This is a fascinating look at the two neighbouring hamlets of Barking and Dagenham in Essex, bt now considered to be part of outer London. My Mum was born and raised in Dagenham and would have loved to read this book, which is why I ased for a review copy. Like the book about Liverpool's women, this book celebrates the great and the good of Barking and Dagenham and looks at the impact on the two inseparable locations of the first world war. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a great slice of social history.
Books Monthly

This comprehensive edition of Battleground series details that events that book place in August, 1914, during this early battle of the First World War.  Following the isolation of II Corps General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien decided to halt and fight a rear guard action at Le Cateau thirty miles to the south-west of Mons on 26th August, 1914. By this stage, the 4th Division had joined them from England. This battle was more costly for the British than Mons. Although British musketry was to punish the Germans, artillery was to play a more decisive part. The British managed to hold them off and withdraw... ts content is broken down decisively, between the right of the line, the centre of the line and the left of the line. Following this are 4 tours, 3 of which follow this break down, with an additional chapter focussing usefully on behind the German Lines. With this is included the familiar, extremely helpful content of this series, such as the list of maps and diagrams, and wider guidance.. Read more
Jon Sandison, Freelance