Paul M. reviewed AKA 'Tommy' (UK title) by Richard Holmes on
An excellent and authoritative account of all aspects of the everyday life of the British soldier in the trenches in France and Belgium. Written in Holmes's very readable style and includes a selection of photos not often seen in books of this period, each with comments on small but interesting points of detail that the csual observer might miss. The chapters run through a potted chronology of the War, the organisation and historical detail about the structure of the British Army, and pre-deployment training system (the "Bullpens" at Etaples, for example), and then cap-badge by cap-badge it gives the reader insights into the lives of the Infantry, the Cavalry, the Gunners, Sappers, Medics, the (much despised) General Staff, etc. The frequest use of soldiers' letters, diaries, and accounts of their experiences really adds to the reader's experience, and enables you to almost imagine being in the front line. An excellent book and thoroughly recommended for anyone interested in this period.
