tantalising glimpse into an under-researched area. He has navigated skilfully the twin demands of presenting and interpreting a primary historical source whilst interpreting it for the reader, all the while retaining the integrity of the original materials.
Reviewed by Chris Stevenson
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
Follow Chris on Twitter @WW1TheGreatWar
The Adventures & Inventions of Stewart Blacker, Soldier, Aviator, Weapons Inventor
Edited by Barnaby Blacker
Publisher: Pen & Sword Military Books
Welcome to my next review for Stand Easy Military Books. My latest read is an extraordinary insight into the interesting life of Stewart Blacker. Follow the adventures and inventions of this soldier, aviator and weapons inventor in this very well written and fascinating book. Edited by Barnaby Blacker and published by Pen & Sword Military Books.
The book opens with a six year old Blacker sailing from Gibraltar on board a square rigger bound for Plymouth. The very moment I started turning the pages of this book I was drawn in. From here on in the reader is taken on an incredible journey packed full of boy's own adventure. After successfully passing through the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, Blacker embarks on a long and distinguished military career, starting in India. Stories of trekking through perilous mountain terrain, encountering various enemies and allies during his journey are commonplace. Blacker then heads back towards Europe just as the start of the First World War looms heavy on the horizon.
Aviation is Stewart’s real passion. The young pilot is plunged headlong into flying. At the outbreak of war, Blacker soon finds himself experimenting with several anti-Zeppelin weapons and tactics. These weapons included a terrifying barbed explosive filled tube, towed from an aircraft at the end of 1000 feet of high tensile steel cable. This contraption was just as likely to kill the pilot and observer as well as the enemy. The main role undertaken by early World War One aircraft was reconnaissance. Royal Flying Corps aircraft flew over German lines spotting and correcting gunfire for British artillery. This was an inherently dangerous role, made worse by the under powered lumbering aircraft, and the ever increasing keenness of the German anti-aircraft gunners.
Most importantly, Stewart Blacker was also an accomplished weapons inventor. Blacker was the man responsible for and credited with, the safe and reliable synchronizing of forward firing machine guns - especially designed to avoid shooting ones own propeller off. After surviving the Great War, Stuart was instrumental in the much needed development of anti-armour weapons during World War Two. Blacker’s inventions were not just limited to the PIAT shoulder fired anti-tank weapon, which rapidly changed anti-tank warfare on battlefield. He also invented the self titled ‘Blacker Bombard’ and ‘Flying Dustbin’ spigot launched systems. However, most famously Stuart designed and developed the very successful naval ‘Hedgehog’ anti-submarine weapon system.
This great book is wedged full of interesting stories, like Blacker’s flight over the towering Mount Everest, or his exciting exploration of Persia. Unfortunately, there really are far too many amazing anecdotes to sufficiently do the book justice in my short review. If you want to learn more about this influential and extraordinary man, I can highly recommend this very interesting book.
The book opens with a six year old Blacker sailing from Gibraltar on board a square rigger bound for Plymouth. The very moment I started turning the pages of this book I was drawn in. From here on in the reader is taken on an incredible journey packed full of boy's own adventure. After successfully passing through the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, Blacker embarks on a long and distinguished military career, starting in India. Stories of trekking through perilous mountain terrain, encountering various enemies and allies during his journey are commonplace. Blacker then heads back towards Europe just as the start of the First World War looms heavy on the horizon.
Aviation is Stewart’s real passion. The young pilot is plunged headlong into flying. At the outbreak of war, Blacker soon finds himself experimenting with several anti-Zeppelin weapons and tactics. These weapons included a terrifying barbed explosive filled tube, towed from an aircraft at the end of 1000 feet of high tensile steel cable. This contraption was just as likely to kill the pilot and observer as well as the enemy. The main role undertaken by early World War One aircraft was reconnaissance. Royal Flying Corps aircraft flew over German lines spotting and correcting gunfire for British artillery. This was an inherently dangerous role, made worse by the under powered lumbering aircraft, and the ever increasing keenness of the German anti-aircraft gunners.
Most importantly, Stewart Blacker was also an accomplished weapons inventor. Blacker was the man responsible for and credited with, the safe and reliable synchronizing of forward firing machine guns - especially designed to avoid shooting ones own propeller off. After surviving the Great War, Stuart was instrumental in the much needed development of anti-armour weapons during World War Two. Blacker’s inventions were not just limited to the PIAT shoulder fired anti-tank weapon, which rapidly changed anti-tank warfare on battlefield. He also invented the self titled ‘Blacker Bombard’ and ‘Flying Dustbin’ spigot launched systems. However, most famously Stuart designed and developed the very successful naval ‘Hedgehog’ anti-submarine weapon system.
This great book is wedged full of interesting stories, like Blacker’s flight over the towering Mount Everest, or his exciting exploration of Persia. Unfortunately, there really are far too many amazing anecdotes to sufficiently do the book justice in my short review. If you want to learn more about this influential and extraordinary man, I can highly recommend this very interesting book.
