The history of ‘A’ Battery, 84th Army Brigade RFA, 1914-1919

[Chris_Baker]

The history of ‘A’ Battery, 84th Army Brigade RFA, 1914-1919

by D. F. Grant MC

republished by The Book Guild, March 2013

ISBN 978 1 84624 829 0

cover price – £12.99

Hardback, 73pp plus appendices and index

reviewed by Chris Baker

This a most welcome reprint of a 1922 original written by the officer who commanded the battery throughout the war. Although it is laced throughout with the names of officers and men and there are plenty of anecdotes, it almost amounts to an official history. The style is rather jolly and upbeat. Despite hard work, setbacks and the occasional tragedy, the battery continued to provide good service: perhaps it was a reflection of Grant’s own positive personality.

84th Brigade began life as a Kitchener unit, raised from volunteer recruits and without guns, equipment, uniform or the most basic of necessaries for a considerable period. From formation until early 1917 it came under command of the 18th (Eastern) Division. Both with that formation and afterwards as an “Army Brigade” it saw very serious action from the 1916 Battle of the Somme onwards.

The book is short and entertaining enough to read at one sitting, but will also be a valuable work of reference for those interested in this unit, the division or the artillery in general. It includes a glossary of terms, a list of officers who served, a list of awards gained and a good index. A number of maps – quite good in all cases unless you wished to visit the Scherpenberg hill in Flanders, which is marked some miles from its true location – round off the book. A foreword is provided by Ivor Maxse, who commanded the 18th Division for a while. Quite rightly he highlights the book as being of value as it was written by one who had first-hand experience.

A great little book and, in this very nicely produced version by the Book Guild, well worth a look.