This is one of the best military memoirs on any topic I have read, let alone the Great War. Read gives us a detailed at atmospheric account of his life during the Great War, taking us from the western front to Egypt, from leave in England to the periods of relief behind the line, and through a whole range of battles. If you want to try and understand the life of the British soldier during the First World War this is an excellent place to start.

History of War

This is an extraordinary book, a completely gripping account of one infantryman's service throughout the First World War, written in the 1960's for his grandchildren and illustrated by the author with lovely, graphic line drawings and sketch maps.

Despite the lapse of fifty years, Read tells his story in the most detailed and vivid manner, almost as though he was sitting by the fire, talking to you. He is unassuming and matter-of-fact about the horrors that he and his mates endured, but the overwhelming impression is of the courage, robustness and resolve with which they addressed every challenge and overcame every difficulty. Truly they were remarkable men. Do read this account of their war.

Pennant Magazine

One easily becomes a part of the events and to those of us who only know the written and spoken past, this gem describes the war better than most of the other memoirs that I know.

Western Front Association

Pen and Sword should be congratulated for making this sterling account available more widely. This is an excellent example of the type of narrative written to illuminate events for those not there. It is full of telling details on the mechanics of the day to day life of a soldier, and later a junior officer, in the course of the way. It is a rich account; the mapping – done by the author – is superb; and it deserves its tag from the dust jacket “a gem of the high quality”.

Society of Friends of the National Army Museum