Reviewed by Andy Holcombe
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
The Royal Navy 1914-1918: A Photographic Record
Author: Adrian Vicary
Publisher: Maritime Books
Welcome to my latest review for Stand-Easy Military Books. I
recently had the pleasure of receiving and reviewing a beautiful hardback copy
of The Royal Navy 1914 – 1918 A
Photographic Record, by Adrian
Vicary. This edition was first published in 2014 by Maritime Books.
This is a comprehensively illustrated and very well researched book packed with over 140 period black and white photographs. The book, covers in great detail, a full range Naval vessels which were in service with the Royal Navy during the First World War. They are all here, from submarines to hospital ships and everything in between. There are even photographs of huge airships used for over the horizon spotting. Each vessel, its engines, armament, speed and endurance have been expertly researched and laid out chronologically.
While the deployment of the Royal Navy and its use in the Great War was not a subject of which I knew a great deal, I found this book to be a fascinating insight into the myriad of craft available at the time. The author writes about vessels that were commissioned specifically for the purpose of war along with those also adopted as supply and hospital ships. As the fuel of choice began to move from coal to oil, bringing with it new demands on this rapidly changing and growing fleet, Vicary mentions those vessels re-fitted as oilers. The use of aircraft for reconnaissance and bombing raids had also started to become advantageous at this time. Before the construction of dedicated aircraft carriers, some ships were rapidly converted to accommodate this new advance in Naval warfare, often vessels had aircraft launching platforms placed directly on top of gun turrets.
Another interesting subject for me was the inclusion of submarines, which I found to be very well researched. Along with several cracking illustrations to accompany his text, the author writes about the E-Class and J-Class through to the massive K-Class submarines and finally the big gunned M-Class boats. This book depicts the variations in submarine design and use. From small boats that could be externally fitted with explosives to carry out specific operations, to the huge M1 submarine whose main deck armament was a 12 inch gun taken from a scrapped battleship. This massive gun gave her the ability to throw a 850lb shell a staggering distance of 14nm. The gun was also able to be fired quickly after the boat had surfaced something not always possible in relation to other submarine deck guns.
I would highly recommend this book to those interested in the developmental history of the Royal Navy and specifically the new craft designed and built during the First World War. Adrian Vicary has written an incredible reference book crammed with an abundance of information which he delivers it in such a way that it has enabled this book to be a very comfortable and informative read. This book would be a perfect addition to any military book collection.
For a chance to win a copy of this book, courtsey of Maritime Books, see our free competition here!
This is a comprehensively illustrated and very well researched book packed with over 140 period black and white photographs. The book, covers in great detail, a full range Naval vessels which were in service with the Royal Navy during the First World War. They are all here, from submarines to hospital ships and everything in between. There are even photographs of huge airships used for over the horizon spotting. Each vessel, its engines, armament, speed and endurance have been expertly researched and laid out chronologically.
While the deployment of the Royal Navy and its use in the Great War was not a subject of which I knew a great deal, I found this book to be a fascinating insight into the myriad of craft available at the time. The author writes about vessels that were commissioned specifically for the purpose of war along with those also adopted as supply and hospital ships. As the fuel of choice began to move from coal to oil, bringing with it new demands on this rapidly changing and growing fleet, Vicary mentions those vessels re-fitted as oilers. The use of aircraft for reconnaissance and bombing raids had also started to become advantageous at this time. Before the construction of dedicated aircraft carriers, some ships were rapidly converted to accommodate this new advance in Naval warfare, often vessels had aircraft launching platforms placed directly on top of gun turrets.
Another interesting subject for me was the inclusion of submarines, which I found to be very well researched. Along with several cracking illustrations to accompany his text, the author writes about the E-Class and J-Class through to the massive K-Class submarines and finally the big gunned M-Class boats. This book depicts the variations in submarine design and use. From small boats that could be externally fitted with explosives to carry out specific operations, to the huge M1 submarine whose main deck armament was a 12 inch gun taken from a scrapped battleship. This massive gun gave her the ability to throw a 850lb shell a staggering distance of 14nm. The gun was also able to be fired quickly after the boat had surfaced something not always possible in relation to other submarine deck guns.
I would highly recommend this book to those interested in the developmental history of the Royal Navy and specifically the new craft designed and built during the First World War. Adrian Vicary has written an incredible reference book crammed with an abundance of information which he delivers it in such a way that it has enabled this book to be a very comfortable and informative read. This book would be a perfect addition to any military book collection.
For a chance to win a copy of this book, courtsey of Maritime Books, see our free competition here!
Reviewed by Andy Holcombe
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Sniper Jackson
Author: Frederick Sleath
Publisher: Pen & Sword / Frontline Books
Hello and
welcome to my first review for Stand-Easy Military Books.
This hardback book titled Sniper Jackson was published by Pen & Sword / Frontline Books and was written by Frederick Sleath. Sniper Jackson is thought to be an account of Jackson’s life in the trenches as an officer seconded to the 2nd Royal Scots Infantry Regiment in 1915.
