Jonathan Walker has a background in both academia and broadcasting, so it is perhaps not surprising that this offering from Pen and Sword Books combines a detailed historical analysis with an engaging writing style. Focussing on an important battle that is too often overlooked in battlefield tours and documentaries, Walker provides a detailed insight into the battlefield itself, and some of the key figures involved, including General Gough of course.
This is an extremely engaging read covering an important period in the First World War. It combines a detailed review of the action on the ground with an analysis of Gough's role and decisions as commander. For those with a good knowledge of the conflict in general, and who want to delve in more detail into this particular offensive, it is highly recommended.

Friends of the National Archives

The author is known for his careful and detailed research and these qualities again stand out from the nicely paced text. There is illustration in the form of photo plates and maps. This is the story of a battle that was costly and, arguably, should never have been fought as it was. It caused friction between the British and the Australians, but the war of attrition that was the story of the Western Front made few concessions to damage limitation. This book provides a clear and unbiased account of the action with fresh insight and thorough study of available British and Australian primary source material. No reader with an interest in the war on the Western Front can avoid reading this well-written account because it also provides some information and insights that fit well with other accounts of the fight along the line of opposing trenches. Recommended reading.

FIRE Project

First published back in 1998, this book makes a welcome return as the author produces an excellent, even-handed account of one of the most horrific episodes of the Great War: the Battle of Bullecourt.

Highly commended.

10/10

The Great War Magazine

'Well-researched and thorough account of one of the most horrific episodes of the First World War.'

Soldier magazine.

'The width and soundness of The Blood Tub's research both here and in Australia's yields a mass of diary material...This is a thorough,
lucid and unbiased account of Bullecourt that must be the standard work on the ghastly battle.'

Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research.

'Deeply researched and well-written. For the serious student of war, The Blood Tub will repay thoughtful reading.'

Tank Journal

'Walker's command of the sources held in archives in Britain and in and in Australia is masterly. This allows him to move easily from the concerns of high command to the experiences of the PBI,and to produce a picture of Bullecourt "in the round"...The Blood Tub is a well-researched, well-written, and analytical account of the battles for Bullecourt in 1917.'

Professor Gary Sheffield, Military Illustrated.

'Jonathan Walker has produced a comprehensive and most readable account...For serious students, and those simply interested in this period, it is a great read.'

Journal of the Australian War Memorial

An excellent, even handed account of a highly contentious battle...Walker debunks many myths.

British Army Review

The book is a detailed, graphic and controversial history of one of the bloodiest battles of World War One. It tells the story of General Gough and the Battle of Bullecourt in 1917, and reveals how this disastrous engagement created a lasting rift between the British and Australians.

Sidmouth Herald