The only thing he fears is missing the action. Soon, however, the vaunted “war to end all wars” seems like a war that will never end: whether mired in the trenches or going over the top, Jean finds himself caught in the midst of an unimaginable, unceasing slaughter. After he is wounded, he returns from the front to discover a world where no one knows or wants to know any of this. Both the public and the authorities go on talking about heroes — and sending more men to their graves. But Jean refuses to keep silent. He will speak the forbidden word. He will tell them about fear.

    tell them that all the ideals and beliefs you ever had have crashed about your gun-deafened ears... and they will reply on pale mauve deckle-edged paper calling you a silly hysterical little girl."These are the thoughts of Helen Smith, one of "England's Splendid Daughters", an ambulance driver at the French front. Working all hours of the day and night, witness to the terrible wreckage of war, her firsthand experience contrasts sharply with her altruistic expectations. And one of her most painful realisations is that those like her parents, who preen themselves on visions of glory, have no concept of the devastation she lives with and no wish for their illusions to be shaken.

    The Author served 1916-19 with the Black Watch of Canada. Bird’s memoir captures the most poignant side of the war, the sacrifices, the humour, the rats and the terror, so unique to the First World War. His experiences were not only physical but also ethereal. His beloved brother, Stephen, who was killed near Ypres in 1915 played a critical role in Will’s survival and “appears” to save him from death on more than one occasion. Stephen told Will in 1914 “if I don’t come back maybe I’ll find a way to come and whisper in your ear."

     His autobiography recalls his childhood in Louisiana as the son of a Confederate Officer, his education at Louisiana State University and his entrance into the Naval Academy. Upon joining the Marine Corps in 1890, Lejeune’s career took him to Europe, Mexico, Cuba and the Philippines. In addition to detailed account of military events, Lejeune provides an insightful record of the lives of the people he encountered, making his book an important source for early twentieth century history. Stationed in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, he assumed command of the Marine Corps of the U.S.S Cincinnati. With the outbreak of war in Europe in 1914 and the U.S. declaration in 1917, Lejeune saw it as his duty to fight for his country and fought tooth and nail, first to be stationed in France and then to increase the numbers of Marines serving on the ground in Europe and to push for the formation of a dedicated Marine division. Reporting to General Pershing, he assumed command of a brigade in the 32nd Division and in July 1918, becoming only the second Marine to obtain such a position in the Army, he was given the command of the 2nd Infantry Division of the American Expeditionary Force, remaining in this post until the cessation of war. As Commander of the 2nd Division, he oversaw the famous victories at the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge and Meuse-Argonne. His division was commended for its exemplary performance in WWI: it was awarded the Croix des Guerre three times and personally praised by General Pershing. On his return to the States, Lejeune was appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps. His memoir is a compelling insight into the career of one of the greatest U.S. Marines. “There is no doubt that the modern Marine Corps can trace its roots to Major General Lejeune. He was a skilled soldier, a visionary, and a leader of uncommon talent whose decisions, guidance and foresight are still being felt by today’s Marines.” — Historical Studies John Archer Lejeune (January 10, 1867 – November 20, 1942) was a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general and the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Lejeune had nearly 40 years service in the Marine Corps including commanding the U.S. Army's 2nd Division during World War I. His book The Reminiscences of a Marine was first published in 1930.

    Yet uncontrollable events sucked in gigantic forces that swiftly brought long, horrible mass slaughter because the stakes were so high. The early fateful days are described in fascinating, horrific detail by a British officer who, as a liaison between the British and French armies, possessed a unique vantage point for observing military strategy and politics.

    It went into three editions (the last of them in 1931), and has now been completely revised and re-arranged by Mr. Brophy. It consists of an informative and entertaining introduction; a collection of songs, ribald sentimental, satiric, made up by unknown soldiers and a fascinating glossary of soldiers slang. The authors, 1914 volunteers, were both infantryman and they started on this book while they were still close to the First World War. There is an authentic ring of first-hand experience int heir work as well as scholarship. No one who set out to compile such a book today could come anywhere near it, while at the same time the re-writing for this edition gives us the benefit of a long view as well as a sense of being there.It was astonishing to discover the extent to which attitudes have changed in the last twenty-five years about what is printable and what is not. The number of words (besides the obvious ones) for which, in the early thirties, dashes had to be substituted made some of the songs look almost as though they had been transcribed in morse code. In this edition the words have been restored, an Mr Brophy, in his Introduction has put the whole matter of soldiers' language into a modern perspective. Both the songs and (especially) the glossary are of great value to students of language , but the book appeals to a far wider audience. Imaginations have turned back to the war of 1914-18 (witness the success of Oh What A Lovely War ) .and here is the essence of its most moving aspect: the courage, gaiety and astringent cynicism with which men armed themselves against the horrors of trench warfare. (Description as appears in the 1965 editions dust jacket flaps).

    His narrative gives a superb insight into the outbreak of war and his regiment's mobilisation, followed by the advance through Belgium and France, including the author's participation at the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne. His account of what it was like to face Britain's 'Old Contemptibles' at Mons is particularly valuable.Before the war, the author was a novelist, and The Advance from Mons clearly shows this - it is written with a great eye for detail, careful yet vivid descriptions abound and importantly, from a historical perspective, the book was penned whilst Herr Bloem convalesced from a wound he received at the battle of the Aisne. Such was the quality of his writing, that J.E. Edmonds, the British official historian of the Great War commented: "Some of the scenes ... are so truly and vividly depicted that I gave translations of them in the Official History, feeling that they could not be bettered."