The story tells of a young Second Lieutenant, Ronald Jackson, who was posted to the front line and assigned to the Sniper Section. Jackson was allotted this position owing to him being a fresh young officer lacking in combat experience. It was common at this time for young inexperienced officers to be put in charge of specialist units such as sniper, bomb, or trench mortar sections. This would leave the more senior officers free to keep effective control of the day to day running of their battalions.
Sleath details the exploits of Jackson, the young subaltern, steadily growing alongside the men in his section. The story describes the hardships endured throughout the First World War and of the camaraderie and understanding built up between all ranks in times of great danger. The author explains, in graphic detail, the tasks undertaken by the sniper which not only included the art of actual sniping, but also necessitated a requirement to map no man’s land along with the layout of German trenches. This book tells how, even during war, there were times when humanity was called for - as well as tough discipline.
Sniper Jackson provides a good account of the type of trench warfare waged at the time and how different people dealt with it in different ways. Sleath is graphic in his description of the conditions endured. He really gives the reader an insight into the trench way of life by mentioning what was going through the mind of a soldier in the harsh dug outs of the First World War.
The chapters within this book tell of a life both in and out the trenches. The author conveys very well how, out of the trenches and when in the rear echelon, soldiers strived to have some sort of normality. It’s easy to believe after reading this book that the author is recalling real life events. Sniper Jackson’s experiences are really well described and brought vividly to life in one’s own minds eye.
This very enjoyable book is definitely one to read. Sniper Jackson will give the reader a good insight into the life of a young, inexperienced man growing up and learning, through a baptism of fire, how to survive and fight in such a cruel and bloody war.
This hardback book titled Sniper Jackson was published by Pen & Sword / Frontline Books and was written by Frederick Sleath. Sniper Jackson is thought to be an account of Jackson’s life in the trenches as an officer seconded to the 2nd Royal Scots Infantry Regiment in 1915.
The story tells of a young Second Lieutenant, Ronald Jackson, who was posted to the front line and assigned to the Sniper Section. Jackson was allotted this position owing to him being a fresh young officer lacking in combat experience. It was common at this time for young inexperienced officers to be put in charge of specialist units such as sniper, bomb, or trench mortar sections. This would leave the more senior officers free to keep effective control of the day to day running of their battalions.
Sleath details the exploits of Jackson, the young subaltern, steadily growing alongside the men in his section. The story describes the hardships endured throughout the First World War and of the camaraderie and understanding built up between all ranks in times of great danger. The author explains, in graphic detail, the tasks undertaken by the sniper which not only included the art of actual sniping, but also necessitated a requirement to map no man’s land along with the layout of German trenches. This book tells how, even during war, there were times when humanity was called for - as well as tough discipline.
Sniper Jackson provides a good account of the type of trench warfare waged at the time and how different people dealt with it in different ways. Sleath is graphic in his description of the conditions endured. He really gives the reader an insight into the trench way of life by mentioning what was going through the mind of a soldier in the harsh dug outs of the First World War.
The chapters within this book tell of a life both in and out the trenches. The author conveys very well how, out of the trenches and when in the rear echelon, soldiers strived to have some sort of normality. It’s easy to believe after reading this book that the author is recalling real life events. Sniper Jackson’s experiences are really well described and brought vividly to life in one’s own minds eye.
This very enjoyable book is definitely one to read. Sniper Jackson will give the reader a good insight into the life of a young, inexperienced man growing up and learning, through a baptism of fire, how to survive and fight in such a cruel and bloody war.
Reviewed by Dave Cooper
Follow Dave on Twitter @dccooper258
Follow Dave on Twitter @dccooper258
Memoirs of a Rifleman Scout
Author: Major F.M. Crum
Publisher: Frontline Books
Welcome to my latest review for Stand Easy Military Books.
I have had the pleasure of reading this fascinating publication by Frontline Books.
‘The Memoirs of a Rifleman Scout by Major F M Crum’ This book delves headlong into the wide variety of experiences gained by the author during his life and travels as part of the British Army. This well written and interesting account draws the reader in and gives a real insight and understanding into the various battles and encounters Crum experienced in the field. The author’s military journey started in South Africa against the backdrop of the Second Boer War and moves through to the infancy of sniping in the First World War. Towards the final chapter Major Crum discusses his involvement in the creation of the Boy Scout movement.
As eluded, the author begins his story during the build up to the Second Boer War. The author describes, in context, the coming conflict and the mood of soldiers shipped there to fight. Reading his words makes you realise what a different army it was back then and how the British Army was to change in a matter of twenty years. To some degree the rule book was still being written. The relationships between soldiers and officers and those further up the chain of command were, to some extent, a more relaxed affair. This is reflected in the graphic accounts of skirmishes and retreats that seemed to dominate a large amount of this conflict, at least from the authors standpoint.
