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Forgotten Soldiers of the First World War


Dolphin

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Forgotten Soldiers is a good account of the War fought by the Australian, British, Indian and local members of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Palestine. As the author says, the campaign is often overlooked in popular memory and the two recent-ish films set in the theatre, Lawrence of Arabia and the interminable epic The Lighthorsemen have focussed on particular aspects of events.

Woodward has included many extracts from first-hand accounts, and gives a good picture of the conditions experienced by the troops. It's more the story as seen from the front line soldiers' perspective than from the strategic level, and is all the more readable because of that.

There are some minor annoying typographic and other errors, including at least one reference to a soldier by his brigade, rather than his battalion, which was confusing. Also, in one instance, Meinertzhagen has an extra 'g' and Lahore is written as LaHore. These are irritating, but don't detract from the worth of the overall story.

In essence, if you're interested in the Palestine Campaign, it's well worth reading.

Gareth

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hi Gareth,

This is one of another series of Great War books I've been trying to locate. Sounds like an interesting read!

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It is a good read, but I should have added that the maps are dreadful. I kept having to refer to maps in other books to make sense of things.

Gareth

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Where did you get it Gareth?

---I have some interesting diary extracts form Meinertzhagen's Africa exploits.

Dekenai

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Seems that Richard Meinertzhagen was a bit of a boys own adventurer , (with a very ruthless streak ) a sort of Indiana ones of his day :lol: "MO"

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/m...tzhagen1423.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/m...tzhagen2424.jpg

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Where did you get it Gareth?

Dekenai

I bought it from Naval & Military Press, where it was on sale for a reduced price that I've now forgotten. It was worth buying though.

Gareth

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Seems that Richard Meinertzhagen was a bit of a boys own adventurer , (with a very ruthless streak ) a sort of Indiana ones of his day :lol: "MO"

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/m...tzhagen1423.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee146/m...tzhagen2424.jpg

Mo

Thanks for posting those two links - a most fascinating read from a most remarkable man!!

Kim

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  • 2 weeks later...

I have read a bit on M/hagen, and some from his own diaries. I have had it put to me that he was a 'liar' and embellished alot of his own actions. Also some conjecture about the 'briefcase' incident prior to Beersheba. Allenby had praise for him as an Intelligence Officer.

Can anyone add to this?

dekenai

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