John Laffin, a prodigious author of many military history books, has produced a very readable volume of short stories illustrating the life of men on the ground on the Western Front from the “sharp end” to R&R areas and hospitals. Many are humorous reflecting the British sense of fun and the ridiculous. Some are from official sources, but most are anecdotal dealing with a wide variety of incidents. Thus this book at 277 pages, offers bite sized pieces of reading and so can be briefly read without losing the thread of a story. A book for the general reader, it gives a vivid impression of the way of life and death in France and Flanders. Recommended.
Published in 1985 (edition reviewed 1998)
ISBN 1 84100 014 0
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