Many entries in these memoirs are of a personal nature. The reader gets a good understanding of real life experiences, such as his words on the wounding or death of close friends during this tumultuous time, accounts, which in other books may have been missed. The author reflects how he and his fellow men dealt with conflict and the aftermath of battle. Following the Boer War, Major Crum describes his time in Malta, India and Scotland, the latter being the build up to the First World War. Lord Kitchener was calling upon men to join up and serve their country.
As the First World War started to gain momentum the reader is lead into the trenches. Utilising some really good descriptive writing, Major Crum vividly brings his first hand experiences of trench warfare to life. From the dug outs not fit for a tramp as he put it, to the maze of trenches constantly under bombardment from all types of weapons. The smell and heat from liquid fire to bombing, shelling and the constant crack of rifle and machine gun fire flying overhead. In this landscape the art of sniping was devised and perfected amongst a small group of dedicated rifleman who, in the early stages, purchased their own telescopic sights, rifles and trench periscopes. These riflemen were always on the look out for new ways to improve and out smart the enemy at their own game.
I thought this book was a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.
I have had the pleasure of reading this fascinating publication by Frontline Books.
‘The Memoirs of a Rifleman Scout by Major F M Crum’ This book delves headlong into the wide variety of experiences gained by the author during his life and travels as part of the British Army. This well written and interesting account draws the reader in and gives a real insight and understanding into the various battles and encounters Crum experienced in the field. The author’s military journey started in South Africa against the backdrop of the Second Boer War and moves through to the infancy of sniping in the First World War. Towards the final chapter Major Crum discusses his involvement in the creation of the Boy Scout movement.
As eluded, the author begins his story during the build up to the Second Boer War. The author describes, in context, the coming conflict and the mood of soldiers shipped there to fight. Reading his words makes you realise what a different army it was back then and how the British Army was to change in a matter of twenty years. To some degree the rule book was still being written. The relationships between soldiers and officers and those further up the chain of command were, to some extent, a more relaxed affair. This is reflected in the graphic accounts of skirmishes and retreats that seemed to dominate a large amount of this conflict, at least from the authors standpoint.
Many entries in these memoirs are of a personal nature. The reader gets a good understanding of real life experiences, such as his words on the wounding or death of close friends during this tumultuous time, accounts, which in other books may have been missed. The author reflects how he and his fellow men dealt with conflict and the aftermath of battle. Following the Boer War, Major Crum describes his time in Malta, India and Scotland, the latter being the build up to the First World War. Lord Kitchener was calling upon men to join up and serve their country.
As the First World War started to gain momentum the reader is lead into the trenches. Utilising some really good descriptive writing, Major Crum vividly brings his first hand experiences of trench warfare to life. From the dug outs not fit for a tramp as he put it, to the maze of trenches constantly under bombardment from all types of weapons. The smell and heat from liquid fire to bombing, shelling and the constant crack of rifle and machine gun fire flying overhead. In this landscape the art of sniping was devised and perfected amongst a small group of dedicated rifleman who, in the early stages, purchased their own telescopic sights, rifles and trench periscopes. These riflemen were always on the look out for new ways to improve and out smart the enemy at their own game.
I thought this book was a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Andy Holcombe
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Pioneer Battalions in the Great War
Author: K.W. Mitchinson
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Welcome to my next review for Stand-Easy Military Books.
I started reading ‘Pioneer Battalions in the Great War’ knowing nothing of the work of these units and the impact they were to have on the battlefields of the First World War. This book has been incredibly well researched by K.W. Mitchinson, and covers the conception and formation of the first Pioneer Battalions. The author discusses how they changed and adapted as the war moved on, as well as the influence cast upon them by their Commanding Officers. Some of whom it seemed, had already formed strong ideas and opinions of what the Pioneer Battalions' should be doing regardless of the real reason why they were formed.
These Battalions' were to be ‘Kitchener's New Armies’. It was under his instruction that the Pioneer units were formed. Many of the men called upon to join the Pioneers' were from mining and railway backgrounds. The majority of men were hard workers, already skilled in the tasks they were to undertake on the battlefields of France and Belgium. One of the problems was that these units were hastily thrown together. It was rather difficult to find officers with the right experience required to lead them. Often, retired ex-soldiers and officers were drafted in to train the Pioneers'. However, many of these instructors' had skills that were rather outdated by this time in the war - to say the least.
As a result of the irregular command structure which the Pioneer units found themselves working under, it was not uncommon for them to be separated from the Battalions' they were part of. The Pioneers would often be kept behind on the front-line as the rest of the Battalion was withdrawn. Their lot was not an easy or appreciated one, with many arduous and often dangerous tasks being carried out. The Pioneers' worked hard digging trenches, mortar positions and making sure ammunition supplies and communications were maintained. Very often, any record of their efforts was omitted from the official accounts of any action.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the men who worked under horrendous conditions to provide the backbone of infrastructure that was needed to wage war. The Pioneers' worked tirelessly building and constantly repairing roads, laying railway lines and even digging deep underground to create dugouts, and of course massive explosive mines.
