The Somme, 1916: A Personal Account (Full Pack — A Private’s War)

I’m not sure that I can convey to the non-veterans reading this, but sometimes the author’s description of events are uncannily similar to any service members of any age.The descriptions of the specific Hell that he suffered - I can’t even imagine living through. But the general feeling of being trapped, the futility of your despair- almost overwhelming desperation - silently contained but universally felt by all involved- is perfectly described.That’s regretfully something, apparently, that doesn’t change.Well done.

I totally respect and admire Mr. Gladden for his war service. My grandfather fought in France during ww 1. But!!! I will from now on read a sample of any book by a British author, especially about WW1. I had to reread paragraphs sometimes entire pages to understand what he was talking about. This book should have been accompanied by a dictionary explaining British vocabulary. I served with several British Royal Marines and I'm sure they would have been confused by some of the vocabulary in this book. Excellent story

The mud. The blood and the tearsFrom patriot to pragmatistHow the rain and pain does appearWhen alone with his fearWith a cloud of fearOne begins to see life as so dear

What a complete shambles the British Army was during WW1. Mind you most of the European armies were. The despised colonials did much better as most were volunteers.