The Love of a Brother; From Plaistow to Passchendaele

[Martin Bennitt]

Just found this going cheap when looking for books to download. Wondered if anyone had read it.

Synopsis:

The First World War touched the lives of millions. But THE LOVE OF A BROTHER is a very personal story of how the hostilities affected one large, close-knit family from London’s East End in the early 1900s. It is told with loving affection through the eyes of one man whose seemingly unbreakable bond with his brother was shattered on August 13th, 1917 in one of the most ferocious front line battles. That was the tragic day Royal Fusilier Fred Cearns died while fighting for his country. This heartfelt tale of courage and honour also serves as a fascinating social history commentary of what family life was like in East London at the end of the 19th century. This story is very much about the Great War of 1914 to 1918. It is therefore appropriate that a military charity should benefit and HELP for HEROES (Registered Charity no. 1120920) has been chosen. H4H provide practical direct support for wounded men and women of the Armed Forces. All net proceeds received by the publisher will be will be donated to HELP for HEROES

cheers Martin B

[bcarleton]

I just bought and read the Kindle version. Quick, easy and inexpensive. I was attracted to the book because the subject of the book was about a Plaistow family and I was interested in stories about this area. My grandfather and his brothers were also from Plaistow and served in the Great War.

For the most part the book was easy to read, especially Part 2 which focused on the military service of Fred Cearnes -- as summarized by his younger brother Percy. From the point where Fred signed up in 1914 to his death on the Ypres battlefield in 1917, Percy recalls the events with personal details. Fred was in the infantry or trench mortar, while Percy was a motorbike messenger and able to make what seemed like frequent visits to his brother Fred.

I enjoyed reading the book and it helped me shape a sense of life as a young man in the West Ham/Plaistow area as well as serving with brothers on the Front.

[Martin Bennitt]

Thank for that. As you say, inexpensive; think I'll give it a try

cheers Martin B