Generally, in most areas, Pioneer Battalions suffered lighter casualties than the soldiers on the front-line. However, their actions and achievements were no less significant to the outcome of the First World War.
I started reading ‘Pioneer Battalions in the Great War’ knowing nothing of the work of these units and the impact they were to have on the battlefields of the First World War. This book has been incredibly well researched by K.W. Mitchinson, and covers the conception and formation of the first Pioneer Battalions. The author discusses how they changed and adapted as the war moved on, as well as the influence cast upon them by their Commanding Officers. Some of whom it seemed, had already formed strong ideas and opinions of what the Pioneer Battalions' should be doing regardless of the real reason why they were formed.
These Battalions' were to be ‘Kitchener's New Armies’. It was under his instruction that the Pioneer units were formed. Many of the men called upon to join the Pioneers' were from mining and railway backgrounds. The majority of men were hard workers, already skilled in the tasks they were to undertake on the battlefields of France and Belgium. One of the problems was that these units were hastily thrown together. It was rather difficult to find officers with the right experience required to lead them. Often, retired ex-soldiers and officers were drafted in to train the Pioneers'. However, many of these instructors' had skills that were rather outdated by this time in the war - to say the least.
As a result of the irregular command structure which the Pioneer units found themselves working under, it was not uncommon for them to be separated from the Battalions' they were part of. The Pioneers would often be kept behind on the front-line as the rest of the Battalion was withdrawn. Their lot was not an easy or appreciated one, with many arduous and often dangerous tasks being carried out. The Pioneers' worked hard digging trenches, mortar positions and making sure ammunition supplies and communications were maintained. Very often, any record of their efforts was omitted from the official accounts of any action.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the men who worked under horrendous conditions to provide the backbone of infrastructure that was needed to wage war. The Pioneers' worked tirelessly building and constantly repairing roads, laying railway lines and even digging deep underground to create dugouts, and of course massive explosive mines.
Generally, in most areas, Pioneer Battalions suffered lighter casualties than the soldiers on the front-line. However, their actions and achievements were no less significant to the outcome of the First World War.
Reviewed by Andy Holcombe
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Slaughter on the Somme: 1 July 1916
Author: Martin Mace & John Grehan
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Welcome to my second review here at Stand-Easy Military
Books. I have had the pleasure of reading another stunning book from Pen & Sword
Military Books entitled ‘Slaughter on the Somme 1 July 1916’ by Martin Mace and
John Grehan.
The authors have, by no small effort, painstakingly researched British Army records and assembled together many official war diaries in their entirety. Included is a full list of the battalions that took part. The book tells, from a unique perspective, the story of the first day of the battle of the Somme. This day was to become the worst day in British Army history.
This 500 page hard back edition is a must for anyone interested in the First World War, and specifically wishing to learn more about what happened on this day. The battle of the Somme is synonymous within our notion and general understanding of what the First World War must have been like for those men in the trenches. These diaries manage to bring into sharp focus the events of that day with the aid of period maps and some interesting photographs. For me this book provided a very rare glimpse into the extraordinary actions of the soldiers on 1 July 1916, given the conditions and operational decisions.
The content delivered here in the ‘Slaughter on the Somme’ is much more than just a list of drably stated times and figures. It unravels the complexity and horror of what took place. The staggering numbers of, not wounded or killed, but missing personnel clearly portrays the enormity of the endless shock inducing barrages of artillery from both sides. Predominately these barrages were for cutting wire, softening up defences, harassing supply columns and hampering the movement of troops. This book vividly describes the truly unprecedented wholesale slaughter taking place. Men who were being sent forward and not returning is seen with uncomfortable regularity.
Along with reports and accounts of the battle there were for me some interesting observations. The immense difficulty of trying to dig, even a small new section of trench, under fire in the wet heavy mud that came to typify trench warfare. The supply line shortages and problems of getting important messages even over short distances are discussed along with the weaponry and munitions that were in use at the time. The capture and use of the enemy’s weapons and bombs after fighting and capturing the German trenches, then exhausting those supplies of ammunition is also written about. However, amongst all of this there were the moments of civility in which medics and other ranks were given freedom from attack to collect their wounded from ‘No Man’s Land’. A fascinating read and highly recommended.
The authors have, by no small effort, painstakingly researched British Army records and assembled together many official war diaries in their entirety. Included is a full list of the battalions that took part. The book tells, from a unique perspective, the story of the first day of the battle of the Somme. This day was to become the worst day in British Army history.
This 500 page hard back edition is a must for anyone interested in the First World War, and specifically wishing to learn more about what happened on this day. The battle of the Somme is synonymous within our notion and general understanding of what the First World War must have been like for those men in the trenches. These diaries manage to bring into sharp focus the events of that day with the aid of period maps and some interesting photographs. For me this book provided a very rare glimpse into the extraordinary actions of the soldiers on 1 July 1916, given the conditions and operational decisions.
