24 Hours at the Somme by Robert Kershaw

[Martin Bennitt]

This book has been mentioned in passing on a couple of threads but no one seems to have struck by it enough to write a review. This surprises me as Iit must be among the better of the various volumes produced to mark the centenary of July 1st. A former Para, Kershaw has written a series of books of military history, ranging from the American Civil War to World War Two, as well as on specialised arms like the tanks and the paratroops. This is the first of his I have read but on the strength of it I will look for more. He goes from midnight to midnight on July 1st, recounting the experiences of the troops on both sides all along the British front of the offensive, plus the generals behind the lines as well as film-maker Geoffrey Malins.  He is particularly good at description of what it was like to be in the assault and the thick of trench fighting, bringing out the horror, suffering and perserverance of those involved, reflected in their own words. He largely leaves the reader to judge from the facts, though he is critical of what he sees as the lack of proper training of Kitchener's men, in contrast to the preparedness of the Germans. He is fairly understanding towards Haig, while condemning his subordinates like Hunter-Weston and Morland, but it is the men on the ground who elicit his deepest sympathy (and ours). His style is fluid and readable, and few things grate (though I lost count of the number of times he refers to someone as a 'consummate professional'). The bibliography includes works by a number of Forum members, including Ralph Whitehead, Peter Hart and Jack Sheldon (whom he describes as 'My friend from German Staff College days in his acknowledgements), as well as a host of contemporary documents, diaries, memoirs and interviews. Read this book, I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

Cheers Martin B

Edited 14 October , 2016 by Martin Bennitt
inserting 'British'

[David Filsell]

Thanks. I have been avoiding the many cash-in books since my experience of reading Falkland Max, Malinson et al on the Great War. That said Kershaws book on Arnhem, from memory, 'It Doesn't Snow in September' is both good and valuable. When out of print it sold at a high  premium. I believe it is back in print and I would highly recommend it. I'll take a look at his Somme book on your recommendation.

[593jones]

A good review, I have this book in my to read pile (which is far too big, but never mind).  Kershaw is an excellent writer, I really enjoyed his book on the Little Bighorn 'Red Sabbath', off topic for here, I know, but well worth a read.

[David Filsell]

Looking at my own Custer collection - which does not include Kershaw's book - and with knowledge of many other books on him, i've concluded there must be more books about the idiot-boy general than the number of men managed to get slaughtered at Little Big Horn.

Edited 18 October , 2016 by David Filsell

[robigunner88]

His 'A Street in Arnhem' which covers the 1st Airborne Div, German Army, and Dutch civilian experiences of the fighting along the Utrechtseweg to Oosterbeek, west of Arnhem, is also a worthy read! 

[593jones]

On 15/10/2016 at 17:41, David Filsell said:

Looking at my own Custer collection - which does not include Kershaw'- book - any with knowledge of many other books on him, i've concluded there must be more books about the idiot-boy general than the number of men managed to get slaughtered at Little Big Horn.

 

You could well be right, I have a fair few myself.  Pretty high on the list (he said, tongue in cheek) is Flashman and the Reskins by George MacDonald Fraser.  His Custer is pure Errol Flynn!  I think I ought to apologise here for topic drift.

[David Filsell]

As far as I'm concerned, a drift to the great Flashman is more than welcome!

[The Scorer]

On ‎17‎/‎10‎/‎2016 at 08:55, David Filsell said:

As far as I'm concerned, a drift to the great Flashman is more than welcome!

 

Hear, hear .... just imagine what he'd have got up to in the First World War!? (Although best not to, on reflection!)