The content delivered here in the ‘Slaughter on the Somme’ is much more than just a list of drably stated times and figures. It unravels the complexity and horror of what took place. The staggering numbers of, not wounded or killed, but missing personnel clearly portrays the enormity of the endless shock inducing barrages of artillery from both sides. Predominately these barrages were for cutting wire, softening up defences, harassing supply columns and hampering the movement of troops. This book vividly describes the truly unprecedented wholesale slaughter taking place. Men who were being sent forward and not returning is seen with uncomfortable regularity.
Along with reports and accounts of the battle there were for me some interesting observations. The immense difficulty of trying to dig, even a small new section of trench, under fire in the wet heavy mud that came to typify trench warfare. The supply line shortages and problems of getting important messages even over short distances are discussed along with the weaponry and munitions that were in use at the time. The capture and use of the enemy’s weapons and bombs after fighting and capturing the German trenches, then exhausting those supplies of ammunition is also written about. However, amongst all of this there were the moments of civility in which medics and other ranks were given freedom from attack to collect their wounded from ‘No Man’s Land’. A fascinating read and highly recommended.
Reviewed by Andy Holcombe
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
A Motorcycle Courier in The Great War
Author: Captain W.H.L. Watson
Publisher: Pen & Sword
I have, in the past, been a keen reader of all things military
and have read a few books covering the First World War. What drew me to this
one was the perspective from which it's written. This is the first time I have
read any account of this war from the unusual and interesting point of view
that is the motorcycle courier. This illustrated edition from Pen & Sword
Books, by Captain W.H.L. Watson, covers his story and that of his friends from
the quad of an Oxford college, to the frontline of a war gathering pace in
France and Belgium in 1914.
You find yourself drawn into, with great interest, the moments of serenity found in the quite times in rural France, driving through peaceful often beautiful towns and villages. Returning to the same with the flow of the battle months later, to find a smouldering, shattered ruin of a once vibrant and welcoming place. Slipping and sliding along roads searching for lost columns of marching troops and missing ammunition trains. To the moments of chaos on a mad dash to deliver a vital message under shell fire along what could barely be described as a road, in the middle of the night.
The life of a motorcycle courier is vividly brought to life in this book. It’s the one that could not be compared to any other unit in the army at that time. It takes you from the grand chateau occupied by the Generals and staff to the front line infantry, giving you a unique view on the day to day operations of the British army in the early part of World War One. It is often punctuated by interesting observations on the availability of omelettes, coffee, brandy and of course anything to break the monotony of Bully Beef.
An interesting, and engaging read that I have no hesitation recommending to anyone wanting to find out more about this early volunteer unit. Some of whom even supplied their own bikes to go out to France to take part, and do their bit, as they saw it.
You find yourself drawn into, with great interest, the moments of serenity found in the quite times in rural France, driving through peaceful often beautiful towns and villages. Returning to the same with the flow of the battle months later, to find a smouldering, shattered ruin of a once vibrant and welcoming place. Slipping and sliding along roads searching for lost columns of marching troops and missing ammunition trains. To the moments of chaos on a mad dash to deliver a vital message under shell fire along what could barely be described as a road, in the middle of the night.
The life of a motorcycle courier is vividly brought to life in this book. It’s the one that could not be compared to any other unit in the army at that time. It takes you from the grand chateau occupied by the Generals and staff to the front line infantry, giving you a unique view on the day to day operations of the British army in the early part of World War One. It is often punctuated by interesting observations on the availability of omelettes, coffee, brandy and of course anything to break the monotony of Bully Beef.
An interesting, and engaging read that I have no hesitation recommending to anyone wanting to find out more about this early volunteer unit. Some of whom even supplied their own bikes to go out to France to take part, and do their bit, as they saw it.
Reviewed by Andy Holcombe
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Follow Andy on Twitter @WW2Ordnance
Heroes of The Line
Author: Scott Addington
Publisher: Scott Addington
Having read Scott Addington's last book 'World War One: A Layman's Guide' I was massively keen to read this one. 'Heroes for the Line' does exactly what it says on the cover…Two guys, two bikes, 500 miles of trenches and an army of heroes.
Heroes of the Line is essentially a travel diary written by Scott Addington. Scott and his good friend Steve Habbishaw rode their bog standard tredders over 500 miles for charity, with proceeds raised going to The Royal British Legion. The duo starts their epic journey at the most westerly point of the World War One Western Front trench system eventually finishing at the Belgian coast of Nieuport. However, this book is more than just a diary of travel events. The book also encompasses the stories of eight servicemen of varying ranks and nationalities who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War One. Had it not been for Scott's book, people may never have known about these men and the part they played in the Great War.
The feeling I got from reading this book was that even though this was an obvious historical learning journey, it also described, via an energetic narrative, two people's personnel tests of their endurance and adaptability when faced with the vagrancies inevitably thrown up when undertaking such an ambitious expedition. I was drawn into the book and with every turn of the page I followed a rollercoaster of events, some of which were entertaining and painful all at the same time, if that is possible. However, the reader is swiftly brought back to earth when details of the journey were intersected with short, well-researched profiles of the eight military characters chosen to be highlighted in this book.
I found one story particularly moving. This was the story of Lt Thomas Waldegrave Nops from the Royal Flying Corps who died on 21 October 1916. Lt Waldegrave Nops was a member of No9 Kites Balloon Section RFC. Thomas was an observation balloon officer and was 1500mtrs up above the front line when his balloon was shot down by an enemy aircraft. Lt Waldegrave Nops did not survive. His story like many others went untold for years but is now captured forever in this great little book.
Scott and Steve should be commended for their mammoth cycling efforts, battling against the weather and at times, often in-hospitable foreigners. Scott should be applauded for conveying this journey with all its twists and turns in an interesting and very readable book. Well done Sir!
Heroes of the Line is essentially a travel diary written by Scott Addington. Scott and his good friend Steve Habbishaw rode their bog standard tredders over 500 miles for charity, with proceeds raised going to The Royal British Legion. The duo starts their epic journey at the most westerly point of the World War One Western Front trench system eventually finishing at the Belgian coast of Nieuport. However, this book is more than just a diary of travel events. The book also encompasses the stories of eight servicemen of varying ranks and nationalities who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War One. Had it not been for Scott's book, people may never have known about these men and the part they played in the Great War.
The feeling I got from reading this book was that even though this was an obvious historical learning journey, it also described, via an energetic narrative, two people's personnel tests of their endurance and adaptability when faced with the vagrancies inevitably thrown up when undertaking such an ambitious expedition. I was drawn into the book and with every turn of the page I followed a rollercoaster of events, some of which were entertaining and painful all at the same time, if that is possible. However, the reader is swiftly brought back to earth when details of the journey were intersected with short, well-researched profiles of the eight military characters chosen to be highlighted in this book.
I found one story particularly moving. This was the story of Lt Thomas Waldegrave Nops from the Royal Flying Corps who died on 21 October 1916. Lt Waldegrave Nops was a member of No9 Kites Balloon Section RFC. Thomas was an observation balloon officer and was 1500mtrs up above the front line when his balloon was shot down by an enemy aircraft. Lt Waldegrave Nops did not survive. His story like many others went untold for years but is now captured forever in this great little book.
Scott and Steve should be commended for their mammoth cycling efforts, battling against the weather and at times, often in-hospitable foreigners. Scott should be applauded for conveying this journey with all its twists and turns in an interesting and very readable book. Well done Sir!
Reviewed by David J.B. Smith
Follow Dave on Twitter @BeingSilentThey
Follow Dave on Twitter @BeingSilentThey
Posters of The Great War
Authors: Frederick Hadley and Martin Pegler
Publisher: Pen & Sword
This colourful 160 page hardback book displays an all-encompassing catalogue of posters from the Great War era. The extensive plethora of vintage posters presented in this book were taken from the Historial’s Collection housed in the 'Museum of the Great War' situated in Peronne Somme, France. Throughout this book the Great War is played out in artwork depicted within inspiring posters collected from the many nations embroiled in World War I. The seven picture packed chapters cover in sequence, aspects of war that were fundamental in the early 1900’s. Firstly, the reader is shown several recruiting posters that became synonymous with World War I, the design concept of which would ultimately become the precursor to the recruiting posters of World War II.
This book documents the history of campaign poster development. Early posters did not have illustrations. It was not until around the year 1830 that illustrated posters emerged. Within thirty years this design of poster would become highly prevalent. Several of the early images like that of Thomas Atkins, a fictional depiction of a cocky British solider during the Crimean War, were developed over the years. This character became the epitome of the classic British Tommy we all think of today. The book explains the development of propaganda posters and the use of colourful cryptic designs and accomplished artists to literally draw in the viewer. Undoubtabley the most famous British recruiting poster, which is as equally recognisable as the United States Uncle Sam poster, was the accusing face of the then British Secretary of State, Lord Kitchener. In 1915 the London Times reported; 'Their number and variety are remarkable. Everywhere, Lord Kitchener sternly points a monstrously big finger, exclaiming' "I Want You".
The book discusses the acute need to fund the feuding countries war machines. Many posters were developed by all sides in an attempt to raise loans and money. Great Britain adopted War Bonds, as did the USA with Liberty Bonds and Liberty Loans. These posters generated vast sums of money to fund the manufacture of arms and equipment. If being at war was not enough to whip up hatred for the enemy and instil a sense of patriotism, many of the posters depicted the enemy as evil aggressors, grabbing land and killing your loved ones. As in World War II with the now famous 'Dig for Victory' posters, several Great War designs were made to target the minds of family's and the home front. Posters advertised the likes of the Women's Land Army and the need for rationing. Every poster is complemented with a side note explaining its origin and often an interesting anecdote relating to the image.
The authors Frederick Hadley and Martin Pegler should be congratulated for creating a lasting, documented catalogue of Great War posters. I certainly learned a lot by reading the text and studying the pictures portrayed in this book. Do not be mistaken, this pictorial history of World War I posters is not coffee table reading. Not only will the reader come to understand the reasons behind the development of certain posters but combined with the narrative and pictures its provides a stimulating visual key to understanding the thoughts of the governing powers and their respective propaganda machines at the time of the Great War between 1914-1918.
This book documents the history of campaign poster development. Early posters did not have illustrations. It was not until around the year 1830 that illustrated posters emerged. Within thirty years this design of poster would become highly prevalent. Several of the early images like that of Thomas Atkins, a fictional depiction of a cocky British solider during the Crimean War, were developed over the years. This character became the epitome of the classic British Tommy we all think of today. The book explains the development of propaganda posters and the use of colourful cryptic designs and accomplished artists to literally draw in the viewer. Undoubtabley the most famous British recruiting poster, which is as equally recognisable as the United States Uncle Sam poster, was the accusing face of the then British Secretary of State, Lord Kitchener. In 1915 the London Times reported; 'Their number and variety are remarkable. Everywhere, Lord Kitchener sternly points a monstrously big finger, exclaiming' "I Want You".
The book discusses the acute need to fund the feuding countries war machines. Many posters were developed by all sides in an attempt to raise loans and money. Great Britain adopted War Bonds, as did the USA with Liberty Bonds and Liberty Loans. These posters generated vast sums of money to fund the manufacture of arms and equipment. If being at war was not enough to whip up hatred for the enemy and instil a sense of patriotism, many of the posters depicted the enemy as evil aggressors, grabbing land and killing your loved ones. As in World War II with the now famous 'Dig for Victory' posters, several Great War designs were made to target the minds of family's and the home front. Posters advertised the likes of the Women's Land Army and the need for rationing. Every poster is complemented with a side note explaining its origin and often an interesting anecdote relating to the image.
The authors Frederick Hadley and Martin Pegler should be congratulated for creating a lasting, documented catalogue of Great War posters. I certainly learned a lot by reading the text and studying the pictures portrayed in this book. Do not be mistaken, this pictorial history of World War I posters is not coffee table reading. Not only will the reader come to understand the reasons behind the development of certain posters but combined with the narrative and pictures its provides a stimulating visual key to understanding the thoughts of the governing powers and their respective propaganda machines at the time of the Great War between 1914-1918.
Reviewed by David J.B. Smith
Follow Dave on Twitter @BeingSilentThey
Follow Dave on Twitter @BeingSilentThey
World War One: A Layman's Guide
Author: Scott Addington
Publisher: Scott Addington
Notwithstanding remembering the servicemen from all sides who lost their lives between 1914 and 1918 the Great War should never be forgotten for another reason. The very fact of its existence exhibits the brutal futility of war for future generations to read about. The author Scott Addington has tackled head on the complex subject which is WW1, by writing ‘World War One: A Layman’s Guide’. This well written book filled many of the gaps in my WW1 knowledge with a turn of phrase which is easy to conceptualise. The author starts where all good historical reference books should, the beginning.
Scott writes about a war which was brewing long before ‘Black Hand’ member Gavrilo Princip fired the fatal shots that killed Archduke Ferdinand and his wife. The reader is easily guided through what can be an in-depth subject covering pre WW1 political posturing and comes out the other side with a real layman's understanding of why these historical events happened the way they did. The reader then embarks on a passage through the entire timeline of WW1, covering the sequence of events surrounding many of the battles and the reasons behind some of the terrible tactical decisions made by all sides. The historical journey culminates with the author laying out the terms of the Armistice on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
Thankfully due to the phenomenon of self-publishing and the rise of social media almost anyone who has the drive and passion for a subject can research it and credibly write about it. However few actually take the time to fulfil their idea of writing a book. It has been a pleasure to read this book and an even bigger pleasure to write a review about it.
This fantastic book goes some way to explain the complexities of WW1 and is a cracking visitor’s guide to the subject of the last Great War.
Scott writes about a war which was brewing long before ‘Black Hand’ member Gavrilo Princip fired the fatal shots that killed Archduke Ferdinand and his wife. The reader is easily guided through what can be an in-depth subject covering pre WW1 political posturing and comes out the other side with a real layman's understanding of why these historical events happened the way they did. The reader then embarks on a passage through the entire timeline of WW1, covering the sequence of events surrounding many of the battles and the reasons behind some of the terrible tactical decisions made by all sides. The historical journey culminates with the author laying out the terms of the Armistice on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
Thankfully due to the phenomenon of self-publishing and the rise of social media almost anyone who has the drive and passion for a subject can research it and credibly write about it. However few actually take the time to fulfil their idea of writing a book. It has been a pleasure to read this book and an even bigger pleasure to write a review about it.
This fantastic book goes some way to explain the complexities of WW1 and is a cracking visitor’s guide to the subject of the last Great War.
Reviewed by David J.B. Smith
Follow Dave on Twitter @BeingSilentThey
Follow Dave on Twitter @BeingSilentThey